In recent news, the Lok Sabha passed the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2022. The bill, an amendment to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, seeks to include the Darlong community as a sub-tribe of Kuki tribe in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). This development is significant considering that the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has been dysfunctional for the last four years.
Status of Darlong Community in Tripura
The Darlong community is tribal inhabitants of Tripura with a population of about 11,000. Notably, they have a high prevalence of education and cultural activities. A tribal musicologist and Rosem (a tribal instrument) maestro from the community, Thanga Darlong, was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri a few years ago for his outstanding contributions to culture.
Tribal Population in Tripura
Tripura is home to 20 tribal communities living in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, which was formed on January 18, 1982. The council covers nearly 70% of Tripura’s total area and houses roughly 30% of the state’s population. Most of these communities continue to rely on slash and burn cultivation for their livelihood. Among them are the Tripura/Tripuri, Riang, Jamatia, Noatia, Uchai, Chakma, Mog, Lushai, Kuki, Halam, Munda, Kaur, Orang, Santal, Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Garo, Khasia, and Lepcha tribes. Some of them, like the Bongcher and Karbongs under the Halam community, are linguistically endangered.
Recent Initiatives for Tribal Betterment
In an effort to improve the conditions of the tribal population, the government has introduced several initiatives. These include the development of broadband and 4G connectivity in aspirational districts under the Scheduled Tribes component and a focus on advancing healthcare among tribals with financial backing from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Status of Scheduled Tribes in India
As per the 1931 Census, Scheduled Tribes are termed as “backward tribes” living in “Excluded” and “Partially Excluded” areas. The Government of India Act, 1935, first called for representatives of these tribes in provincial assemblies. The Constitution, however, does not define the criteria for recognizing Scheduled Tribes. Currently, over 705 tribes across India have been notified as Scheduled Tribes, largest number of them residing in Odisha.
Constitutional and Legal Provisions for STs
Legal provisions include the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 against Untouchability, Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, and Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. The Fifth Schedule lays out provisions for administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in certain states, while the Sixth Schedule pertains to the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
Examining UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
An illustration of the relevance of this topic to UPSC Civil Services Examination can be seen in the previous year’s questions such as those asking about Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India and ‘Changpa’ community. Both questions had a focus on Scheduled Tribes and their interests.
