New Delhi, Oct. 1: The Narendra Modi government's plan to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in Assam before the Assembly elections next year is facing a hurdle.

The Centre, which had sought comments from all the state governments last month on change of modalities for recognition of new tribes, has received replies from only 12 states. Even the Tarun Gogoi-led Assam government has not sent an opinion, tribal affairs minister Jual Oram is understood to have told a delegation today.

Student associations of the six communities, Adivasi, Koch Rajbongshi, Moran, Muttock, Sootea and Tai Ahom, who met Oram here today, said the changes to be made to modalities for recognition of communities as STs may be delayed.

There is pressure on the Centre to show results. Recognition of these communities as STs is important for the BJP's chances in Assam's polls, due around April next year. The demand for granting ST status is also a part of the charter of demands of Ulfa (pro-talks.

Despite an assurance from Oram that the Centre would try to wind up the issue before the polls, the student organisations are unwilling to let up the pressure and are considering gherao of BJP MPs from Assam. "We are not satisfied with today's meeting as it has become a lengthy process," said Prahlad Goala, president of the Assam Tea Tribes Students Association. "As in the last 15 years, the Centre will blame the states and vice-versa," he said.

To recognise the six communities as STs, rules for recognition of the new tribes had to be tweaked. A cabinet note was prepared and views from central ministries and departments were elicited. Later, the note was sent to the states for their views.

Article 342 of the Constitution notifies Scheduled Tribes as having five major characteristics - primitive traits, geographical isolation, distinct culture, shyness of contact with community at large and economic backwardness. The new modalities seek to broaden the scope for recognition of communities as STs.

When leaders of the communities had met government representatives on August 6, they were told that the Union cabinet would clear the proposal for changing modalities by September 15. "But now it seems it is going to take time. Though the minister has assured us of results before the elections, we will believe only when it happens," said Hiteshwar Burman, president of Assam Koch Rajbongshi Students Union. He said they would keep up the pressure for recognition of tribes.

Even if the government is able to elicit replies before the winter session of Parliament, there is uncertainty over how quickly a constitutional amendment will be passed in both the Houses.

There are 97 sub-groups among the tea tribes and during the UPA government's tenure 36 groups were considered for recognition as STs. "Let us see what happens after the modalities are changed. We want recognition for all 97 communities," Goala said.

With the BJP relying on tea garden workers for their votes - in Upper Assam constituencies this community supported the party during the general elections - the community is waiting to test the BJP.