Jharkhand CM Backs ST Status for Assam Tea Tribes

Soren Urges Assam Counterpart to Recognize Tea Tribes as Scheduled Tribe

Key Points:

• Hemant Soren calls for ST status for tea tribes in Assam

• Tea tribes community comprises about 7 million people in Assam

• Six ethnic groups protest in Delhi demanding ST recognition

RANCHI – Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren advocates for Scheduled Tribe status for Assam’s tea tribes, highlighting their historical marginalization.

Soren penned a letter to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding this matter.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader emphasized the tea tribes’ significant economic contributions to Assam.

However, the community remains marginalized despite their important role.

Soren expressed concern for the approximately seven million tea tribe members in Assam.

Currently, Assam classifies this community as Other Backward Class (OBC).

The Jharkhand CM highlighted the challenges faced by these groups.

Many of these tribes, including Santhali, Kuruk, Munda, and Oraon, have roots in Jharkhand.

Moreover, their ancestors migrated to Assam during colonial rule to work in tea plantations.

Soren argued that the tea tribes meet the criteria for ST status.

He cited their distinct cultural identity and traditional way of life as supporting factors.

Furthermore, the CM pointed out their vulnerability to exploitation.

Interestingly, these communities are recognized as STs in states like Jharkhand and West Bengal.

However, Assam continues to classify them as OBCs.

The demand for ST status has gained significant momentum recently.

Six ethnic groups, including the tea tribes, staged demonstrations in Delhi.

They protested at Jantar Mantar, frustrated by the Centre’s delay in addressing their demands.

The groups submitted memorandums to various government bodies during their protest.

In 2019, the Scheduled Tribes Amendment Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha.

Nevertheless, the bill has yet to be passed into law.

This delay leaves the tea tribes in a state of uncertainty regarding their status.