The proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in Assam is currently being reviewed by the Central government. Education and Tribal Affairs Minister Ranoj Pegu mentioned that there is no set timeline for the completion of this process as it falls under the Centre’s constitutional jurisdiction. The Assam government has finished its part and is now preparing to send its recommendations to the Centre.
The Central government requested a detailed report from Assam to evaluate the potential impact of granting ST status to these communities on existing constitutional safeguards and reservation benefits. A Group of Ministers (GoM) in Assam was formed to thoroughly examine the issue, and their report, approved during the Winter Session in November 2025, is now with the Central government for further review. Pegu emphasized that the final decision lies with the Centre, which will proceed in line with constitutional provisions and parliamentary approval processes.
While there is no specific deadline provided, the Assam government remains optimistic that the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for these communities will be addressed once the necessary constitutional procedures are completed. The state government has expressed confidence in the Central government’s handling of the matter.
