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

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/UTs	List of STs	State/UTs	List of STs	State/UTs	List of STs
Andhra Pradesh	34	Karnataka	50	Sikkim	4
Arunachal Pradesh	16	Kerala	43	Tamil Nadu	36
Assam	14	Madhya Pradesh	46	Telangana	32
Bihar	33	Maharashtra	47	Tripura	19
Chattisgarh	42	Manipur	34	Uttarakhand	5
Goa	8	Meghalaya	17	Uttar Pradesh	16
Gujarat	32	Mizoram	15	West Bengal	40
Himachal Pradesh	10	Nagaland	5	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	6
Jammu & Kashmir	12	Odisha	62	Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu	12
Jharkhand	32	Rajasthan	12	Lakshadweep

State	Tribes
Andhra Pradesh	Andh 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 Pradesh	Singpho, Monpa, Abor, Sherdukpen, Galo, Apatanis
Assam	Khasis, Chakma, Dimasa, Gangte, Garos, Hajong, Chutiya
Bihar	Gond, Birjia, Asur, Savar, Parhaiya, Chero, Birhor, Santhals, Baiga
Chhattisgarh	Nagasia, Biar, Khond, Agariya, Bhattra, Mawasi, Bhaina,
Goa	Varli, Dubia, Siddi, Dhodia, Naikda
Gujarat	Patelia, Bhil, Dhodia, Bamcha, Barda, Paradhi, Charan, Gamta
Himachal Pradesh	Swangal, Gujjars, Lahaulas, Khas, Pangwala, Lamba, Gaddis
Jammu and Kashmir	Balti, Garra, Sippi, Bakarwal, Mon, Gaddi, Purigpa, Beda
Jharkhand	Gonds, Birhors, Savar, Mundas, Santhals, Khaira, Bhumji
Karnataka	Gond, Patelia, Barda, Yerava, Bhil, Koraga, Adiyan, Iruliga,
Kerala	Malai, Aarayan, Arandan, Uralis, Kurumbas, Arandan, Eranvallan
Madhya Pradesh	Kharia, Bhils, Murias, Birhors, Baigas, Katkari, Kol, Bharia, Khond, Gonds,
Maharashtra	Warlis, Khond, Bhaina, Katkari, Bhunjia, Rathawa, Dhodia.
Manipur	Thadou, Aimol, Maram, Paite, Chiru, Purum, Kuki, Monsang, Angami
Meghalaya	Pawai, Chakma, Raba, Hajong, Lakher, Garos, Jaintias Khasis
Mizoram	Dimasa, Raba, Chakma, Lakher, Khasi, Synteng, Kuki, Pawai.
Nagaland	Nagas, Angami, Sema, Garo, Kuki, Kachari, Mikir
Odisha	Gadaba, Ghara, Kharia, Khond, Matya, Oraons, Rajuar, Santhals.
Rajasthan	Bhils, Damaria, Dhanka, Meenas(Minas), Patelia, Sahariya.
Sikkim	Bhutia, Khas, Lepchas.
Tamil Nadu	Adiyan, Aranadan, Eravallan, Irular, Kadar, Kanikar, Kotas, Todas.
Telangana	Chenchus.
Tripura	Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Chakma, Halam, Khasia, Lushai, Mizel, Namte.
Uttarakhand	Bhotias, Buksa, Jannsari, Khas, Raji, Tharu.
Uttar Pradesh	Bhatia, Buksa, Jaunsari, Kol, Raji, Tharu.
West Bengal	Asur, Khond, Hajong, Ho, Parhaiya, Rabha, Santhals, Savar.
Andaman and Nicobar	Oraons, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens.
Little Andaman	Jarawa
North-East	Abhors, 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.

Demographic Trends:

• 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.

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