Context :
- Ethnographic Study: The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), along with Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs), conducted a major study on 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes, aiming to classify groups unrecognized by previous commissions.
- Commissioned by NITI Aayog: The three-year study was commissioned by NITI Aayog to assess inclusion of these groups in the SC, ST, and OBC lists across 26 states and UTs.
Relevance : GS 1(Society )
Recommendations for Inclusion:
- 179 Communities: 179 communities recommended for inclusion in SC, ST, or OBC lists, with 85 as new additions.
- Distribution: 46 for OBC, 29 for SC, and 10 for ST.
- Geographic Spread: Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of proposed additions (19), with other states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, MP, and Rajasthan contributing 8 each.
Additional Findings:
- Correction of Categorization: 9 existing communities recommended for reclassification.
- ‘Not Traceable’ Communities: 63 communities (20%) are “not traceable,” due to assimilation or migration.
Implications:
- Expansion of Quotas: The recommendations could significantly impact the caste-based quota system, influencing political and social debates on reservation.
- Census Uncertainty: The timing of the study coincides with concerns over the next Census and caste enumeration, which may affect future quota adjustments.
Controversies and Criticisms:
- Resistance from DNT, NT, and SNT Communities: Some oppose being categorized as SC, ST, or OBC, fearing added discrimination.
- Proposal for Separate Quota: Calls for a distinct quota or sub-quota for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT, NT, SNT) to address their unique challenges.
Potential Impact on Policy:
- Quota System Recalibration: The inclusion could lead to changes in the caste-based reservation system, affecting education, employment, and welfare programs.
- Governance Complexity: The Social Justice Ministry is reviewing the recommendations, with final approval pending from NITI Aayog.
