Hatti Community

The Union Cabinet approved a Constitution amendment Bill that seeks to grant tribal status to the Hatti community living in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district.

Key Points:

About Hatti Community:

The Hattis are a close-knit community that got their name from their tradition of selling homegrown vegetables, crops, meat etc. at small markets called ‘haat’ in towns.

Due to topographical disadvantages, the Hattis living in the Kamrau, Sangrah, and Shilliai areas lag behind in education and employment.

The Hattis is governed by a traditional council called Khumbli, which like the khaps of Haryana, decides community matters.

Scheduled Tribes in India

Broadly the Scheduled Tribes inhabit two distinct geographical areas – Central India and the North-Eastern Area.

Essential Features for a Community to be Identified as Scheduled Tribe:

Primitive traits;

Distinctive culture;

Geographical isolation;

Shyness of contract with the community at large;

Backwardness.

Constitutional Safeguards for STs:

Under Article 15(4) special provisions are made for the educational advancement of the Scheduled Tribes.
Under Article 46 the State is enjoined to promote with special care to education and economic interests of SC and ST and protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
Articles 330 and 332 seats are reserved for SC and ST in Lok Sabha State Vidhan Sabhas.
Under Article 339(1) the President may at anytime appoint a Commission to report on the administration of the Scheduled Areas and the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the State.

Other Communities approved by Centre for inclusion in STs:

Community

State