Benefits for Scheduled Tribes in Union Territories: PIB Update
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs provided a detailed reply in Lok Sabha on July 30, 2026, regarding the population, welfare schemes, reservation, and the process for ST status in Union Territories. This is significant as it clarifies the current status and benefits available to STs in UTs.
Background
Scheduled Tribes (STs) are constitutionally recognized communities entitled to special protections and benefits. The process for ST status is governed by Article 342 of the Constitution. The Lokur Committee (1965) criteria are used to evaluate proposals for ST inclusion.
Key facts
As per Census 2011, ST population in UTs: Jammu & Kashmir (12,75,106), Ladakh (2,18,193), Andaman & Nicobar Islands (28,530), Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (1,93,927), Lakshadweep (61,120). Chandigarh, Delhi, and Puducherry have no notified STs.
Key welfare schemes for STs include: Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), PM Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), pre-matric/post-matric scholarships, National Overseas Scholarship, Article 275(1) grants, PM Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM), NSFDC, Venture Capital Fund for STs (VCFST), and TRI-ECE.
Reservation for STs in political bodies (Legislative Assemblies, Panchayats, Municipalities) exists in UTs with notified ST population: Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. No such reservation in Chandigarh, Delhi, and Puducherry.
No proposal is pending to grant ST status to any community in Delhi based on duration of residence.
ST status is determined under Article 342 via Presidential notification after consultation with the Governor/Administrator, and any inclusion/exclusion requires an Act of Parliament amending the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.
Proposals for ST status are examined based on Lokur Committee criteria: primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact, and backwardness.
The process requires recommendation from the concerned state/UT government, followed by consent from the Registrar General of India and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
Prelims pointers
- Article 342: Procedure for specification of Scheduled Tribes
- Lokur Committee (1965): Criteria for ST identification
- Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA)
- PM Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN)
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
- Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950
- Union Territories with no notified STs: Chandigarh, Delhi, Puducherry
- Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCFST)
- Article 275(1): Grants-in-aid for ST welfare
Mains angles
- GS2: Discuss the constitutional provisions for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes in India, with special reference to Article 342 and the role of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
- GS2: Critically examine the effectiveness of government schemes like PM JANMAN and DAJGUA in addressing the socio-economic backwardness of STs in Union Territories.
- GS2: Analyze the criteria for identification of Scheduled Tribes as recommended by the Lokur Committee. Are these criteria adequate in contemporary times?