The All Assam Tribal Students’ Union (AATSU) has filed a memorandum with President Droupadi Murmu, delivered via the Kokrajhar District Magistrate, to voice strong objections against the Assam government’s plan to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six significant ethnic groups: Tai Ahom, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, and the Tea Tribes. AATSU labeled this proposal as “anti-tribal,” warning that adding these communities to the ST list without a thorough evaluation could undermine the constitutional protections meant for Assam’s existing tribal population.
The organization pointed out that smaller indigenous groups, specifically the Bodo community, might suffer considerable disadvantages if larger, socio-economically established communities receive ST status. AATSU emphasized that many of the six proposed groups already enjoy significant representation in government occupations, commercial sectors, and public roles.
The Union cautioned that their inclusion could threaten reservation benefits, welfare initiatives, and other socio-economic measures aimed at genuinely marginalized tribal communities. Furthermore, AATSU asserted that the six communities do not fulfill the criteria established by the Lokur Committee, a longstanding framework for assessing eligibility for ST status. These criteria require proven social and educational backwardness, a distinct and preserved cultural identity, and elements of geographical isolation.
AATSU insisted that these six groups do not meet the necessary benchmarks. Citing previous legal rulings and Assam’s current reservation system, the Union urged the President to reject the proposal in its existing form. They proposed that any future considerations must be preceded by an impartial, evidence-based study conducted by experts in anthropology, constitutional law, and tribal welfare.
AATSU reaffirmed that only a thorough and transparent evaluation can protect the rights of truly marginalized tribal communities. They expressed concern that, if approved, the proposal could overshadow the constitutional protections of these communities by larger and politically influential groups.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-aatsu-submits-memorandum-to-president-murmu-flags-dilution-of-tribal-rights-1313735-2025-12-06?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-12-06 15:51:00
