UPSC Mains 2017 GS Paper 1 Q10: model answer
What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?
What the question wants
Identify two major laws since independence that address discrimination against Scheduled Tribes, with their features and effect.
How to structure it
What are the two: name two laws clearly and explain each. Pick the two strongest; don't list ten.
- Constitutional background
- Initiative 1: SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
- Initiative 2: Forest Rights Act, 2006
- Assessment
How to think it through
The question says 'two', so give two, not twelve. The safest pair: the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, against violence and humiliation, and the Forest Rights Act, 2006, against the 'historical injustice' of land denial. PESA 1996 is a worthy mention in one line. Choosing well is half the marks.
Model answer
The Constitution protects Scheduled Tribes through Articles 15(4), 46, 244 and the Fifth and Sixth Schedules. Two laws stand out among the legal initiatives that followed.
1. SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
- Defines atrocities such as forced removal from land, social boycott, humiliation and violence, and makes them offences.
- Special courts, exclusive public prosecutors, relief and rehabilitation for victims.
- Strengthened by the 2015 amendment (new offences) and the 2018 amendment (restoring strict provisions after a Supreme Court judgment).
2. Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
- Recognises individual and community rights over forest land and resources, correcting the 'historical injustice' noted in its preamble.
- Gram sabhas decide claims and protect community forest resources.
Related measure
- PESA, 1996: self-governance through gram sabhas in Fifth Schedule areas.
Assessment
- Implementation gaps: low conviction rates under the Atrocities Act; many forest rights claims rejected.
These laws give STs legal tools against discrimination and dispossession. Their promise depends on awareness, strong gram sabhas and sensitive administration.
Keywords, cases and data to drop in
Art 46, Fifth/Sixth Schedules, SC/ST (PoA) Act 1989, 2015 and 2018 amendments, FRA 2006, PESA 1996.
Where most answers lose marks
- Listing every tribal scheme. The question asks for two legal initiatives.
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Question text as printed in the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) question paper. The model answer is original Battle IAS work; use it to learn structure, not to memorise.
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