Assam STs Oppose Inclusion of Six New Groups, Citing Identity Threat
Existing Scheduled Tribes in Assam oppose granting ST status to six new groups, fearing dilution of benefits and identity.
Photo by Shaggy Sirep
Quick Revision
Existing STs in Assam oppose granting ST status to six new groups.
The six groups are Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Matak, Moran, and Tea Tribes.
All Assam Tribal Sangha (AATS) is leading the protest, fearing dilution of benefits and identity.
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Visual Insights
Assam: STs Oppose Inclusion of Six New Groups
This map highlights the state of Assam, where existing Scheduled Tribes are opposing the inclusion of six new communities into the ST list. It provides a geographical context to the ongoing social and political issue.
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Exam Angles
Constitutional provisions related to Scheduled Tribes (Article 342, 330, 332, 335, Fifth and Sixth Schedules).
Procedure for inclusion/exclusion of communities from the ST list.
Criteria for identification of Scheduled Tribes.
Role of various bodies like the President, Parliament, Governor, and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
Socio-economic and political implications of expanding the ST list.
Debates surrounding affirmative action, identity politics, and resource allocation.
Challenges of balancing the demands of aspirant communities with the concerns of existing STs.
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Summary
Existing Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Assam are strongly opposing the potential grant of ST status to six more communities in the state: Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Matak, Moran, and Tea Tribes. The All Assam Tribal Sangha (AATS), a prominent tribal body, has warned against this move, arguing that it would dilute the benefits and constitutional safeguards currently enjoyed by the existing STs.
They fear that the inclusion of these numerically larger and relatively more advanced groups would lead to a loss of identity, culture, and political representation for the original tribal communities. This issue highlights the complex dynamics of affirmative action, identity politics, and resource allocation within India's tribal communities.
Background
The concept of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India is rooted in the constitutional commitment to protect and promote marginalized indigenous communities. Article 342 of the Constitution empowers the President to specify STs in relation to a state or union territory.
Over the years, various committees, notably the Lokur Committee (1965), have laid down criteria for identifying STs, focusing on primitive traits, distinct culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact, and backwardness. The process of inclusion or exclusion involves the state government, Registrar General of India, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), and finally, an Act of Parliament.
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Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following communities: 1. Koch Rajbongshi 2. Tai Ahom 3. Bodo 4. Tea Tribes Which of the above are among the groups whose inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list of Assam is being opposed by existing ST communities?
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.1, 2 and 4 only
- C.1, 3 and 4 only
- D.2, 3 and 4 only
Show Answer
Answer: B
The news explicitly mentions Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Matak, Moran, and Tea Tribes as the communities whose inclusion is being opposed. Bodo is already an existing Scheduled Tribe in Assam and is not among the new groups seeking ST status. Therefore, 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
2. Regarding the inclusion or exclusion of any community from 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 Scheduled Tribes in relation to that State. 2. Any subsequent modification to this list (inclusion or exclusion) can only be made by an Act of Parliament. 3. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) must be consulted before any such modification is made. 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
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct: Article 342(1) states that the President, after consultation with the Governor, may specify the tribes or tribal communities. Statement 2 is correct: Article 342(2) states that Parliament may by law include in or exclude from the list of Scheduled Tribes. Statement 3 is correct: As per Article 338A(9), the Union and every State Government shall consult the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes on all major policy matters affecting Scheduled Tribes, including modifications to the ST list.
3. In the context of identifying Scheduled Tribes in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Constitution of India explicitly defines the criteria for a community to be designated as a Scheduled Tribe. 2. The Lokur Committee (1965) recommended five criteria for the identification of STs, including primitive traits and distinct culture. 3. The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in all states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Constitution does not explicitly define the criteria for STs. These criteria have evolved through government notifications and recommendations of committees. Statement 2 is correct: The Lokur Committee (1965) indeed recommended five criteria: primitive traits, distinct culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact with the community at large, and backwardness. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Fifth Schedule applies to the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. These four states are covered under the Sixth Schedule.