Daily Quiz – 15th Mar 2024

Exp) Option c is the correct answer.

Option a is incorrect: Guaranteeing equal outcomes for all individuals might be unrealistic due to individual differences and circumstances. Social justice aims to provide a fair starting point, not identical results.

Option b is incorrect: While the Constitution strives to remove various barriers, it prioritizes addressing those faced by historically marginalized groups like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and religious minorities. Barriers impacting everyone might not receive the same level of focus.

Option c is correct: Providing equal access to resources and opportunities reflects the essence of social justice in the Indian context. The Constitution aims to break down historical and structural barriers that limit specific groups' access to education, healthcare, employment, and other resources, promoting a more equitable society where everyone has the chance to fulfill their potential.

Option d is incorrect: While essential, legal rights alone aren't enough to address unequal access and experiences. Systemic barriers can still persist despite equal legal protections.

Exp) Option d is the correct answer.

Option a is incorrect: The High-Level Committee (HLC) chaired by Prof. Virginius Xaxa, established by the Prime Minister's Office in 2013, evaluated the socio-economic, educational, and health conditions of tribal communities in India. Its recommendations were presented in May 2014.

Option b is incorrect: For estimating Poverty Line in India, Lakdawala Committee, 1993 was an expert group chaired by D.T. Lakdawala.

Option c is incorrect: The Elwin Committee (1959) was established to assess the operations of Multi-Purpose Development Blocks, which served as the fundamental administrative units for all tribal development initiatives.

Option d is correct: The committee that examined the social, economic, and educational status of the Muslim community in India was the "Sachar Committee." It was established in 2005 and chaired by Justice Rajindar Sachar. The committee submitted its final report in 2006, which highlighted the social and economic conditions of the Muslim community and made several recommendations to address their status, including the establishment of an Equal Opportunity Commission and improved access to education and employment.

Exp) Option c is the correct answer.

The criteria for specifying a community as a Scheduled Tribe in India, as laid out by the Lokur Committee in 1965, include:

1) Indications of Primitive Traits: The community in question should exhibit indications of primitive or tribal traits, which may include unique cultural practices, traditional lifestyles, and historical distinctiveness.

2) Geographical Isolation: The community must demonstrate a degree of geographical isolation, often residing in remote or less accessible areas, which has contributed to their distinct identity.

3) Distinctive Culture: A community's culture, customs, and traditions should be significantly different from the mainstream culture, further emphasizing their unique identity.

4) Shyness of Contact with the Community at Large: Communities being considered for inclusion should exhibit a tendency to maintain limited contact with the larger society or be relatively isolated from the mainstream population.

5) Backwardness: The community's socio-economic conditions, education levels, and access to basic amenities are also taken into account.

The income levels of the communities are not considered for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes List.

The current procedure for including communities in the Scheduled Tribe list in India:

1) Origin of Proposal: The process for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list begins with the respective State or Union Territory government. They are responsible for initiating proposals for the inclusion of specific communities.

2) Union Tribal Affairs Ministry: Once the proposal is made at the state level, it is forwarded to the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry, which plays a pivotal role in evaluating and processing the proposal.

3) Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI): The proposal, after reaching the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry, is then forwarded to the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI). This office holds the responsibility of scrutinizing the proposal in detail.

4) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes: If the ORGI approves the proposal based on these criteria, it is then forwarded to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes for further examination. This commission plays a vital role in ensuring that the proposed community meets the necessary criteria.

5) Cabinet Approval: Only after obtaining the concurrence of these institutions, the proposal is brought before the Cabinet. The Cabinet, upon reviewing the proposal, may decide to bring in the appropriate constitutional amendment.

6) Presidential Notification: The final decision for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list rests with the President's office. The President issues a formal notification specifying the changes. This notification is made under the authority vested in the office by Articles 341 and 342 of the Indian Constitution.

Exp) Option a is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct: Article 342(2) of the Indian Constitution confers the exclusive authority upon Parliament to amend the list of Scheduled Tribes by adding or removing tribes or tribal communities through legislative action. Once a notification is issued under Article 342(1), it cannot be changed by subsequent notifications. The process is governed by legal procedures set forth in the Constitution.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Scheduled Tribes are officially recognized in 30 States/Union Territories, encompassing 705 distinct ethnic groups. As per the 2011 census, India's tribal population stands at 10.43 crore, making up 8.6% of the total population. A majority, 89.97%, reside in rural areas, with 10.03% residing in urban areas.

Exp) Option d is the correct answer.

Halbi, also known as Bastari, is an Eastern Indo-Aryan language and is spoken by tribes across the central part of India. It is written in Devanagari and Odia script; however, it is used mainly as an oral language, particularly for trade, and few Halbi speakers can read and write their language. Ho is tribal language, which is written in Warang Chiti script. It is the mother tongue of nearly 10 lakh tribal people living in Odisha and Jharkhand. Kui is a South-Eastern Dravidian language spoken by the Kandhas. It is mostly spoken in Odisha and is written in the Odia script. The Kui language was also referred to as the Kuinga language during the historical period. It is closely related to the Gondi and Kuvi languages.