Consider the following statements regarding the classification of Scheduled Tribes in India:

Statement I: The President, after consulting the Governor, may specify tribes as Scheduled Tribes for a State through a public notification.

Statement II: The Constitution explicitly defines the criteria for classifying a community as a Scheduled Tribe, including primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact, and backwardness.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Question

Question

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.
Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.
Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.

Answer 1

The correct answer is Option 3.

In News

The classification criteria for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India are being reassessed, with discussions on shifting from the existing five-point framework to a more inclusive model based on a spectrum of tribalness rather than a rigid definition.

Key Points

As per Article 342(1) of the Constitution, the President, after consulting the Governor, can issue a public notification specifying tribes as Scheduled Tribes (STs) for a particular State.
Only Parliament can amend this list through legislation.
Hence, Statement I is correct.
The Constitution does not explicitly define the criteria for identifying Scheduled Tribes.
However, the Lokur Committee (1965) established five commonly used criteria:
- Backwardness
- Shyness of contact with the larger community
- Geographical isolation
- Distinctive culture
- Indications of primitive traits
These criteria are not mentioned in the Constitution but have been followed by the government in determining ST status.
Hence, Statement II is incorrect.

Additional Information

The government is considering new indicators such as kinship structures, language, rituals, and cultural materiality (e.g., traditional attire, weaponry, and social practices) for a more comprehensive assessment of tribal identity.
A Task Force (2014) was formed to review and revise the existing criteria for ST classification.
The process of inclusion in the ST list requires recommendations from:
- State Government/UT Administration
- Registrar General of India (RGI)
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
- Parliamentary approval