Empowering Tribal Society
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Vulnerable section
Source: PIB
Context: India’s tribal communities, 8.6% of the population, are vital to the nation’s diversity and development. The government has launched initiatives to address their socio-economic challenges and promote cultural heritage, healthcare, education, and self-reliance.
Tribes in India:
• Who They Are: Tribes in India, also referred to as Adivasis, are Indigenous communities with distinct cultures, languages, and traditions.
• Types: Scheduled Tribes (STs): Identified under Article 366(25) of the Constitution, defined by distinct characteristics such as geographical isolation, economic backwardness, and cultural uniqueness. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): A subgroup of STs identified by pre-agricultural technology, low literacy, and economic backwardness. There are 75 PVTGs across 17 states and one Union Territory.
• Scheduled Tribes (STs): Identified under Article 366(25) of the Constitution, defined by distinct characteristics such as geographical isolation, economic backwardness, and cultural uniqueness.
• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): A subgroup of STs identified by pre-agricultural technology, low literacy, and economic backwardness. There are 75 PVTGs across 17 states and one Union Territory.
• Data: Population: 104.2 million (8.6% of India’s population). States/UTs with Major Tribes: Jammu & Kashmir: Sippi, Beda. Arunachal Pradesh: Kuki, Mikir. Madhya Pradesh: Gond, Kol. Rajasthan: Bhil, Dhanka.
• Population: 104.2 million (8.6% of India’s population).
• States/UTs with Major Tribes: Jammu & Kashmir: Sippi, Beda. Arunachal Pradesh: Kuki, Mikir. Madhya Pradesh: Gond, Kol. Rajasthan: Bhil, Dhanka.
• Jammu & Kashmir: Sippi, Beda.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Kuki, Mikir.
• Madhya Pradesh: Gond, Kol.
• Rajasthan: Bhil, Dhanka.
Schemes for the Welfare of Tribes:
• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: Launched: October 2, 2024. Budget: ₹79,156 crore. Focus: Infrastructure, education, health, and livelihoods in 63,843 tribal villages.
• Launched: October 2, 2024.
• Budget: ₹79,156 crore.
• Focus: Infrastructure, education, health, and livelihoods in 63,843 tribal villages.
• Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN): Launched: November 15, 2023. Target: Improve housing, water, education, and connectivity for PVTGs.
• Launched: November 15, 2023.
• Target: Improve housing, water, education, and connectivity for PVTGs.
• Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY): Focus: Basic infrastructure in 36,428 villages with significant tribal populations.
• Focus: Basic infrastructure in 36,428 villages with significant tribal populations.
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Aim: Quality education for tribal students. Progress: 728 schools approved; ₹2,800 crore invested in 2024.
• Aim: Quality education for tribal students.
• Progress: 728 schools approved; ₹2,800 crore invested in 2024.
Key Government Scholarships for Tribal Empowerment
• Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships: For ST students from Class IX to post-graduation.
• National Overseas Scholarship: Supports ST students for postgraduate and doctoral studies abroad.
• National Fellowship for ST Students: Digital processing ensures timely assistance for higher education.
Financial Support and Self-Employment Schemes:
• National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC): Offers concessional loans for self-employment projects.
• Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana (AMSY): Loans up to ₹2 lakh per unit for tribal women.
• Micro Credit Scheme for SHGs: Loans up to ₹5 lakh per SHG and ₹50,000 per member.
• Adivasi Shiksha Rin Yojana (Education Loan): Financial aid up to ₹10 lakh for professional education.
Initiatives for Better Health Outcomes:
• Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission: Focus on screening and affordable care for tribal populations.
• Mission Indradhanush: Ensures immunization for children and pregnant women, including free COVID-19 vaccines.
• Nikshay Mitra Initiative: Aims to improve TB treatment and outcomes for tribal communities.
Research and Cultural Preservation Initiatives:
• Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs): Focus on research in welfare, languages, and traditions.
• Development of PVTGs: Dedicated to addressing socio-economic gaps for 75 PVTGs.
• Tribal Research Information, Education, Communication, and Events (TRI-ECE): Organizes cultural festivals, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns.
Conclusion:
The government’s multidimensional approach aims to empower tribal communities through targeted welfare schemes, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. These efforts ensure that India’s tribal population is integrated into the broader national development narrative, embodying the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
Insta Links:
• Tribal-groups-in-India
• How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes? (UPSC-2015)