Dibrugarh: A leader of the BJP's state unit on Tuesday said the probability of according Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities of the state before the assembly election looks quite bleak.
The six communities - Moran, Muttuck, Tai Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, Sootea and Adivasis - have been demanding the ST status for quite a while. "It is not possible to grant ST status to the six communities before the assembly elections. There are some hurdles. Many modalities are yet to be fulfilled. The Centre has assured us of completing the process after the election," said BJP state unit's newly-appointed media panellist Dayananda Borgohain on Tuesday.
The Centre is convinced that granting ST status is the best way to keep the ethnic identity intact in Assam, he said. It will help preserve, protect and promote the cultural, social and linguistic heritage and identity of the people of the state. Except illegal migrants, it will ensure protection to all citizens, including the tea garden community, added Borgohain.
In order to grant ST status to the six communities, some of the rules have to be tweaked. As per Article 342 of the Constitution, communities are notified as Scheduled Tribes if they display five basic characteristics - primitive traits, geographical isolation, distinct culture, shyness of contact with community at large and economic backwardness. The issue of granting ST status to the six communities has become a talking point in every election. Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju had earlier said the file related to the matter was with the Prime Minister, awaiting his approval.
On the other hand, the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organizations of Assam, an umbrella organization of the state's ST communities, has opposed the move stating that it will hamper the weaker and backward Scheduled Tribes of the state. At present, 12.42% of the state's 3.12 crore population falls under Scheduled Tribe category.
In Assam, excluding the autonomous district council areas, 14 tribes comes under ST category - Barmans in Cachar, Boro and Borokachari, Deori, Hojai, Kachari and Sonowal, Lalung, Mech, Miri, Rabha, Dimasa, Hajong, Singpho, Khampti and Garo.
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