Tribal body rejects bid for ST status to six Assam communities

Rejection by the Consultative Group of the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organizations of Assam (CCTOA) has put the proposal to grant ST status to six communities under sharp scrutiny. In its submission to the Group of Ministers, the body argued that the move is unconstitutional, historically untenable and politically motivated.

What did the GoM propose?

• The GoM report (November 2025) suggested including six communities in the ST list.
• It even proposed sub-categorisation of the 6 communities as ST (Plain), ST (Hill) and ST (Valley).
• The stated aim was to address long-pending demands for social and political justice.

Key points:

1. A panel of the Assam Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry (ACCTI/CCTOA) has rejected the proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in Assam.
2. The six communities are:Ahom, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak. Moran, Tea Tribes (Adivasi)
3. The panel expressed concern that granting ST status could lead to complexities in reservation policies, affecting existing tribal communities’ rights and opportunities.
4. It warned about possible social and economic repercussions, including competition over limited government benefits.
5. The organisation urged the government to take a balanced and careful decision after considering all stakeholders.
6. The issue of ST status for these communities has been a long-standing demand and remains politically sensitive in Assam.
7. Discussions are ongoing at government and policy levels before any final decision is taken.