·The govt has decided to streamline the criteria for classification of STs.

·The proposal by respective states will be completed within 6 months of the request by a commitee of secretaries headed by the Secretary of Tribal Affairs.

· The existing 5 criteria's i.e primitive traits, distinctive culture,shyness of contact,geographical isolation & backwardness will be widened with two more elements i.e socio-economic and educational backwardness and autonomous religious practices.

Views: This is likely to cut down the agitation of the people and will be more scientific.