Explore key facts, challenges, constitutional provisions, and welfare schemes related to Schedule Tribe in India for inclusive development.
theIASHub | 05 Jun, 2025
India is home to a diverse tribal population, constitutionally recognized as Schedule Tribe in India under Article 342. The Constitution provides numerous safeguards and developmental schemes to protect their unique culture and socio-economic interests. This article discusses their status, challenges, welfare schemes, constitutional provisions, and recommendations of various commissions.
The Schedule Tribe in India is protected under Article 342 of the Constitution. Special focus is laid through Schedule V, which provides for administration and control of scheduled areas and tribes. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was constituted under Article 338A by the 89th Amendment Act of 2003.
As per the 2011 Census, the Schedule Tribe in India constitutes 8.2% of the total population. The literacy rate among STs improved from 47.1% in 2001 to 59% in 2011. The majority of STs live in Central India (Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh) and North-Eastern regions.
There are 75 PVTGs in India, spread across 18 states and the A&N Islands. Originally identified by the Dhebar Commission in 1973, they were renamed in 2006.
Post-independence development led to large-scale displacement of STs, particularly due to mining and infrastructure projects. Around 50 million people have been displaced in the last 50 years.
Despite improvement, the literacy rate is still below national average. Tribal women are often the worst affected due to exploitation and erosion of identity.
The Schedule Tribe in India faces challenges in preserving their culture, language, and traditional practices.
In a 2024 Supreme Court judgment, states were allowed to sub-categorize SC/ST groups for targeted benefits. This reversed the 2004 Chinnaiah judgment that denied such classifications.
The Schedule Tribe in India plays a crucial role in India's cultural and ecological diversity. However, sustained efforts in education, empowerment, and cultural preservation are needed. With strong constitutional safeguards and active government intervention, inclusive development for the Schedule Tribe in India can be achieved.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.
IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.
Here are some important services provided by IAShub:
The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.
Detailed Solutions & Explanations
Improve Your Answer Writing & Strategy
