Why in the News?

Recently, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren urged Assam’s Himanta Biswa Sarma to grant ST status to tea tribes, he was also strategically countering the BJP’s campaign in election-bound Jharkhand.

Demand for Scheduled Tribe Status

Recognition of Marginalization: The Jharkhand CM has emphasized that the tea tribes in Assam, numbering around 70 lakh, are marginalized despite their significant contributions to the state’s economy.
- He has formally requested Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for these communities, which are currently classified as Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Assam, limiting their access to essential government benefits and protections associated with ST status.
ST Status: The tea tribes meet the criteria for ST status due to their distinct cultural identity, traditional way of life, and vulnerability to exploitation.
- Many members of these tribes are indigenous to Jharkhand and have historical ties to Assam, having migrated there during colonial rule to work in tea plantations.

Which are the Tea Tribes in Assam?

Munda: Originating from the Chotanagpur plateau, they are one of the most prominent groups among the tea tribes in Assam.
Santhal: They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their traditional music and dance.
Oraon: This group also hails from central India and has a strong presence in Assam’s tea gardens.
Gond: Primarily found in central India, Gonds are part of the tea tribes due to historical migration patterns.
Kurukh: This group is related to the Oraon and shares linguistic and cultural ties with them.
Bhumij: They were brought to Assam for labor in tea plantations.

The criteria for a community to be recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in India:

As established by the Lokur Committee and currently followed by the Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI), include:

Primitive Traits: Indications of a primitive lifestyle or cultural practices that are less developed compared to mainstream society.
Distinctive Culture: A unique cultural identity that differentiates the community from others, including language, traditions, and customs.
Geographical Isolation: Communities that are historically or currently isolated from the mainstream population, often residing in remote areas.
Shyness of Contact with the Community at Large: A tendency to avoid interaction with broader society, which may stem from historical marginalization.
Backwardness: Socio-economic disadvantages compared to the general population, including lower levels of education and economic development.

How do the Tea Tribes contribute to the Economy?

Major Workforce: The tea tribes form the backbone of Assam’s tea industry, which is one of the largest in the world.
- Approximately 53% of India’s total tea production comes from Assam, and a significant portion of this labor force comprises tea tribe members, particularly women.
Economic Dependence: It is estimated that around 20 lakh people (2 million) in Assam are directly or indirectly dependent on the tea industry for their livelihoods.
- The wages earned by tea tribe workers are a primary source of income for many families within these communities.

Cultural Heritage and Historical Injustices

Due to Cultural Displacement: The tea tribes face challenges in preserving their cultural heritage due to their classification as OBCs. This status affects their land rights and access to employment opportunities, leading to a loss of cultural identity.
Due to Socio-economic Challenges: Despite contributing significantly to Assam’s tea industry, the tea tribes suffer from poor living conditions, lack of educational facilities, and inadequate healthcare.
- They often live in poverty and face systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing government programs designed for marginalized communities. This situation reflects historical injustices stemming from colonial labor practices that uprooted them from their ancestral lands.

Way forward:

Granting ST Status: Expedite the process of granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the tea tribes, which would provide them with legal recognition and access to special protections, reservations, and welfare schemes aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
Improving Living Conditions: Implement targeted government programs to improve the living conditions of tea tribe communities, focusing on access to education, healthcare, and better infrastructure in tea plantation areas.

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