Title: Need to review the Scheduled Tribe list at National level.
SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN (KASARGOD): Sir, I would like to invite the attention of the Government with regard to the renewal of the Scheduled Tribe List at the National level.
The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Orders (Amendment) Act, 2002 have made 142 modifications in the STs of the 20 States. But, there are a number of representations which have not yet been finalised. For the last three years, the Government has not taken any decision on these pending proposals. It is unjustice to the STs. They really are eligible to be included in the ST List. We know that the ST community has the right to get financial as well as the educational benefits.
Sir, with regard to the reply given by the Tribal Affairs Minister in this House, there are 990 proposals pending for the final decision. The highest comes from Assam (113), Andhra Pradesh (95), Maharashtra (90), Orissa (88), Tamil Nadu (70), UP (70), Kerala (59), and the list goes on.
Sir, it is said that justice delayed is equal to justice denied. So, I would request the Government to review the pending representations within a time limit and take immediate action. There should be a policy of reviewing and finalising the List every year by the Parliament.