Source: THE TELEGRAPH

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Context

The demand for ST status by Koch-Rajbongshi community along with five other groups has reignited debates in Assam as existing ST communities strongly oppose move citing socio-economic concerns & electoral implications.

Key Highlights

Koch-Rajbongshi community along with five other ethnic groups (Adivasis, Ahoms, Chutias, Mataks, Morans) has reiterated its demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status ahead of Amit Shah Assam visit.

Koch-Rajbongshi Sanmilita Joutha Mancha submitted a 15-point memorandum emphasizing their demand for ST status, revival of Kamatapur State & creation of Chilarai Regiment in the armed forces.

Established ST groups including Bodos, Rabhas, Dimasas,  Garos oppose granting ST status to these communities citing risks of losing reservation benefits & political representation.

Registrar General of India has rejected demand for ST status for these communities multiple times (1981–2006) citing their socio-economic advancement compared to existing ST groups.

Koch-Rajbongshis were granted ST status in 1996 but lost it after six months due to protests when they took a large share of reserved seats in medical & engineering colleges.You said:

Koch-Rajbongshi Tribe

Koch-Rajbongshi community is an indigenous ethnic group mainly found in western Assam, northern West Bengal, & parts of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan.

Historically they were rulers of Kamatapur Kingdom which covered parts of present-day Assam, West Bengal, Bangladesh.

Koch-Rajbongshis were originally part of Koch dynasty which ruled Kamatapur Kingdom in 16th century under Maharaja Naranarayan & his general Chilarai.

Over time community underwent socio-cultural transformation with many adopting Hindu & Vaishnavite traditions.

After fall of Koch dynasty community was divided into Koch (Hinduized population) & Rajbongshis (who retained their tribal identity to some extent).

Koch-Rajbongshis speak Rajbongshi, Assamese, Bengali with Rajbongshi being a dialect of Assamese-Bengali origin.

The tribe celebrates Bishuva Sankranti, Magh Bihu, Durga Puja & Bhatheli (a spring festival).

Traditional dance forms include Husori, Chira-dance & Bishu-dance which are performed during festivals.

The men wear dhoti & gamocha while women wear mekhela-chador similar to Assamese attire.

Koch-Rajbongshis have been traditionally involved in agriculture, weaving, fishing, cattle rearing.

The community enjoys OBC (Other Backward Classes) status but section of them continues to demand Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for better representation & reservation benefits.

Arguments in Favor of ST Status:

Indigenous Identity: The community asserts that they were originally tribals who later underwent socio-cultural transformation.

Socio-Economic Backwardness: Many Koch-Rajbongshis especially in rural areas face poverty, lack of education, unemployment.

Political & Educational Representation: ST status would grant them reservation benefits in jobs, education, politics.

Historical Displacement: Many were displaced due to political conflicts, floods & lack of land rights.

Arguments Against ST Status:

Opposition from Existing ST Communities: Tribes like Bodos, Dimasas, Garos, Rabhas argue that Koch-Rajbongshis are economically & educationally advanced & granting them ST status would reduce share of benefits for existing ST groups.

Registrar General of India (RGI) rejected their demand multiple times (1981, 1986, 2000, 2006).

Electoral & Political Concerns: There are concerns that granting ST status would shift political power & reservation benefits away from current ST communities in Assam & Bengal.

A Singla Committee was set up in 2011 to assess the feasibility of granting ST status to six OBC communities including Koch-Rajbongshis.

Scheduled Tribes of Assam 

Plains Tribes (ST-P) reside in Brahmaputra Valley & receive 10% reservation in Assam.

Hill Tribes (ST-H) live mainly in Karbi Anglong & Dima Hasao districts with 5% reservation.

Sources:

THE HINDU