HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Dec 2: A crucial meeting between the Co-ordination Committee of the Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA) and the Committee of Group of Ministers (GoM) formed to examine the demand for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities of Assam will be held on December 4, 2025, in Dispur.
According to an official communication issued to CCTOA, the meeting will be chaired by Ranoj Pegu, Minister of Tribal Affairs (Plain) and Education, at 2:30 pm in the Conference Hall of the Minister of Tribal Affairs (Plain).
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The meeting comes at a time when the issue has triggered strong reactions across the state, particularly among existing Scheduled Tribe groups, who fear dilution of their constitutional safeguards.
The CCTOA and several tribal bodies have reiterated their objections, arguing that granting ST status to populous and relatively advanced communities could adversely affect the political, social and economic rights of existing tribal groups.
The GoM’s report recommending ST status for six communities was tabled in the ongoing Assembly session on November 29, sparking widespread protests.
Tribal organisations have strongly opposed the recommendations and warned that the Cabinet decision could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s indigenous tribal population.
Meanwhile, protests continued on Tuesday across different districts.
Thousands of tribal students staged a demonstration in Baksa district, holding banners and placards and demanding that the state government withdraw its move to grant ST status to the six communities.
Students from Koklabari–Chapaguri College and Salbari College joined the rally, voicing strong opposition to the proposal and asserting that it would undermine the rights of existing tribal groups.
