Hattee community inclusion in Himachal's ST list controversy UPSC

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Picture Courtesy: Himachal Chronicle

Context: Confusion and controversy surrounding the inclusion of the Hattee community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list of Himachal Pradesh.

Key Highlights

The Himachal Pradesh government sought clarification from the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry in Delhi regarding the inclusion criteria for Hattees in the ST list.
- The confusion arose because of the lack of a clear definition of the Hattee community. The term "Hattee'' is sometimes used to refer to all inhabitants of the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh, regardless of their caste or ethnicity. However, the Hattee community itself claims to be a distinct ethnic group with its language and customs.
- Another source of confusion is the fact that the Hattee community is already classified as a Scheduled Caste (SC) in some parts of Himachal Pradesh. It is unclear whether individuals who are already classified as SCs will also be eligible for ST status after the Hattee community is included in the ST list.
The controversy over Hattees' inclusion in the ST list had political repercussions in the region, with opposition parties using the issue during elections.
The matter was still under discussion, with the Himachal Pradesh government seeking clarification from the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry to resolve the confusion regarding the inclusion criteria for Hattees in the ST list.

Conclusion

The inclusion of the Hattee community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list of Himachal Pradesh is a complex issue that has been met with some confusion and controversy. The government is working to address these concerns and to ensure that the inclusion of the Hattee community in the ST list is implemented in a fair and equitable manner

Must Read Articles:

Hattee Community: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/hatti-community#:~:text=The%20Hattis%20are%20a%20close,white%20headgear%20on%20ceremonial%20occasions.

Scheduled Tribes List: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/scheduled-tribes-list

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What are the key social and economic challenges faced by Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India? How does the government address the unique needs and aspirations of ST communities? What initiatives have been implemented to promote the overall development and well-being of Scheduled Tribes in the country?

HATTEE COMMUNITY