HT Digital
Tuesday, October 15: The Jharkhand government has approved the formation of a committee to study the conditions of tribals, particularly those from Jharkhand who were displaced and rehabilitated in Assam and other states during British rule. This decision comes shortly after Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed concern about the marginalization of the tea tribes in Assam, despite their substantial contribution to the country’s economy.
The cabinet, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, made the decision during a recent meeting. The committee will focus on studying the situation of Jharkhand-origin tribals who are now residing in states like Assam and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. According to Soren, an estimated 15 to 20 lakh tribals from Jharkhand are still living in these regions and continue to struggle for their rights. These individuals were initially displaced during British rule and have since been working in tea gardens, especially in Assam.
One of the main issues highlighted is the lack of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for these displaced tribals, which has left them excluded from various welfare schemes designed to benefit tribal communities. Currently, the tea tribes from Jharkhand residing in Assam are classified as Other Backward Classes (OBC) and, as a result, do not qualify for the benefits accorded to ST communities. This classification prevents them from accessing the social, economic, and developmental opportunities meant for tribal populations.
In response to these concerns, Hemant Soren recently sent a letter to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, urging him to address the grievances of the tea tribes and consider granting them ST status. Soren emphasized the historical context of their displacement and the significant role they have played in Assam’s tea industry, a sector crucial to the state’s economy. He pointed out that despite their contributions, the tea tribes have remained marginalized, without access to adequate housing, employment opportunities, or the basic rights afforded to other tribal communities.
Soren’s government, in a bid to rectify the situation, is inviting tribals originally from Jharkhand to return to their home state. The committee being established will comprise representatives from various political parties, ensuring a comprehensive approach to resolving these long-standing issues. It will be led by the Minister for Scheduled Tribe, Scheduled Caste, Minority, and Backward Class Welfare. The committee’s mandate will be to investigate the living conditions, employment opportunities, and access to rights for tribals in the affected regions. Based on these findings, the state will formulate and implement welfare measures aimed at improving the lives of displaced tribals.
The letter from Soren to Sarma, dated September 25, expressed deep concern about the tea tribes’ current status in Assam. In it, he advocated for the tribes to be recognized as Scheduled Tribes, which would significantly improve their access to social welfare schemes and help uplift their economic and social standing. This move comes at a time when tribal issues have gained attention in Assam, with the state’s government also facing criticism on various fronts, including law and order and allegations of corruption.
The political context surrounding this development is important, as Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also holds a leadership role in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jharkhand, has been critical of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led government in Jharkhand. Sarma has raised concerns about corruption, infiltration, and law-and-order issues in the state. The two chief ministers’ exchange over the tea tribes’ situation adds another dimension to the ongoing political discourse.
The formation of this committee in Jharkhand is seen as a significant step towards addressing the historical grievances of displaced tribals, particularly those who have been living in Assam and other regions for generations. The committee’s findings are expected to play a key role in shaping policies that will not only recognize the rights of these communities but also improve their access to welfare programs and opportunities.
