Centre positively viewing demand of ST status for six communities of Assam: Arjun Munda

GUWAHATI: The Centre has positively viewed the demand of six communities of Assam to be included in the list of STs (Scheduled Tribes). This was stated by Arjun Munda, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs on Monday.

Addressing the media at the 'Assam Administrative Staff College' here, Munda said, "It is a matter that involves much research. It is a long-drawn process involving various levels. It also requires the nod of the President and the Prime Minister.

He added, "It is an issue that involves Constitutional matters; and everything cannot be discussed in the public forum. During consultations on it, some issues have emerged. These issues are being looked into.

The six communities demanding ST status are the tea tribes, Tai Ahoms, Chutias, Koch Rajbongshis, Mottocks and Morans.

Interacting with the media persons on the last day of his two-day visit to the State, Minister Munda also enumerated the plans for augmenting tribal development here. He added, "The Centre is committed towards proper implementation of tribal development programmes in Assam.

He also informed that his Ministry's focus is on bringing holistic development of tribal inhabited areas through marketing and promoting tribal and ethnic products at national and international levels while keeping their organic and natural processing ways intact.

The Union Minister pointed out that the Tribal Affairs Ministry coordinates with around 40 ministries and has been working with a coordinated approach for the all-around development of the tribal areas in the country. Another 184 Van Dhan Kendras will be established in Assam as discussion held with the Chief Minister of the State on Sunday, he added.

Munda also informed that 1,700 model villages have been targeted from Assam for the upcoming 'Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana'. Tribal residential schools will also be established in the State where 480 tribal students can be accommodated in each school with all academic facilities along with a sports arena, teachers' quarters and guest houses, he informed.

During his two-day visit to Assam, Munda also called on Governor of Assam Jagdish Mukhi, at Raj Bhawan, Guwahati. During the meeting, both discussed the entire gamut of tribal development activities in the State, in particular the programmes being implemented such as MSP for MFP, Van Dhan Yojana etc.

They spoke at length about tribal livelihood and enterprises in Assam and also contemplated the way forward in terms of implementing tribal development programmes in a strategic manner and improving the livelihoods of tribals in the State.

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