Guwahati, Dec 1: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government will invite representatives of organisations protesting against the Group of Ministers (GoM) report on granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities for detailed discussions.
Protests have been underway since Saturday after the recommendations concerning the Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes communities were placed in the state assembly. Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Himanta Biswa Sarma said some organisations, including the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA), have raised objections without fully understanding the report.
The CCTOA has expressed concerns that extending ST status to the six communities may impact the rights of existing ST groups. The cabinet, however, maintains that the report’s proposed three-tier reservation structure protects the interests of current tribal communities while addressing the demands of the six applicant communities.
To address concerns and clear misunderstandings, ministers Ranoj Pegu, Keshab Mahanta and Pijush Hazarika will hold discussions with representatives of the CCTOA and explain the report’s provisions. The Chief Minister also said he is willing to meet protestors if required following the ministerial-level talks.
The report proposes a tiered classification aimed at granting ST status without affecting existing reservation benefits in education and employment. Himanta Biswa Sarma urged critics, including the Congress party, to submit constructive suggestions before the report is sent to the Centre, stating that the government is open to positive inputs.
He said the Congress has shifted its position on the matter, observing that the party had earlier supported the six communities’ demand but is now opposing the recommendations.
The state government reiterated that existing ST communities will not face any disadvantage from the proposed changes, stating that the recommendations are consistent with their demands.
