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Politics
SBI Removes ST Status Barrier for Arunachal Christians
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 16 Oct 2026, 08:32 PM
👁 11
State Bank of India has lifted the Scheduled Tribe status requirement that previously prevented Christians in Arunachal Pradesh from accessing certain benefits, marking a significant policy shift.
In a landmark decision, the State Bank of India announced that it will no longer require Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Christians in Arunachal Pradesh to avail of specific banking benefits.
The move follows long-standing protests by Christian communities who argued that the ST designation, reserved for indigenous tribal groups, excluded them from certain financial schemes.
Under the new policy, Christians will be eligible for the same loan schemes, credit facilities, and other benefits that were previously limited to non-Christian ST members.
The bank said the change aligns with the government's broader efforts to ensure inclusive development in the state, and it will be implemented across all branches by the end of the fiscal year.
The move follows long-standing protests by Christian communities who argued that the ST designation, reserved for indigenous tribal groups, excluded them from certain financial schemes.
Under the new policy, Christians will be eligible for the same loan schemes, credit facilities, and other benefits that were previously limited to non-Christian ST members.
The bank said the change aligns with the government's broader efforts to ensure inclusive development in the state, and it will be implemented across all branches by the end of the fiscal year.