Background
Assam ST Status Recommendation Update: The Group of Ministers (GoM) in Assam has recommended granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six major communities in the state. These include Tai Ahom, Tea Tribes or Adivasis, Moran, Motok, Chutia, and Koch-Rajbongshi. They currently fall under the Other Backward Classes list and together represent nearly 27% of Assam’s population.
Proposed ST Classification Structure
The GoM has suggested the introduction of a three-tier ST classification. The proposal adds a new category known as ST (Valley) to the existing ST (Plains) and ST (Hills) categories. This structure aims to balance benefits among diverse tribal populations in the state.
Currently, Assam provides 10% reservation for ST (Plains) and 5% reservation for ST (Hills). The inclusion of ST (Valley) is expected to streamline access to welfare schemes and ensure equitable representation.
Static GK fact: Assam has the second-highest tribal population in the Northeast after Arunachal Pradesh.
Central Reservation Framework
A key element of the proposal is that all ST communities in Assam will compete under the national ST quota at the central level. This ensures uniformity and prevents state-level variations in reservation benefits at the Union level.
The move also aligns with the constitutional framework governing Scheduled Tribes across India. Central recognition expands access to national educational institutions, government employment, and welfare schemes.
Constitutional Provisions for ST Status
The Constitution defines Scheduled Tribes under Article 366(25). Specific communities are notified by the President of India as per Article 342, which also empowers Parliament to amend the list through legislation.
Although the Constitution does not specify explicit criteria for recognizing STs, the Lokur Committee (1965) proposed parameters such as primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact, and backwardness. These guidelines continue to influence the government’s assessment of tribal status.
Static GK Tip: The first list of Scheduled Tribes in India was officially notified in 1950.
Interim Measures within Assam
Until a constitutional amendment provides central ST status, Assam may introduce interim steps such as sub-categorisation within the existing 27% OBC quota. This will help redistribute benefits more effectively to the six communities awaiting reclassification.
The GoM also aims to ensure that current ST communities do not lose their existing reservation share while accommodating newly added groups.
Static GK fact: The Tea Tribes of Assam trace their origins to Adivasi communities brought by the British from central India during the 19th century.
Social and Administrative Impact
Granting ST status to these six communities would reshape socio-economic access in Assam. It is expected to influence education, employment, political representation, and welfare eligibility. The proposal may also require careful administrative restructuring to avoid overlaps in reservation categories.
The reclassification effort highlights Assam’s attempt to resolve long-pending demands while ensuring fair allocation of state resources.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Assam ST Status Recommendation Update:
| Topic | Detail |
| Communities proposed for ST status | Tai Ahom, Tea Tribes/Adivasis, Moran, Motok, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi |
| Existing category | Other Backward Classes |
| Population share | Around 27% of Assam’s population |
| ST reservation in Assam | 10% for ST (Plains), 5% for ST (Hills) |
| New category proposed | ST (Valley) |
| Relevant constitutional articles | Article 342 and Article 366(25) |
| Criteria reference | Lokur Committee 1965 |
| Interim measure | Sub-categorisation within existing OBC quota |
| Central level implication | All compete under national ST quota |
| Key state objective | Balanced representation across tribal groups |
