Minister Himanta Biswa chairs Committee on ST Status

Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday chaired the Committee of group of Ministers, which will look in the status of the existing tribal of Assam, following Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill was approved by the Union Cabinet.

This committee will examine and send the modalities for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities of Assam to the Centre without harming the rights of the tribes that are currently enjoying the status in the State.

The committee will meet Tribal Sangha on January 28, BTC on January 29 and Rabha, Tiwa and others on January 30. The committee is likely to submit their report on or before February 15, informed Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Ministers Pallab Lochan Das, Naba Doley, Tapan Gogoi and MLA Chandan Brahma were also present in the meeting. The Centre's plan for the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Amendment Bill has evoked anger among tribal communities in Assam. Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak and tea tribes of Assam are proposed to be included in the ST category.