The Assam Cabinet has approved granting Other Backward Class (OBC) status to the state’s 37 tea tribe communities. This was one among several key decisions taken by the government during a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.
With this decision, these communities will now be officially recognized as Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Addressing media persons, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that these communities were earlier categorized as sub-castes, but now they will be recognized independently.
He said, “These communities were earlier categorised as sub-castes. Now, they will be given the status of OBC independently. The Social Welfare department will issue a notification soon.”
The inclusion will come into effect subject to the receipt of verified reports from the concerned District Commissioners. It also introduces a streamlined dual-certification process to facilitate easier access to OBC certificates and related benefits.
The Assam government’s decision, coming ahead of the Assembly elections, is expected to boost its support, as tea tribe communities hold significant influence in the state’s electoral landscape.
Also Read: Assam Cabinet approves renaming of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College in Barpeta
Apart from this, the Cabinet also decided to extend the Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme to street vendors operating in census towns across the state.
Another key decision was the extension of the South East Guwahati Water Supply Project to uncovered areas such as Noonmati at an estimated cost of Rs 1,367 crore. The project will be implemented by Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
Further, the Cabinet also decided to declare a government holiday on Ali Aye Ligang and allot 10 bighas of land of Zubeen Khetra in Sonapur to the Cultural Affairs department.
