GRANT OF ST STATUS TO KOCH-RAJBONGSHIS OF ASSAM - IS IT ENOUGH?

The news on likely grant of scheduled Tribe status to Koch-Rajbanshis in Assam has been taken by Rajbanshi communities as a whole with mixed feelings. While the intellectuals among them are shy and silent about it, most of the younger lot are happy. After all, they are likely to get jobs. But, is it enough? The question goes unanswered. It happened earlier also; ST status was granted to Koch-Rajbongshis through an ordinance in Assam once before but was in vogue for only a decade. Is the move a step to put the clock back once again?

 Article 342 of the Constitution of India notifies Scheduled Tribes as having five major characteristics - primitive traits, geographical isolation, distinct culture, shyness of contact with community at large and economic backwardness. Do these characteristics still exist in Koch-Rajbongshsis of Assam? Not going by the answer in proper, let us see its implications. 

 This time, motive of grant of ST status is different – to stop foreigners (Bangladeshis) to grab lands in Assam. Does it mean that Koch-Rajbongshis will have socio-economic and political rights in at least half a dozen districts in lower Assam and will have a chance to rule themselves? Will it happen that they will no more remain subjugated under mainstream Assamese people? May be, there is hidden agenda behind granting ST status to these people which may lead to making them second grade citizen perpetually. And, of course, finish them politically and socially...I have lot many doubts.

Simply, status of ST with only 7% to 10% reservation in job market will make them to get extinct from their motherland. Being ethnic people and majority in population, they need to have a say in their governance. Again, I reiterate the dictum of democratic principle -“People like to be ruled by themselves”. They must be given civil and political rights as enshrined in Part-X, “The Scheduled and Tribal Areas”, Article 244 in the Constitution of India. They must administer their own areas as per wide ranging powers given in the Sixth Schedule. Simply, ST Status is not enough. 

 Option for a separate State for them to be named 'Kamatapur' or 'Kamata-Koch Behar' should not be ruled out. In fact, the demand for separate state is more genuine and much older than any other such demands elsewhere in the country. If that happens, they will not only get the major portion of the benefits such as more than 50% job reservation, own government, right on the land holding and above all, safeguard to live with dignity. For sure, ST status will make them perpetually third grade citizens of India(after General Caste and SC). 

Comments

  1. Capt. Nalini Ranjan Ray14 July 2013 at 01:08

    Thanks to all for positive response from all over the world.
    It indicates Rajbanshi communities as a whole (Koch Rajbanshis of Assam / Rajbanshi Kshatriyas of North Bengal, Bihar, Nepal, Bangladesh etc.) need a better deal and not dilly-dallying with the non-issues like name of their language, identity, name of proposed separate state etc. Remember, Rajbanshis have a brilliant history with vast territory in eastern and north eastern India and never came under foreign rule. Please do not divide them to rule. They are in fact, more nationalist Indians than many others.

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  2. deekay4 August 2013 at 05:42

    Dear Ray, You have rightly pointed the reality. This time Center is arriving at a conclusion to give ST status to the Koch Rajbanshis to solve the ULFA problem. As per ULFA dictat, along with KochRajbanshis, five other communities of Assam may get that status before the coming Parliamentary Election. Getting all the MP seats are important to them, not the Koch Rajbanshis!! Let us observe what may come. Be Alert..

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