The correct answer is: C) 15%
Scheduled Tribes (STs) are indigenous peoples who are considered to be socially and economically disadvantaged. They are listed in the Indian Constitution as a separate group from other social groups, such as Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
According to the 2011 Census of India, the ST population in Telangana is 15.03% of the total population. This is higher than the national average of 8.6%. The ST population is concentrated in the northern and western parts of the state.
The main ST groups in Telangana are the Gonds, Koya, Lambada, and Chenchu. The Gonds are the largest ST group, accounting for about 40% of the total ST population. The Koya are the second largest ST group, accounting for about 20% of the total ST population. The Lambada are the third largest ST group, accounting for about 15% of the total ST population. The Chenchu are the fourth largest ST group, accounting for about 10% of the total ST population.
The ST population in Telangana faces a number of challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, and lack of access to basic services. The government has implemented a number of programs to address these challenges, but much more needs to be done.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option A: 5%. This is the percentage of STs in the population of India as a whole. The ST population in Telangana is higher than the national average.
- Option B: 10%. This is the percentage of STs in the population of Andhra Pradesh, which Telangana was a part of until 2014. The ST population in Telangana is lower than the percentage in Andhra Pradesh.
- Option C: 15%. This is the correct answer. The ST population in Telangana is 15.03% of the total population.
- Option D: 20%. This is the percentage of STs in the population of Madhya Pradesh, which has the highest ST population in India. The ST population in Telangana is lower than the percentage in Madhya Pradesh.