Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha Margherita unit demands ST status for Adivasi and Tea Tribes

The Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) Margherita Branch has renewed its demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Adivasi and Tea Tribes community of Assam, questioning the BJP-led governments at both the Centre and the State over the continued delay. 

Speaking to reporters, ACMS Margherita Branch President Gautam Dhanowar said it was “deeply unfortunate” that the indigenous Adivasi and Tea Tribes community, despite residing in Assam for over 200 years, continues to be denied ST status.

Dhanowar said the community remains among the most deprived, exploited and neglected sections of Assam, often treated as a “vote bank” in the name of development. He criticised the Coordination Committee of the Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA) for opposing ST status for Adivasi and Tea Tribes, alleging that the organisation’s stand reflects “dirty politics” being played with the community’s future.

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Recalling historical discrimination, Dhanowar pointed out that even after decades of Independence, members of the Tea Tribes and Adivasi community were barred from voting in gaon panchayat elections. It was only after sustained protests and rallies that they were finally allowed to cast their votes in 1992, he said.

Dhanowar questioned the authority of the CCTOA in objecting to ST status for the community, arguing that states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal already recognise Adivasis as Scheduled Tribes. 

“If the Union and State governments are willing to grant ST status, who is the CCTOA to oppose it?” he asked, urging the government to act without delay.