Union Minister for Tribal Affairs; Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, expressed the government’s commitment to the development of tribal communities while preserving their socio-cultural heritage. He praised the passage of three bills by Parliament, fulfilling long-pending demands of tribal communities in Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
The first bill, the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was passed to include the ‘Pahari Ethnic Group, Paddari Tribe, Koli, and Gadda Brahmin’ communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This amendment aims to address the needs and aspirations of these communities.
Furthermore, the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, pertaining to Andhra Pradesh, and the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2024, concerning Odisha, were passed to effect inclusions in their respective lists of Scheduled Tribes. These amendments seek to provide justice to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, will include the ‘Bondo Porja’ and ‘Khond Porja’ as PVTGs in Andhra Pradesh, along with the ‘Konda Savaras’ tribe. Similarly, the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes to include four PVTGs and modify the list of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Odisha.
With the passage of these bills, member communities will benefit from various government schemes and entitlements meant for Scheduled Tribes, including scholarships, financial assistance, and reservation in services and educational institutions.
These legislative measures underscore the government’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of tribal communities across the country. By addressing long-standing demands and ensuring inclusive development, the government aims to promote the socio-economic progress of tribal communities while preserving their rich cultural heritage.
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