Assam Tribal Sangha Protests Inclusion of Six Communities in ST List
Assam Tribal Sangha opposes the potential inclusion of six advanced communities into the Scheduled Tribe list, fearing dilution of existing STs' rights.
Photo by Christopher Osten
त्वरित संशोधन
Assam Tribal Sangha (ATS) protesting
Protest against inclusion of six communities in ST list
Six communities: Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Matak, Moran, Chutia, Tea Tribes
ATS fears dilution of rights for existing 14 ST groups
Issue has been a long-standing political demand
महत्वपूर्ण संख्याएं
दृश्य सामग्री
Assam's ST Status Debate: Communities, Context & Protests
This map illustrates the geographical context of the protest in Assam regarding the inclusion of six communities into the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. It highlights Assam's location and its significance in India's tribal affairs, particularly under the Sixth Schedule.
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परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Constitutional provisions related to STs (Article 342, 338A).
Process of inclusion/exclusion from ST list.
Criteria for defining Scheduled Tribes (Lokur Committee).
Challenges of affirmative action and 'creamy layer' concept in ST context.
Impact on social justice, political representation, and land rights.
Role of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
Federal dynamics in tribal affairs.
विस्तृत सारांश देखें
सारांश
The Assam Tribal Sangha (ATS) is vehemently protesting the potential inclusion of six historically advanced communities – Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Matak, Moran, Chutia, and Tea Tribes – into the state's Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. The ATS argues that these communities are already socio-economically advanced and their inclusion would dilute the rights and benefits currently enjoyed by the existing 14 ST groups in Assam. They fear that such a move would lead to a loss of political representation, land rights, and job opportunities for the genuinely marginalized tribal communities.
The protest highlights a long-standing demand from these six communities for ST status, which has been a contentious political issue in Assam, often debated during elections. The ATS emphasizes that the existing STs are already struggling and adding more groups would further exacerbate their challenges.
पृष्ठभूमि
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. With reference to the recent protests by the Assam Tribal Sangha (ATS), consider the following statements: 1. The ATS is protesting against the inclusion of six communities, including Koch-Rajbongshi and Tai Ahom, into the state's Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. 2. The ATS argues that the inclusion of these communities would dilute the rights and benefits of existing ST groups. 3. The six communities seeking ST status are considered socio-economically backward by the ATS. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct as per the news, identifying the protesting communities and the core issue. Statement 2 is also correct, as the ATS fears dilution of rights for existing STs. Statement 3 is incorrect; the ATS argues that the six communities are *already socio-economically advanced*, which is their primary reason for opposing their inclusion, not that they are backward.
2. Regarding the inclusion or exclusion of communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes in India, consider the following statements: 1. The President of India, after consultation with the Governor of the concerned State, may specify the tribes or tribal communities to be Scheduled Tribes in relation to that State. 2. Any subsequent modification to the list of Scheduled Tribes can only be made by an Act of Parliament. 3. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is consulted by the Union government before any modification to the ST list. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
Statement 1 is correct. Article 342(1) of the Constitution states that the President, after consultation with the Governor, may specify tribes as STs. Statement 2 is correct. Article 342(2) mandates that Parliament may by law include in or exclude from the list of Scheduled Tribes, meaning any subsequent modification requires an Act of Parliament. Statement 3 is correct. As per Article 338A(9), the Union and every State Government shall consult the Commission on all major policy matters affecting the Scheduled Tribes, and modification of the ST list is considered a major policy matter.
3. In the context of criteria for identifying Scheduled Tribes in India, which of the following statements is/are generally considered by the Lokur Committee (1965) and subsequent guidelines? 1. Primitive traits 2. Distinctive culture 3. Geographical isolation 4. Shyness of contact with the community at large 5. Backwardness Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2, 3, 4 and 5 only
- C.1, 2, 3 and 5 only
- D.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
The Lokur Committee (1965) laid down the five criteria for the identification of Scheduled Tribes: (i) primitive traits, (ii) distinctive culture, (iii) geographical isolation, (iv) shyness of contact with the community at large, and (v) backwardness. All five are generally considered in the process of identifying and defining Scheduled Tribes in India.
4. Consider the following statements regarding the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST): 1. It is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Act, 2003. 2. Its primary duty is to investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for STs under the Constitution. 3. The Commission presents an annual report to the President, which is then laid before Parliament. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The NCST is a *constitutional body* established under Article 338A, inserted by the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003, not a statutory act. Statement 2 is correct, as per Article 338A(5)(a), this is one of its primary duties. Statement 3 is correct, as per Article 338A(6), the Commission presents annual reports to the President, who causes them to be laid before each House of Parliament.