Why in News?
The Assam Cabinet has approved the Group of Ministers (GoM) report recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities—Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, Chutia, Tai Ahom, and “Tea tribes”—and forwarded it to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Description:
GoM Recommendation:
- The GoM report will be placed before the Assam Legislative Assembly.
- After approval, it goes to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further action.
- Final decision requires Parliamentary amendment to the Constitution (Article 342).
How ST Status Is Granted
Constitutional Basis:
- Article 342 empowers the President to specify tribes or tribal communities to be included in the list of STs.
- Parliament alone can include or exclude communities from the ST list.
Constitutional Amendment Type: Ordinary Amendment (NOT Article 368):
A Bill is introduced in Parliament to amend the ST list under Article 342,
→ This is done by a simple majority (ordinary legislation).
After Parliament passes the Bill → Sent to the President → Becomes law.
Key Terms:
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): Communities listed under Article 342 for special constitutional protection.
- Tea Tribes (Adivasis): Descendants of workers brought during the colonial period to Assam’s tea estates.
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