Six Tribal Groups Stage Protest in Assam

Six Tribal Groups Stage Protest in Assam

Why in News?

Recently, six tribal groups in Assam, including the Matak community, have been protesting to gain ST Status. More than 30 Thousand people joined this protest to show their unity and collective effort for recognition.

Who are the Six Tribal Groups Protesting in Assam?

• Matak Community: The Matak community is one of Assam’s largest indigenous groups. They predominantly reside in the districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Sivasagar. Historically, the Mataks were part of the Moamoria sect, a Vaishnavite movement in the 17th century. Over time, they have developed a distinct identity, blending elements from various Assamese groups. The community has a rich cultural heritage, including unique festivals and traditional dances.

• • Tai Ahom Community: The Tai Ahoms are an ethnic group from Assam, descended from the Tai people who reached the Brahmaputra Valley in 1228. They established the Ahom kingdom, which ruled Assam for nearly 600 years. Over time, the Tai Ahoms assimilated with the local population, adopting the Assamese language and customs. 

• Moran Community: The Moran people are an indigenous ethnic group of Assam, with a population of approximately 100,000 in the state. They primarily reside in the districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Dhemaji, and Lakhimpur. Historically, the Morans had their own independent chiefdom before the arrival of the Ahoms in the 13th century. They were later integrated into the Ahom kingdom through marriage alliances and have since adopted many Ahom customs. 

• Chutia Community: The Chutia people are an ethnic group from Assam, historically associated with the Chutia kingdom, which was founded in the early 13th century. The kingdom came into prominence in the second half of the 14th century and was one of several rudimentary states that emerged in the region. After the Ahoms annexed the kingdom in 1523, the Chutia population was absorbed into the Ahom kingdom. 

• Koch-Rajbongshi Community: The Koch-Rajbongshi people are a trans-border ethnic group from Assam and northern Bangladesh. They consist of several clans, some of which preserve a Boro-Garo language called Koch, while others have adopted local varieties of Indo-Aryan languages. The Koches are known for their matrilineal social structure and strict exogamy practices. 

• Tea Tribes Community: The Tea Tribes of Assam are descendants of indentured laborers brought by British planters from various regions, including Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar, during the colonial period. They were primarily employed in tea plantations across Assam. The Tea Tribes are known for their vibrant festivals, traditional dances like Jhumur, and a strong sense of community.

Reasons Behind the Protest in Assam 

• Demand for ST Status: The primary reason for the protest is the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. These six tribal groups have been seeking this recognition for decades. They argue that ST status is essential to access social, economic, and political benefits that other recognized tribal groups already enjoy. The official recognition would also allow them to protect and promote their cultural and traditional practices, which are under pressure from modern development.

• Marginalization: These tribal groups have faced historical marginalization in Assam for more than 20 years. They feel that state policies and development programs have largely excluded them. Communities in districts like Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Sivasagar report limited access to government schemes meant for tribal welfare. This exclusion has affected their economic growth and social progress. They believe that public demonstrations are necessary to make the government recognize their long-standing grievances. 

• Unfulfilled Promises: Another key reason for the protests is the failure of previous governments to deliver on promises. Tribal leaders report that several administrations, including the post-2014 state government, assured them of ST status but did not act. Multiple meetings, discussions, and written communications took place, but no concrete results emerged. This pattern of unfulfilled promises has eroded trust in dialogue with authorities. The repeated failure to fulfill commitments has created a sense of urgency, especially with upcoming elections in Assam.

What is Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status?

• Scheduled Tribe (ST) status is a constitutional recognition given to certain indigenous communities in India. 
• The government grants this status to protect their social, economic, and cultural rights. 
• The provision is part of Articles 342 and 244 of the Indian Constitution, which identify communities for special recognition and support. 
• Communities with ST status receive various welfare measures from both central and state governments. These benefits include reservation in government jobs, quotas in educational institutions, and financial assistance for development projects. 
• ST recognition also allows communities to access special healthcare programs, housing schemes, and subsidized loans for business and agriculture. 
• The status protects the cultural heritage of indigenous groups. ST communities can maintain their languages, festivals, and traditional practices with legal and governmental support.
• ST status also ensures political representation. Certain constituencies are reserved in Parliament and state legislative assemblies for ST candidates.
• According to the 2011 Census of India, STs make up 8.6% of India’s total population.

Process of Inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) List

• State Government Recommendation: The process starts with the respective State governments. The state authorities prepare detailed reports that include population data, traditional practices, economic conditions, and social status. These reports serve as official recommendations and are forwarded to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for further scrutiny.

• Review by Ministry of Tribal Affairs: The Tribal Affairs Ministry examines the state’s recommendation. The ministry reviews whether the proposed communities fulfill the constitutional requirements for ST inclusion. This involves cross-checking with census data, historical records, and previous government notifications. 

• Approval from Registrar General of India: After the ministry’s review, the recommendation is sent to the Registrar General of India. The Registrar General verifies population statistics and demographic details of the proposed communities. The Registrar General also examines whether the inclusion aligns with existing constitutional provisions and maintains consistency across all states.

• National Commission for Scheduled Tribes: Next, the proposal is reviewed by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). The commission evaluates the social and cultural identity of the communities. They consider whether granting ST status will help preserve their traditions, language, and heritage. 

• Final Approval by the Cabinet: Once the NCST approves, the recommendation is forwarded to the Cabinet of India for the final decision. The Cabinet examines the legal, administrative, and social implications of inclusion. After approval, the community is officially added to the ST list through a Parliamentary notification or official gazette publication. 

Assam Government’s Concerns

• Population Impact: According to 2011 census data, Assam had a total population of 3.12 crore, with 38 lakh (12.4%) belonging to tribal communities. If these six groups receive ST status, their combined population would increase significantly. Estimates suggest they could account for around 40% of Assam’s total population. This demographic change has raised concerns among policymakers.

• Administrative Challenges: Granting ST status to these communities could require Assam to be included under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This schedule provides autonomous administrative powers to tribal areas. The inclusion would mean that the central government’s approval would be necessary for many developmental and administrative decisions. 

• Social Implications: The government is also cautious about the social perception of a large ST population. If tribal populations reach 50% of the state, Assam could become similar to Nagaland and other Northeastern states, where ST communities dominate politically and administratively. These concerns include potential changes in land rights, cultural influence, and political representation.