or legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (2017)

Since India's independence in 1947, the government has taken several legal initiatives to address discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs). Here are some of the key steps:

1. The Constitution of India: The Constitution, which came into effect in 1950, includes several provisions to protect the rights of Scheduled Tribes. Article 15(4), Article 16(4), Article 46, Article 330, and Article 332 are some of the key provisions that aim to eliminate discrimination and ensure social justice for STs.

2. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: This Act was enacted to prevent atrocities against members of Scheduled Castes and Tribes. It provides for severe punishments for offenses against STs and SCs.

3. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955: This Act was enacted to abolish untouchability and to prevent the practice of untouchability in any form. It provides for punishments for the practice of untouchability.

4. The Forest Rights Act, 2006: This Act recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes to land and other resources, denied to them over decades as a result of the colonial forest laws.

5. The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996: This Act extends the provisions of Panchayats to the tribal areas of eight states in India, providing a framework for self-governance at the local level.

6. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST): Established in 2004, the NCST is responsible for safeguarding the rights of STs. It investigates and monitors matters relating to safeguards provided for STs and advises the government on policy matters.

These are just a few examples of the legal initiatives taken by the Indian government to address discrimination against Scheduled Tribes.