The Assam Cabinet has approved a significant policy amendment, exempting the Tea Tribe, Moran, Motok, and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities from the state’s two-child policy. The decision, taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aims to safeguard the demographic balance and cultural identity of these vulnerable and small indigenous groups.
The two-child norm, introduced through the Assam Public Services (Application of Small Family Norms in Direct Recruitment) Rules, 2019, previously barred individuals with more than two children from eligibility for state government jobs and certain welfare schemes. The latest cabinet resolution lifts these restrictions for the specified communities.
Chief Minister Sarma explained that the move followed detailed consultations with social scientists and community leaders. “Some micro-communities in Assam, including the Morans and Motoks, have very small populations. A strict two-child norm could threaten their long-term existence and identity. This exemption is essential for their protection,” he said.
The Tea Tribe community—comprising descendants of workers brought to Assam’s tea plantations during the British era—has long been among the state’s most economically and socially marginalized groups. Similarly, the Moran and Motok communities have repeatedly sought special recognition and support to preserve their unique heritage and social structure.
Officials said the new exemption reflects a shift in Assam’s population policy, from a uniform control approach to one that recognizes the diversity and vulnerability of certain ethnic groups.
The decision has been widely welcomed by community representatives, who described it as a long-awaited step toward social justice. However, some experts have cautioned that the exemption should be implemented carefully to prevent misuse and ensure fairness across communities.
The state government is expected to issue formal guidelines soon, outlining how the exemption will be applied in recruitment and welfare processes.
Assam Cabinet exempts Tea Tribe, Moran, Motok, and ST communities from two-child policy.
Aim: Protect small indigenous populations and preserve cultural identity.
Restriction on state job eligibility lifted for the notified groups.
Decision based on expert and community recommendations.
