Preparations are on in the run-up to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Assam, and the Koch-Rajbongshi community has revived its long-pending demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The age-old demand, which has been gaining ground over the years, has received a new boost with different organizations prompting the central government to keep its promise.
Fresh Bid for ST Status
The Koch-Rajbongshis, the dominant Assam and neighbor state ethnic community, have for long been fighting for ST status to gain benefits and welfare schemes constitutionally. The community felt that inclusion on the ST list would offer doors for quality education, reservation at jobs, and economic-social upgrading.
Amit Shah’s visit has been viewed as a political imperative, especially in the run-up to Lok Sabha elections. Different Koch-Rajbongshi factions have been conducting demonstrations and memorandums to place their demands forcefully before him during his visit. The All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU) has called upon the government to fulfill its promise, reminding earlier assurances by the BJP-led government.
Government’s Response
The Assam government has respected the people’s demand and announced that negotiations with the Centre are underway. But intricacies surrounding the classification process and apprehensions from the current ST communities have hindered the progress. Political analysts feel that the voters’ mood in the upcoming elections will be determined by the government’s attitude towards this matter.
Conclusion
As India Home Minister Amit Shah heads to Assam, Koch-Rajbongshi ST status demand remains a topic of discussion. While the government is being nudged by the community in India, it will be closely watched how the government reacts to the demand, and its social and political implications within the state will be enormous.
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