CENTRE TO INTRODUCE BILL IN RAJYA SABHA TO INCLUDE CERTAIN HIMACHAL PRADESH COMMUNITIES IN ST LIST

The Centre is set to introduce a bill in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, to include certain communities from Himachal Pradesh in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.The bill, titled The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022, was approved by the Union Cabinet on July 19, 2023.

The bill seeks to include the following communities from Himachal Pradesh in the ST list :-Kinnauras , Lahaulas, Pagawals , Bhotias of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts, Gaddi people of Chamba district.The bill also seeks to exclude the following communities from the ST list ;-Kinnauras of Kullu district, Gaddi people of Kangra district.The bill will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda.

The move to include these communities in the ST list is seen as a way to recognize their distinct social, cultural, and economic identities. It is also expected to provide them with access to various benefits and schemes that are available to STs.The bill is likely to be passed by the Rajya Sabha and will then go to the Lok Sabha for its approval. Once it is passed by both Houses of Parliament, it will be notified by the President and will come into force.

The Scheduled Tribes (ST) list is a list of communities that are considered to be tribal and are entitled to certain benefits and protections under the Constitution of India. The ST list is maintained by the Government of India and is updated from time to time.The current ST list includes 745 communities from all over India. The communities included in the ST list are eligible for a variety of benefits, including reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, access to special financial assistance schemes, and exemption from certain taxes.

Why is the bill being introduced?

The bill is being introduced to include five communities from Himachal Pradesh in the ST list. These communities are the Kinnauras, Lahaulas, Pangwals, Bhotias of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts, and Gaddi people of Chamba district.The Government of India has argued that these communities are distinct social, cultural, and economic groups that have faced historical discrimination. Including them in the ST list will help to ensure that they have access to the same benefits and opportunities as other STs.

What are the benefits of being included in the ST list?

Communities that are included in the ST list are eligible for a variety of benefits, including reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, access to special financial assistance schemes, and exemption from certain taxes.The reservation in government jobs and educational institutions is a significant benefit for communities that are included in the ST list. This reservation helps to ensure that these communities have a fair chance to compete for jobs and education.

The special financial assistance schemes that are available to STs can also be very helpful. These schemes provide financial assistance for education, housing, and other essential needs.The exemption from certain taxes can also be a significant benefit for ST communities. This exemption can help to reduce the financial burden on these communities and make it easier for them to meet their basic needs.

What are the next steps?

The bill will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. If the bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha, it will then go to the Lok Sabha for its approval. Once it is passed by both Houses of Parliament, it will be notified by the President and will come into force.The inclusion of these five communities in the ST list is a positive step for the tribal communities of Himachal Pradesh. It will help to ensure that they have access to the same benefits and opportunities as other STs.