Overview
- A Group of Ministers’ interim report cleared by the state cabinet in November proposes a new three-tier ST scheme and ST listing for Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak (Motok), Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes, who are currently on the OBC list and together account for about 27% of Assam’s population.
- CCTOA argues the move is illegal and unconstitutional under the Lokur criteria, noting the six communities were identified as OBCs in 1993 after state research and NCBC notification.
- The organisation questions the independence of expert panels and says an ethnographic committee advised SC status for 38 of 74 tea communities even as the state proposed ST status for all 74.
- Leaders warn the plan would dilute existing ST political representation from panchayats to Parliament and could push Assam’s total reservations beyond the 50% ceiling, potentially exceeding 70%.
- Protests have erupted, including vandalism at the Bodoland Territorial Council secretariat in Kokrajhar, as the proposal heads for Assembly consideration before any Union review.