Assam tribal body pushes back on adding 6 groups to ST list

India Dec 06, 2025

The All Assam Tribal Students's Union (AATSU) has asked President Droupadi Murmu not to add six more communities—like the Tea Tribes, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, and Tai Ahom—to Assam's Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.
This comes after a recent government report suggested including them.

Why AATSU is worried

AATSU says bringing in these new groups could hurt the rights of existing indigenous tribes such as Bodos, Rabhas, and Misings.
They argue the six communities don't fit the official criteria for ST status and worry that reservation benefits and welfare schemes might get diluted.
The group wants experts to study the impact thoroughly before any changes are made.