Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 5. What are the major challenges faced by tribal communities in contemporary India, particularly in the context of displacement, identity, and development? Evaluate the effectiveness of government measures in addressing these issues. (250 words, 15 marks)
Introduction
Tribal communities, constituting over 8.6% of India’s population, have historically lived in close harmony with nature. However, in the face of modern development and socio economic shifts, they face critical challenges related to displacement, erosion of identity, and uneven development.
Body
Key Challenges Faced by Tribal Communities
- Displacement due to Development Projects: Infrastructure, mining, and dams often displace tribals from ancestral lands. Example: The Polavaram Dam project in Andhra Pradesh led to the displacement of thousands from Koya and Konda Reddy tribes.
- Loss of Cultural Identity: Integration efforts sometimes dilute tribal languages, customs, and spiritual traditions. Example: The decline of tribal languages like Kurukh and Gondi among younger generations is a growing concern.
- Inadequate Access to Education and Health: Remote geography and systemic neglect result in poor service delivery. Example: NFHS-5 data reveals higher malnutrition rates among tribal children in states like Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.
- Exploitation and Alienation from Land: Despite protective laws, land alienation remains a major issue. Example: In Odisha, tribal farmers have struggled with illegal land transfers despite the existence of the PESA Act.
- Livelihood Disruption and Forest Dependency: Modern policies often overlook traditional forest-based livelihoods. Example: Restrictions under wildlife conservation rules have impacted the Baiga tribe’s access to forest produce in Chhattisgarh.
- Political Underrepresentation and Marginalisation: Tribals often lack effective say in decision-making. Example: Many Tribal Advisory Councils remain underutilized or symbolic in nature across several states.
Effectiveness of Government Measures
- Constitutional and Legal Safeguards: The Fifth and Sixth Schedules, PESA, and FRA aim to protect tribal land and autonomy. Example: The Forest Rights Act (2006) has enabled community claims over forest land, notably by Dongria Kondhs in Odisha.
- Educational and Health Initiatives: Schemes like Eklavya Model Residential Schools and Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana target tribal welfare. Example: Eklavya schools have improved access to quality education in remote tribal belts of Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.
- Economic Empowerment and Skill Training: TRIFED, livelihood missions, and MSP for Minor Forest Produce help boost incomes. Example: MSP schemes have helped Gond and Sahariya tribes in Madhya Pradesh gain better returns on forest goods.
- Cultural Preservation and Promotion: Government funds support tribal festivals, languages, and museums to preserve identity. Example: The Tribal Research Institutes promote cultural documentation and archiving across multiple states.
Limitations and Concerns
- Poor Implementation of Laws: Ground-level enforcement of laws like FRA and PESA remains weak. Example: Many states have delayed or diluted PESA rules, limiting village-level self governance.
- Top-down Development Models: Schemes often ignore community participation and traditional knowledge systems. Example: Large-scale afforestation without community consultation has affected tribal livelihoods in Jharkhand.
- Administrative Apathy and Leakages: Delays, corruption, and insensitivity hamper the reach of tribal welfare programs. Example: Reports from CAG and NITI Aayog highlight underutilisation of Tribal Sub Plan funds in several regions.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Grassroots Governance: Empower gram sabhas through full implementation of PESA and FRA provisions.
- Adopt Inclusive Development Models: Ensure community consultation in planning (Tribal advisory council), with respect for traditional knowledge.
- Improve Monitoring and Accountability: Use digital platforms and social audits to ensure transparency in fund utilisation.
Conclusion
While significant strides have been made in legal and policy frameworks, challenges persist in ensuring genuine empowerment of tribal communities. As per the Xaxa Committee Report (2014), success depends on inclusive governance, respect for tribal rights, and strengthening grassroots institutions to balance development with dignity.
