SCHEDULED TRIBES

INTRODUCTION

• Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India refer to the various indigenous communities or tribes that are recognized by the government for special protection and assistance. The Scheduled Tribes are listed in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• India boasts one of the world’s largest and most diverse tribal populations. As per the 2011 census, there are 104 million Scheduled Tribes, constituting 8.6% of the total population.
• These tribes, often referred to as Adivasis, are considered the earliest inhabitants of the Indian Peninsula, signifying their deep-rooted presence.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

1. Article 342: Identifies STs as tribes or communities recognized for Constitutional purposes.
2. Article 243D: Allocates seats for STs in Panchayats.
3. Article 330: Allocates seats for STs in the House of the People.
4. Article 332: Allocates seats for STs in State Legislative Assemblies.
5. Article 15(4): Provides for special provisions to advance STs alongside other backward classes.
6. Article 46: Mandates the promotion of STs’ educational and economic interests and protection against social injustice.

ISSUES

1. Cultural Erosion: Tribal cultures are being affected by urbanization, industrialization, and education, leading to a loss of traditional practices and identity.
2. Forest Rights Issues: Restrictions on traditional food gathering and shifting cultivation practices have impacted tribal livelihoods.
3. Land Acquisition: Tribal lands are frequently taken for development projects, leading to displacement and loss of traditional resources.
4. Educational Challenges: The absence of education in tribal languages contributes to lower literacy rates among Scheduled Tribes.
5. Infrastructure Deficits: Many tribal regions suffer from a lack of essential infrastructure such as sanitation, healthcare, and schools.
6. Displacement and Migration: Development-induced displacement forces many tribes to migrate and work as contract laborers under poor conditions.
7. Economic Disparities: Scheduled Tribes face economic marginalization due to limited access to resources and job opportunities.
8. Health Inequities: Poor health outcomes and inadequate medical services affect tribal communities more severely.
9. Political Underrepresentation: Scheduled Tribes often lack adequate representation in political and administrative decisions that impact their lives.
10. Legal and Bureaucratic Hurdles: Enforcement of tribal rights is often weak, with many facing legal and bureaucratic challenges in accessing support and services.

XAXA COMMITTEE (2013) : to study the 5 critical issues related to tribal communities

1. Livelihood and employment
2. Education
3. Health
4. Involuntary displacement and migration
5. Legal and Constitutional Matters

 IMPLICATIONS

 Issues faced by Scheduled Tribes in India impact the nation through

1. Economic Inefficiencies: Persistent poverty in tribal regions leads to national economic inefficiencies and missed growth opportunities.
2. Increased Social Tensions: Marginalization and displacement of tribes can cause social unrest and impact national stability.
3. Underutilization of Human Resources: Low literacy and education levels among tribes result in underutilized potential.
4. Public Health Strain: Poor health conditions in tribal areas place additional pressure on national healthcare systems.
5. Environmental Impact: Unsustainable development in tribal regions can degrade the environment and affect broader ecological systems.
6. Infrastructural Deficits: The need for better infrastructure in tribal areas strains national resources and finances.
7. Inequality and Social Divide: Economic and social disparities between tribal and non-tribal populations exacerbate national inequality.
8. Political Instability: Insufficient political representation of Scheduled Tribes can lead to dissatisfaction and instability.
9. Administrative Costs: Addressing tribal issues involves increased administrative costs and complexities.
10. Cultural Conflicts: Modernization disrupts tribal cultures, leading to cultural conflicts and loss of heritage.

INITIATIVES

Legal Empowerment

1. Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955
2. Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
3. Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
4. Recognition of Forest Rights Act, 2006

Educational Empowerment

1. Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme
2. Vocational Training Centres in Tribal Areas
3. Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (for SC, ST, OBCs, minority & BPL)

Economic Empowerment

1. Micro Credit Scheme for Self Help Groups (Rs 2.8 lakh crore from the banking system to SHGs)
2. Stand Up India Scheme to encourage entrepreneurship among Women and SC/ST

Social Empowerment

1. PESA Act 1996
2. Swasthya Portal (nutrition-related information for the tribal population)

INNOVATION

• Integrated Tribal Development Plans: Create detailed plans that merge health, education, and economic development, such as the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, which aims at comprehensive development in tribal areas.
• E-Governance and Digital Inclusion: Utilize technology to improve service access and information dissemination. For example, TRIFED’s Van Dhan Vikas Karyakram connects tribal producers with markets through digital platforms.
• Community-Based Education Models: Introduce educational programs that incorporate tribal languages and cultural relevance. The Adivasi Academy in Gujarat merges traditional knowledge with modern education to enhance literacy and cultural preservation.
• Sustainable Livelihood Programs: Promote practices that support tribal livelihoods while protecting natural resources. The Forest Rights Act (FRA) enables tribes to manage forest land sustainably.
• Health Care Innovations: Deploy mobile health units and telemedicine to reach remote tribal areas. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) supports such initiatives to improve healthcare access.
• Participatory Governance: Strengthen local governance by involving tribal communities in decision-making, as seen with the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), which empowers tribes in managing local resources.

CONCLUSION

• The advancement of Scheduled Tribes in India depends on a comprehensive strategy focusing on health, education, and economic development. Effective initiatives must address their specific needs and integrate them into national growth.
• Embracing technology for education, healthcare, and market access, alongside enhancing local governance, will empower tribes to contribute actively to their development.
• Policies that honor and integrate tribal cultures while promoting inclusivity will safeguard their heritage and enhance India’s cultural diversity, leading to a more unified and enriched nation. Such efforts will ensure Scheduled Tribes achieve sustainable development and meaningful involvement in the country’s future.

KEY FACTS ABOUT SC’s

• Scheduled Tribes are defined under the article 342 2.
• 2 % of the Indian population (2011 Census).
• Literacy Rate-59% Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report 2017-18 reveals an improvement in literacy rate of STS at 69.4%
• Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha have the largest ST population
• UN Dhebar (1960) & Dilip Singh Bhuria Committee (2002).