Why are the tribes in India referred to as the Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. [UPSC 2016] (12 MARKS)(GS1)
The tribes in India are referred to as "Scheduled Tribes" because they are listed (or "scheduled") in the Constitution of India under Article 342. This constitutional provision ensures their recognition and guarantees them special protections and benefits to address their unique challenges and historical disadvantages.
Major Provisions for the Upliftment of Scheduled Tribes in the Constitution of India:
Article 15(4): This provision empowers the state to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens, including Scheduled Tribes.
Article 46: The state is mandated to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, particularly Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
Article 244: This article provides for the administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas. It includes provisions for the application of the Fifth Schedule to the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any state except the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, which are covered under the Sixth Schedule.
Fifth Schedule: This schedule deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any state except the states covered under the Sixth Schedule. It includes provisions for the establishment of Tribes Advisory Councils and the protection of tribal interests.
Sixth Schedule: This schedule provides for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram through autonomous district and regional councils, which have legislative, judicial, and executive powers to preserve and protect tribal practices and customs.
Article 275(1): The provision allows grants-in-aid from the Union government to state governments for promoting the welfare of Scheduled Tribes and for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas.
Article 330, 332, and 334: These articles provide for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and in the Legislative Assemblies of the states.
Article 338A: This article establishes the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, which is tasked with overseeing the implementation of various safeguards provided for the Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution and to report on their working to the President.
Article 339: This provision allows the President to appoint a commission to report on the administration of the Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in the states.
Article 371: Certain states, particularly in the North-East, have special provisions to protect the rights and interests of tribal populations. These provisions include special measures for the administration of tribal areas and the promotion of their economic and social development.
