Centre set to change existing criteria

From a Correspondent
New Delhi, Aug 6: The Centre on Thursday said that it will bring "necessary changes" in the existing modalities required to get Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Assuring this to a delegation of six communities from Assam, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said that his government will do all required modifications to give ST status to the six communities of the State. "We will bring an amendment in the Parliament seeking changes in the modalities," said Oram. However, before any amendment in the Parliament, it requires Cabinet nod. "We have already prepared a cabinet note for this," said Oram. A delegation of six communities including Moran, Mottok, Chutia, Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi and Tea tribes called on Oram and submitted a memorandum.