Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India are officially recognized in 30 states and Union Territories (UTs). Approximately 705 distinct ethnic groups are classified as STs. They comprise about 8.6% of India’s total population, which was around 43 crore according to the 2011 census. A majority, 89.97%, reside in rural areas, while 10.03% live in urban settings.
Primitive Tribal Groups
Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) are a subset of the ST population, constituting about 1.57% of the total ST demographic. This equates to roughly 1.32 million individuals. PTGs are recognized for their unique cultural identities and socio-economic challenges.
Geographic Distribution
The majority of STs are concentrated in seven states –
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Odisha
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Jharkhand
- Chhattisgarh
Conversely, Delhi NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Puducherry, and Chandigarh have no ST population.
Characteristics of Tribal Communities
Tribal communities in India exhibit several defining characteristics:
- Distinctive Culture: Each tribe has unique customs and traditions.
- Collective Identity: Tribes share a strong communal identity based on history and culture.
- Communal Land Ownership: Land is viewed as a community resource.
- Rural Livelihoods: Many depend on agriculture and forest resources.
- Animistic Beliefs: Spiritual practices often involve a belief in spirits.
- Marginalisation: Many tribes face discrimination and social exclusion.
- Limited Access to Amenities: Basic services like healthcare and education are often lacking.
- Linguistic Diversity: Numerous languages and dialects are spoken among tribes.
- Socio-Economic Backwardness: Many tribes experience poverty and unemployment.
- Geographical Isolation: Many live in remote areas, limiting their access to services.
Endogamy and Social Structure
Endogamy is prevalent in tribal societies, promoting marriages within the same tribe. This practice helps maintain cultural identity and resist integration with surrounding populations.
Vulnerable Tribal Groups
The Ministry of Home Affairs has classified 75 Scheduled Tribes as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These groups face severe socio-economic challenges and are often isolated from mainstream society. Key characteristics of PVTGs include:
- Pre-agriculture Technology: PVTGs often rely on traditional hunting and gathering.
- Homogeneity: They are typically small, culturally uniform communities.
- Population Trends: Many PVTGs experience stagnant or declining populations.
- Physical Isolation: They often inhabit remote areas, limiting access to services.
- Low Literacy Rates: Education levels are often extremely low, below 10% in many cases.
- Subsistence Economy: Their economies are primarily based on traditional practices.
Examples of PVTGs
Some notable PVTGs include:
- Birhor: Jharkhand, population 15,000.
- Bondo: Odisha, population 12,000.
- Dongria Kondh: Odisha, population 8,000.
- Saharia: Madhya Pradesh, population over 400,000.
Constitutional Provisions for Scheduled Tribes
The Constitution of India includes several articles aimed at protecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes:
- Article 29: Protects the cultural rights of minorities.
- Article 46: Promotes educational and economic interests of weaker sections.
- Article 275 (1): Provides grants-in-aid for states with ST populations.
- Article 350A: Ensures facilities for instruction in mother-tongue.
Scheduled Areas
The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution defines Scheduled Areas. These areas are designated for the administration of tribal regions in ten states. The Sixth Schedule pertains to the governance of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
Legislative Provisions for Protection of STs
Several laws protect the rights of Scheduled Tribes:
- Forest Rights Act, 2006: Recognises the rights of PVTGs and forest dwellers.
- Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996: Extends Panchayat governance to tribal areas.
- Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation, 1956: Safeguards indigenous tribes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
High-Level Committee Recommendations
The High-Level Committee chaired by Prof. Virginius Xaxa made key recommendations for tribal welfare:
- Grant community forest rights.
- Enhance traditional tribal governance.
- Improve education in tribal areas.
- Ensure adequate healthcare facilities.
- Promote sustainable livelihoods.
Issues Faced by Tribals
Tribal communities face numerous challenges:
- Forest Rights: Restrictions on traditional practices threaten livelihoods.
- Discrimination: Tribals often experience social exclusion and prejudice.
- Access to Services: Limited access to healthcare and education affects quality of life.
Scheduled Castes
Scheduled Castes (SCs) are groups historically subjected to social and economic disadvantages. The classification is based on Article 341 of the Constitution of India.
Problems Faced by SCs
SCs encounter various issues:
- Denial of access to basic amenities.
- Human rights violations, including forced labour.
- Educational discrimination and social stigma.
Government Initiatives for SC Welfare
The Government of India has introduced several initiatives for SC empowerment:
- Post-Matric Scholarship: Financial aid for higher education.
- National Fellowship: Support for research in various fields.
- Free Coaching: Assistance for competitive exam preparation.
Economic Empowerment Initiatives
Economic initiatives include:
- NSFDC: Financial support for income-generating activities.
- Stand-Up India: Loans for SC and ST entrepreneurs.
- MUDRA Yojana: Loans for small businesses.
Social Empowerment Measures
Key social empowerment measures include:
- Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955: Addresses untouchability.
- Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989: Protects SCs and STs from discrimination.
