The Department for Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes (WPT & BC) is the nodal department for formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for welfare and development of the Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes in the State. The Department is vested with the responsibilities of implementing the provisions of the Assam SC/ST Reservation Act, 1978 as amended in 2012 and Rules framed there under. The department is also responsible for implementation of Tribal Sub-Plan the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan Components of the State Annual Plan, Central and State Government funded programmes for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC in the State. Moreover this Deptt. is also responsible for implementation of Forest Rights Act, 2006 in the State.