Assam Announces OBC Status for Trans Community and Reservations for Anganwadi Workers

On June 23, 2025, in a historic policy announcement aimed at supporting social inclusion and the empowerment of grassroots workers, Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that the transgender community in Assam would be assigned OBC (Other Backward Class) status. In a parallel announcement, he declared 50% reservation in supervisor-level positions under the Women and Child Development Department (WCD) for Anganwadi workers in recognition of their career progression in government work.

These announcements signal a momentous departure from the previous policy path in the state of Assam, both in recognition of gender minority rights and the respect afforded to grassroots workers. The designation of OBC status will provide access to education, employment, and government welfare schemes, while the supervisor-level reservation for Anganwadi workers in the ICDS scheme recognizes and institutionalizes their contribution to society.

Summary of Key Announcements

OBC Status to Transgender Community

• Provides access to reservation in education and employment

• Provides access to welfare schemes designed for OBCs

• First major attempt in state to recognize the rights of transgender individuals

50% Reservation for Anganwadi Workers in Supervisor Posts

• Public employment – applies only to recruitment under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

• Acknowledges their role in nutrition, early childhood, and community outreach

• Provides leadership and decision-making authority to grassroots workers

Context

• Transgender individuals have faced discrimination and social exclusion, as well as barriers to accessing welfare opportunities

• Anganwadi workers, primarily women, have played a vital role in improving the health and development of children in rural areas, but have not had similar pathways of advancement in their career.

Official Statements

• “We have decided to provide OBC status to members of the transgender community so they can avail benefits across various sectors,” — CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
  “The reservation acknowledges the vital contribution of Anganwadi workers,” — Sarma during appointment letter distribution in Guwahati