Assam News: The Assam government has taken a significant decision for the tea plantation tribes, Moran, and Motok, along with other endangered tribes. The two-child limit imposed on these communities has been lifted. This means that people with more than two children can now apply for government jobs. Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that his government has decided to exempt these communities from population control measures to prevent the possibility of their extinction.
Tribes to get employment opportunities
The Chief Minister informed that the Cabinet has announced exemptions for tea plantation tribes, Moran, Motok, and members of Scheduled Tribes from the two-child limit under the population policy. He clarified that if this exemption is not granted, these communities will lose their unique identity and may gradually become extinct over the next 50 years. This means that people from these communities will not be deprived of government schemes and jobs, and their culture will be preserved.
Concerns for the Survival of Small Tribes
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced in September 2021 that the state government would remove the two-child norm for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and traditional forest dwellers in government jobs. He also stated that the Moran community currently has a population of approximately 100,000. He warned that if this step is not taken, these small tribes will struggle to make a living and their survival prospects will be threatened.
Two-Child Policy Implemented in Assam
According to the Assam Public Service Rules 2019, the two-child policy came into effect in January 2021. Furthermore, a 2018 amendment to the Assam Panchayat Act 1994 stipulates that a two-child limit, minimum educational qualifications, and access to functional sanitary toilets are required to participate in Panchayat elections. The Chief Minister had also earlier said that his government would gradually implement the two-child policy for availing benefits under special welfare schemes of the state, so that there is no disruption to the public and the safety of the communities is ensured.
