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Constitutional Provisions
Relevant Parts and Articles of the Constitution
- Part XVI (Articles 330-342): Deals with special provisions for certain classes like Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Anglo-Indians.
- Article 243(D): Provides for reservation of seats for SCs and STs in Panchayats.
- Article 330: Provides for reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha.
- Article 331: Provides for the nomination of members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha if not adequately represented.
- Article 333: Provides for the nomination of members from the Anglo-Indian community to State Legislative Assemblies if not adequately represented.
- Article 334: Originally set a time limit for the provisions of reservation and nomination, which has been periodically extended.
Definition and Listing of SCs/STs
- The President issues the official lists of SCs and STs for each state, after consulting the Governor.
- A tribe can be declared as a Scheduled Tribe for only a part of a State.
- The Scheduled Tribe status is religiously neutral; it is not restricted to followers of any particular religion.
- The authority to specify which castes shall be deemed as Scheduled Castes rests with the President.
- As of a 2007 amendment, the number of castes in the list of Scheduled Castes is 1,206.
- The definition of the term ‘Minority’ is not given in the Constitution of India.
Political Representation
- There is no reservation for any caste in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament).
Constitutional and Statutory Bodies
Constitutional Bodies
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST): A constitutional body established under Article 338-A.
- Separate Scheduled Tribe Commission: Refers to the NCST, established under Article 338-A.
Statutory Bodies (Established by an Act of Parliament)
- The Minority Commission (National Commission for Minorities) is not a constitutional body; it is a statutory body.
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body.
Important Legislations and Acts
Sub-topic: The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
- Scope of Offender: Offences under this Act can only be committed by a person who is not a member of an SC or ST.
- Key Definitions:
- “Victim” is defined under Section 2(ec).
- “Dependent” is defined under Section 2(bb).
- “Economic boycott” is defined under Section 2(bc).
- Judicial Process:
- Provides for the establishment of “Exclusive Special Courts” to try offences under this Act, as defined under Section 14.
- Investigation:
- An investigation officer must submit his report within 30 days for offenses committed.
- Specific Offence:
- A non-SC/ST person causing harm to an SC/ST person on the allegation of witchcraft is punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than six months but which may extend to five years and with a fine.
Sub-topic: The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955
- The power of a State Government to impose a collective fine is provided under Section 14A.
Sub-topic: Acts Related to Other Groups
- The National Commission for Minorities Act was passed in 1993.
- The National Commission for Backward Classes Act was passed in 1993.
- The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act was passed in 1995.
- The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act was passed in 1986.
Administration and Committees
Administrative Rules
- Under the Scheduled Tribes Rules, 1995, the provision for ‘Material for Annual Report’ is given in Section 24.
Committees
- The Hashim Committee was set up for the identification of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in Urban Areas.
Miscellaneous Significant Facts
Judiciary and Laws
- The Supreme Court judgment regarding homosexuality is related to Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which was decriminalized.
Powers of Local Bodies
- Zila Panchayats in Scheduled Areas have powers including:
- Planning for minor water bodies.
- Controlling institutions in all social sectors.
- Controlling tribal sub-plans.
- Exercising other functions conferred by the State Government.
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