Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
Supreme Court to Re-examine 'Creamy Layer' Application for SC/STs in Promotions
October 2024The Supreme Court has indicated its willingness to revisit the application of the 'creamy layer' principle to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in government job promotions. This comes after the Jarnail Singh judgment (2018) applied the creamy layer to SC/STs in promotions, overturning a previous stance. The re-examination is likely to focus on the constitutional validity of applying a concept designed for OBCs to SC/STs, given their distinct historical disadvantages. A larger bench may be constituted to settle this contentious issue, which has significant implications for career progression of SC/ST employees and the overall reservation policy. Vyyuha's analysis suggests this could lead to a landmark ruling redefining the scope of Article 16(4A) and Article 335.
UPSC Angle: Mains GS-II: Polity and Governance – Reservation policy, judicial review, constitutional amendments, and the balance between affirmative action and administrative efficiency. Prelims: Key judgments, articles related to reservation in promotions.
Government Launches 'Vikas Kendras' for Integrated Tribal Development under PMAAGY
March 2025The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has announced the establishment of 'Vikas Kendras' (Development Centers) in identified tribal-majority blocks across the country, as part of the expanded Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY). These centers will serve as hubs for delivering integrated services, including skill development, digital literacy, health camps, and market linkages for minor forest produce. The initiative aims to address the multi-dimensional poverty and lack of infrastructure in tribal areas, moving beyond a piecemeal approach to holistic development. This reflects a policy shift towards localized, community-driven development models, leveraging technology for better outreach and monitoring. Vyyuha's perspective highlights the potential for improved last-mile delivery and empowerment if implemented effectively with Gram Sabha participation.
UPSC Angle: Mains GS-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GS-I: Social empowerment, issues relating to development and management of social sector/services. Prelims: Specifics of PMAAGY, role of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, integrated development models.
Parliamentary Committee Recommends Strengthening PESA Act Implementation
September 2024A recent report by a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has strongly recommended that states with Scheduled Areas expedite the framing of robust rules for the effective implementation of the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA). The committee noted significant gaps in the actual devolution of powers to Gram Sabhas, particularly concerning control over minor forest produce, minor minerals, and land alienation. It emphasized the need for greater awareness campaigns among tribal communities about their rights under PESA and urged for stricter monitoring mechanisms by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. This recommendation underscores the persistent challenges in empowering tribal self-governance despite a progressive legal framework. Vyyuha's analysis points to the critical role of political will and administrative capacity in translating legislative intent into ground-level reality.
UPSC Angle: Mains GS-II: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies (Parliamentary Committees), devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. GS-I: Tribal issues, social empowerment. Prelims: PESA Act provisions, role of Gram Sabha, Parliamentary Committees.