Tribal Body Opposes Scheduled Tribe Status for Six Communities in Assam
The Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA) has rejected recommendations to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities: Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, Tai Ahom, and Tea Tribes (Adivasis). The CCTOA argues that this move is unconstitutional and would destroy the political rights and reservations of existing tribes. They cite the Lokur Committee report of 1965, which defines ST criteria based on primitive traits and geographical isolation. The Group of Ministers had suggested categorizing these communities into ST (Plain), ST (Hill), and ST (Valley) to accommodate the request.
Key Points
- Six communities in Assam are seeking ST status, which is being opposed by existing tribal organizations (CCTOA).
- Opponents argue that granting ST status to these groups would dilute the benefits and political representation of current STs.
- The criteria for ST status are traditionally based on the Lokur Committee's 1965 recommendations regarding primitive traits and backwardness.
- The proposed categorization includes ST (Plain), ST (Hill), and ST (Valley) to differentiate between various groups.
Exam Facts
- The six communities are Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, Tai Ahom, and Tea Tribes.
- The Lokur Committee report of 1965 established the criteria for identifying Scheduled Tribes.
- CCTOA represents 14 existing tribes of Assam.
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