This article discusses the recent additions to the Scheduled Tribes list by the government, covering a range of states such as Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. This move is an acknowledgment of the longstanding demands from these states.
Process of Inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes List
The process of inclusion in the ST list commences with recommendations from the respective state governments. These recommendations are then forwarded to the Tribal Affairs Ministry for review and then passed on to the Registrar General of India for approval. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes then reviews this before forwarding it to the Cabinet for the final decision.
Information on Newly Added Tribes
One of the newly added tribes are the Hatti Tribe from Himachal Pradesh, whose name arises from their tradition of selling products at markets called ‘haat’. In Tamil Nadu, the nomadic Narikoravan and Kurivikkaran tribes, known for their hunting and gathering lifestyle, have been included. The Binjhia community from Chhattisgarh, who were already listed as an ST in Jharkhand and Odisha, have also been included. The Gond Community from Uttar Pradesh and the Betta-Kuruba community in Karnataka have also been acknowledged as Scheduled Tribes.
Benefits Arising from Inclusion in the ST List
Inclusion in the ST list allows members of the communities to access benefits intended for STs under existing government schemes. Some significant benefits include post-matric scholarship, overseas scholarship, concessionary loans from the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation, and student hostel facilities. Beneficiaries can also avail reservation benefits in services and admission to educational institutions according to government policy.
Status of Scheduled Tribes in India
As per the 1931 Census, Scheduled tribes were termed as “backward tribes” living in “Excluded” and “Partially Excluded” areas. The Government of India Act of 1935 was the first to call for representatives of “backward tribes” in provincial assemblies. The Constitution does not define the criteria for recognition of Scheduled Tribes. This has led to the usage of the 1931 Census definition in the initial years after independence. Article 366(25) provides a process for defining Scheduled Tribes, via public notifications issued by the President, after consultation with the Governor.
Legal Provisions and Initiatives
Several legal protections are available for Scheduled Tribes, such as the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 against Untouchability, Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996. Further, various initiatives like TRIFED Digital Transformation of Tribal Schools, Development of PVTGs, Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana are undertaken to uplift these communities.
Related Committees
Various committees like the Xaxa Committee (2013), Bhuria Commission (2002-2004), Lokur Committee (1965) were set-up to investigate issues related to scheduled tribes. These committees play a crucial role in shaping the policies and programs affecting these communities.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
A previous year question from the Civil Services Examination is included for reference. It pertains to matching tribes to their respective states, testing the candidate’s knowledge about the geographical distribution of specific tribal communities.
