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