The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill 2022 was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The bill proposes to add the Darlong tribe of Tripura to the Scheduled Tribes list alongside the Kuki tribe.
During the discussion, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Renuka Singh Saruta said she appreciated the members’ suggestions and assured them that the Tribal Ministry has been hard at work, and that the Darlong community’s inclusion in the Schedule Tribes (ST) on par with the Kukis will allow them to benefit from the benefits provided to the STs in the country.
According to Saruta, tribal groups’ culture and traditions are a very sensitive topic, and the Tribal Ministry has been working tirelessly to offer the required assistance to these people.
In response to Congress MP Phulo Devi Netam’s questions, the Minister stated that she is from the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh and has demanded that more tribal people be added to the STs list.
The government developed ‘Eklavya Schools’ in the region, referring to initiatives done by the government to improve the lives of tribal people and give better education to tribal children.
“In 2013-14, there were 167 Eklavya schools, which will grow to 689 in 2021-22.” 460 tribal youngsters from grades 6 to 12 are enrolled in these schools, which follow the CBSE curriculum,” the Minister told the House.
IANS
