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?

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

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 :
Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.

Detailed Solution

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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

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