Question #
What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes(STs)?
Answer by Chad #
The two major legal initiatives by the State addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs) since Independence are:
1) The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: This act provides protection to STs against various forms of discrimination, oppression, and violence. It aims to prevent the commission of offenses against members of SCs and STs and provides for sterner punishments for offenses committed against them. The act also establishes special courts for the speedy trial of such offenses.
2) The Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Indian Constitution: These schedules provide special constitutional safeguards for the protection and advancement of the rights and interests of STs. The Fifth Schedule applies to certain specified areas that are predominantly inhabited by STs and establishes provisions for the governance and administration of these areas. The Sixth Schedule applies to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram and provides for autonomous district councils with legislative, executive, and financial powers to protect the rights and interests of the tribes residing in those areas.