On 9 August 2021, the Lok Sabha passed the Constitution (Schedule Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill 2021 after a brief discussion, even as some Opposition party members continued protesting in the House. Notably, the Bill has already been okayed by the Rajya Sabha by way of a voice vote. The legislation seeks to amend the list of Scheduled Tribes prescribed in the Constituion, as recommended by the Arunachal Pradesh government.
The Bill was tabled by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, who in his speech accused the Opposition of not participating in the debate for a Bill that is extremely important for the welfare of the communities it concerns.
With this, the Abor tribe has been removed from the list of STs in Arunachal Pradesh. Also, the Bill seeks to include Idu, Mishmi-Kaman, Memba, Sartang and Sajolang, Taraon and Monpa communities in the Constitution list in lieu of Mishmi, Idu, Taroan and Momba communities, respectively. In place of any Naga tribes, Nocte, Tangsa, Tutsa and Wancho tribes have been included under serial No. 10 of the list. Besides this, it also replaces Tai Khamti at serial no 6.
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Most importantly, it restores the power of states to identify backward communities and classes. Under the legislation, Part-XVIII of the Schedule to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 has also been modified, which purely concerns the state of Arunachal Pradesh
The proceedings of the House started with paying tribute to those who had participated in the Quit India Movement. Presently, India is celebrating the 79th anniversary of Quit India Movement, that was launched under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in 1942.
The Lower House also approved the passage of the Limited Liability Partnership (Amendment) Bill 2021 and the Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2021. These legislations have already been passed by the Upper House.
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