The Assam government has announced that its Group of Ministers (GoM) will present the long-awaited Assam GoM ST status report by November. The report, focusing on granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities, is expected to play a crucial role in reshaping the state’s reservation framework. These communities include Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, and Tea Tribes, who have been demanding ST recognition for decades.
The GoM, chaired by Assam’s Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, has been holding multiple rounds of consultations with various stakeholders, experts, and community representatives. The objective is to prepare a comprehensive assessment of the social, economic, and cultural indicators that could justify their inclusion under the ST category.
According to officials, the Assam GoM ST status report will help the state finalize its recommendations before forwarding them to the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs for approval. The final decision, however, rests with the central government and Parliament.
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Long-standing demand for ST recognition
The six communities have been pressing their demand for ST status since the late 1980s, citing historical, cultural, and social reasons. They argue that recognition would ensure fair representation in education, employment, and governance. However, experts have cautioned that granting ST status to these groups could impact existing tribal communities, as it may lead to the reallocation of reserved quotas.
The Assam GoM ST status report is therefore expected to address such concerns through data-driven analysis. The GoM has collected inputs from anthropologists, socio-economic researchers, and officials from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to ensure a balanced approach.
Finance Minister Ajanta Neog stated that the government aims to maintain both inclusivity and fairness. “We must respect the aspirations of deserving communities while also protecting the rights of existing tribes,” she said.
Consultations and challenges ahead
Preparing the Assam GoM ST status report has not been easy. Assam’s complex demography, coupled with overlapping ethnic identities, has made it challenging to define clear parameters for ST inclusion. Some existing tribes have expressed apprehensions that new additions could dilute their access to opportunities.
To address this, the GoM has been engaging with tribal councils, student bodies, and civil society organizations across different districts. Officials have also visited several regions to collect ground-level feedback and ensure that the report reflects a diverse range of perspectives.
A senior government source confirmed that the panel is nearing completion of its review. “We have almost finalized the community-wise assessment and will submit the report to the Chief Minister by early November,” he said.
Assam GoM ST status report may influence national policy
The Assam GoM ST status report is expected to set a precedent for other northeastern states that face similar demands for reclassification or inclusion. Once submitted, it could prompt the Centre to consider new guidelines for determining tribal status across India.
According to political observers, the timing of the report is significant. With the 2026 delimitation and census exercises approaching, the inclusion of new groups in the ST list could alter political representation in certain constituencies. The issue has therefore gained both social and electoral importance.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Assam has maintained that it supports the rightful claims of communities that meet the constitutional criteria. However, it also insists that any move must be carefully evaluated to avoid legal complications.
Voices from affected communities
Members of the Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, and Chutia communities have welcomed the update, expressing hope that the Assam GoM ST status report will bring them closer to long-awaited recognition. Many argue that they share cultural and historical similarities with existing tribal groups and thus deserve inclusion.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Moran and Matak communities emphasized that ST status would help them safeguard their language, traditions, and livelihoods amid modernization. The Tea Tribes, who form a major section of Assam’s working population, have also voiced optimism, stating that recognition would improve access to education and welfare benefits.
However, some tribal leaders have warned against hasty decisions. They believe the state must ensure that newly recognized groups do not overshadow smaller indigenous tribes that have long faced economic marginalization.
Government seeks balance and consensus
The Assam government has assured that the Assam GoM ST status report will be fair, transparent, and inclusive. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently reiterated his commitment to resolving the issue through dialogue. He emphasized that all voices will be considered before final recommendations are made.
Experts believe that the report’s findings will have far-reaching implications for Assam’s social structure. If implemented, it could expand the ST population significantly, necessitating revisions in reservation percentages and welfare policies.
For now, all eyes are on November, when the GoM is expected to submit its final report. The government hopes that a balanced outcome will address long-standing grievances while ensuring justice for every community.
As Assam prepares for this crucial step, the Assam GoM ST status report represents more than just administrative reform—it is a test of the state’s ability to blend inclusivity, equity, and cultural recognition in a diverse and evolving society.
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