Cabinet Approval: Occupancy rights to Scheduled Tribes of Lakshadweep

On February 26, 2020, the Union Cabinet approved amendments to provide occupancy rights to Scheduled Tribes of Lakshadweep. The approval was provided to amend the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands Land Revenue and Tenancy Regulation, 1965.

Highlights

The Scheduled Tribes in the island did not have occupancy rights so far. The Occupancy right is the right to occupy and use tribal area.

Background

Lakshadweep is an Archipelago with 12 atolls, five submerged banks and three reefs. There are 17 uninhabited islands in the region. According to Census 2011, there are 64,429 persons in the island. Of this 93% of the population are indigenous and the entire indigenous population in the island has been classified as Scheduled Tribes due to their social and Economic Backwardness.

According to the SC and ST list (modification order), 1956, the inhabitants born to both parents born in the islands are alone treated as Scheduled Tribes.

Malayalam is the spoken language in the island.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2020