New Delhi: Since India’s independence in 1947, the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) have been at the heart of the nation’s affirmative action policies, designed to uplift the most disadvantaged sections of society. Over the years, the lists of these communities have undergone significant expansions, reflecting India’s commitment to social justice. Initially listing 607 castes and 241 tribes under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, these figures have now grown to over 1,000 Scheduled Castes and more than 500 Scheduled Tribes as of 2018.
After independence, the Constituent Assembly recognized the socio-economic disabilities faced by SCs and STs, laying the foundation for their protection under Articles 341 and 342 of the Constitution. The 1950 Orders classified these groups, granting them access to reservations in education, employment, and politics, along with other benefits to bridge the historical gap of inequality.
The inclusion of communities into the SC/ST lists has been a dynamic process. While the original lists were derived from colonial classifications, they were later modified to address regional and socio-economic disparities. By 2018, the SC list expanded to include 1,108 castes, while the ST list grew to encompass 744 tribes across various states.
Key milestones include the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Lists (Modification) Order of 1956, which incorporated communities from newly formed states and union territories. Subsequent amendments were informed by the Lokur Committee Report of 1965, which introduced updated criteria for inclusion.
In 2021, the government approved the inclusion of several communities in the ST lists of Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, fulfilling long-pending demands.
The Hatti tribe of Himachal Pradesh, known for their tradition of selling produce in ‘haats’ (markets), had been demanding tribal status since 1967, while the Narikoravan and Kurivikkaran of Tamil Nadu, nomadic tribes engaged in traditional hunting and gathering, gained recognition for their cultural and economic marginalization. The Binjhia tribe, already listed as Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Jharkhand and Odisha, were included in Chhattisgarh for uniformity, and subgroups of the Gond community in Uttar Pradesh, such as Dhuria, Nayak, Ojha, Pathari, and Rajgond, were shifted from the Scheduled Castes (SC) to ST category to acknowledge their distinct tribal identity. Additionally, the Betta-Kuruba community of Karnataka, after a 30-year struggle, was recognized as a synonym of the Kadu Kuruba tribe.
The path to recognition begins with state governments recommending communities for inclusion. The Tribal Affairs Ministry reviews these recommendations before forwarding them to the Registrar General of India and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes for approval. The final decision rests with the Union Cabinet.
Communities included in the SC/ST lists gain access to several affirmative action programs. These include post-matric scholarships, concessional loans, reserved seats in educational institutions and government jobs, and other welfare schemes. Additionally, the Scheduled Tribes enjoy special protections under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution, which govern the administration of tribal areas.
Despite these measures, disparities persist. Activists and experts have pointed out delays in the inclusion process and inconsistencies in regional recognition. The government continues to amend the lists periodically, ensuring that no marginalized group is left behind.
As India progresses, the expansion of SC/ST lists symbolizes the country’s evolving understanding of social equity. The inclusion of communities such as the Hattis, Narikoravans, and Binjhias highlights the importance of cultural and historical contexts in addressing systemic inequalities.
With over 16.6% of India’s population belonging to Scheduled Castes and 8.6% to Scheduled Tribes, their empowerment remains crucial to the nation’s development. Periodic reviews and amendments will ensure that these groups continue to benefit from affirmative action policies, fostering an inclusive and equitable society.
India’s journey toward social justice continues, ensuring that every community has an opportunity to thrive, no matter how marginalized their past is.
