Q11.What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes(STs)?

Post-independence, Scheduled Tribes faced pervasive discrimination, including social exclusion and economic exploitation. The State enacted crucial legal frameworks to address these systemic injustices.

The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (PoA Act)

This Act prevents atrocities and hate crimes against SCs and STs. It criminalizes specific offenses like forced labour, wrongful land occupation, and various forms of humiliation, providing for special courts and victim rehabilitation. This directly combats social discrimination and violence, ensuring STs' dignity and safety.

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA)

The FRA recognizes and vests forest rights in forest-dwelling STs, acknowledging their symbiotic relationship with forests. It grants rights over forest land and produce, addressing historical injustice by securing land tenure and preventing forced displacement. This combats economic and social marginalization.

These initiatives are crucial for STs' justice and equality. However, implementation challenges and persistent discrimination necessitate ongoing vigilance.