Study Proposes Inclusion of 179 Communities in SC, ST, and OBC Lists

Study Proposes Inclusion of 179 Communities in SC, ST, and OBC Lists

Sub : Geo

Sec : Human Geo

Why in News

• A comprehensive study led by the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) has, for the first time, systematically categorized 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes. This study, commissioned by a NITI Aayog panel, has proposed the inclusion of 179 communities into the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) lists across 26 States and Union Territories.

Key Findings:

• A total of 179 communities were recommended for inclusion:
  • State-wise Recommendations
  • Uttar Pradesh: 19 communities.
  • Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan: 8 communities each.
• The study identified 9 communities where existing classifications were either inaccurate or incomplete.
• Many of the 268 communities were partially categorized in State or Central lists but were inconsistently recognized across different States.
• Around 63 communities (over 20%) were classified as “not traceable.”
• The proposed additions to the SC, ST, and OBC lists will increase their respective populations.
• Separate Quota for Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs)
• Voices within the Development and Welfare Board for DNT, NT, and SNT communities have raised concerns about merging them into existing categories.

Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 341(1): The President may specify the castes, races, or tribes deemed as Scheduled Castes concerning a State or Union Territory.
• Article 341(2): Parliament holds the authority to modify the SC list through legislation.
• Article 15(4): Empowers the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, including OBCs.
• Article 16(4): Allows the State to provide reservation in appointments for any backward class underrepresented in public services.

Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI):

• Founded in 1945, operating under the Ministry of Culture.
• Conduct bio-cultural research on Indian populations.
• Document and preserve the cultural and biological diversity of communities.
• Serve as a training centre for students in anthropology.

Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs):

• Typically function under the respective State Tribal Welfare Departments, with guidance and funding from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• Institutions dedicated to research and documentation of tribal cultures, languages, and socio-economic issues.

Denotified Tribes (DNTs):

• Communities that were listed under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 during British rule, which labelled them as “criminal” by birth.
• The Act was repealed in 1952, and these communities were “de notified.”
• Despite denotification, many DNTs continue to face social stigma and economic hardships.

Nomadic Tribes (NTs):

• Communities that traditionally practice continuous or periodic mobility, often for livelihood purposes such as pastoralism, trade, or craftsmanship.
• Lack permanent settlements; mobility is central to their lifestyle.

Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs):

• Communities that combine nomadic and settled lifestyles, often migrating seasonally for specific economic activities.
• Maintain temporary or semi-permanent settlements.
• Engage in occupations like agriculture during settled periods and migrate for activities like animal husbandry or artisanal work.