The Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations, Assam (CCTOA) held a crucial consultation with Assam’s Tribal Affairs Minister Ranoj Pegu concerning the contentious proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six additional communities in the state. The meeting, which took place at Janata Bhawan, was confirmed by Minister Pegu via social media, referencing the Assam Cabinet’s decision from November 30, 2025, to review the Group of Ministers (GoM) report on this matter. Pegu clarified the recommendations provided by the GoM and discussed measures to protect the rights of existing Scheduled Tribes.
During the meeting, the CCTOA communicated that, informed by the clarifications provided, they would establish an expert committee to prepare a report within a month’s time. This meeting is the start of an intensive dialogue over the next month that could significantly influence major policy decisions in Assam regarding tribal affairs. CCTOA’s Chief Coordinator, Aditya Khakhlari, along with ABSU president Dipen Boro, expressed that they submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations and objections to the Minister’s team. Khakhlari emphasized the importance of thoroughly reviewing the GoM report before the CCTOA presents its feedback.
Furthermore, the CCTOA plans to conduct a second round of discussions with the GoM in one month, wherein they will consult with Bodo intellectuals, legal experts, and former lawmakers to solidify their stance on the issue. Khakhlari stressed the necessity of maintaining the rights and opportunities of existing Scheduled Tribe communities without dilution as a consequence of the proposed changes. The CCTOA, which encompasses 26 tribal groups in Assam, also expressed worries over the potential repercussions of the new ST status on national examinations, higher education admissions, and government recruitment processes. This follows the Assam Cabinet’s initiative to look into the GoM report correlating to the addition of new communities into the ST category.
