scheduled tribe

Unveiling India's Scheduled Tribes: Heritage, Challenges, and Perspectives

Published on June 20, 2025
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6 Min read time

Quick Summary

  • Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India, also known as Adivasis, are indigenous communities that have been historically marginalized; the government’s “scheduled” classification is designed to address their social, economic, and educational disadvantage .
  • The Indian Constitution safeguards STs through specific provisions—most notably the Fifth and Sixth Schedules—which grant autonomy, protection of tribal lands, and cultural rights in designated scheduled areas
  • Today, there are over 700 notified tribal communities across India, with diverse languages, customs, and livelihoods, and they account for approximately 8–9% of the country’s population according to census data .

Table of Contents

What are Scheduled Tribes?

Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India refer to indigenous communities historically marginalized and disadvantaged. The classification aims to address their unique cultural identity and socio-economic backwardness and protect their rights.

This categorization originated in the Constitution of India to ensure targeted development and representation. The historical context traces back to British colonial policies that often exploited Indian tribes.

The legal framework, primarily embodied in the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Indian Constitution, provides safeguards for tribal land, autonomy, and political representation. Despite these measures, challenges persist, including displacement and inadequate socio-economic development. Recognizing and addressing the specific needs of Scheduled Tribes remains crucial for fostering inclusive growth and preserving India’s rich cultural diversity.

There is a National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and a National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in India. These commissions were established to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) and to ensure their social, educational, and economic development.

Scheduled Tribes & PVTGs

India’s cultural richness is woven with the stories of Scheduled Tribes and diverse communities with distinct identities. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) stand out, facing exceptional marginalisation. This exploration delves into the unique challenges and government initiatives to uplift Scheduled Tribes and the more vulnerable PVTGs, recognizing their vital role in India’s cultural tapestry.

Important Facts about Scheduled Tribes
In how many states do we find Scheduled Tribes?The STs are notified in 30 states and UTs
How many individual ethnic groups are notified as STs?705
What is the population of Scheduled Tribes in India?Approximately 10.43 crores
What is the rural and urban population of STs in India?The total population of STs in Rural Areas is approximately 9.38 croresThe total population of STs in Urban Areas is approximately 1.05 crores
What is the sex ratio of STs?990; Rural – 991 Urban – 980
Which Indian state has the largest population of STs?Madhya Pradesh has 14.7% of the total ST population, followed by Maharashtra (10.1%)
Which Indian states/UTs have no listed STs?Five states/UTs of India have no listed STs: Punjab Chandigarh Haryana NCT of Delhi Puducherry
Source – Census of India 2011

Understanding and addressing the needs of Scheduled Tribe and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups is pivotal for an inclusive and equitable India. Government initiatives, tailored to their specific challenges, underscore a commitment to not just development but also the preservation of unique cultural heritages.

Scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes in India 

Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India represent historically marginalised communities, each facing distinct yet interconnected struggles for social justice. SCs, also known as Dalits, are communities traditionally subjected to untouchability, while STs are indigenous groups facing historical disadvantage.

Both groups endure social discrimination, economic disparities, and limited resource access. The Constitution of India recognizes their plight, providing affirmative action through reservations in education, employment, and political representation.

Dual Struggles:

  • Overlapping Concerns: Shared issues like land rights and education.
  • Affirmative Policies: Reservations to address historical injustice.
  • Social Upliftment: Tackling poverty and lack of infrastructure.
  • Collective Fight: Joining forces for inclusivity and equality.
  • Awareness: Combatting deep-rooted prejudices.

Challenges:

  • Poverty: Affecting both SCs and STs.
  • Unequal Opportunities: Persistent barriers in education and employment.
  • Infrastructure Gaps: Limited access to essential services.
  • Cultural Richness: Balancing development with preserving heritage.
  • Comprehensive Justice: Recognizing interconnected struggles for lasting changes.

State wise Scheduled Tribes List

India’s rich cultural mosaic is enriched by diverse tribal communities, each with its unique identity. Understanding the distribution of Scheduled Tribes (ST) across states is crucial for targeted development.

State/UTsList of STsState/UTsList of STsState/UTsList of STs
Andhra Pradesh34Karnataka50Sikkim4
Arunachal Pradesh16Kerala43Tamil Nadu36
Assam14Madhya Pradesh46Telangana32
Bihar33Maharashtra47Tripura19
Chattisgarh42Manipur34Uttarakhand5
Goa8Meghalaya17Uttar Pradesh16
Gujarat32Mizoram15West Bengal40
Himachal Pradesh10Nagaland5Andaman & Nicobar Islands6
Jammu & Kashmir12Odisha62Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu12
Jharkhand32Rajasthan12Lakshadweep 
StateTribes
Andhra PradeshAndh And Sadhu Andh, Bhil, Bhaghata, Dhulia,rona, Kolam, Gond, Thoti, Goundu, Kammara, Savaras, Dabba Yerukula, Sugalis, Nakkala, Pardhan, Gadabas, Chenchus A.k.a Chenchawar, Kattunayakan, Jatapus, Manna Dhora
Arunachal PradeshSingpho, Monpa, Abor, Sherdukpen, Galo, Apatanis
AssamKhasis, Chakma, Dimasa, Gangte, Garos, Hajong, Chutiya
BiharGond, Birjia, Asur, Savar, Parhaiya, Chero, Birhor, Santhals, Baiga
ChhattisgarhNagasia, Biar, Khond, Agariya, Bhattra, Mawasi, Bhaina,
GoaVarli, Dubia, Siddi, Dhodia, Naikda
GujaratPatelia, Bhil, Dhodia, Bamcha, Barda, Paradhi, Charan, Gamta
Himachal PradeshSwangal, Gujjars, Lahaulas, Khas, Pangwala, Lamba, Gaddis
Jammu and KashmirBalti, Garra, Sippi, Bakarwal, Mon, Gaddi, Purigpa, Beda
JharkhandGonds, Birhors, Savar, Mundas, Santhals, Khaira, Bhumji
KarnatakaGond, Patelia, Barda, Yerava, Bhil, Koraga, Adiyan, Iruliga,
KeralaMalai, Aarayan, Arandan, Uralis, Kurumbas, Arandan, Eranvallan
Madhya PradeshKharia, Bhils, Murias, Birhors, Baigas, Katkari, Kol, Bharia, Khond, Gonds,
MaharashtraWarlis, Khond, Bhaina, Katkari, Bhunjia, Rathawa, Dhodia.
ManipurThadou, Aimol, Maram, Paite, Chiru, Purum, Kuki, Monsang, Angami
MeghalayaPawai, Chakma, Raba, Hajong, Lakher, Garos, Jaintias Khasis
MizoramDimasa, Raba, Chakma, Lakher, Khasi, Synteng, Kuki, Pawai.
NagalandNagas, Angami, Sema, Garo, Kuki, Kachari, Mikir
OdishaGadaba, Ghara, Kharia, Khond, Matya, Oraons, Rajuar, Santhals.
RajasthanBhils, Damaria, Dhanka, Meenas(Minas), Patelia, Sahariya.
SikkimBhutia, Khas, Lepchas.
Tamil NaduAdiyan, Aranadan, Eravallan, Irular, Kadar, Kanikar, Kotas, Todas.
TelanganaChenchus.
TripuraBhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Chakma, Halam, Khasia, Lushai, Mizel, Namte.
UttarakhandBhotias, Buksa, Jannsari, Khas, Raji, Tharu.
Uttar PradeshBhatia, Buksa, Jaunsari, Kol, Raji, Tharu.
West BengalAsur, Khond, Hajong, Ho, Parhaiya, Rabha, Santhals, Savar.
Andaman and NicobarOraons, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens.
Little AndamanJarawa
North-EastAbhors, Chang, Galaong, Mishimi, Singpho, Wancho.

The Constitution holds vital provisions for Scheduled Tribes (ST). This article grants the President the authority to designate specific communities as Scheduled Tribes, considering their distinct cultural identities and historical disadvantages. Through a presidential notification, these communities receive special recognition, making them eligible for affirmative action measures like reservations in education, jobs, and legislative bodies. The list is not fixed and can be updated to include new communities or exclude those whose conditions improve.

Article 342(1) and (2): Empowering Tribal Communities

  • Identification Authority: Article 342(1) empowers the President to identify communities as Scheduled Tribes based on their unique characteristics and historical disadvantages.
  • Presidential Notification: The President, after consulting with state Governors, issues notifications listing Scheduled Tribes in specific states or union territories.
  • Dynamic List: The list is not fixed; it can be amended to include new communities or exclude those whose conditions improve.
  • Affirmative Action: Recognition under Article 342 brings benefits, including reservations in education, jobs, and legislative bodies.
  • Cultural Preservation: The provision ensures the preservation of tribal identity and promotes socio-economic development for inclusive growth.

Distribution of Tribes

Geographical Spread:

  • Tribes in India are found across diverse landscapes, ranging from dense forests to hilly terrains.

Concentration:

  • States like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha have higher concentrations of tribal populations.

Dispersal:

  • Some tribes are concentrated in specific regions, while others are dispersed, contributing to the diverse cultural fabric of India.
  • The tribal population in India exhibits unique demographic patterns, including variations in growth rates and age structures.

Cultural Diversity:

  • Mapping the distribution of tribes underscores India’s rich cultural diversity.
  • Highlights the importance of tailored development strategies based on regional and demographic nuances.

In essence, exploring the distribution of tribes in India unveils a captivating story of geographical diversity, concentration in specific states, dispersal patterns, and unique demographic characteristics. This intricate tapestry underscores the richness of India’s cultural diversity, emphasising the need for targeted development approaches that consider regional and demographic variations.

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Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) 

PVTGs represent tribes facing severe socio-economic marginalization, distinguishing them from other Scheduled Tribe. These groups have distinct cultural identities and are often geographically isolated, intensifying their vulnerability.

Government Initiatives:

  • The government has special initiatives targeting PVTGs, focusing on their welfare, socio-economic development, and preservation of cultural heritage.
  • Various schemes provide healthcare, education, and infrastructure support to address the specific needs of PVTGs.
  • Tailored strategies recognise the unique challenges faced by PVTGs, aiming for inclusive growth and the preservation of their way of life.
  • By acknowledging the exceptional vulnerabilities of PVTGs, these initiatives strive to ensure that no tribe is left behind in the nation’s developmental journey.
  • Initiatives go beyond economic aspects, emphasising preserving PVTGs’ unique cultural practices, languages, and traditional knowledge.
  • PVTGs receive specific constitutional and legal provisions, ensuring protection and support to safeguard their rights and dignity.
  • The upliftment programs encourage active participation from PVTG communities, recognising the importance of their involvement in decision-making for sustainable development.

Conclusion

Empowering the tribal communities of 21st-century India is vital to building an inclusive and progressive society. The future of tribes in India depends on sustained efforts to reduce economic inequality, enhance access to education, and preserve their rich cultural heritage. With over 700 recognized tribes, inclusive policies, tribal representation, and participatory governance are essential for ensuring development that truly reaches the grassroots. By recognizing the unique identity and contributions of these communities, India can create a future where every tribal individual thrives and actively shapes the nation’s diverse cultural fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do you mean by Scheduled Tribes?

Scheduled Tribes (STs) are indigenous communities in India identified under Article 342 of the Constitution as historically disadvantaged in terms of social, economic, and educational status. They receive special protection and benefits from the government to promote their development and inclusion.

Who were called Scheduled Tribes?

Scheduled Tribes are communities identified under Article 342 and defined in Article 366(25) of the Indian Constitution as socially and economically disadvantaged tribal groups. They constitute about 8.6% of India’s population and receive special protection and benefits from the government.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu is from which tribe?

President Droupadi Murmu belongs to the Santhal tribe, one of India’s largest Scheduled Tribes, predominantly found in Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

Who is considered socially lower in India, SC or ST?

In the traditional Indian caste hierarchy, Scheduled Castes (SCs) are generally viewed as lower than Scheduled Tribes (STs). While both communities have faced social and economic marginalization, SCs were historically subjected to untouchability, placing them at the lowest level of the caste system. Scheduled Tribes, on the other hand, have largely remained outside the caste structure, with distinct cultural identities.

What does Article 342 say about Scheduled Tribes in India?

Article 342 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to specify the tribes or tribal communities that shall be recognized as Scheduled Tribes in a particular State or Union Territory. This official list is created through a Presidential notification and can only be modified by Parliament, ensuring legal recognition and constitutional safeguards for these communities.

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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