Understanding Scheduled Tribes Status in India

The Government of India updates the list of communities recognized as Scheduled Tribes (ST) from time to time through amendments to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950. Being listed as a Scheduled Tribe provides certain benefits and reservations under the Constitution.

2022 Amendments to Scheduled Tribes List

In 2022, the Indian Parliament approved Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bills for various states. These amendments added several communities to the list of Scheduled Tribes in specific states.

Let's examine the communities mentioned in the question:

• A. Narikoravan community: The Narikoravan community, primarily residing in Tamil Nadu, was recommended for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list. The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2022, pertaining to Tamil Nadu, added the Narikoravan and Kuruvikkaran communities to the ST list of the state.
• B. Hattee community: The Hattee community inhabits the Giriapar area of Himachal Pradesh. The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2022, concerning Himachal Pradesh, included the Hattee community in the state's Scheduled Tribes list.
• C. Kadu Kuruba community: The Kadu Kuruba community is found in Karnataka. The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022, related to Karnataka, added the Betta-Kuruba community as a synonym of the Kadu Kuruba community, effectively listing the Kadu Kuruba (along with Betta-Kuruba) under the Scheduled Tribes of Karnataka.
• D. Kapu community: The Kapu community is a prominent social group in Andhra Pradesh. This community has historically been categorized differently, often seeking inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the state. The Kapu community was not included in the list of Scheduled Tribes by the 2022 amendments.

Analysis of Communities Granted ST Status in 2022

Based on the legislative changes made in 2022 regarding the Scheduled Tribes list:

• The Narikoravan community (A) was added to the ST list in Tamil Nadu.
• The Hattee community (B) was added to the ST list in Himachal Pradesh.
• The Kadu Kuruba community (C) was effectively included/clarified in the ST list of Karnataka.
• The Kapu community (D) was not added to the ST list in 2022.

Therefore, the communities granted Scheduled Tribes status by the 2022 amendments among the given options are Narikoravan, Hattee, and Kadu Kuruba.

This corresponds to options A, B, and C.

Conclusion on 2022 Scheduled Tribes Amendments

The 2022 amendments expanded the Scheduled Tribes list in specific states, including the inclusion of the Narikoravan, Hattee, and Kadu Kuruba communities in Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka, respectively. The Kapu community was not part of these amendments for ST status.

Revision Table: Key Communities Added to ST List in 2022

Additional Information on Scheduled Tribes Status

The power to include or exclude communities from the Scheduled Tribes list rests with the Parliament of India. This is done through amending the relevant Presidential Orders issued under Article 342 of the Constitution. The process usually involves recommendations from state governments and detailed study by the Registrar General of India and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

The objective of recognizing communities as Scheduled Tribes is to provide them with protective measures, affirmative action, and developmental support to address their historical disadvantage and ensure their socio-economic progress.

Criteria generally considered for defining a community as a Scheduled Tribe include primitive traits, geographical isolation, distinct culture, shyness of contact with the community at large, and backwardness.