Criteria for inclusion in the list of STS The criteria followed for specification of a community as a Scheduled Tribe are (i) indications of primitive traits, (ii) distinctive culture, (iii) geographical isolation, (iv) shyness of contact with the community at large, and (v) backwardness. Government of India on June 15, 1999 (as further amended on 25.6.2002), has approved modalities for deciding claims for inclusion in, exclusion from and other modifications in orders specifying lists of STs. Accordingly, only those proposals which have been recommended and justified by concerned State Government / UT Administration can be processed further. Thereafter, it has to be concurred with by Registrar General of India (RGI) and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) for consideration for amendment of legislation. There is no attempt to dilute the existing criteria by the Government. However, a Task Force constituted by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to examine the existing criteria and procedure has recommended for making criteria scientific and objective along with a process which is consultative, transparent and time bound. No decision has been taken on this. This information was given by Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today. Samir/jk
