Journal of Regional Development and Planning, Vol. 3, No.

2, 2014 27

TRIBAL POPULATION IN INDIA: REGIONAL DIMENSIONS &

Tattwamasi Paltasingh1 and Gayatri Paliwal2

Scheduled Tribe (ST) population represents a heterogeneous group scattered in different regions
of India. The differences are noticed in language, cultural practices, socio-economic status and
pattern of livelihood. The STs are confronted with problems like forced migration, exploitation,
displacement due to industrialization, debt traps and poverty. Based on the regional classification
with diverse socio-cultural issues, the present paper focuses on the profile of tribal population
through an analysis of the socio-economic indicators like literacy, work participation, livelihood,
occupational pattern, health, poverty and migration. The impact of industrialization and
urbanization on ST population residing in different regions has been highlighted. The paper has
been concluded with relevant suggestions with implications for policies with a focus on region
specific issues.

INTRODUCTION
The scheduled tribe (ST) population is 104.2 million, which is 8.6 percent of the total population
of India (Census 2011). Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand,
Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka are the states having a large number
of ST populations. The overall areas inhabited by the tribal population constitute a significant part
of the underdeveloped areas of the country. About 93 per cent of them live in rural areas and are
engaged in agriculture and allied activities. The socio-demographic figures clearly reveal the
disadvantaged position of the STs compared to other category of population. The literacy rate
among the STs in India is 63.1 per cent (NSSO, 2010), which is lower than the national literacy
rate i.e. 72.8 per cent (Census, 2011). The dropout rate among the STs is 70.5 which is much
higher than the dropout rate of all categories i.e. 49.15 percent. The sex ratio among the STs is 990
which is relatively better than the general population i.e. 940 (Census, 2011). The infant mortality
rate among the ST children is 62.1 which is 57 for the other social groups. The child mortality rate
among the tribes is 35.8 which is much higher than the other social groups i.e. 18.4 percent. The
work force participation rate (WFPR) is 60 among the ST population and that is higher than the
total population i.e. 53percent (NSSO, 2010). The WFPR indicates that majority of the ST
population are engaged in unorganized sector without any job security.
The demographic figures reveal that the tribal population is the most disadvantaged, exploited and
the neglected lot in India. Despite certain constitutional provisions, they are backward compared
to the general population, even their situation is worse than the Schedule Caste (SC) and Other
Backward Class (OBC) population (Xaxa, 2012). Majority of the tribes used to reside in the
remote forest areas, remain isolated, untouched by civilization and unaffected by the development
processes. This situation has changed to a great extent over the years. As long as the tribes have

1
Associate Professor, Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research (SPIESR), Ahmedabad,
Gujarat; email: [email protected]
2
Research Associate, Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research (SPIESR), Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
28 JOURNAL OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING

access to resources generated from the forest, they have no difficulties in satisfying their basic
needs. In turn they have an interest in preserving the forest as it is their life support system. But
large scale industrialization, urbanization and exploitation of natural resources due to deforestation
to meet the urban and industrial demands has greatly affected the livelihood pattern. This trend has
been responsible for displacing large number of tribes from their habitations (Nathan & Xaxa,
2012; Singh, 2012).
The initiation of developmental projects and rapid industrialization has not made much difference
in the socio-economic status; rather in some instances the situation of STs has become worse. The
widespread poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, absence of safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation
facility, poor living conditions, ineffective coverage of maternal, child health and nutritional
services has made their condition more vulnerable. The subsequent section has focused on the
regional variation of tribes residing in different parts of India. The paper has also analysed the
issues related to literacy, work participation, livelihood, occupational pattern, health, poverty and
migration; impact of industrialization and related consequences among STs in specific regions.
Relevant suggestions and recommendations are included in the concluding section of the paper.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS OF TRIBES IN INDIA:
The ST population of India are scattered all over the country depicting heterogeneous culture and
socio-economic status. It is interesting to know the different types of tribes residing in different
geographical location and confronting different situation. There are about 700 tribes (with
overlapping categories in some States/UTs) as per notified Schedule under Article 342 of the
Constitution of India (Annual Report, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, 2012-13). Classifications of the
tribes in different regions depict a diverse picture in India.
The total number of tribes, Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) and list of major tribes in different
states and union territories (UTs) in India reflect the heterogeneity among them (Table-1). There
are about 75 such groups identified as PTGs located in 17 States and in 1 UT. There are many
tribal communities having stagnant or declining population with low level of literacy and poor
socio-economic condition. Most of these groups are small in number and generally inhabit remote
localities having poor infrastructure and administrative support. Many of them are socio-
economically under-privileged and not benefited much from developmental projects and other
initiatives. The ST population and PTGs has been divided broadly into seven regions residing in
different states and islands (Table 1).
North Eastern Region
North East India comprises the states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. The region is surrounded by foreign territories like
Bhutan, Tibet-China, Burma, and Bangladesh on the north-south and the east. The long narrow
passage in the west connects the region with West Bengal and the rest of India (Deb, 2010). It
represents a kind of ethnological transition zone between India and the neighbouring countries.
This region is the homeland of about 145 tribal communities of which 78 are larger groups; each
with a population of more than 5000 persons. They constitute around 12 per cent of the total tribal
population of India (Ali & Das, 2003). In Mizoram, the tribes constitute 94.75 per cent of the total
population of the state. The percentages of STs to the total population in the states like Assam,
Manipur and Tripura, is 12.4, 35.1 and 31.8 respectively (Census, 2011). The PTGs in Tripura
 Journal of Regional Development and Planning, Vol. 3, No.2, 2014 29
include Riang and Maram Naga in Manipur. This region depicts extreme heterogeneity in terms of
distribution of tribal populations in different areas including their social structures and culture.
Table 1
Tribes in India: Regional Classification
No. of
States Major Tribes Tribes
PTGs
North East
Mizoram Lusai, Kuki, Garo, Khasi, Jayantia, Mikir etc. 15 NA
Nagaland Naga, Kuki, Mikir, Garo, etc. 05 NA
Meghalaya Garo, Khasi, Jayantia, etc. 17 NA
Sikkim Lepcha, Bhutia, Limbu, and Tamang 4 NA
Tripura Chakma, Garo, Khasi, Kuki, Lusai, Liang, Santhal etc 19 01
Arunachal Pr Dafla, Khampti, Singpho etc. 16 NA
Assam Boro, Kachari, Mikir (Karbi), Lalung, Hajong etc 15 NA
Manipur Meities, Pangals, Naga tribes, Kuki etc. 33 01
East
Orissa Birhor, Gond, Juang, Khond, Korua, Oraon, Tharua, 62 13
West Bengal etc. Birhor, Korwa, Lepcha, Munda, Santhal, etc.
Asur, 40 03
Bihar Asur, Banjara, Birhor, Korwa, Oraon, Santhal, etc. 33
Jharkhand Biga, Banjara, Bathudi, Bedia, Bhumij, Chik, Baraik, 09
30
etc
Central
Madhya Pradesh Bhil, Birhor, Damar, Gond, Kharia, Oraon, Parahi, etc. 21 03
Chhattisgarh Gond, Baiga, Korba, Bison Horn Maria, Halba etc. 31 04
West
Gujarat Bhil, Dhodia, Gond, Siddi, Bordia, etc. 31 05
Rajasthan Bhil, Damor, Garasia, Meena, Sahariya etc. 12 01
Maharashtra Bhil, Bhunjia, Chodhara, Dhodia, Nayaka, Rathwa etc. 48 03
Goa Dhodi, and Siddi (Nayaka). 08 NA
Daman & Diu Dubla, Dhodia, Varli, Naikda & Siddi 5 NA
Dadra&Nagar Dhodia, Dubla, Kathodi, Kokna, Koli, Dhor, and Varli 7 NA
North
UP & Uttaranchal Bhoti, Buxa, Jaunsari, Tharu, and Raji 15 2
Himachal Pradesh Gaddi, Gujjar, Lahuala, Swangla, etc. 10 NA
J&K Chdddangpa, Garra, Gujjar, Gaddi, etc. 12 NA
South
Andhra Pradesh Bhil,Chenchu, Gond, Kondas, Lambadis, Sugalis etc. 35 12
Kerala Adiyam, Kammrar, Kondkappus, Malais, Palliyar, etc. 43 05
Tamilnadu Irular, Kammara, Kondakapus, Kota, Toda etc. 36 06
Karnataka Bhil, Chenchu, Goud, Kuruba, Koya, Mayaka, Toda, 50 02
Islands
Andaman& Jarawa, Nicobarese, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens
06 05
Nicobar Islands and Great Andamanese
Lakshadweep Amindivi, Koyas, Malmis and Malacheries 0 NA
Source: Classified based on Annual Report, 2012-13. Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Note: NA (Not Available): No PTGs are available in these states.
30 JOURNAL OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING

Literacy among the tribes of the north eastern region is relatively higher compared to other
regions. In the ranking of the ST literacy rate (per 1000 persons among 5 years and above) states
like Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim and Manipur occupy 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th position
respectively. It is interesting to note that the literacy rate of these states is higher than the national
literacy rate. ST population of Assam, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh ranks 9th, 11th, and 13th
position respectively with regard to the literacy rate (NSSO, 2010). The sex ratio in the states like
Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland and Manipur is much higher compared to other regions
(Census, 2011).Literacy among the tribes of the north-eastern and island regions is relatively
higher than tribes in other regions (Sharma, 2009). STs residing in north eastern states are more
urbanized as compared to other region.ST children in the north eastern states didn’t come under
malnourished category as compared to all India level (Pala and Khongjoh, 2012). These findings
supports that the STs in north eastern states are in better position than the tribes residing in the
other parts of India.
Exposure to urbanization and educational expansion has changed the economic and socio-cultural
systems in the North eastern states. It is reported that the benefits of state-sponsored development
have been concentrated particularly among the educated and urban tribal elites. Under
demographic compulsion, rural natives and particularly women confront with challenges like
hardship, poverty and unemployment (Ghosh & Choudhuri, 2011). Despite the high literacy rate
in this region; dropout rate is much higher compared to other regions. States like Meghalaya,
Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Manipur and Assam exhibit high infant mortality rate among ST
population. The rate of landless households is higher in the state like Mizoram (19.5), Arunachal
Pradesh (11.2) and 8.3 percent in Manipur (NSSO, 2010). Availability of power supply and
transport linkages within the region and with the rest of India is still primitive.
Eastern Region
Eastern India comprises of West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand. The diversity of East India
is evident from its population, nature and the types of tribes residing in this region (Sinha &
Behera, 2009, Basu et al, 2004). Multinational corporations are attracted to exploit the natural
resources and reserves at the cost of tribal livelihood. This is leading to involuntary displacement
of people from their homeland. Development projects in the eastern India particularly in the state
of Orissa are initiated in the areas with tribal dominated populations due to rich natural resources.
Due to these projects the tribal lands continue to be passed on to the hands of non-tribals in Orissa
and some of the investors in the area of Niyamgiri hills in Rayagada district (Jena, 2013). The
same trend is witnessed in other districts like Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal and
Balasore district. Tribals are alienated from their land and land alienation is one of the important
reasons of poverty and dispossession of tribals in Orissa (Ambagudia,2010).Consequently some
other problems exist like deforestation, loss of agricultural land, environmental degradation, and
marginalization of the STs (Mohanty, 2012). There is low pace of development in Jharkhand, at
the same time the state has one of the richest mineral reserves in India (Roy, 2012).
The literacy rate among the STs in this region is found to be lower compared to other regions of
the country. In the ranking of the literacy rate of ST population (per 1000 persons among 5 years
and above); West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Orissa occupy 19th, 24th, 25th and 27th position
 Journal of Regional Development and Planning, Vol. 3, No.2, 2014 31
respectively (NSSO, 2010). The major tribes in Orissa are Birhor, Gond, Juang, Khond, Korua,
Oraon, Santhal, Tharua, etc. and the tribes like Asur, Birhor, Korwa, Lepcha, Munda, Santhal, are
found in West Bengal. The major tribes in Bihar are Banjara, Birhor, Korwa, Munda, Oraon,
Santhal, etc. and the tribes like Biga, Banjara, Chero, Chik Baraik, Gond, Ho, Kisan, Kora, Lohra,
and Santhal etc. are found in Jharkhand. Santhal is the common and most populated tribe in the
eastern region.
It is important to note that the maximum number of tribes i.e. 62 in Orissa and large number of
PTGs reside in eastern India; with 13 PTGs in Orissa, 9 in Bihar and Jharkhand and 3 in West
Bengal (Table-1) The PTGs in Orissa are Chuktia, Bhunjia, Birhor, Bondo, Didayi, Dongria
Khond, Juang, Kharia, Kutia Khond, Lanjia Saura, Lodha, Mankirdia, Paudi Bhuyan and Saura.
Many PTGs live entirely on forest resources, but have adopted settled agriculture since more than
a decade. Shifting cultivation used to be their main economic pursuit but now their livelihood
source has been transferred to stable farming and noticed among Chuktia Bhunjia (Sabar, 2010).
Some of these PTGs are losing their identity and even some of them are getting extinguished due
to the rapid urbanization. Due to industrialization and development projects more land is being
acquired to encourage investment by the Indian and foreign investors. They are targeting mining
land and land with rich natural resources in Jharkhand and Orissa (Ekka, 2012). The tribal
displacement is the major issue in this region. Low productivity in agriculture and poor
infrastructure are the major reasons for high rates of poverty in Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand.
Central Region
The central India tribal belt is rich in natural resources. Stretching from Madhya Pradesh (MP),
and Chhattisgarh, it is one of the poorest regions of the country. More than 90 per cent of the STs
belong to rural area and they are directly or indirectly dependent upon agriculture. Though some
of them have small land holdings, agricultural practices are quite primitive and productivity is low
(Sah et. al. 2008). In the ranking of the literacy rate of ST population (per 1000 persons among 5
years and above) Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh occupies 16th and 23rd position respectively
(NSSO, 2010). The major tribes in Chhattisgarh are Gond, Baiga, Korba, Abhuj Maria, Muria,
Halba, Bhatra and Dhurvaa and the tribes like Bhil, Birhor, Damar, Gond, Kharia, Oraon, Parahi,
etc. are found in MP (See Table-1). The PTGs in Chhattisgarh are Abujhmaria, Birhor, Hill
Korwa, and Kamar; while Bharia and Sahariya are the PTGs reside in MP. PTGs like Baigas
reside in both the states.
STs in this region are facing multiple problems due to natural calamity, crop failure, poverty,
illness, reduced access to land and lack of employment opportunities leading to debt and migration
(Planning Commission Report, 2010). Poverty rate is extremely high among the STs residing in
MP and Chhattisgarh (NSSO, 2010). Central region also depicts high rate of infant mortality
among ST population and situation is worse among the PTGs like Birhor, Korwa, Abhujmaria,
Kamar and Baiga in Chhattisgarh (Dhar, 2012).
Western Region
The states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and UTs like Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar
Haveli represent the Western part of the country. Bhil is a common tribe found in all three major
states of Western India. The other tribes found in Gujarat are Dhodia, Gond, Siddi, Bordia, etc.
The major tribes in Rajasthan are Damor, Garasia, Meena, Sahariya etc. The common tribes
32 JOURNAL OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING

residing in Maharashtra are Bhunjia, Chodhara, Dhodia, Gond, Kharia, Nayaka, Oraon, Pardhi and
Rathwa (Table-1). The PTGs in Gujarat are Kolgha, Kathodi, Kotwalia, Padhar and Siddi. PTGs
residing in Maharashtra are Katkari/Kathodi, Kolam and Maria Gond. On the ranking of tribal
literacy (per 1000 persons among 5 years and above) Maharashtra is placed in 18th position.
Gujarat and Rajasthan occupy 20thand 26th position respectively. Daman & Diu indicates better
literacy rate and ranked at 3rd position; Dadra & Nagar Haveli occupies the 17th position (NSSO,
2010).
The tribal handicrafts are specialised skills which are passed on from one generation to another
and these handicrafts are the means of livelihood among the artisans in Rajasthan. In some
instances the STs with such skills migrate for alternative livelihood. This age-old activity may
disappear if they are not facilitated to retain their traditional skills (SEEDS, 2006). The livelihood
of STs in Maharashtra and Gujarat includes agricultural activities, wage labor, collection of forest
products, animal husbandry (Chattopadhyay & Durdhawale, 2009). There are very few job
opportunities for the STs in organized sector (Kokate, & Solunke, 2011). Maharashtra from the
western region depicts high poverty rate among the STs (NSSO, 2010). The main problem faced
by STs in Gujarat is migration due to lack of sustained employment and scarcity of water in some
tribal regions that affect the agricultural and allied activities.
Northern Region
North India includes states like Himachal Pradesh (HP), Jammu & Kashmir, UP and Uttarakhand
(previously known as Uttaranchal). The tribes found in UP and Uttaranchal are Bhoti, Buxa,
Jaunsari, Tharu, Raji, etc. The major tribes found in Himachal Pradesh are Gaddi, Gujjar, Lahuala,
Swangla, etc. and tribes in Jammu & Kashmir (J& K) are Chdddangpa, Garra, Gujjar and Gaddi
(Table-1). The PTGs in U.P. and Uttarakhand are common and they are Buksa and Raji. On the
ranking of literacy of ST population (per 1000 persons among 5 years and above) Himachal
Pradesh occupies 23rd position; Uttaranchal and Jammu & Kashmir occupy 15th and 30th position
respectively. UP occupies 28th position in the ranking of the ST literacy rate (NSSO, 2010). Gross
enrolment ratio of scheduled tribe (ST) students is quite low in J & K (MHRD, 2011).
UP & Uttaranchal from the northern region indicate high poverty rate among STs. Large number
landless households i.e 9.1 percent are found in Himachal Pradesh (NSSO, 2010). Livelihood in
north India is based on agriculture. Wood carvings are important handicraft of Uttarakhand due to
the availability of wood as raw material from nearby forest areas (SEEDS, 2006). At present, the
high costs of raw materials due to deforestation compel the STs to migrate for livelihood.
Southern Region
States like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka are included in the Southern region.
The main occupations of the tribes in the Southern region are settled agriculture, podu (shifting)
cultivation and collection of Non-Timber Forest Produce. The tribes in Andhra Pradesh are Bhil,
Chenchu, Gond, Kondas, Lambadis, Sugalis etc. The major tribes in Kerala are Adiyam,
Kammrar, Kondkappus, Malais, Palliyar, etc. The common tribes residing in Tamilnadu are Irular,
Kammara, Kondakapus, Kota, Mahamalasar, Palleyan and Toda. The tribes residing in Karnataka
are Bhil, Chenchu, Goud, Kuruba, Kammara, Kolis, Koya, Mayaka, Toda, etc. (Table-1). Higher
number of PTGs resides in southern India; with 12 PTGs (Chenchu, Bodo Gadaba, Gutob Gadaba,
Dongria Khond, Kutia Khond, Kolam, Konda Reddi, Kondasavara, Bondo Porja, Khond Porja,
 Journal of Regional Development and Planning, Vol. 3, No.2, 2014 33
Parengi Porja, and Thoti) in Andhra Pradesh, 5 in Kerala, 6 in Tamilnadu and 2 in Karnataka.
Literacy among the tribal population of this region is lower than the national level literacy rate of
general and tribal population in India except Kerala which ranks 7th position in literacy rate of ST
population (per 1000 persons among 5 years and above). Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh occupy 21st, 22nd and 28th position respectively with regard to literacy rate among the STs
(NSSO, 2010). In Andhra Pradesh, the livelihood of STs is based on the occupations like making
of toys, baskets, mates, local cosmetics and collection of leaves, honey, medicinal plants etc.
Tribes were displaced at the cost of private gain for mining in the Narayangiri Hills near
Lanjigarh; Araku Valley and Jerrela Hills of Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh
(Oskarsson, 2012; Prasad et al, 2012). Various factors are responsible for the slow development
among the STs in this region like poor irrigation facility for agricultural land, displacement and
migration and slow pace of resettlement and rehabilitation (Reddy & Kumar 2010). The
percentage of landless households is higher in Andhra Pradesh (7.9) compared to southern region.
Poverty percentage is moderate in the states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka (NSSO, 2010).
Island Area
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the largest archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, consisting of
306 islands and 206 rocky outcrops; covering area about 8200 sq. kms. Hunting is the main source
of food and livelihood of the ST population in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They also grow
vegetables and run poultry farm for their livelihood. The excellent craftsmanship of the STs in
Lakshadweep has made them popular across the globe. Some of them own land in these islands
while others work as labourers. The majority of the STs in Lakshadweep follow Islam as religion.
Lakshadweep ranks 5th position, followed by Andaman & Nicobar which occupies 10th position in
the literacy rate (per 1000 persons among 5 years and above) among STs (NSSO, 2010). The ST
literacy rate in island region is comparatively higher compared to other regions. Despite that the
gross enrolment ratio among scheduled tribe (ST) students in class I-VIII is quite low in the island
region. The common tribes residing in Andaman & Nicobar Islands are Jarawa, Nicobarese,
Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens and Great Andamanese etc. The tribes residing in Lakshadweep are
Amindivi, Koyas, Malmis and Malacheries (Table-1). The PTGs in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
are Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese and Shom Pen. PTGs like Andamanese follow
a peculiar cultural practice that can prove the capacity of the young boys to hunt and gather in
accordance with a prescribed norm that can help in negotiating marriage with the father of the
selected partner (Pandya & Mazumdar, 2012). There are no PTGs in Lakshadweep islands.
Unemployment is high among the STs in this region. Poor infrastructure and inadequate water
supply is the main problem and this is due to topography of the islands.
Challenges Ahead
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. 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). Issues like literacy, work participation and
34 JOURNAL OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING

livelihood, changes in occupation pattern, poverty, displacement, migration and health issues are
the major areas of concern among the STs.
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. In the
western region; Gujarat and Maharashtra are high on infant mortality among ST population. Child
and infant mortality rates are higher among the STs in Orissa as compared to other states. 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. North eastern region still faces the problems like poor infrastructure, inadequate transport
connectivity and less power supply.
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. Poverty
rate is extremely high in states like MP and Chhattisgarh of central region and a large part of ST
dominated eastern region consisting of states like Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand. 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. Percentage of landless households is high in some north
eastern states and Himachal Pradesh from the northern region. There are efforts from different
organizations and government for the development of STs. However the initiatives are not enough
and tribal issues as discussed require intensified efforts from all segments and stake-holders.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
ST Population depicts heterogeneity at national, state and even in district level having differences
in language, cultural practices and pattern of livelihood which influence their socio-economic
status. Their problems differ from area to area even within their own groups (Dubey, 2009). There
are different types of tribes residing in different parts of the country. The tribes in different regions
of India are different in terms of their rituals and customs and literacy level; economic conditions
and diverse occupational patterns.
Many organizations and government have made substantial efforts to bring positive changes and
resolve the problems faced by the STs. Because of such initiatives progress has been made but still
a lot needs to be done. 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. There are multiple reasons for the
vulnerable status of STs. In some regions (States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Rajasthan, UP and
Andhra Pradesh) where the literacy level of STs is low; are not fully aware of the schemes
available for them. Such information is not clearly disseminated to them. Their access to benefits
is less. The main reason for lesser beneficiaries is the complicated procedure of the sanctioning of
the schemes and poor implementation. Awareness generation to avail the existing schemes and
programs targeted for tribal community is very much required. In the states with low rate of
literacy; special camps can be organized to make them aware of the schemes meant for
educational development. The strategic planning with a special focus to the problems and issues of
the tribes residing in different regions should be implemented; where a particular segment of the
 Journal of Regional Development and Planning, Vol. 3, No.2, 2014 35
population remains to be under privileged for many decades. To cope with the requirement of the
existing labour market one has to be well equipped with basic skills imparted through education
and training from the very beginning (Chakraborty et al, 2012). Starvation deaths had been
reported among tribes and PTGs in several states including Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and
Rajasthan (Khera, 2008). The implementation of the NREGA has changed the situation of tribes in
Rajasthan to certain extent but the situation is not changed in other states. According to the needs
of labour market, training programmes may be implemented targeting the migrated, displaced and
unemployed STs especially in the central and eastern region.
Among the STs the practice of traditional agriculture needs to be encouraged. The farmers and
artisans should be given financial assistance and capacity building training to sustain their skill
and expertise. 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. Only improvement of literacy status may not be sufficient. Vocational and professional
education using the locally available resources needs to be encouraged. Support mechanism and
collaboration between government, NGOs, CBOs, corporate sectors and SHGs need to be
strengthened.
_______________________________
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