UKHRUL, NOV 27: The Assam Cabinet on Wednesday (November 26) approved the report submitted by the Group of ministers.
It contained the proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe status to six communities — Tai Ahom, Adivasis, Moran, Motok, Chutia and Koch Rajbongshi who together make up about 27% of the state’s population.
A similar bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election but was never taken up. Over the past two months, these groups have vigorously protested with torch rallies statewide, while existing ST communities held counter-demonstrations.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Tribal Affairs Department will submit its report to the Assembly today before it is forwarded to the Union Home Ministry.