Sansad TV: Perspective- Protecting the Tribes | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

The most recent individual from an indigenous tribe residing in the Amazon rainforest has passed away, having lived alone for several decades. This unnamed man, a member of an uncontacted Indigenous tribe in Brazil, was famously known as the 'man of the hole' due to his habit of seeking shelter in pits he had dug in the earth. His death has sparked extensive conversations among activists, once again highlighting the imperative to safeguard indigenous populations. In India, the majority of tribes are collectively recognized as "Scheduled Tribes" under Article 342. The country is home to 110 million tribal people, distributed across 18 states. These tribal communities are known for leading sustainable lives in harmony with nature. Nonetheless, their numbers are declining due to various contributing factors, raising concerns about preserving not only their population but also their heritage, culture, language, art, traditions, and way of life.

Initiatives for Tribal Welfare

• Pradhan Manti Van Dhan Yojana: This program promotes the development of tribal entrepreneurship through market-linked strategies, fostering the formation and strengthening of tribal clusters.
• Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana: It aims to create a conducive environment for the holistic development of tribal communities, focusing on their specific needs and desired outcomes.
• Ekalavya Model Schools: These schools offer high-quality education to Scheduled Tribe students in remote areas, providing them with opportunities for higher education and professional development, similar to non-ST populations.
• Minor Forest Produce: This initiative ensures fair compensation for those who gather and process minor forest products, including their collection, primary processing, storage, packaging, and transportation.
• Vocational Training Centers in Tribal Areas: These centers provide valuable skills and training to tribal populations, enhancing their employability.

Shortcomings

• The benefits of these programs have disproportionately favored the upper echelons of tribal society, failing to reach the marginalized segments.
• The involvement and cooperation of tribal people have been lacking in the development programs designed for their benefit.
• The bureaucratic apparatus has fallen short in fulfilling its role as a development agency.
• Local politicians and the elite have often acted against the interests of the tribal population to serve their self-interests.
• The health and nutrition of tribal communities have been compromised, with conditions like sickle cell anemia prevalent, and efforts are ongoing to improve their health status.
• Housing conditions for tribals are often inadequate, with many living in single-room houses and facing challenges in accessing clean drinking water, sanitation, and electricity.
• Various measures have been undertaken by the Government of India over the years to promote the development of tribal communities, including the establishment of the Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission and TRIFED.

Solutions to the Challenges

• Improving road connectivity in tribal areas will enhance access to healthcare, education, and social services, thereby raising the quality of life for tribal residents.
• Recommendations from the High-Level Committee (Virginius Xaxa committee) include granting exclusive mining rights to tribals, greater autonomy in land acquisition decisions, strict implementation of the Forest Rights Act, and revamping the legal constitutional framework for Fifth Schedule areas.
• State governments should obtain permissions from landowners and occupants for major minerals and consult with Gram Sabha in Fifth and Sixth Schedule areas for minor minerals.
• All necessary clearances under the Forest Conservation Act and Wildlife Protection Act should be secured before granting leases.
• Tribal cooperatives should be eligible for licenses for minor mineral extraction in Fifth and Sixth Schedule areas.

Conclusion

The strengthening of institutions responsible for delivering goods and services, along with the allocation of administrative, technical, and financial resources, is essential. This includes Tribal Welfare Departments, Integrated Tribal Development Agencies, Integrated Tribal Development Projects, and the creation of new entities where needed. Converging resources and activities scattered across various components is the need of the hour to uplift tribal communities and ensure their well-being.