ST STATUS TO KOCH-RAJBONGSHIS OF ASSAM - SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH



The news on likely grant of scheduled Tribe status to Koch-Rajbanshis in Assam has been hailed by young Koch-Rajbongshis of Assam as they are hopeful to get jobs. While intellectuals among them are silent and shy, most of the educated lot of Rajbonghsi(including Rajbanshi Kshatriyas)) communities have taken it with mixed feelings. It happened earlier also; ST status was granted to Koch-Rajbongshis through an ordinance in Assam once before, but was in vogue for only few years. 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. What about Rajbanshi Kshatriyas of North Bengal and few districts in Bihar? Will they accept ST status? These Rajbanshi kshatriyas take pride in being upper caste Hindu. If they are declared ST, then they will be equated with other STs like Santals, Oraons etc. who are mostly Christians. Does it mean that someday, Rajbanshis also will convert to Christianity? This questions arises to some Hindu and Rajbanshi Kshatriya leaders who fear of slow death of Hindu people from India, especially the Kshatriyas. 

 What will RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad(VHP) will say in such a move of the Govt., is yet to be seen.  

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”. Mind it, Rajbanshi dominated areas of North Bengal and Lower Assam  are having immense strategic value militarily which is to be considered for any future decision. 

 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 should not be ruled out.

 In fact, demand for separate 'Kamatapur' or 'Kamata-Greater Koch Behar' state is much older than any such demand elsewhere in the country and it is more genuine than others including those newly create states. If separate State is granted, then only they will be able to have all the rights such as job reservation of more than 50%, own people in the government and real development of the people.  

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