The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, has approved a report recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six major communities of the state.
The communities identified in the report include Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi, and the Tea Tribes (Adivasis). The report was prepared by a Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, with Ministers Pijush Hazarika and Keshab Mahanta as members.
Speaking during the Cabinet briefing, Chief Minister Sarma said, “This report will represent the aspirations of our six communities. It has been prepared carefully to fulfill their hopes without affecting the rights of the existing tribal communities.” He added that the report would now be placed before the Assam Legislative Assembly and following approval, forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for final consideration. 
The Cabinet’s approval comes after years of demands from these communities for recognition as Scheduled Tribes, which would enable them to access benefits in education, employment, and social welfare.
“The principal will give permission to submit this report in the ongoing Assembly session,” Chief Minister Sarma added.
