Assam Government Introduces 3% Reservation for Tea Tribes and Adivasis in High-Level Government Jobs
In a significant move aimed at social inclusion, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared on Tuesday that the state government has approved a 3% reservation for individuals from tea tribes and Adivasi communities in Grade I and II government positions. This decision comes as the northeastern state prepares for upcoming legislative assembly elections, highlighting the administration's focus on uplifting marginalized groups.
Expanding Opportunities for the Tea Community
The announcement builds upon a previous commitment made by CM Sarma in October last year during the 19th biennial general conference of the Assam Tea Tribe Students’ Association (ATTSA) and the central biennial general conference of the Assam Tea Tribe Women’s Association. At that event, held at Mariani College playground in Jorhat district, he had pledged to reserve 3% of Grade I and II jobs for youths from tea gardens.
"If we cannot bring the 40 lakh people of the tea community into the mainstream of society, Assam as a whole will never progress. Therefore, we are continuously working towards this goal," Sarma emphasized, underscoring the government's dedication to integrating these communities into the socio-economic fabric of the state.
This new reservation policy will apply to prestigious positions such as the Assam Civil Service (ACS) and Assam Police Service (APS), marking a substantial step forward in providing access to top-tier administrative and law enforcement roles. It complements the existing 3% reservation for tea and Adivasi communities under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota in Grade III and IV government jobs, which the state government has already implemented.
Political Developments and Election Preparations
Amidst the backdrop of election season, CM Sarma also revealed plans to visit the residence of disgruntled Congress leader Bhupen Kumar Borah, who resigned as the Assam unit chief on Monday. "I will visit Bhupen Kumar Borah's residence between 6:30 pm and 7 pm today. I already talked with him over the telephone," Sarma stated, indicating ongoing political maneuvers.
Following Borah's resignation, which has triggered political upheaval in the poll-bound state, Sarma extended an invitation for him to join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He promised to assist Borah in securing election from a "safe seat" if he decided to switch parties. "If he wants to join the BJP, we will welcome him, but even if he does not want to do so, we extend our best wishes to him," Sarma told reporters, showcasing a strategic approach to potential alliances.
Sarma further described Borah as the "last Hindu leader" in the Congress without a family background holding ministerial or legislative posts, suggesting that his resignation sends a broader message about internal democracy within the party.
Additional Initiatives and Election Logistics
In other developments, the state Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs 335 crore to establish the second Sainik School of Assam at Langvoku area in Karbi Anglong. This investment aims to enhance educational infrastructure and opportunities in the region.
Meanwhile, recognized national and state political parties in Assam have requested the Election Commission to conduct the assembly polls in either a single phase or a maximum of two phases. Officials informed news agency PTI that these demands were presented during meetings with the election commission on Tuesday.
The full bench of the poll body, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, is currently on a visit to Assam to review preparedness for the forthcoming assembly elections, ensuring that the electoral process is smooth and efficient.
