Scheduled Tribes
- Scheduled Tribes (STs) are defined under Article 342 of the Indian Constitution and they comprise 8.2 % of the Indian population (2011 Census) and 89.97% of them live in rural areas and 10.03% in urban areas.
- Characteristics: Some of the essential characteristics of these communities are – Primitive Traits, Geographical isolation, Distinct culture, Reluctance of contact with the community at large and economically backward.
- Residence: More than 90% of tribal people live in rural areas.
- Geographical Area: Central India and the North-Eastern regions.
- Major States: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha have the largest ST population.
- Literacy Rate: 59% (Male – 68.5 %, Female – 49.40 %).
Issues faced by scheduled tribes in India
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Economic and Livelihood Issues:
- Poverty: STs are among the poorest communities in India, with limited access to land, resources, and proper employment opportunities.
- Exploitation: Many STs are victims of debt bondage, unfair wages, and lack of bargaining power due to social marginalization.
- Displacement: Development projects like dams and mines often displace STs from their traditional lands, impacting their livelihoods and cultural identity.
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Social Issues:
- Illiteracy: Literacy rates among STs are significantly lower than the national average, limiting their access to education and upward mobility.
- Healthcare: STs face inadequate healthcare facilities in their remote areas, leading to higher infant mortality rates and malnutrition.
- Social Exclusion: Discrimination and social prejudices based on caste and tribal identity restrict their opportunities in education, employment, and social interaction.
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Land and Resource Issues:
- Land Alienation: STs often lose their ancestral lands due to various factors like encroachment by outsiders, lack of proper land titles, and faulty implementation of land reforms.
- Deforestation: The depletion of forests, which are a source of livelihood and cultural significance for many STs, impacts their traditional way of life.
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Other Issues:
- Lack of Political Representation: STs are often underrepresented in government and decision-making processes, making it difficult to address their specific needs.
- Gender Inequality: ST women face the dual burden of gender discrimination and tribal marginalization, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Welfare Measures for Scheduled Tribes
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools: These schools provide quality education for ST students from Class 6 to 12 in remote tribal areas.
- Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP): This scheme allocates funds from various ministries’ budgets for the development of Scheduled Tribes.
- Grants under Article 275(1): This constitutional provision allocates funds for the welfare and development of STs.
- Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM): This mission focuses on livelihood development, marketing of tribal products, and infrastructure development in tribal areas.
- Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana (AMSY): This scheme by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises provides micro-credit to ST women entrepreneurs.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) – Gramin: To provide housing for all, with a special focus on STs.
- GOAL (Going Online as Leaders) Programme: It is a joint initiative of Facebook India with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide mentorship to tribal youth through digital mode.