Scheduled Tribes

Uttarakhand has made history as the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is set to launch a dedicated UCC portal, which will streamline processes related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and will registrations. The UCC aims to establish a unified set of personal laws for all citizens, although it will exempt certain communities like Scheduled Tribes. Despite opposition from the Congress party, which labels the UCC as illegal, the state government has completed necessary preparations, including rule approvals and training. The initiative fulfills a key commitment made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2022 elections. CM Dhami sees the UCC as a contribution to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed, organized, and self-reliant India. One of the law's provisions mandates that all marriages be registered within 60 days, and those since March 26, 2010, within six months.

Sub-classification of SC, ST: What did the Supreme Court say about ‘creamy layer’?

The landmark judgment had a total of 6 opinions including a dissent by Justice Bela Trivedi. Four of the judges who agreed with sub-classification suggested that the government evolve a policy to identify the ‘creamy layer’ among the SCs and STs so that affirmative action (reservation) reaches the people who truly need it.

Supreme Court clears the way for sub-classification of SCs, STs for job, college quotas

The court by a 6:1 majority reversed its 2004 order that said only Parliament and not state legislatures had the power to sub-classify SCs and STs for reservation. Today's order clears the way for quota-within-quota

MC Explains: Govt’s new solar scheme worth Rs 515 crore for tribal areas

Until now, households in the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) have not had proper access to basic infrastructure because of distance, a lack of roads, and digital connectivity. The government's initiative aims to provide these basic facilities at their doorstep.

Rajasthan Elections 2023: Why SC/ST reserved seats can be the key to winning power in the state

In the six elections that Rajasthan has seen since the 2008 delimitation exercise, the winning party has always been the one that has secured the most number of reserved seats.

Manipur HC orders status quo on mass burial site; 17 injured in violence

The Kuki-Zomi organisation, Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum, had planned the burial of 35 people, who were killed in ethnic riots in the state, on Thursday at a site in Haolai Khopi village of Churachandpur, resulting in tension in many districts of Manipur.

World Snake Day 2023: The Kalbelia tribe, visible but voiceless

India registers over 58,000 snakebite deaths annually, almost 80 per cent of global snakebite deaths. The traditional practice of the Kalbelias, highly skilled in catching snakes and treating snake/scorpion bites, has been criminalised, and they lack land, livelihood and dignity. On World Snake Day, July 16, a look at the historical injustices meted out to this tribe of snake charmers.

'Public is God': Shivraj Singh Chouhan washes feet of tribal man who was urinated on. Video

The man who was caught on camera smoking and urinating on the tribal man has since been arrested and charged under NSA.

Budget 2023: FM Sitharaman announces mission to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047

India has the highest burden of the blood disorder after Nigeria

Union Cabinet approves proposal to add Himachal's Hatti community to ST list

At a media briefing after the Cabinet meeting, Munda, who is the Union tribal affairs minister, said the move will benefit around 1.60 lakh people of the Hatti community.

Bill in Rajya Sabha to remove Bhogta caste from SC list

The Constitution (SC and ST) order (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was moved for introduction in the Upper House by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda and the same was adopted with voice votes.

Jharkhand offers scholarships for tribal students to study in UK and Ireland Universities: All you need to know

The ‘Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Overseas Scholarship Scheme’ helps ST students to pursue higher studies in the universities of England and Ireland. The awardees are entitled for full coverage of tuition fees, living, journey and other expenses required for the course.

Not going to reopen decision on grant of reservation in promotion to SCs and STs: SC

The top court noted that in its earlier order, the state governments were directed to finalise the issues which are peculiar to them so that court can proceed in the matter.

SCs, STs notified under 1950 orders to be enumerated in Census 2021: Govt

The intent of the Centre for conducting Census 2021 was notified in the Gazette of India on March 28, 2019 but due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the census activities have been postponed, Rai informed Parliament.

SC asks states to apprise AG of issues pertaining to grant of quota in promotion to SC/ST employees

In a hearing conducted through video-conferencing, a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said it has been accepted that the promotions, which have been made or proposed to be made in several states are in question in these matters.

SC seeks replies of Centre, UP on plea for filling up vacancies at national, state SC/ST panels

Advocate Rajesh Inamdar, appearing for 'Peoples Charioteer Organisation (PCO)', said several posts including that of Chairman, Vice Chairman and members were lying vacant at NCSC and NCST for almost ten months, while some positions in the UP panel were vacant since 2019.

SC says 2004 verdict on sub-classification of SC/STs needs to be reconsidered

The top court observed that the benefit of quota by and large is not percolating down to the "neediest and poorest of the poor" and it was “crystal clear” that creamy layer concept for excluding affluent people "can be applied to” SCs and STs.

Explained | Bharat Bandh on March 5: Why are over 11 lakh tribals across 21 states up in arms?

On February 21, a bench of Justices Arun Mishra, Navin Sinha and Indira Banerjee directed states to ensure the eviction of all those persons from forest lands whose claims under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) have been rejected

SC/ST govt staff: Quota in job promotions not barred till we decide, says SC

Under Article 16(4) of the Constitution, the government is bound to make provisions for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of citizens

Direct recruitment in govt jobs declined by 89%: Government

There has been a decline of 89 percent in the direct recruitment in central government ministries and departments in 2015 as compared to 2013, data presented in Lok Sabha shows.

STs should get adequate seats in LS, assembly : BJP MP

BJP MP from Koderma Ravindra Kumar Rai today said the scheduled tribes should get adequate seats in the Lok Sabha and state assembly based on their population ratio.

Over 36% of rural STs don't have drinking water source at home

Over 36 percent of the total 2.01 crore Scheduled Tribes (ST) households in rural India do not have drinking water source in their house, the government told the Rajya Sabha.

BJD, AIADMK back NCP leader PA Sangma as President

Another name has now came up in the race for the next President of India. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has said that the BJD and the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK will support NCP leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma.