GUWAHATI, May 18 ? Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said the State Government was keen to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Adivasi people. The matter will be discussed in the next Cabinet session and then the Centre will be moved for expediting the process, he said. Speaking as chief guest at the concluding session of the sixth Adivasi Mohasabha organised by the All Adivasi Students? Association of Assam, Gogoi said the Government was doing its best to enure all-round development of the Adivasis. ?Adivasis living on government land for a long time will be granted pattas?, he declared, adding that a tribal cultural centre would be established soon to showcase the rich tribal heritage of the State.
The massive rally, taken out by thousands of Adivasis from the Khanapara veterinary college playground around 10 am turned violent as they totally blocked entry of any vehicle and indulged in stone-pelting resulting in damage to some cars, including two belonging to a scribe and an IAS officer. They also threw a lot of cycles into roadside drains. Common people and the commuters had a harrowing time as the processionists prevented entry to even ambulances carrying partients.
The Chief Minister also gave on account of the various schemes undertaken by the government for uplift of the Adivasis. He said the government was aware of the genuine grievances faced by the Adivasis and has accorded top priority to address those. Pradesh Congress president Paban Singh Ghatowar, PWD Minister Sarat Barkataky, Power Minister Devanand Konwar, Labour Minister Rupam Kurmi, Revenue Minister Mithias Tudu, Minister of state for PWD Etowa Munda, State Planning Board vice-chairman Silvius Condpan and AASAA president Justin Lokra, among others, also addressed the gathering.