ST Status Issue
Welfare package for Adivasis likely: Shillong/Guwahati, Dec 15:: Assam Government is contemplating to introduce a welfare package, which may be on a par with those enjoyed by the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, for the agitating Adivasis and other five groups who are demanding ST status, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs PR Kyndiah said here on Friday. Speaking to reporters here, Kyndiah said he was aware of Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's plan to introduce a welfare package for the tribes who are not scheduled tribes from sources in the Assam Government. The package includes many welfare benefits and schemes. There were demands from Koch Rajbongshis, Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, and tea garden communities (Adivasis) living in Assam to be included as scheduled tribes. Kyndiah reiterated that he was open to the inclusion of more tribes in scheduled list and at the same time stressed that a time frame cannot be given to any group demanding ST status. Kyndiah however poin...