Addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes

What are the two major legal initiatives by the state since independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?

The two major legal initiatives by the state since independence to address discrimination against the scheduled tribes are

• Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1976
• Schedule Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities ) Act, 1989

    In order to give effect to the provisions of Article 17 of constitution which provided for the abolition of Untouchablity the parliament enacted the Untouchablity (Offences) Act, 1955. It was renamed as Protection of Civil Rights Act by an amendment in 1976. The act provides for redress prevent the practice. The Supreme Court has said that Untouchablity is not in the literal sense of the word but how it has evolved in the Indian context.

    The Schedule Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 has been enacted to protect the SC and ST from social injustice, exploitation and discrimination. The act attempted to plug the loop holes in previous acts and provided for stringent provisions against various offences, indignities, humiliations and harassment. It aims to prevent there atrocities and provides for special Court for their trial and for relief and rehabilitation of the victims. The 2015 Amendment has widened the scope of the act and provided for rights of victims and witnesses.

    Apart from these numerous steps have been taken to prevent discrimination and empower the Scheduled Tribes (reservation of seats plays an important role).