TRIBAL POPULATION - PROBLEM AND SOLUTION

Scheduled Tribe (ST) population represents a heterogeneous group scattered in differentregions of India.The differences are noticed in language, cultural practices, socio-economic status and pattern of livelihood. STs are confronted with problems like forced migration, exploitation, displacement due to industrialization, debt traps and poverty. The level of socio-economic development varies considerably between tribal and non-tribal population, between one region to another region;between one tribe to another tribe; and even among different tribal sub-groups. These disparities and diversities make tribal development more challenging and demanding.

• Poverty: In India 52 per cent of the STs belong to the category of Below Poverty Line (BPL) and 54 per cent of them have no access to economic assets such as communication and transport(World Bank, 2011).
• Literacy rate: Literacy among the tribes of the north-eastern and island regions is relatively higher but despite that high dropout rate and infant mortality rate is also observed in the north eastern region.
• IMR and MMR: Both the indices are high among STs, however, Child and infant mortality rates are higher among the STs in Orissa as compared to other states.
• Migration: Large scale displacements and unsatisfactory compensation and rehabilitation are confronted by the STs in India. The eastern region is facing large displacement due to industrialization and development projects.
• Agriculture: Dependency on agriculture, natural calamity, crop-failure, reduced access to land and lack of employment are the contributing factor for poverty in the states like MP and Chhattisgarh.
• Unemployment: Rates of unemployment are high in the tribals of the island region. Presently the tribes are caught in a situation where they are losing command over the natural resources, and are unable to cope with the new pattern of work and resources for living. Majority of them are dependent on daily wages or labour work because
• of landlessness.
• Dependence on MFP: Minor Forest Produce (MFP) is a major source of livelihood for tribals living in forest areas. Around 100 million forest dwellers depend on MFPs for food, shelter, medicines and cash income.Further, most of the trade related to the MFPs remained unorganized in nature, which has led to low returns to the gatherers and high wastages due to limited value addition. Thus, a more holistic approach with robust institutional mechanisms is required for strengthening the backward and forward linkages of MFP supply chain.

Recommendations

• Region specific approach is required to bring positive change among the tribes. For example, the unemployment problems of the island region can be resolved by developing fisheries and tourism industry at large scale.
• Awareness generation to avail the existing schemes and programs targeted for tribal community is required. In the states with low rate of literacy; special camps can be organized to make the aware of the schemes meant for educational development.
• To stop starvation deaths as reported among tribes and PTGs in several states including Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, STs need to be trained according to the labour market requirements.
• Access to credit and banking facilities should be made simpler that can benefit the tribes.
• Access to the forest products among the forest dwellers should be facilitated in a positive direction.

 Van Dhan Scheme, Eklavya Model Residential School are significant initiatives to empower the tribal population.

By: ABHISHEK KUMAR GARG