In 2026, which state government approved 3% reservation in Class I and II government jobs for Tea Tribes and Adivasis within the OBC quota?

The correct answer is Assam . Key Points The Assam Cabinet , led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma , approved a landmark decision to provide a 3% reservation for the Tea Tribes and Adivasi communities in state government services. This specific reservation is applicable to Class I and Class II posts, which include high-level administrative and gazetted officer roles. The reservation is carved out from the existing 27% quota allocated for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and More Other Backward Classes (MOBC) in the state. The move aims to ensure that these historically marginalized communities, who are integral to the tea industry of the state, have better representation in the higher echelons of administration . The beneficiaries belong to the Tea Tribes and Adivasi groups, which were brought to Assam as laborers during the British colonial period . Additional Information Demographics of Tea Tribes : These communities represent nearly 17% to 20% of Assam's total population . They are primarily concentrated in the tea-growing districts such as Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and Golaghat . Socio-Economic Status : Despite their significant contribution to the Assam Tea industry, which produces more than 50% of India's total tea , these tribes have historically faced socio-economic challenges and limited access to higher education and senior government jobs . Job Classification : In India , Class I and Class II jobs generally refer to Group A and Group B officers. These are typically recruited through the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) . OBC Quota Dynamics : The 27% OBC reservation in Assam is shared among various communities. By creating a 3% sub-quota , the government ensures a guaranteed share for the Tea Tribes within this pool. Cultural Identity : The Adivasis in Assam include various ethnic groups such as the Santhals, Oraons, Mundas, and Gonds , many of whom have been demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for decades. Important Points Constitutional Provisions : Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India enables the state to make any provision for the reservation of appointments or posts in favor of any backward class of citizens which, in the opinion of the state, is not adequately represented in the services under the state. Governance and Policy : The decision was part of the Assam Government's wider initiative to promote social justice and inclusive growth among the indigenous and backward communities of the state. Representation Demands : This policy responds to long-standing demands from organizations like the Assam Tea Tribes Students' Association (ATTSA) for greater political and administrative empowerment. Legislative Impact : Such reservations are intended to bridge the gap in literacy rates and economic parity between the tea garden workers and the rest of the state's population.