Why in the news?

  • National Crime Records Bureau data for 2023 showed an increase in crimes against Scheduled tribes in India.

Crimes Against Tribals

  • Facts:
    • NCRB data for 2023 shows an 8% increase in registered atrocities against Scheduled Tribes (STs) compared to 2022.
    • Besides conflict-zones, states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan (which historically report many crimes against tribals) also continue to be of concern.
  • Forms of Atrocities Highlighted in the report:
    • Lynching, custodial torture, sexual violence, land dispossession, social humiliation.
    • Land alienation even where legal rights exist (such as under the Forest Rights Act).
  • Causes:
    • Structural inequality:
      • Tribals lag in HDI indicators (education, health, income).
      • Land alienation continues despite statutory safeguards.
    • Identity politics & polarization:
      • Ethnic tensions (e.g., in Manipur) exploited by political actors. 
      • Symbolic use of “tribal identity” without substantive protection.
    • Weak administrative / judicial machinery:
      • Poor investigations, low conviction rates.
      • Delays in special courts.
    • Cultural stereotypes: Tribals stereotyped as “backward” or outsiders and justification of violence via social norms.
    • Economic exploitation: Mining, industrial expansion, land acquisition conflicts as well as inadequate rehabilitation.
  • Safeguards to Tribal Population:
    • Constitutional Safeguards:
      • Articles 15, 17 (discrimination / untouchability)
      • Article 46 (promotion of educational and economic interests of SCs/STs)
      • Fifth & Sixth Schedules for tribal areas’ administration
      • National Commission for ST- Article 338A
    • Legal Safeguards:
      • SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (with amendments in 2015, 2018)
      • Forest Rights Act, 2006 (recognition of land & resource rights)
    • Executive Safeguards:
      • PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) (2023): To ensure basic amenities (health, housing, education) in tribal villages.
      • DAJGUA (Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan): Holistic development in tribal villages.
      • Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): To provide quality education for tribal children.
      • Tribal Sub-Plan & Grants under Article 275(1): Dedicated funds.
  • Way Forward:
    • Fast-track courts, police sensitisation, accountability mechanisms.
    • Community awareness & education (inclusion of tribal history etc.).
    • Political accountability, independent monitoring bodies.
    • Strict implementation of the Forest Rights Act, expansion of livelihood schemes (MGNREGA, skill development).
    • Peacebuilding & conflict resolution in hotspots like Manipur.

EnBUZZER – 11 OCTOBER 2025