International Day of Indigenous Peoples or Tribal Day

Every year 9 August is observed as the International Day of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous peoples  are also popularly called as tribal peoples. The day is observed to raise awareness about the contribution of the Indigenous people and protect their rights.

Background:

• The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated annually on 9 August. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994, in resolution 49/214. The date marks the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations. The day provides an opportunity for indigenous peoples to share their perspectives and concerns on a global stage. It also aims to promote a better understanding of indigenous issues among governments, non-governmental organizations, and the general public.
• The first International day of the Indigenous People was observed in 1995.

Theme 2023:

• The theme for International Day Of World's Indigenous People 2023 is 'Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination'.
• This theme highlights the important role that indigenous youth play in promoting and protecting the rights of their peoples. Indigenous youth are often at the forefront of movements for social change, and they are using their voices to raise awareness of the challenges facing their communities. They are also using their skills and talents to build a better future for their people.

Tribal population in India :

• 10.42 crore Indians are notified as ‘Scheduled Tribes’ (STs), of which 1.04 crores live in urban areas.
• STs constitute 8.9% of the country’s total population.
• The sex ratio among Scheduled Tribes is 990 females per 1,000 males, a significant increase from 978 in the 2001 Census.
• Madhya Pradesh has the highest Scheduled Tribe population (14.7 per cent). Meghalaya has the lowest (2.5 per cent).
• Bhil is the largest tribe in India.

Constitutional provisions:

• Article 46 of the Constitution provides that the State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the society and in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
• Article 243D provides reservation of Seats for Scheduled Tribes in Panchayats.
• Article 330 provides reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People.
• Article 332 provides reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in Legislative Assemblies of the States.
• Article 338A There should be a National Commission for Scheduled Tribe in India.