Development and Tribals in India

Aims & Objectives: The study interrogated the major issues confronting the Tribal’s, the reasons for their deprivation and policy options to ameliorate their plight. Specifically, it analysed the socio‐economic status and condition of the Tribal’s, their livelihood, poverty and other forms of deprivation encountered by them. It focused on employment opportunities, status of health, nutrition and education, their control and command over forest and natural resources and the position of women in the tribal society. It looked deeper into the nature and impact of governance and militant movements in the tribal areas.

Methodology & Findings:

• The method for research entailed literature reviews, secondary and primary data;
• Secondary data was mainly sourced from the NSS (National Sample Survey). This was analysed by disaggregating the data by social category;
• In case of the primary data, both quantitative and qualitative tools, such as survey, FGDs(Focus Group Discussions) etc. were adopted;
• Information was collected from two tribal dominated regions—12 villages from Jharkhand and another 12 from Gujarat—to compare the regional variations in the status of the Tribal’s. The research generated a diverse range of case studies and sector‐specific reports along with an overall report that synthesised the findings and insights;
• Other outputs like policy briefs and database were produced from the project; and
• To conclude, a chapter was written on Development and Deprivation in the Tribal areas.