New Delhi: The long-pending demand for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six Assamese communities was raised in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday during the Winter Session of Parliament. AGP MP Birendra Prasad Baishya brought the issue to the floor, referring to the Assam Legislative Assembly’s recent resolution supporting the demand.
Speaking amid loud protests from Opposition MPs, Baishya said that the six communities—Tai Ahom, Moran, Motok, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes–Adivasi—are indigenous groups of Assam, and granting them ST status is essential for their social, political and economic protection.
He emphasised that the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), its president Atul Bora, and the people of Assam have consistently supported this demand. Baishya urged the Centre to take “practical and time-bound steps” to grant ST status at the earliest.
The MP also pointed out that these communities were recognised as ethnic groups in a 1968 Gazette notification, and that even the Simon Commission had recommended ST status for them. Calling the demand “genuine and justified,” Baishya strongly appealed for early approval from the Union government.
However, during his 2 minute 44 second speech, the House witnessed major disruptions from Congress and other Opposition members. As soon as the issue was raised, several MPs began shouting slogans on unrelated matters, including the voter list revision creating a chaotic atmosphere in the Upper House.
Recently, the Assam Cabinet submitted its report on the ST status demand to the state Assembly. The AGP, in its Direction Meeting held on October 24–25, had also decided to fully support the demand. Following party president Atul Bora and working president Keshab Mahanta’s directive, AGP leaders have already held consultations with organisations representing the Moran, Motok, Tai Ahom, Chutia and Koch-Rajbongshi communities.
