As of February 2025, Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals comprising _____ of the total population in India.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1 (8.6%).
Presented here are detailed explanations and key points related to this topic, which will be helpful in your exam preparation:
Main Explanation:
- According to the official data from the 2011 Census, the total population of Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India stands at 10.45 crore, constituting 8.6% of the country's total population.
- Due to the delay in the 2021 Census, these 2011 figures are currently still considered the standard reference for examinations.
Important Statistical Facts:
- Share of SC Population: Scheduled Castes (SC) constitute 16.6% of India's total population.
- Regional Distribution: Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of Scheduled Tribes.
- Highest Percentage: In terms of percentage, Lakshadweep (94.8%) and Mizoram (94.4%) rank at the top.
- Sex Ratio: The sex ratio of the ST community is 990, which is better than the national average (943).
- Literacy Rate: As per the 2011 data, the literacy rate of the ST community was recorded at 58.9%.
Constitutional and Other Important Provisions:
Article 342: This grants the President the power to notify a specific community as a 'Scheduled Tribe'.
Article 338A: Under this article, the 'National Commission for Scheduled Tribes' (NCST) was established.
States with Zero ST Population: No Scheduled Tribes reside in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, or Puducherry.
PVTGs: The total number of 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups' (PVTGs) in India is 75.