Balanced Path to Inclusion: Assam's ST Status Report Avoids Offense

Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, defended the Group of Ministers' report granting Scheduled Tribe status to six communities, stating it contains nothing offensive. He emphasized the need for proper understanding of the report, which aims at justice for all while introducing new ST categories without affecting existing tribal groups.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has defended a new report recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities, assuring the public that it contains nothing offensive. Speaking from Nagaon district, Sarma emphasized that the report aims to ensure fair progress for all communities involved.

Protests have arisen from groups fearing the impact on pre-existing ST communities. Students from Bodoland University even stormed an assembly hall, showcasing the tensions the report has sparked. Sarma criticized some protesters for reacting without fully understanding the document's contents.

The report, presented in the state assembly, proposes a three-tier classification for STs, creating new categories while protecting current reservations. It also calls for ongoing dialogue to reach a conclusive solution, with eventual parliamentary approval required through constitutional amendment.

(With inputs from agencies.)