Meghalaya’s recent government decision has left a handful of its resident tribes in a difficult situation. Five minor tribal populations, namely Bodo-Kachari, Hajong, Koch, Mann, and Rabha, have been abruptly excluded from the benefits of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. These tribes have been categorised as ‘unrepresented tribes’. They are indigenously connected to Meghalaya, having established their settlements before the state was officially formed in 1972. The state is now pushing for this word ‘unrepresented’ to be stripped from the Constitution’s Sixth Schedule, impacting these minor tribes adversely.
The Importance of the Sixth Schedule and Autonomy to Tribes
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution serves as a critical statutory instrument, providing exclusive provisions tailored to the welfare and advancement of Scheduled Tribes and residents of tribal areas located in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura. Autonomous tribal councils, including Garo, Jaintia, and Khasi district councils, which form Meghalaya’s three major autonomous councils, primarily cater to matrilineal communities. The proposed amendment will potentially rob these Scheduled Tribes of their constitutional right to representation within autonomous district councils.
The Consequence for Unrepresented Tribes
As a result of the governmental decision, these tribes would lose their eligibility for election based on adult suffrage. Hence, tribe members would not be able to actively participate in the governance process affecting their socio-political and economic lives.
Understanding Unrepresented Tribes
It’s important to grasp the roots, customs and history of these unrepresented tribes to understand the gravity of this decision on their lives. Each tribe has its distinct cultural, linguistic, and social aspects which are an integral part of their identity.
| Tribe | Origin | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Hajong | Indian Subcontinent | N/A |
| Rabha | Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal | Rabha, Assamese |
| Koch | Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bangladesh | Tibeto-Burman languages |
| Bodo-Kachari | Assam | Assamese and other Tibeto-Burman languages |
Detailed Overview of Unrepresented Tribes
The Hajong are predominantly rice farmers who practice endogamy, with the majority residing in India. They observe Hindu rites and customs. The Rabha tribe has members spread across Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal. They mostly communicate in Rabha and Assamese languages.
The Koch tribe, a Tibeto-Burman ethnolinguistic group, is primarily located in Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, and Bangladesh. According to the census of 1881, they are part of the Bodo-Kachari people. Bodo-Kachari itself is a broad term applied to a number of ethnic groups living predominantly in Assam. They generally speak Assamese and other Tibeto-Burman languages and share a common ancestry.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024