The Rajya Sabha has approved amendments to bills related to tribal affairs, empowering tribal communities.
The upper house of parliament in India, the Rajya Sabha, has recently enacted two important measures that seek to empower tribal populations and acknowledge their unique identity. In order to remedy historical injustices and ensure the welfare of tribal inhabitants, these bills—the Constitution (STs) Order Amendment Bill 2024 and the Constitution (SCs and STs) Order Amendment Bill 2024—mark a major step forward.
One of the main features of these legislation is the inclusion of phonetic variations and synonyms for existing tribes in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) lists of both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, as well as the addition of several new communities to the Odisha STs list. This action honors the distinct identities of these tribal populations as well as the varied cultural legacy of these areas.
Seven Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), a subset of STs with severe socioeconomic issues, are among the new additions to the STs list. Due to their historical marginalization and isolation, these communities are guaranteed to get specific support and attention from the government as a result of their presence on the STs list.
The bill to alter Odisha's ST list moved two entries from the Scheduled Castes list to the Scheduled Tribes list in addition to the PVTGs. This guarantees that these communities receive the benefits and protections granted to STs while also reflecting the shifting social and cultural dynamics within these communities. To broaden the extent of tribal recognition in the state, two more communities, the Muka Dora and the Konda Reddy, have been added to Odisha's ST list.
For these communities, PVTGs' participation in the STs list is extremely important. It gives them access to benefits that are reserved for reservations in terms of work, education, and political representation. Additionally, it aids in the preservation of their customs and languages and recognizes their unique cultural legacy.
Governmental Efforts for PVTG Welfare
To meet the unique requirements of PVTGs, the government has launched a number of programs. The PM PVTG Development Mission was launched in the Union Budget 2023–24, with a three-year allocation of Rs. 15,000 crore intended to provide basic amenities to PVTG households. Furthermore, through focused interventions, the PM-JANMAN project, which has a total budget of Rs. 24,104 crore, seeks to improve the socioeconomic circumstances of PVTGs.
An important step towards acknowledging and empowering India's tribal communities has been taken with the passage of the Constitution (STs) Order Amendment Bill 2024 and the Constitution (SCs and STs) Order Amendment Bill 2024 in the Rajya Sabha. The government exhibits its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and cultural preservation of tribal groups by adding PVTGs to the list of STs and addressing the particular difficulties these tribes experience. A more equitable and inclusive society that values and honors the variety of India's tribal heritage is made possible by these measures.
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