Syllabus: GS: II & V: Governance 

Why in the News?

The Group of Ministers (GoM) set up to examine the proposal for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities of Assam is expected to submit its report on 25 November 2025. 

• The demand has shaped politics, identity movements and inter-community relations for decades, and the GoM report is expected to suggest a possible way forward.

Who Are the Six Communities and Why Do They Seek ST Status?

• The communities seeking inclusion are: Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, Tai-Ahom and Tea Tribe communities.
• Their demand is rooted in colonial ethnographic records, which described many of them as “Aboriginal” or of tribal origin. 
• However, the first Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 left them out, citing Hinduisation and deep assimilation into Assamese caste society.

Key timeline:

• 1955 – Kalelkar Commission classified them as socially and economically backward.
  
• 1993 – They were included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list after Mandal implementation.
  
• 1960s onwards – Individual community movements emerged, later merging into a joint demand.
  

Why was the Bill of 2019 Not Passed?

The 2019 Constitution (ST Order Amendment) Bill had full support:

• Ethnographic reports (2014)
  
• Registrar General of India approval
  
• National Commission for Scheduled Tribes concurrence
  
• Ministry of Home Affairs Modalities Committee (2016)
  

Yet, three critical issues stalled it:

(A) Reservation Recalibration

The central government asked Assam to clarify:

• Quantum of reservation for the new ST groups,
  
• Revised OBC reservation,
  
• Safeguards for existing Scheduled Tribes.
  Credible caste data is essential but difficult—Socio-Economic and Caste Census 2011 has not been released.
  

(B) Opposition from Existing Tribal Groups

Concerns include:

• Sharing of ST quota,
  
• Fear of competition from relatively advanced communities (especially Tai-Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi),
  
• Past example: When Koch-Rajbongshi received temporary ST status in 1996–97, they dominated professional and academic seats, causing backlash.
  

(C) Political Implications

Granting ST status would increase Assam’s ST population from 12.4% to nearly 45%, triggering demands for:

• More reserved seats,
  
• Larger share in development funds,
  
• Sixth Schedule-like autonomy.
  

What Might the GoM Recommend?

Possible approaches include:

A. Sub-categorisation of STs

To avoid unfair competition, new entrants may be placed in a separate ST subgroup, similar to the Scheduled Caste sub-categorisation debate.

B. Strengthening Existing Councils

Many communities already have autonomous/development councils.
The GoM may suggest giving them:

• More subjects
  
• More funds
  
• More administrative powers
  

This would address cultural, land and political concerns without altering ST reservations drastically.

C. Phased Inclusion

A gradual approach may diffuse tensions but risks backlash if viewed as discriminatory.

Key Terms Explained

• Scheduled Tribe (ST): A community recognised by the Constitution for special protections due to their socio-economic disadvantage and distinct culture.
  
• Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950: The official list specifying STs state-wise.
  
• Ethnographic Report: A scientific study documenting the culture, lifestyle and traits of a community.
  
• Sub-categorisation: Creating subsets within a category (such as STs) to distribute benefits fairly.
  
• Sixth Schedule: Constitutional provisions offering autonomy to tribal-majority areas in Northeast India.
  
• OBC Reservation: Quota for socially and educationally backward communities.
  

Why This Debate Matters

This is one of Assam’s most complex socio-political issues. At stake are:

• Cultural identity
  
• Political representation
  
• Land rights
  
• Reservation quotas
  
• Inter-community trust
  
• Long-term stability in Assam
  

The GoM’s recommendations will shape not only reservation policy but also Assam’s tribal politics, autonomy demands and demographic balance for decades to come.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaways for Mains

• Six Assam communities seeking ST status: Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, Tai-Ahom, Tea Tribe
  
• 2019 ST Bill stalled due to reservation recalibration, political impact and tribal opposition
  
• ST population could rise from 12.4% to 45% if granted
  
• Sub-categorisation and strengthening councils are likely options
  
• Issue intersects with identity, constitutional policy, federalism and social justice
  

Mains Question

“Examine the constitutional, socio-political and administrative challenges involved in granting Scheduled Tribe status to the six communities of Assam.”

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