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Politics
Arunachal Forum Objects to SBI's General Category Tag for ST Christians
✍️ The New Indian Express
🗓 08 Oct 2026, 02:20 AM
👁 14
An Arunachal Pradesh-based forum has objected to the State Bank of India's classification of Scheduled Tribe Christians under the 'general' category. The forum says this classification could affect their access to tribal benefits.
The forum, representing various tribal groups in Arunachal Pradesh, noted that SBI's internal categorisation places Scheduled Tribe Christians in the general category instead of the ST category. According to the forum, this classification contradicts the constitutional safeguards meant for Scheduled Tribes and may lead to denial of benefits such as educational scholarships and job reservations. The forum has urged SBI to review its classification policy and ensure that ST Christians are correctly identified as Scheduled Tribe members for all official purposes. SBI has not yet issued a public response to the forum's concerns as of the time of reporting.