Govt approves two bills to modify STs' list in five states

Two bills seeking to modify the existing list of scheduled tribes in five states and identify new communities in the Union Territory of Puducherry are set to be introduced in Parliament.
"The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given ex post facto approval for introduction of two Bills in Parliament for amendments in the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 so as to modify the list of STs in respect of five states-- Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and identification of new communities in the Union Territory of Puducherry," an official statement said today.
The communities that were found eligible for their inclusion in SC category include Boro, Boro Kachari and Karbi (Mikir) from Assam; Bhuinya, Bhuiyan, Dhanuwar, Kisan, Saunra and Saonra from Chhattisgarh; Malayali Gounder, Narikoravan and Kurivikkaran from Tamil Nadu and Darlong from Tripura.

From Jharkahnd, the communities which were found eligible are Bhogta, Deshwari, Ganjhu, Dautalbandi (Dwalbandi), Patbandi, Raut, Maajhia, Khairi (Kheri) and Puran.
After the amendment, members of the communities included in the list will be able to derive benefits meant for STs under the existing schemes.
Some of the major schemes which cater to STs include Post Matric Scholarship, National Overseas Scholarship, National Fellowship, Concessional Loans from National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation and Hostels for ST boys and girls etc.
In addition, they will also be entitled to benefits of reservation in services and admission to educational institutions.