Cabinet clears amendments to add new tribes in Chhattisgarh STs list

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal for official amendments in The Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill that seeks to add several new tribes in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs) of Chhattisgarh so they could avail benefits of various government schemes. The Bill seeks to add to the list tribes like Bhuinya, Bhuiyan, Bhuyan, Dhanwar, Dhanuhar, Dhanuwar, Nagesia, Nagasia, Kisan, Oraon, Dhanka, Dhangad, Sawar, Sawara, Saunra, Saonra and Binjhia, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said after the Cabinet meeting.

"After the Bill becomes an Act, members of the communities newly-listed in the revised list will also be able to derive benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes under the existing schemes of the government," he said. Some of the major schemes of this kind include a post-matric scholarship, national overseas scholarship, national fellowship, top class education, concessional loans from National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation, and hostels for ST boys and girls, Goyal added.

"In addition to above, they will also be entitled to benefits of reservation in services and admission to educational institutions as per government policy," an official statement said.