This research article examines the rising controversy in Arunachal Pradesh concerning offsprings of non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe fathers (non APST) and Arunachal Pradesh Schedule Tribe (APST) mothers who attempt to obtain Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by adopting maternal surnames. Maternal surnames are use as a tool to get indigenous status in the state and such actions have drawn strong opposition from indigenous people, organizations, student unions and civil societies across the state. Using a socio-legal and descriptive analytical approach, this article discusses the historical, legal and cultural contexts of the issue and it also documents patterns of alleged fraudulent claims and analyzes the negative consequences for indigenous communities. The findings demonstrate that such practices are perceived as threat to indigenous identity, demographic and cultural threat which undermine access to scarce employment opportunities and destabilize trust in governance mechanism. The article also recommends awareness measures, strict legal safeguards and policy measures to safeguard Arunachal Pradesh Schedule Tribe rights and identity.
Taying, M. (2026). Non Arunachal Pradesh Schedule Tribe Offsprings of Arunachal Pradesh Schedule Tribe Mothers and their Claim on Arunachal Pradesh Schedule Tribe Status: A Threat to Indigenous Identity and Cultural Identity of Arunachal Pradesh. International Journal of Academic Excellence and Research, 02(02), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.62823/IJAER/02.02.207