Assam Cabinet Approves Scheduled Tribe Status Recommendation for Six Indigenous Communities

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has led a landmark cabinet decision, approving the Group of Ministers (GoM) report that recommends Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities in Assam. This pivotal move comes strategically positioned before next year's Assembly elections.

This approval addresses long-standing demands from these communities who have been staging consistent protests. If the Central Government provides final approval, Assam would achieve classification as a tribal state, marking a significant shift in the region's socio-political landscape.

Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the historical significance of the cabinet meeting on social media, noting multiple crucial resolutions including steps toward establishing a Vrindavani Vastra Museum, clearance of the GoM Report on ST recognition for indigenous communities, and new service rules for ASSTC teachers.

The cabinet meeting, held at Lok Sewa Bhawan under Sarma's chairmanship, resulted in several key decisions. Most notably, the approval of the GoM report recommends ST status for six major communities: Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes (Adivasis). The GoM was led by Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, with Ministers Pijush Hazarika and Keshab Mahanta serving as members.

Following this approval, the report will be presented to the Assam Legislative Assembly before being forwarded to India's Ministry of Home Affairs for final consideration. Chief Minister Sarma expressed optimism, stating: "The report will be placed in the Assam Legislative Assembly and thereafter sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs. I hope that this report will represent the aspirations of all of us."

He further clarified the timeline, explaining that the Tribal Affairs Department would forward the report to the Assembly immediately. "Tomorrow (November 27), the Tribal Affairs department will send this report to the Assam assembly, and the Speaker of the state assembly will allow the report to be tabled in the ongoing session of the state assembly. The Speaker will decide when the report will be tabled," Sarma stated on Wednesday, as reported by ANI.

In a separate but notable decision, the Cabinet also approved the modification and transfer of three bighas of land from the Government Muga Farm at Reshom Nagar, Khanapara. The land, previously under the Handloom, Textiles & Sericulture Department, will be transferred to the Cultural Affairs Department.

This land allocation is intended for the development of a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing Assam's rich textile heritage. With support from JSW I&P Holdings Pvt. Ltd., the museum will prominently feature the historic Vrindavani Vastra, which is being borrowed on loan from the British Museum in London.