ST Status for Six Communities in Assam: Key Recommendations and Constitutional Procedure

Context: A Group of Ministers (GoM) in Assam has submitted an interim report recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities—Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi, and the Tea Tribes. The recommendations aim to extend socio-economic protections while safeguarding the rights of existing ST populations.

Communities Proposed for ST Status

1. Ahom
2. Chutia
3. Moran
4. Matak
5. Koch-Rajbongshi
6. Tea Tribes

These groups have long demanded ST status due to historical deprivation and limited access to constitutional safeguards.

Key Recommendations of the Interim Report

A. Structural & Reservation Framework

1. Creation of a Three-Tier ST Structure

The report proposes restructuring Assam’s ST categories into:

• ST (Plains)
• ST (Hills)
• ST (Valley) – a new category

ST (Valley) would include:

• Tai Ahom
• Chutia
• Tea Tribes
• Koch-Rajbongshi (except those in undivided Goalpara)

2. Protection of Existing Quotas

• Current quotas for ST (Plains) and ST (Hills) will remain unchanged.
• A separate reservation roster, vacancy register, and quota must be created for ST (Valley) to avoid dilution of existing benefits.
• For central services, all notified STs—both old and newly added—will compete within one unified ST pool.

B. Cultural and Political Safeguards

1. Extension of Land Rights

• Until legal inclusion is completed, the six communities should receive interim land-related protections currently available to existing STs.

2. Cultural Oversight

• Their cultural practices, traditional institutions, and indigenous customs should fall under the Department of Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture.

3. Parliamentary Representation

• The two Lok Sabha constituencies covering Sixth Schedule areas should be permanently reserved for existing STs through a constitutional amendment, preventing political displacement.

How Communities Are Included in the ST List: Constitutional Procedure

1. State Proposal – State/UT submits a formal request to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
2. MoTA Scrutiny – Ministry reviews evidence, socio-cultural traits, and historical deprivation.
3. RGI Review – Registrar General of India conducts an ethnographic assessment.
4. NCST Recommendation – Proposal sent to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes for advice.
5. Union Cabinet Approval – MoTA prepares a Cabinet note seeking approval.
6. Parliamentary Amendment – Introduced as a Bill under Articles 341 & 342; passed by simple majority.
7. Presidential Notification – The President formally updates the ST list.

This process safeguards constitutional integrity while ensuring inclusive tribal recognition.

Conclusion

The GoM’s interim recommendations mark a significant step in addressing long-standing socio-political demands in Assam. By proposing a three-tier ST structure, protecting existing quotas, and outlining cultural safeguards, the report seeks to balance recognition of new communities while maintaining the rights of current ST groups.

Final inclusion will depend on completing the multi-stage constitutional process involving MoTA, RGI, NCST, Parliament, and presidential notification.