Six ethnic communities from Assam were demanding ST status since few months in the state. The communities were the tea tribes, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, and Tai-Ahom.
There were several protests by the community in the state but the grant for the status got delayed. The six ethnic groups are currently identified as OBCs in the state.
Earlier, a bill to incorporate the six communities in the ST category was introduced in Rajya Sabha by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram.
Reason for the delay can be it would result in fewer seats in the assembly and parliament as the number of seats for the reserved category may increase. It is also predicted that, delay to this demand may lead to Manipur-like situation.
