Exclusion of Kurmi Community from UCC & Demand for ST Status

Key Highlights & Summary

 • Political statements highlight that the Kurmi community will be kept outside the purview of the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC).  

• The Kurmis represent a significant agrarian community located predominantly in West Bengal\'s Jangalmahal region, extending into Jharkhand and Odisha. 

 • Currently categorized as Other Backward Class (OBC), the community is actively demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. 

 • Kurmis are advocating for the recognition and inclusion of their native Kurmali language into the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.  

• State administration has committed to submitting a \'Further Common Justification Report\' to the Central Government to strengthen the case for their ST inclusion. 

 • The government has also promised the withdrawal of cases registered against community members during past agitations.

  Essential Definitions

 • Uniform Civil Code (UCC): A common set of civil laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and succession for all citizens regardless of religion. 

• Scheduled Tribes (STs): Socio-economically disadvantaged tribal communities designated under Article 342 of the Indian Constitution to receive affirmative action benefits and protection. 

• OBC (Other Backward Classes): Group of social and educational backward classes designated under Article 342A to ensure reservation benefits in education and public employment. 

• Jangalmahal: A forested geographical region spread across south-western districts of West Bengal, home to several indigenous communities. 

 Legal and Constitutional Framework  

• Article 44: Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) instructing the State to endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens across India.

 • Article 342: Outlines the procedure for the specification of Scheduled Tribes in relation to a State or Union Territory through a Presidential Order and subsequent Parliamentary amendment. 

• Article 342A: Deals with the identification and notification of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs/OBCs). 

• Eighth Schedule: Contains the list of officially recognized national languages under Article 344(1) and Article 351 of the Constitution.  

• Fifth & Sixth Schedules: Provide administrative autonomy and protection of customary traditional laws for tribal-dominated areas, which often exempts STs from standardized personal laws. 

Conclusion The demand for ST inclusion and exemption from the UCC highlights the complex intersection of customary practices, tribal identity, and federal policy. Balancing uniformity in civil laws while preserving indigenous cultures requires careful constitutional adherence and consensus.

 UPSC Relevance

 • GS Paper II: Indian Constitution (Articles 44, 342, Eighth Schedule), Statutory Bodies, Policies regarding Reservation, and Tribal Governance.

 • GS Paper I: Indian Society, Pluralism, Social Empowerment, and Regional Movements. 

• Prelims Focus: DPSP Article 44, Criteria for ST listing, Languages under the Eighth Schedule, and Geographical spread of Jangalmahal.