AN OVERVIEW India has the largest concentration of tribal people anywhere in the world except perhaps in Africa. The tribals are children of nature and their lifestyle is conditioned by the Eco-system. India, with a variety of ecosystems, presents a varied tribal population throughout its length and breadth. |  |
DISTRIBUTION
The areas inhabited by the tribal constitute a significant part of the under developed areas of the country. The tribal live mostly in isolated villages or hamlets. A smaller portion of their population has now settled in permanent villages as well as in towns and cities. On the whole, as per rough estimates, the prominent tribal areas constitute about 15 percent of the total geographical area of the country.
AID STRUCTURE TO VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS FOR WELFARE OF STs
Scheme in operation since 1953-54 | |
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The main concentration of tribal people is the central tribal belt in the middle part of the India and in the north-eastern States. However, they have their presence in all States and Union Territories except the State of Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and Chandigarh. The predominant tribal populated States of the country (tribal population more than 50% of the total population) are: Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep.
THE MAJOR TRIBES
There are 533 tribes (with many overlapping types in more than one State) as per notified Schedule under Article 342 of the Constitution of India in different States and Union Territories of the country with the largest number of 62 being in the State of Orissa. Some of the major tribes of different States are:
| Andhra Pradesh: | Bhil,Chenchu, Gond, Kondas, Lambadis, Sugalis etc. |
| Assam: | Boro, Kachari, Mikir (Karbi), Lalung, Rabha, Dimasa, Hmar, Hajong etc |
| Bihar & (Jharkhand): | Asur, Banjara, Birhor, Korwa, Munda, Oraon, Santhal etc. |
| Gujarat: | Bhil, Dhodia, Gond, Siddi, Bordia, etc |
| Himachal Pradesh: | Gaddi, Gujjar, Lahuala, Swangla, etc. |
| Karnataka: | Bhil, Chenchu, Goud, Kuruba, Kammara, Kolis, Koya,Mayaka, Toda, etc. |
| Kerala: | Adiyam, Kammrar, Kondkappus, Malais, Palliyar,etc |
| Madhya Pradesh & Chhatisgarh: | Bhil, Birhor, Damar, Gond, Kharia, Majhi, Munda, Oraon, Parahi, etc. |
| Maharashtra: | Bhil, Bhunjia, Chodhara, Dhodia, Gond, Kharia, Nayaka, Oraon, Pardhi, Rathwa etc. |
| Meghalaya: | Garo, Khasi, Jayantia, etc. |
| Orissa: | Birhor, Gond, Juang, khond, korua, Mundari, Oraon, Santhal, Tharua, etc. |
| Rajasthan: | Bhil, Damor, Garasta, Meena, Salariya etc. |
| Tamilnadu: | Irular, Kammara, Kondakapus, Kota, Mahamalasar, Palleyan,Toda etc. |
| Tripura: | Chakma, Garo, Khasi, Kuki, Lusai, Liang, Santhal etc |
| West Bengal: | Asur, Birhor, Korwa, Lepcha, Munda, Santhal, etc. |
| Mizoram: | Lusai, Kuki, Garo, Khasi, Jayantia, Mikir etc. |
| Arunachal Pradesh: | Dafla, Khampti, Singpho etc. |
| Goa: | Dhodi, Siddi (Nayaka) . |
| Daman & Diu: | Dhodi, Mikkada, Varti, etc |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands: | Jarawa, Nicobarese, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens, Great Andamanese
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| Dadra & Nagar Haveli: | As in Daman & Diu |
| Uttar Pradesh & Uttaranchal: | Bhoti, Buxa, Jaunsari, Tharu, Raji |
| Nagaland: | Naga, Kuki, Mikir, Garo, etc. |
| Sikkim: | Bhutia, Lepcha |
| Jammu & Kashmir: | Chdddangpa, Garra, Gujjar, Gaddi, etc. |
Among the notified tribes, a group is still at most primitive stage. They continue to live in isolated areas and practice either primitive agriculture or no agricultural practice and most of them are still in food gathering stage with almost stagnating population. Such groups (75 Nos.) are named as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs). They are spread over 15 States/UTs.
DEMOGRAPHICAL CHANGES Population in millions Census Years Total population Population of ST S.T. % 1951 361.1 19.1 5.29 1961 439.2 30.1 6.85 1971 548.2 38.0 6.93 1981 685.2 51.6 7.53 1991 846.3 67.8 8.10
The decades population growth between Census Year 1981 to 1991 in respect of tribal population has been much more (31.64%) than the same for entire population (23.51%).
As compared to the sex ratio for overall population (927 females per 1000 male), the sex ratio among the Scheduled Tribes is more towards females (972 Females per thousand Males).
LITERACY & EDUCATION
As per 1991 Census, the literacy rate among tribals (29.6%) is found to be far below the overall literacy of the country (52.2%). The female literacy rate among tribals is far lower (18.2%) as compared to overall female literacy for the country (39.2%). However, the significant point is the increase in total as well as female literacy among tribals, though still at lower pace as compared to the overall population for the country.
The Enrolment Ratio (1997-98) and School Drop-out rates for overall and STs is:
| S.No. | Parameters | Overall | STs |
| 1. | Enrolment Ratio (1997-98) (Class I-V) Class VI-VIII) | 89.7& 58.6 | 90.7 43.2 |
| 2. | School Drop-out rate (1993-94) | 52.8 | 77.7 |
HEALTH
The development of health facilities for scheduled tribe got impetus through successive plans. The Primary Health Centres (PHC) Health Sub-Centres (HSC) and ICDS project established in tribal areas are indicators of extension of medical services to the tribals. The medical facilities though not adequate are hardly used by tribals living in isolated villages and hamlets.
| Medical Centres Types | Total No. | No. in S.T. Areas | Percentage |
| Primary Health Centres (1996) | 21853 | 3258 | 14.9 |
| Health Sub Centres (1996) | 132778 | 20355 | 15.3 |
| ICDS Projects (1998-99) | 4200 | 70 | 17.8 |
The majority of tribals constitute the labour work force though their participation in works is declining, but not steadily. More than half of the rural tribal population is found to be below poverty line as per latest survey available with Ministry of Rural Development (1993-94). However, there is a perceptible declining trend in persons from tribal communities below poverty line.
ECONOMIC STATUS
The per capita income of tribals continues to be one of the lowest in the country and their alienation from their own land continues. As on January 1999, the tribals were alienated from 9,17,590 acres of tribal land and only 5,37,610 acres of such land was restored as per latest statistics published by the Ministry of Rural Development.
CONSTRAINTS IN TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT
There are innumerable constraints responsible for lower pace of tribal development process than desired. Some of the major constraints are:
(i) Destruction of forests: The forests are not only the source of livelihood for tribals but there exists an intricate relationship between tribals and forests in forest Eco-systems. The depleting forest resources are threatening imminent food security for a good portion of the tribal population.
(ii) Lack of awareness: There exists lack of awareness among tribal population about various developmental programmes launched by Government of India and States, resulting in their exploitation.
(iii) Protection of Tribal Rights & Concessions: The Tribals have been given numerous rights and concessions under various statutes of central as well as State Governments but they remain deprived of the benefits arising out of such statutory provisions due to their ignorance and apathy of enforcing agencies.
STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPMENT: THE TSP APPROACH
The Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) Strategy has been adopted for all round development of tribal areas throughout the country since Fifth Five Year Plan. Under the TSP approach almost entire tribal inhabited area have been covered under any one of the following, depending upon their population percentile:
i) Integrated Area Development Project (ITDPs)
ii) Modified Area Development Approach (MADA)
iii) Clusters
iv) Primitive Tribal Groups
The TSP approach ensures allocation of fund for tribal areas from State Plan as well as Central Ministries, at least proportionate to population of tribals in the state (from state plan) and to the overall proportionate tribal population for the country from the budget of Central Ministries.
PLANS/PROGRAMMES OF THE MINISTRY - AN OVERVIEW
Ministry of Tribal Affairs continued to implement various Schemes/programmes aimed at welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes. An Overview of the activities of the Ministry is as follows:
SPECIAL CENTRAL ASSISTANCE TO TRIBAL SUB-PLAN: (SCA TO TSP)
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs extends special central assistance to the TSP States and Union Territories and also to North Eastern States of Assam, Manipur and Tripura as an additional grant to these states/UTs. These grants are basically meant for family oriented income generating Scheme in various TSP areas to meet the gaps, which have not otherwise been taken care of by the State Plan.
GRANTS UNDER PROVISION OF ARTICLE 275 (1) OF THE CONSTITUTION
The Ministry provides Grant-in-Aid to TSP and tribal majority States under Article 275 (1) of the constitution to meet the cost of such projects for tribal development as may be undertaken by the State Government for raising the level of administration of Scheduled Areas therein to the level of the rest of the state. In the Ninth Plan, besides other projects, from the funds allocated under this Scheme it was proposed to establish 100 Residential Schools on the pattern of Navodaya Vidyalayas.
GIRLS HOSTEL
The Scheme for construction of Girls Hostels for STs is a useful instrument for spreading education among tribal girls whose literacy is only 18.91% as per 1991 census. Under the Scheme funds are provided to all the TSP States and Union Territories having tribal population for construction of hostels on sharing basis (50:50) to States and 100% to UTs.
BOYS HOSTEL
Like he Scheme for Girls Hostel, under this Scheme funds are provided to states on sharing basis (50:50) and 100% to UTs for construction of Boys Hostel for STs.
ASHRAM SCHOOLS IN TRIBAL SUB-PLAN AREAS
The Ministry under the Scheme provides funds to all the States and UTs having tribal population for establishment of residential schools for STs in an environment conducive to learning near their habitations on sharing basis (50:50) to States and 100% to UTs.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING SCHEME
The main aim of this Scheme is to develop the skill of the tribal youth in order to get employment are to avail opportunities for self employment. Under this Scheme cent percent grant is provided to States/ UTs/ State Government run institutions or organizations as well as registered Non Governmental Organizations for establishment of Vocational Training Centres with the capacity of 100 students at each centre.
EDUCATIONAL COMPLEX IN LOW LITERACY POCKETS FOR WOMEN IN TRIBAL AREAS
This Scheme provides cent percent financial assistance to NGOs/ Organization established by government as autonomous bodies/educational & other institutions like Cooperative Societies, to establish educational complexes in 136 identified districts of erstwhile 11 states (now 13) where tribal female literacy is below 10% as per 1991 census. Educational complex is meant for girls studying from class I to V with strength of 30 students in each class. The grants are provided to meet non-recurring as well as recurring expenses on building (hiring or maintenance) teaching, boarding, lodging and to also for medical and health care of students.
GRANTS-IN-AID TO STATE TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT COOPERATIVE CORPORATIONS AND OTHERS
This is a Central Sector Scheme, with 100% grant, available to the state Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation (STDCCs) and other similar corporations of State engaged in collection and trading of minor forest produce (MFP) through tribals Grants under the Scheme are provided to strengthen the Share Capital of Corporations, construction of Warehouses, establishment of processing industries of MFPs etc. to ensure high profitability of the corporation so as to enable them to pay remunerative prices for MFPs to the tribals.
PRICE SUPPORT TO TRIFED
The Ministry provides Grants-in-aid to its corporation, TRIFED to set off losses on account of fluctuations in prices of MFPs being marketed by it for ensuring remunerative prices to tribals engaged in collection of MFPs either directly or through STDCCs and other such Cooperative Societies.
INVESTMENT IN SHARE CAPITAL OF TRIFED
The Ministry is the largest shareholder of TRIFED with over 99% contribution in its Share Capital. Under this Scheme, the Ministry provides funds to TRIFED as its contribution in the Share Capital.
VILLAGE GRAIN BANK SCHEME
This Scheme provides Grants for establishment of Village Grain Banks to prevent deaths of STs specially children in remote and backward tribal villages facing or likely to face starvation and also to improve nutritional standards. The Scheme provides funds for building storage facility, procurement of Weights & Measures and for the purchase of initial stock of one quintal of food grain of local variety for each family. A Committee under Chairmanship of village Headman runs the Grain Bank thus established.
GRANT-IN-AID TO VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATION
As many as 27 types of projects with focus on tribal education, literacy, medical & health care, vocational training in agriculture, horticulture, craftsmanship etc., are being supported by the Ministry under this Scheme through registered Non-Governmental Organizations.
SCHEME ON RESEARCH & TRAINING
Under the Scheme “Research & Training” the Ministry provides financial assistance under three components:
(i) Grants to Tribal Research Institutes on 50:50 sharing basis; for conducting Research & Evaluation Studies, Seminars, Workshops etc;(ii) Award of Research Fellowship to Tribal Students on 100% basis registered in Indian Universities; and
(iii) Supporting projects of All-India or Inter-State nature on 100% basis to NGOs/Universities etc. for conducting research on tribal matters, Travel Grants and for Publication of Books on tribals.
SCHEME FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMITIVE TRIBAL GROUPS
Under this Scheme cent per-cent assistance is provided to NGOs and other institutions for under-taking projects on development of PTGs on activities mainly focussing on their food security literacy, agriculture technology up gradation, etc
POST METRIC SCHOLARSHIP FOR STS, BOOK BANK SCHEME AND OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS
The post-metric scholarship Scheme provides financial assistance to all ST students for pursuance of post-metric studies in recognized institutions within India. The Scheme provides for 100% assistance from the Ministry to State Governments and UT Administrations implementing the Scheme, over and above their respective committed liabilities. The Ministry also gives financial assistance for setting up Book-Banks in institutions running professional courses like Medicine, Engineering, Law, Agriculture, Veterinary, Chartered Accountancy, Business Management, and Bio-Sciences. Annually, Ministry provides financial assistance to 9 meritorious ST students for Post-graduate, Doctoral and Post-Doctoral studies in foreign universities/institutions of repute.
UPGRADATION OF MERIT OF ST STUDENTS AND SCHEME FOR COACHING
These Schemes provide 100% central assistance to State/UT Administrations. The up gradation of merit Scheme is for arranging coaching classes in reputed colleges for developing competence among ST students for their better performance in competitive examinations conducted by various universities institutes for admission to Medical and Engineering courses while the Scheme for coaching is for conducting Pre-Examination Coaching for tribal students for various examinations conducted by UPSC, SSC, Banking Services Recruitment Boards etc.
OTHER IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES OF THE MINISTRY
Besides the implementation of aforesaid plans/programs, the Ministry conducted the following activities during the year for improving the implementation of programs and Schemes:
SECRETARIES’ CONFERENCE
A two-day conference of State Secretaries of Tribal Welfare was organized in New Delhi on 16-17th May, 2000, in which the Directors of Tribal research Institutes located in various States also participated. The deliberations in the conference was focused on the need for State Tribal Research Institute devoting more time for tribal research and building up of necessary information and data bank on various aspects of tribal life and culture, so that the Central and State Government could draw upon then in formulating policies and programs for development of tribal. The State Governments/UTs were also urged to ensure concrete measures for timely implementation of various Schemes/Programs for tribal welfare and better targeting of the beneficiaries.
MINISTER’S MEETING ON ARTICLE 275(1) OF THE CONSTITUTION
This was for the first time that State Governments were asked to submit specific Schemes for infrastructure development. A Minister level meeting was held with the State Governments and Schemes were approved prepared by the State Governments for improvement of infrastructure in the Scheduled Areas. At the Conference following were emphasized:
i. timely implementation of the Scheme
ii. timely submission of utilization certificates, quarterly report, etc.,
iii. undertaking only infrastructure building Schemes under Article 275(1)
but not individual beneficiary Schemes;
iv. exercising strict vigilance on NGOs working in their state through
District Collectors.