Subject: Indian Society

India's tribal communities, constituting 8.6% of the population, are officially designated as Scheduled Tribes through a unique constitutional mechanism that reflects both historical context and contemporary needs for their protection and development.

Historical Context and Constitutional Recognition

• The term 'Scheduled Tribes' originated from the Government of India Act 1935 and was subsequently incorporated into the Constitution under Article 366(25).
• The classification is based on distinctive characteristics like:
  • Traditional practices and customs.
  • Geographical isolation.
  • Distinct cultural identity.
  • Socio-economic backwardness.

Constitutional Provisions for Tribal Upliftment

• Political Representation:

  • Article 330 ensures reservation of seats in Lok Sabha.
  • Article 332 provides for reservation in State Legislative Assemblies.
  • 73rd Amendment mandates representation in Panchayati Raj Institutions.

• Administrative Safeguards:

  • Article 244 provides for special administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas.
  • Fifth Schedule deals with administration of Scheduled Areas in non-Northeast states.
  • Sixth Schedule provides for autonomous district councils in Northeast India.

• Socio-Economic Development:

  • Article 275(1) provides for special grants for tribal welfare.
  • Article 15(4) permits special provisions for advancement.
  • Article 46 promotes educational and economic interests.

Recent Initiatives and Implementation

• PESA Act 1996 empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas with decision-making authority over:

  • Local resource management.
  • Customary law recognition.
  • Natural resource control.

• Financial Allocations:

  • Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹14,925.81 crore for Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
  • State-level initiatives like Telangana's allocation of ₹17,169 crore for ST welfare.

The constitutional provisions for tribal communities reflect India's commitment to inclusive development, though challenges in implementation persist. The success of these provisions depends on effective coordination between Centre, States, and local bodies, alongside meaningful participation of tribal communities in their development process through instruments like "Tribal Sub-Plan" and "Forest Rights Act".