Assam GoM Recommends ST Status for Six Communities

• The Assam Group of Ministers (GoM) has recommended Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities in the state.
• These six communities are Tai Ahoms, Tea Tribes or Adivasis, Moran, Motok, Chutia, and Koch-Rajbongshi.
• These communities are currently listed under Other Backward Classes (OBC) in Assam.
• Together, these communities constitute approximately 27% of Assam’s population.

Key Recommendations of the GoM

• The GoM proposes introducing a three-tier ST classification in Assam to accommodate diverse tribal groups.
• This classification includes a new category called ST (Valley) to represent valley-based communities.
• Assam currently has ST categories of ST (Plains), which enjoys 10% reservation, ensuring representation for plain-dwelling tribes.
• Assam also has ST (Hills), which enjoys 5% reservation for hill-based tribes.
• The GoM recommends that all ST communities should come under a common national ST status, referred to as central reservation.
• Central reservation ensures that all ST communities compete under the same national framework, irrespective of state categories.
• The GoM also suggests interim measures, which involve internal sub-categorisation.
• These interim measures include sub-categorisation within the existing 27% OBC quota in the state to manage transitions.

About ST Status in the Constitution

• Article 366(25) defines Scheduled Tribes (STs) as communities specified under Article 342.
• Article 342 empowers the President to notify the initial list of Scheduled Tribes for each state.
• Article 342 also states that Parliament alone can amend the ST list through legislation.
• The Constitution does not explicitly provide criteria for ST categorization, leaving interpretation to expert bodies.
• The Lokur Committee (1965) proposed widely used criteria for identifying STs.
• These criteria include primitive traits, which refer to traditional socio-cultural practices considered pre-modern.
• They also include distinctive culture, meaning unique language, rituals, or social customs.
• Another criterion is geographical isolation, which means living in remote or difficult-to-access regions.
• The Committee added shyness of contact, which signifies historical social exclusion or minimal interaction with mainstream society.
• The final criterion is backwardness, referring to economic, educational, and social disadvantages.