Why is it in the news?

• Members of the Hattee community, declared as Scheduled Tribe, are pressing for immediate issuance of Scheduled Tribe certificates, indicating their aspiration for official recognition and benefits accorded to Scheduled Tribes.

About the Hattis

• The Hattis derives their name from the tradition of selling homegrown vegetables, crops, meat, and wool at small markets known as ‘haat’ in towns.
• The Hatti community is geographically isolated, separated from Sirmaur of Himachal by the Giri River.
• The Tons River serves as a natural boundary, dividing the Hattis from the Jaunsar Bawar area of Uttarakhand.
• Governed by a traditional council named Khumbli, similar to the khaps of Haryana, which plays a key role in deciding community matters.
• Engaged in the trade of homegrown produce, including vegetables and crops, as well as the sale of meat and wool at local markets (‘haats’).
• Seeking immediate issuance of Scheduled Tribe certificates, indicating their aspiration for official recognition and benefits accorded to Scheduled Tribes.