Tea Tribes of Assam Seek Scheduled Tribe Status: Cultural Identity and Socio-Economic Demands.
Introduction
In September 2025, 36 tea tribes of Assam renewed their demand for recognition as Scheduled Tribes (STs). The move is part of a larger struggle to shed colonial-era labels, preserve cultural identity, and access constitutional safeguards. This demand coincides with ongoing wage negotiations in Assam’s tea sector and a shift toward tea tourism as climate change impacts production.
Background
Colonial Legacy: During British rule, tribal communities from present-day Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh were brought to Assam as indentured laborers in tea plantations. They came to be collectively known as “tea tribes” or “tea garden workers.”
Current Classification: Despite being recognized as Scheduled Tribes in states of origin (e.g., Santhal, Munda, Oraon), in Assam they are categorized as Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Socio-Economic Marginalization: Low wages, poor access to education, healthcare, and land rights continue to keep these communities at the margins. Their demand for ST recognition is both a cultural and socio-economic struggle.
Key Developments
Demand for ST Status: Tea tribes argue that generic labels erase their distinct cultural heritage. Recognition as STs would restore their original identities and provide them constitutional protections.
Government’s Response: Assam has initiated discussions on issuing caste certificates in individual tribal names rather than the umbrella term “tea tribes.” A gazette notification is awaited.
Shift to Tea Tourism: Declining productivity due to erratic rainfall and soil degradation has encouraged estates to diversify into tea tourism, creating both opportunities and risks for workers.
Wage Negotiations: Alongside identity politics, wage disputes remain crucial. Current daily wages (~₹250–₹300) are contested, with unions demanding parity with national agricultural labor standards.
Significance
Cultural Identity: Recognizing tea tribes by their original names helps preserve languages, customs, and oral traditions.
Political Empowerment: ST status would grant them representation in reserved constituencies and greater say in policymaking.
Economic Benefits: Access to ST reservations in education and jobs could uplift future generations.
Social Justice: Corrects a historical anomaly where the same communities enjoy ST status in other states but not in Assam.
Challenges and Implications
Demographic Concerns: Granting ST status to 36 communities could alter Assam’s political balance, raising concerns among existing tribal groups.
Administrative Complexity: Implementing distinct recognition for each tribe may require comprehensive socio-anthropological surveys.
Climate Vulnerability: Even with ST recognition, tea tribes face livelihood risks as climate change affects tea output, forcing migration to new industries like tourism.
Centre-State Coordination: Constitutional amendments may be required, needing Parliament’s approval and coordination with state policies.
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