SIMPERION IAS

Vulnerable sections and Social Justice

Vulnerable sections are groups in society at higher risk of harm, exploitation, or

deprivation due to social, economic, or environmental factors. They face discrimination,
marginalization, and limited access to resources, making them more prone to poverty and
exclusion. Examples include SCs, STs, women, children, elderly, and the LGBTQ+
community.
Different Vulnerable Sections:
✓ Scheduled Castes (SCs): Marginalized by caste discrimination.
✓ Scheduled Tribes (STs): Indigenous + face displacement and loss of land.
✓ Other Backward Classes (OBCs): Economically and socially disadvantaged.
✓ Women: Face gender-based violence + wage gaps + underrepresentation.
✓ Children: Vulnerable to malnutrition + child labour + trafficking.
✓ Elderly: Lack of social security + healthcare + financial insecurity.
✓ Persons with Disabilities: Face discrimination + lack of accessibility.
✓ Religious Minorities: Discrimination + communal violence + marginalization.
✓ Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): Below poverty line + limited access to
resources.
✓ LGBTQ+ Community: Social stigma + discrimination + violence + legal
challenges.

Why Welfare Schemes are Needed for Upliftment of Vulnerable Sections

1. Reduce Inequality: Address income disparity; the top 10% hold 77% of wealth
2. Alleviate Poverty: 22% live below the poverty line; welfare schemes provide
essential support.
3. Enhance Education: 40% of youth lack education or jobs; schemes increase access
and enrolment.
4. Improve Healthcare: With healthcare spending at just 1.3% of GDP, welfare
schemes ensure access for the poor.

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5. Empower Marginalized Groups: Women’s workforce participation is only 20.3%;

welfare schemes promote inclusion.
6. Promote Economic Growth: Welfare schemes like MUDRA boost self-reliance and
economic independence for vulnerable communities.

Limitations of Social Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

1. Leakages and Corruption: Up to 40% of funds do not reach intended beneficiaries
due to corruption (Transparency International, 2019).
2. Inadequate Coverage: 27% of the population still lacks access to essential services,
particularly in rural areas (World Bank, 2020).
3. Underfunding: Many schemes receive only 0.5% of GDP in funding, limiting their
impact (Ministry of Finance, 2023).
4. Lack of Awareness: 30% of eligible beneficiaries are unaware of available schemes,
resulting in low participation (NITI Aayog, 2021).
5. Bureaucratic Hurdles: 20% of applications face delays due to complex procedures
and red tape (World Economic Forum, 2022).
6. Overlapping Schemes: Multiple schemes targeting the same groups create
inefficiencies and dilute resources, reducing overall effectiveness (NITI Aayog,
2021).

Overcoming Limitations of Welfare Schemes in India

1. Data-Driven Targeting: Utilize AI and big data for precise identification of
beneficiaries, minimizing errors and exclusion.
2. Integrated Digital Platforms: Develop unified digital platforms to streamline
scheme delivery and reduce administrative overhead.
3. Community Participation: Engage local communities in planning and monitoring
to ensure schemes are aligned with actual needs.
4. Real-Time Monitoring: Implement real-time tracking systems to monitor the flow
of funds and progress of projects.
5. Outcome-Based Evaluation: Shift focus from input-based assessments to outcome-
based evaluations for better impact measurement.

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Do government’s schemes meant for uplifting vulnerable and backward lead to their
exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies
✓ Basic Needs Focus: Schemes prioritize essentials like education and health, often
overlooking entrepreneurial support.
✓ Subsidy Dependence: High reliance on subsidies discourages taking risks necessary
for urban business ventures.
✓ Limited Urban Exposure: Focus on rural or community development restricts access
to vital urban business networks.
✓ Skills Mismatch: Programs emphasize traditional skills, which don't align with the
modern demands of urban economies.
✓ Regulatory Barriers: Protective policies within schemes create obstacles, limiting
competitiveness in urban markets.

Importance of managing inflation and unemployment along with welfare schemes for
upliftment of vulnerable sections
1. Inflation Erodes Savings: Persistent 6% inflation diminishes real savings,
undermining financial security.
2. High Unemployment: 7.8% joblessness weakens economic stability despite welfare
efforts.
3. Low Wage Growth: Stagnant 2% wage growth fails to match inflation, increasing
welfare dependency.
4. Labor Participation Drop: A 40% participation rate signals fewer job seekers,
highlighting the need for job creation.
5. Rising Food Costs: 8% food inflation strains lower-income groups, challenging
welfare effectiveness.

Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable are discriminatory in Nature
Development and welfare schemes are designed to uplift vulnerable sections of society.
However, by their very nature, these schemes often exhibit a discriminatory approach,
intentionally focusing on specific groups to address their unique needs.
✓ Targeted Beneficiaries: These schemes are designed specifically for certain groups
(e.g., BPL, SC/ST, disabled), inherently excluding others.
✓ Resource Allocation: Focused resources on vulnerable groups can lead to unequal
distribution, potentially overlooking other needy populations.

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✓ Positive Discrimination: To uplift marginalized groups, schemes often provide them

with additional benefits, leading to preferential treatment.
✓ Stigmatization: Targeting specific groups can reinforce societal stigmas, marking
beneficiaries as dependent or incapable.
✓ Administrative Challenges: Identifying and reaching the truly needy within a group
can lead to exclusion or inclusion errors, creating inequality.
✓ Perception of Unfairness: Those excluded from the schemes may perceive the
system as unfair, breeding resentment among non-beneficiaries.
While these schemes aim to promote equity, their focused approach can inadvertently create
divisions, making them discriminatory in nature. Balancing inclusivity and targeted support
is essential to minimize these effects.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Social justice ensures a fair society by providing equal opportunities, rights, and privileges
to all. It addresses inequalities and removes barriers for marginalized groups. The goal is
equity across social, economic, and political spheres.
5 Principles of Social Justice

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Need for Social Justice in India

1. Poverty: Over 22% of India's population lives below the poverty line, highlighting the
need for equitable resource distribution.
2. Caste Discrimination: Around 16.6% of Indians are Dalits, who continue to face
social exclusion and discrimination despite legal protections.
3. Gender Inequality: India ranks 127th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap
Index 2023, indicating significant disparities in education, employment, and political
representation.
4. Educational Disparities: Literacy rates show gaps, with 82.14% for men and 65.46%
for women, necessitating social justice in access to education.
5. Economic Inequality: The top 10% of India's population holds 77% of the national
wealth, pointing to the need for policies that promote economic equity.

Challenges in Achieving Social Justice in India

1. Lack of Awareness: Over 35% of rural households are unaware of key schemes like
MGNREGA, leading to underutilization of benefits.
2. Poor Design: The Public Distribution System (PDS) often fails to meet nutritional
needs; for instance, nearly 38% of children under 5 remain stunted despite PDS
coverage.
3. Implementation Challenges: Corruption in schemes like MGNREGA results in 30-
40% of funds being siphoned off, reducing effectiveness.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: ICDS, serving over 90 million children, suffers from
irregular food supply and hygiene lapses, impacting health outcomes.
5. Persistent Issues: Despite decades of efforts, malnutrition affects 36% of children
under 5, showing slow progress in improving social indicators

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Government Steps for Social Justice

1. Reservation Policies: Reserved seats for SCs, STs, and OBCs in education, jobs, and
politics.
2. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA):
Guaranteed 100 days of wage employment for rural households.
3. Right to Education (RTE) Act: Free, compulsory education for children aged 6-14.
4. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (POA Act):
Legal protection for SCs/STs against discrimination and violence.
5. National Food Security Act (NFSA): Subsidized food grains for 75% of rural and
50% of urban populations.
6. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Promotes gender equality and girls' education.
7. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Financial inclusion through bank
accounts for the unbanked.
8. Stand Up India Scheme: Loans for SCs, STs, and women entrepreneurs.

Way Forward for Achieving Social Justice in India

1. Participatory Planning: Involve vulnerable groups in planning to ensure schemes
address actual needs. Example: Kerala's People's Planning Campaign effectively
integrated marginalized voices.
2. Capacity Building: Train local leaders and communities for better implementation.
Example: RGPSA training improved governance for 18 lakh Panchayati Raj officials.
3. Information Dissemination: Utilize digital platforms to enhance awareness and
access to schemes. Example: PMGDISHA targets 6 crore rural households for digital
literacy by 2025.

Active involvement of communities, coupled with effective communication, is crucial for

the success of social justice initiatives, ensuring they reach and benefit the intended groups
equitably.

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Scheduled Caste
Scheduled Castes (SCs) refer to communities facing severe social, educational, and
economic disadvantages due to historic untouchability.
✓ Government of India Act, 1935: First defined the term "Scheduled Castes."
✓ Article 341 of the Constitution: Officially recognized Scheduled Castes.
✓ Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950: Limited SC status to Hindus.
✓ Amendments: Extended SC status to Sikhs in 1956 and Buddhists in 1990.

Data:
✓ Population: SCs make up 16.6% of India's population (2011 Census).
✓ Literacy Rate: SC literacy rate is 66.1% (national average: 74%).
✓ Poverty: 31% of SC households live below the poverty line (national average: 22%).
✓ Employment: Only 7.5% of SCs work in formal sectors.
✓ Education: 10% of SCs complete higher education (national average: 20%).

Constitutional Provisions for Scheduled Castes (SCs)

1. Article 14: Guarantees the right to equality before the law and equal protection of the
laws to all individuals, including SCs.
2. Article 15: Prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of
birth; allows special provisions for SCs.
3. Article 17: Abolishes "untouchability" and forbids its practice in any form.
4. Article 46: Directs the state to promote the educational and economic interests of SCs
and protect them from social injustice.
5. Article 330: Reserves seats for SCs in the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
6. Article 332: Reserves seats for SCs in State Legislative Assemblies.
7. Article 243D: Reserves seats for SCs in Panchayats.
8. Article 338: Establishes the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to investigate
and monitor matters relating to SCs' safeguards.

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Legal Safeguards for Scheduled Castes (SCs)

1. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:
Prevents atrocities against SCs, with special courts for offenders.
2. Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955: Enforces the abolition of untouchability.
3. The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation
Act, 2013: Bans manual scavenging and ensures rehabilitation.
4. Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment
Act, 2015: Expands offenses and increases penalties for crimes against SCs.
5. Reservation Laws: Ensures reserved seats for SCs in government jobs, educational
institutions, and legislatures.

Institutional Safeguards for Scheduled Castes (SCs)

1. National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC): Established under Article 338,
monitors safeguards and advises the government on SC-related issues.
2. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: Oversees policies, schemes, and
programs aimed at the welfare and development of SCs.
3. Special Courts: Set up under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention
of Atrocities) Act, 1989, to expedite trials related to offenses against SCs.
4. Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP): Ensures a specific portion of the budget is
allocated for the development of SCs, integrated into various government programs.
5. State-Level SC Commissions: Established in various states to protect SC rights and
address grievances locally.
6. National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC)
(1989): Provides financial support and promotes economic activities for SCs to
enhance livelihoods.

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Challenges Faced by Scheduled Castes

1. Social Challenges:
o Discrimination: Over 160 million Dalits face caste-based discrimination, with
untouchability still prevalent.
o Exclusion: 23% of SCs report being barred from temples and public spaces.
o Education: SC literacy rate is 66.1%, below the national average of 74%.
2. Political Challenges:
o Underrepresentation: SC MLAs often make up less than 15% of legislators in
some states.
o Limited Influence: SC representation in the Union Cabinet is often below 10%.
o Political Discrimination: SC politicians face barriers within their own parties.
3. Economic Challenges:
o Poverty: 31% of SC households live below the poverty line.
o Employment: Only 7.5% of SCs are in formal sectors, mostly in low-paying
jobs.
o Menial Work: Many SCs are still engaged in manual scavenging.
4. Crime Against SCs:
o Atrocities: Over 50,000 cases of crimes against SCs were reported in 2020.
o Low Conviction: Conviction rate for crimes against SCs is only 28.5%.
o Delayed Justice: 90% of SC/ST Act cases are pending trial for years.

Government Schemes and Initiatives for Scheduled Castes

1. PM Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) (2021): Holistic development
through education, skill development, and employment.
2. National Fellowship for SC Students (2020): Financial assistance for M.Phil. and
Ph.D. studies.
3. VISVAS (2020): Financial aid for SC entrepreneurs to promote self-employment.
4. NAMASTE (2022): Mechanized sanitation to eliminate manual scavenging, ensuring
safety and dignity.

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5. Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) (2020): Incentives for employers to

generate employment for SCs.
6. Dr. Ambedkar Social Innovation & Incubation Mission (DA-SIIM) (2020): Seed
funding and support for SC entrepreneurs.
7. Stand Up India (2016): Loans for SC entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses.

Bandicoot - Kerala to Become First State to Use Robotics Tech Extensively for Manhole
Cleaning

The Way Forward for Scheduled Castes

1. Strengthening Policy and Legal Frameworks:
o Data-Driven Legislation: Use data to create precise laws addressing SC needs.
o Review Existing Laws: Regularly update laws to enhance their effectiveness
and relevance.
2. Ensuring Effective Implementation:
o Institutional Capacity Building: Enhance the skills and resources of
institutions handling SC welfare.
o Sensitize Law Enforcement: Train police to be more sensitive and responsive
to SC issues.
o Community-Level Monitoring: Engage local communities in monitoring and
reporting violations.
3. Promoting Social Inclusion and Empowerment:
o Focus on Education: Improve access to quality education and reduce dropout
rates among SCs.
o Economic Empowerment: Promote skills development, entrepreneurship, and
access to markets for SCs.
4. Building Partnerships and Community Engagement:
o Collaboration: Partner with NGOs, private sector, and international bodies for
better SC programs.
o Community Participation: Involve SC communities in decision-making
processes.
o Raise Awareness: Increase public awareness about SC rights and opportunities.

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Sub- Categorisation of SCs and STs

The Supreme Court's recent verdict on sub-classifying SCs and STs has reshaped India's
reservation policy, allowing states to target the most disadvantaged within these groups.
This decision, which overturns a 2004 ruling, introduces greater flexibility in addressing
inequalities but requires careful implementation to avoid misuse.
Supreme Court's Verdict on Sub-Classifications of SCs and STs
1. Sub-Classifications Permitted: States can now sub-classify SCs and STs within
reservation quotas based on varying levels of backwardness, supported by empirical
data.
2. Overruling 2004 Verdict: The 6-1 majority decision overturns the E.V. Chinnaiah
ruling, which had prohibited sub-classification of SCs and STs.
3. Creamy Layer Exclusion: The 'creamy layer' principle, previously applied only to
OBCs, now extends to SCs and STs, excluding wealthier sub-groups from reservation
benefits.
4. Empirical Basis Required: Sub-classifications must be based on data, not political
reasons, and 100% reservation for any sub-group is prohibited.
5. Judicial Review: State decisions on sub-classifications are subject to judicial review
to prevent misuse.
Significance of the Verdict
1. Policy Flexibility: States can tailor reservations to benefit the most disadvantaged
within SC/ST communities.
2. Overruling Previous Judgement: The decision reverses the E.V. Chinnaiah ruling,
allowing for more nuanced reservation strategies.
3. Impact on State Laws: The ruling upholds state laws previously struck down, like
Punjab's, enabling sub-categories within SC and ST groups.
Challenges for Sub-Classification
1. Data Collection: Accurate data is essential for justifying sub-classifications, but
gathering and verifying this data can be challenging.
2. Balancing Interests: Ensuring fairness while addressing the needs of different sub-
groups within SCs and STs is complex.
3. Uniformity vs. Diversity: Tailoring policies to local needs may lead to variations
across states, requiring a balance between uniformity and diversity.

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Challenges for Sub-Classification

1. Data Collection: Accurate data is essential for justifying sub-classifications, but
gathering and verifying this data can be challenging.
2. Balancing Interests: Ensuring fairness while addressing the needs of different sub-
groups within SCs and STs is complex.
3. Uniformity vs. Diversity: Tailoring policies to local needs may lead to variations
across states, requiring a balance between uniformity and diversity.
4. Social Tensions: Sub-classification might exacerbate intra-community conflicts and
social tensions.
5. Administrative Burden: Creating and managing sub-categories adds an
administrative burden, requiring additional resources.
Way Forward
1. Data-Driven Decisions: Use the Census for comprehensive data collection on SCs and
STs, and establish independent data verification processes.
2. Objective Criteria: Define clear, objective criteria for sub-classification based on
socio-economic indicators.
3. Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor and adjust policies to ensure benefits
reach the intended sub-groups.
4. Temporary Measure: Recognize sub-classification as a temporary measure, focusing
on broader socio-economic development and gradually reducing reliance on
reservations.
The verdict offers a crucial opportunity to refine reservation policies, ensuring they benefit
those who are truly marginalized. However, the success of this approach depends on data-
driven decisions, continuous monitoring, and a commitment to fairness, ultimately aiming to
reduce reliance on reservations as broader socio-economic progress is achieved.

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Scheduled Tribe
The term 'Scheduled Tribes' first appeared in the Constitution of India. Article 366 (25)
defined scheduled tribes as "such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within
such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes
for the purposes of this constitution".
Data
✓ Population: STs constitute 8.6% of India's population (2011 Census).
✓ Literacy Rate: ST literacy rate is 59% (national average: 74%).
✓ Poverty Rate: 45.3% of ST households live below the poverty line.
✓ Infant Mortality: 44 per 1,000 live births among STs (national average: 34).
✓ Education: Only 15% of STs complete secondary education (national average: 40%).

Constitutional provisions and STs

✓ Article 342: President identifies and notifies STs, with Parliament's approval for
changes.
✓ Articles 15(4) & 16(4): Allows special provisions for STs in education and public
employment.
✓ Article 46: Directs the state to promote STs' educational and economic interests.
✓ Article 275: Provides grants to states for ST welfare and development.
✓ Fifth & Sixth Schedules: Special provisions for governance of tribal areas to protect
and develop ST communities.

Legal Provisions Related to Scheduled Tribes (STs)

✓ Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest

Rights) Act, 2006: Grants STs rights to forest land and resources.
✓ Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955: Prohibits discrimination against STs.
✓ The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation
Act, 2013: Protects STs from manual scavenging and ensures rehabilitation.
✓ The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA): Ensures self-
governance for STs in tribal areas.
✓ Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:
Protects STs from violence and provides special courts for justice.

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Institutions for Scheduled Tribes (STs)

1. Ministry of Tribal Affairs: Central body for policy formulation and implementation related to ST
welfare and development.
2. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST): Protects ST rights, monitors safeguards, and
advises on policy matters under Article 338A.
3. Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED): Promotes
economic development by marketing ST products and ensuring fair prices.
4. National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC): Provides
financial assistance and support for economic activities to improve ST livelihoods.
5. Central Tribal Universities: Promote higher education among STs, addressing their cultural and
educational needs, such as Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU).

Challenges Faced by Scheduled Tribes (STs)

1. Economic Challenges:
o Poverty: 45.3% of ST households are below the poverty line (national average: 22%).
o Unemployment: ST unemployment rate is 10.5% (national average: 6.1%).
o Land Alienation: Over 40% of tribal land in states like Andhra Pradesh transferred to non-
tribals.
2. Political Challenges:
o Underrepresentation: STs hold about 7% of Parliament seats, below their 8.6% population
share.
o Limited Influence: ST communities often lack political power to shape policies affecting
them.
3. Social Challenges:
o Education: ST literacy rate is 59% (national average: 74%); only 15% complete secondary
education.
o Healthcare: ST infant mortality rate is 44 per 1,000 (national average: 34); healthcare
access is limited.
o Social Exclusion: STs face discrimination and limited access to social services.
4. Crime Against STs:
o Atrocities: Over 8,272 cases of crimes against STs reported in 2020.
o Low Conviction: Conviction rate for crimes against STs is about 28%.
o Displacement: 40% of displaced persons in India are STs, due to development projects.

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Welfare Schemes for Scheduled Tribes (STs)

1. Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (VKY): Focuses on the all-round development of tribal

areas in education, health, and infrastructure.
2. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Provides quality education to ST
students in remote areas, with an emphasis on holistic development.
3. National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students:
Financial assistance for ST students pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees.
4. Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY): Supports tribal entrepreneurship
through the production and marketing of minor forest produce.
5. Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP): Dedicated budget allocations for the socio-economic
development of STs.
6. Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana (AMSY): Concessional loans to tribal
women for income-generating activities.

Way Forward for Scheduled Tribes (STs)

1. Expand Education Access: Increase Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and
digital learning initiatives like SWAYAM.
2. Strengthen Healthcare: Enhance Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and ensure
Ayushman Bharat coverage in tribal areas.
3. Boost Economic Empowerment: Scale up Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana
(PMVDY) and offer skill development through Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen
Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY).
4. Secure Land Rights: Implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006 effectively and promote
sustainable livelihoods via the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
5. Enhance Political Participation: Enforce the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled
Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) for local governance and train ST youth in leadership.
6. Combat Discrimination: Enforce the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and set up fast-track courts in tribal regions.

Committees Related to Scheduled Tribes

1. Xaxa Committee (2013): Assessed the socio-economic, health, and educational status of STs and
provided key recommendations for their upliftment.
2. Nand Kumar Sai Committee (2017): Reviewed the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006,
to strengthen tribal land rights.
3. Kartar Singh Committee (2020): Reviewed the development and welfare of Particularly Vulnerable
Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and recommended targeted interventions.

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Provisions under Fifth and Sixth Schedules for the Protection of Tribals
Fifth Schedule (States other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram):
The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution governs the administration of Scheduled
Areas, granting special powers to the Governor and establishing Tribal Advisory Councils
to protect tribal rights and ensure their welfare.
1. Administration and Control: Governor's special powers to oversee Scheduled Areas,
ensuring tribal welfare.
2. Tribal Advisory Council (TAC): Advises on tribal welfare; consists of tribal
legislators.
3. Land Protection: Restricts transfer of tribal lands to non-tribals, preserving tribal
ownership.
4. Governor's Regulatory Powers: Modify or annul state laws in Scheduled Areas to
protect tribal interests.
5. Union Government Oversight: Directives to ensure state policies align with tribal
protection goals.
Sixth Schedule (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram):
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the autonomous administration
of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, through Autonomous District
Councils (ADCs) with legislative, executive, and judicial powers to protect tribal rights and
promote self-governance.
1. Autonomous District Councils (ADCs): Local self-governance with legislative,
judicial, and executive powers over specified subjects.
2. Law-Making Authority: ADCs can legislate on land, forests, agriculture, and more,
preserving tribal customs.
3. Judicial Powers: Village courts resolve disputes using tribal customs.
4. Control over Land and Resources: Ensures tribal control over land, forests, and
resources.
5. Cultural and Social Protection: Safeguards tribal rights, identity, and self-
governance.

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Minor Forest Produce (MFP)

Minor Forest Produce (MFP) includes non-timber forest products like fruits, nuts, seeds,
leaves, medicinal plants, honey, bamboo, and resin. These are resources collected from
forests without causing major harm to the environment.
Importance to Tribals
1. Livelihood Source: Provides income; e.g., tendu leaf collection supports millions in
Madhya Pradesh.
2. Food Security: Contributes to diet; e.g., Mahua flowers are used for traditional drinks
and food.
3. Cultural Significance: Integral to rituals; e.g., Sal leaves used for making plates in
Jharkhand.
4. Medicinal Value: Used in traditional medicine; e.g., Neem for treating skin ailments.
MFPs are crucial for the economic, nutritional, cultural, and medicinal well-being of tribal
communities, forming a core part of their sustainable lifestyle

Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP)

The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) allocates specific resources for the socio-economic
development of Scheduled Tribes (STs), targeting their needs in education, health,
livelihoods, and infrastructure.
Key Provisions of TSP
1. Dedicated Budget: Earmarks 8-10% of state budgets for tribal development, aligned
with the tribal population share.
2. Integrated Development: Focuses on comprehensive development, funding schools
and health centres in remote tribal areas.
3. Monitoring & Evaluation: Establishes Tribal Advisory Committees and state
oversight bodies to track TSP implementation.
4. Resource Convergence: Integrates schemes like MGNREGA and PM Awas Yojana
under TSP to maximize benefits.
5. Special Central Assistance (SCA): Provides extra central funding for specific tribal
welfare projects, such as promoting traditional crafts.

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Evaluation of TSP
1. Poverty Reduction: Assesses TSP's role in reducing poverty, with ST poverty rates
dropping from 63% to 43% (2004-2012).
2. Education & Health Outcomes: Measures improvements in literacy and health,
though gaps remain compared to national averages.
3. Infrastructure Development: Evaluates progress in building roads, schools, and
health canters in tribal areas, like in Chhattisgarh.
4. Fund Utilization: Reviews efficiency in fund use, with some states like Jharkhand
showing underutilization.
5. Community Participation: Gauges tribal involvement in planning, with Kerala's
active tribal councils as a model.
Way Forward
1. Strengthen Monitoring: Use digital platforms for real-time tracking and third-party
audits to ensure accountability.
2. Enhance Community Participation: Increase tribal involvement in decision-
making, as seen in Kerala's TSP success.
3. Focus on Sustainable Livelihoods: Promote skill development and entrepreneurship
through tailored programs like PMKVY.
4. Increase Transparency: Make TSP fund data publicly available, following models
like Andhra Pradesh's real-time governance.
The Tribal Sub-Plan is essential for ST upliftment, but its effectiveness depends on strong
implementation, community engagement, and transparency to address tribal needs
effectively.

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The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
Rights) Act, 2006
Forest Rights Act (FRA) deals with the rights of forest dwelling communities over land and
other resources. The Act grants legal recognition to the rights of traditional forest dwelling
communities. Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal agency for implementing the Act.

Vicious cycle of Discrimination faced by vulnerable sections

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Tribal Panchsheel
The Tribal Panchsheel, formulated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952, outlines five principles for
governing tribal communities, emphasizing respect for their culture, protection of land,
autonomy, and development aligned with their needs. These principles guide India's tribal
policies, balancing development with the preservation of tribal identity.

Welfare of Vulnerable Sections and SDGs

1. SDG 1: No Poverty: Eradicate poverty with social protection and equal economic rights for
vulnerable groups.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger: End hunger, support small-scale farmers, and ensure nutritious food access.
3. SDG 3: Good Health: Improve health by reducing maternal/child mortality and addressing
vulnerable group needs.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education: Ensure inclusive education, closing gaps for vulnerable groups.
5. SDG 5: Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality by eliminating discrimination and violence.
6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Promote inclusion and reduce inequality within and among
countries.

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Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

PVTGs are the least developed among tribals, identified as highly vulnerable by the Dhebar
Commission in 1975.
• Characteristics: Homogenous, small populations, isolated, with a low level of
technology, literacy, and economic status. Many have declining or stagnant
populations.
Criteria for Identifying PVTGs:
1. Pre-agricultural level of technology
2. Low literacy levels
3. Economic backwardness
4. Declining or stagnant population
Data about PVTGs
1. Population: India has 75 PVTGs, with a total population of approximately 2.7
million.
2. States Covered: PVTGs are spread across 19 states and one Union Territory.
3. Literacy Rate: The average literacy rate among PVTGs is around 30%, significantly
lower than the national average of 74%.
4. Infant Mortality Rate: The infant mortality rate among PVTGs is approximately 84
per 1,000 live births, much higher than the national average of 34.
5. Economic Dependence: Over 60% of PVTGs rely on subsistence agriculture and
forest produce for their livelihood.

Issues Concerning PVTGs

1. Extreme Poverty:
o High Poverty Rates: Over 50% of PVTGs live below the poverty line, like
the Dongria Kondh in Odisha, who rely heavily on forest produce for survival.
2. Low Literacy:
o Literacy Rate: PVTG literacy averages 30%, with tribes like the Baiga in
Madhya Pradesh at just 20%, leading to continued marginalization.

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3. Health Challenges:
• High Infant Mortality: Infant mortality among PVTGs is 84 per 1,000 births, with
tribes like the Sabar in West Bengal facing severe healthcare access issues.
4. Land Alienation:
• Land Loss: Many PVTGs, like the Jarawas in the Andaman Islands, face
displacement due to development, with around 40% losing their traditional lands.

Schemes for PVTGs

1. Development of PVTGs Scheme: Provides targeted support for housing, education,
health, and livelihoods.
2. Conservation-cum-Development Plan: Focuses on preserving culture while
promoting sustainable development.
3. Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana: Develops model villages with
essential amenities for PVTGs.
4. Support to TRIs for PVTGs: Funds research to preserve PVTGs' cultural heritage
and address their challenges.
5. Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN): The
PM-JANMAN vision aims to uplift PVTGs by improving health, education,
livelihoods, and infrastructure, aligning with existing schemes across nine
ministries.
To enhance the socio-economic status of PVTGs, it is essential to promote research and
data collection efforts tailored to their specific needs, foster partnerships with NGOs for
effective implementation, and ensure PVTG participation in decision-making processes.
By integrating these approaches, the welfare of PVTGs can be significantly improved,
aligning with broader development goals.

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