What is the difference between SC and ST?

The major difference between Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is that the SCs are the ones identified as untouchables and a depressed class for years. STs are the tribal communities that reside in the tribal areas. Reasons behind Abolition of the Evil Practice of Untouchability Steps Taken by Government to Eradicate Untouchability

Why is SC called Scheduled Caste?

The SCs are called Scheduled Castes as these castes in particular have been mentioned in one of the schedules of the Indian Constitution 5h Schedule of Indian Constitution 6th Schedule of Indian Constitution 7th Schedule of Indian Constitution . 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution

What is the category of Dalit caste?

The ‘Dalit’ community is identified as the ‘Scheduled Castes’ which were earlier also known by the term ‘Harijan’ . This name was actually given to them by Mahatma Gandhi. They were considered as low castes in the Hindu system.

What is the difference between caste and tribe?

A ‘caste’ specifically lives in plain areas and within the society, although they are looked down upon by the higher castes. A tribe identifies more as a ‘territorial’ pack that lives mainly in hilly or forest areas. Difference Between Caste and Class National Commission For Scheduled Caste Ncsc

Which caste is higher SC or ST?

There is no such provision which identifies either caste as higher than the other. Both castes have been officially mentioned in the Indian Constitution . Both Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been identified as low, oppressed, and deprived categories. The only difference between SC and ST is that the former is marginalized traditionally due to its low status whereas the latter is socially restricted in India.

What is the difference between SC and ST based on the part of the Constitution of India that deals with them?

The difference between SC and ST in terms of the Constitution is that Scheduled Caste is dealt with in Article 341 whereas the Presidential powers related to the STs have been provided in Article 342.

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Difference between SC and ST – Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

Difference Between SC and ST: The main difference between Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is that the Scheduled Castes belonged to that section of the community which was considered to be untouchable and the Scheduled Tribes were the ones that lived in the tribal areas. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been officially recognized in the Indian constitution and have their mention in various articles.

Another difference between SC and ST is that the Scheduled Castes always faced oppression and were known as the “Depressed Class” during the rule of the Britishers. They were not able to receive the basic amenities of life as well and were restricted from many places. Whereas the Scheduled Tribes usually reside in the interior forest areas and have always faced discrimination based on their origin, race, and religion.

Table of content

1. Difference Between SC and ST
2. Difference Between Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
3. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
4. What is a Scheduled Caste?
5. Scheduled Tribes in India
6. Key Difference between SC and ST – Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Difference Between SC and ST

The SC and ST categories have been identified in the Constitution of India and date back the British rule in India. Another difference between SC and ST is that the Scheduled Castes are dealt with in the Article 341 of the Indian Constitution whereas Article 342 deals with the Scheduled Tribes.

There have been several instances till now where the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have demanded the rights and opportunities that they deserve. Often such instances have resulted in violent protests and casualties. The violence continues to date in one form or another. Let us look into the major differences between Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Difference Between Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Difference Between SC and ST
Scheduled Castes (SC)	Scheduled Tribes (ST)
SCs form 16.6% of the Indian population as per the 2011 Census.	As per the Census, 8.8% of India’s population belongs to the STs.
The Indian Constitution deals with the identification and definition of SCs in Article 341.	Article 342 of the Indian Constitution deals with the definition of Scheduled Tribes.
There are a total of 1108 Scheduled Castes across the country existing in 28 states, as per the Scheduled Castes, 1950.	There are reportedly 744 tribes as per the Scheduled Tribes, 1950 in 22 states of India.
The responsibility of protecting the rights of SCs has been taken over by the Scheduled Castes National Commission. It includes educational, cultural, and economic rights.	Similarly, the rights of STs are safeguarded by the Scheduled Tribes National Commission. It was established at the time of the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003.
Punjab accounts for the highest percentage of the SC population around 32%.	Lakshadweep & Mizoram have almost 95% of their population under Scheduled Tribes.

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

A significant difference between SC and ST is that in earlier times, the Scheduled Castes were mainly called by the term ‘Dalits’ whereas the Scheduled Tribes were mostly denoted as Tribal groups or ‘Adivasis’. Unfortunately, the Scheduled Tribes have been prohibited from entering mainstream society and they have been facing this discrimination for a long time.

What is a Scheduled Caste?

‘Scheduled Caste’ is an officially recognized title given to the lowest castes in India which are considered to be untouchables. These are people who are not considered ‘fit’ as per the social norms and can be considered underprivileged. The Scheduled Caste meaning has been clearly provided in the Indian Constitution under Clause 1, Article 341.

The Scheduled Castes have been facing discrimination for a long time and their mention has been given in the Hindu scriptures as well. They are depicted as the backward castes which has been a result of the practice of untouchability since older times. This practice has led to the SCs becoming backward in social, economic, and educational terms.

Scheduled Tribes in India

The term ‘Scheduled Tribe’ made its first appearance in the Indian Constitution in Article 366 which gave its complete definition. Article 342 further provides power to the President to identify certain tribes as Scheduled Tribes in connection to certain union territories or states. The STs mainly dwell in the Central and North-Eastern states of India.

The people belonging to the Scheduled Tribes live in far-reaching forest areas and have been totally cut off from society. They are not accepted in mainstream society due to their backwardness. Due to living in the tribal areas, they become more and more detached from the present societal norms and behave as tribals living on whatever natural resources they can get. They are also economically backward and sometimes resort to violent techniques in their protests.

Summary:

Key Difference between SC and ST – Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

The key difference between SC and ST is that SC refers to the Scheduled Castes that were traditionally oppressed by the upper Hindu castes since the old times. Whereas ST refers to the Scheduled Tribes that are very much aloof from the social setup and live in the far-flung forest areas called tribal areas.

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