The Central Government of India is currently deliberating on a request by the Himachal Pradesh’ government to include the Hatti community in the list of Scheduled Tribes in the state. This demand has been persistent since 1967, gaining further momentum owing to several resolutions passed at various Maha Khumblis over the years.
Introduction to the Hatti Community
Originating from the tradition of selling their homegrown produce like vegetables, crops, meat, and wool at small markets or ‘haats’, the Hatti community were aptly named. This close-knit community is predominantly located at Sirmaur district which is bounded by two rivers, Giri and Tons. However, its members also reside across the border in the Jaunsar Bawar area of Uttarakhand.
Despite being separated from the royal estate of Sirmaur in 1815, the Hattis maintain similar traditions with its residents and inter-marriages are quite common. The community follows a rigid caste system and is governed by a traditional council called Khumbli. These ruling methods remain strong despite the introduction of the Panchayati Raj System.
Interior geographical locations like Kamrau, Sangrah, and Shilliai contribute to the Hattis trailing behind in education and employment opportunities.
Understanding Scheduled Tribes
As per Article 366 (25) of the Indian Constitution, Scheduled Tribes refer to certain communities that meet specifications laid down by Article 342. According to this, the President, through an initial public notification or a subsequent amending Act of Parliament, officially declares these communities as Scheduled Tribes.
Being a Scheduled Tribe is State or Union Territory specific, so a community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in one area might not hold the same status in another. The Constitution does not explicitly mention the criteria for categorization as a Scheduled Tribe, however characteristics like primitiveness, geographical isolation, shyness, and social, educational, and economic backwardness differentiate them from other communities.
Among Scheduled Tribes, 75 are identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These groups show traits like a pre-agricultural level of technology, stagnant or declining population, extremely low literacy, and a subsistence level of economy.
Government Initiatives for Scheduled Tribes
For the socio-economic empowerment of Scheduled Tribes, the government has implemented several initiatives. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, aims to recognize the forest rights and occupation in forest land of forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes.
Moreover, the Provision of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, extends the provisions of Panchayats to the tribal areas of eight states. The Minor Forest Produce Act 2005 assists in their livelihood cultivation, while the ST and SC (Prevention Of Atrocities) Act offers legal protection against social discrimination. Additionally, the Tribal Sub-Plan Strategy operates with a focus on socio-economic growth and progress among STs.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024