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.
- Structural inequality:
- 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.
- Constitutional Safeguards:
- 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.