A Breakthrough for Assam’s Indigenous Groups? Cabinet Moves ST Proposal Closer to Reality

The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur on Wednesday evening, approved a series of key decisions spanning social inclusion, cultural preservation, and administrative strengthening.

A major decision of the meeting was the approval of the report submitted by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on the long-pending demand for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six major communities of Assam — Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes (Adivasis).

The three-member GoM, headed by Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, with Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika and Health Minister Keshab Mahanta as members, will now place the proposal before the Assam Legislative Assembly. After deliberation in the House, the proposal will be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further action.

Vrindavani Vastra Museum Approved
In a significant cultural initiative, the Cabinet approved the transfer of land at the Government Muga Farm in Khanapara to the Cultural Affairs Department for setting up a dedicated Vrindavani Vastra Museum. The museum aims to conserve, interpret, and showcase the historic textile, regarded as one of Assam’s most revered artistic treasures.

New Service Rules for ASSTC Teaching Cadre
Strengthening administrative capacity, the Cabinet approved the Assam Survey & Settlement Training Centre (ASSTC) Teachers’ Service Rules, 2025. The new framework will govern recruitment, service conditions, and career progression for faculty at the Dakhingaon-based centre. Approval was also granted to fill six vacant Assistant Teacher positions.

With these decisions, the state government aims to advance long-standing community demands, preserve Assam’s cultural heritage, and streamline institutional functioning.

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