ST status issue: Group of Ministers of Assam government holds meeting

GUWAHATI: The Group of Ministers (GoM) of the Assam government constituted by the Chief Minister to recommend measures for granting ST (Scheduled Tribe) status to six ethnic communities on Thursday, held a meeting with those opposing the move. The meeting was held at the Assam Administrative Staff College at Khanapara here on Thursday.

The meeting was held after Union Home Minister Amit Shah last month sought a detailed report from the Assam Government on the issue of granting ST status to six communities. The six communities include the Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Mottock and the tea tribe.

On Friday, the GoM will meet the representatives of the communities demanding the ST status.

Finance, Health, Education and PWD Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma — who is also the GoM Chairman — later told reporters that the GoM will come out with a detailed report and recommendations after discussing the issue with various stakeholders.

Besides Sarma, those present in the meeting on Thursday were the Minister of Welfare of Backward Classes and Plain Tribes Chandan Brahma, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, and Food & Civil Supplies Minister Phani Bhusan Choudhury besides senior officials of the State Government.

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