Assam proposals on ST tag for tribes top government agenda

NEW DELHI: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of Scheduled Tribe status for Assam communities, the election-bound state has jumped the queue of 300 such proposals from different states.

Even as the new Scheduled Tribe classification and procedure is pending at the Cabinet Secretariat, tribal affairs ministry has moved to provide ST status to Bodos, Karbis and Mikirs under the old criteria. According to sources, the ministry is preparing a Cabinet note granting ST status to the numerically strong communities. All proposals from the states have been on hold, awaiting the new classification and procedure.

Even though the ministry has decided to expedite proposals from Assam, there are 15 states that are still awaiting clarity on their proposals.

Assam had sent 45 proposals for Scheduled Tribes status in the last three years. These include Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Moran, Matak, Chutia, Amri Karbi, Karbi Mikir, Bodo Kachari and politically crucial 36 tea tribe communities. However, there was no progress as the government was mulling a new procedure for classification of Scheduled Tribes. A senior ministry official told ET, “We can expedite a proposal under the old procedure. Proposals from Assam have received approval of Registrar General of India and National Commission of Scheduled Tribes. So the process can be set in motion. We do not necessarily have to wait for the new guidelines.” The tribal affairs ministry is likely to move the Cabinet note and seek parliamentary approval in the forthcoming Budget session.

“There is no illegality in moving the proposals under the old procedure. It is still in place till it is replaced by a new process and classification,” said the official.