3.3.2. Scheduled Tribes

Like the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes are social groups recognised by the Indian Constitution as specially marked by poverty, powerlessness and social stigma. Article 366 (25) of the Constitution of India defines Scheduled Tribes as "such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this constitution”. The characteristics of these communities are:

♤ Primitive Traits

♤ Geographical isolation

♤ Distinct culture

♤ Shy of contact with community at large

♤ Economically backward