Centre’s move of constituting high powered committed on ST status is heights of poll gimmick: Tarun Gogoi

GUWAHATI: Assam chief minister, Tarun Gogoi termed the Centre’s move of constituting a high powered committee to look into demands of according scheduled tribe (ST) status to six communities as heights of poll gimmick.

Centre on Monday announced its plans to constitute a committee to consider the demand of the six communities and report back within a specific timeframe.

A delegation led by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Sarbananda Sonowal and members of six communities met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Sarbananda Sonowal said that a committee headed by Special Secretary (Internal Security) in Ministry of Home Affairs has been constituted, which will submit its report by May 30. The committee will look into all aspects of the issue of granting ST status to the six communities, including drafting of the modalities.

According to him the modalities would pave the way for declaration of ST status to the six communities. The six communities include Moran, Motok, Chutia, Koch Rajbongshi, tea tribe and Ahoms.

Gogoi said discussion are going on since 2014 however now the Centre has decided to constitute a committee which will submit report within three months. “First declare them as scheduled tribes and then keep on finalising the modalities.”

He added, “BJP is showing such urgency due to election in Assam. They think people here are fools. We have always said that give ST status to these communities without affecting the rights and privileges of the existing tribes.”

The chief minister said that Union ministry of Home affairs in February 6, 2016 had sought opinion regarding insertion of a separate new list of ST(Plain) for six communities so that reservation to this new category of ST(plain) can be recommended proportionate to their number by reducing reservations for these communities from Other backward class list. Government of Assam has given its no objection to it.

Gogoi said that BJP prior to Lok Sabha polls had promised ST status to these communities.

Prime minister, Narendra Modi during his visit to Assam in January this year held discussion with leaders of’ six communities who are demanding ST status.