UNIT DEVELOPMENT OF SCHEDULED

TRIBES
Structure
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Scheduled Tribes-Meaning and Concept
2.3 Process of Change Among the Scheduled Tribes
2.4 Social Discrimination and Disabilities of Scheduled Tribes
2.5 Major Problems of Scheduled Tribes
2.6 ' Government Measures
2.7 Development Policies and Programmes
2.8 Let Us Sum Up
2.9 References and Suggested Readings
2.10 Check Your Progress - Possible Answers

2.1 INTRODUCTION
The Tribes of India are one of the earliest populations in the land. India can
proudly be called the largest "tribal" population in the world. Today there are as
many as 698 Tribes across the country. The Tribals are considered the "sons of
the soil" and make for 8.2% of the total population of India according to 2001
census. This interprets into 84 million people. Tribes in India are derived from
four racial stocks: Negrito (Jarwa and Onge in Andamans), Proto-Autroloid
(Munda, Oraon, Gonds in Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh), Mongoloid (most
Tribes in North-East) and Caucasoid (Toda, Rabari, Gujjar). There is another
method of division of Tribes. The NEFA and Eastern India belong to the
Mongoloid racial stock, Proto-Austroloid in Central India, Mediterranean-Nordic
in the West and Central Himalayas and the Austroloid, Negroid and Alpine stock
in South India. The largest tribe is the Gond followed by the Bhils, Meena,
Santals and Oraons according to 1981 census. The tribes of India lived across
states despite a common background of language. The Santals, Oraons, Mundas
and others lived in the original region of Jharkhand extending to the states Orissa,
Bengal, Madhya Pradesh. The Gond region extended across Andhra Pradesh,
Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashrtra, and Orissa. The Bhils inhabited a
region that stretched fiom Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
The Nagas Lived in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.

The Tribes of India, also referred as adivasis (original inhabitants), are spread
across the central, northeast, and southern regions of India. These various tribes
resided in India long before the Aryans had arrived here approximately 1500
BC. They were socially and geographically isolated, following the entry of the
Aryans and then subsequently the Muslims and the British. More than 650 tribes
that make up the Scheduled Tribes speak multitude of languages. They are also
religiously diverse, with some following animism, while others have adopted
Hinduism, Islam or Christianity. The social organization and traditions of most
of the tribals make them stand out from the country's mainstream Hindu
population also known as "state" or c'civilization".
 Thrr Indian Tribes collectively owned property in keeping with their tradition. Develo~mentofSched~lled
The British regime introduced a new land tenure system against the traditional Tribes
cus1,om of the tribals. As a result others infringed into the lands of the tribals.
This led to many a land revolt amongst tribals. These tribal revolts may be referred
to hialpahariya uprising in 1772, the unrest in Kutch in 1815 and 1832, the Bhil
Revolt of 1818, the uprising of the Mers in Rajputana in 1820, the rebellion of
$ Hos in Chotanagpur in 1831, the Kol insurrection of 1832, the uprising of Khonds
in Orissa in 1846, the Santal Rrevolt of 1855 and Birsa Munda Rrevolt of 1895.
Today the Scheduled Tribes account for 55 % of the total displaced in India.
.
The study of this Unit should lead the students to know:
Explain Tribes in general and Scheduled Tribes in particular
Describe the overall conditions of Scheduled Tribes
13iscuss the changes taking place among the Scheduled Tribes
I3xplain the Constitutional provisions and other developmental scheme.^ for
them
I'ointout the problems related to development in order to plan better

2.2 SCHEDULED TRIBES- MEANING AND

CONCEPT
2.2.11 Meaning of Scheduled Tribes
Then: is no particular definition of 'tribe' which is universally accepted.
Nevertheless,there are some criteria put forward to determine a tribal community.
Thesc: are endogamous organizations with a simple social structure and a self-
contained economy. They are isolated and have minimum contact with other
groups. They are governed by their own social norms and largely manage their
own affairs. This is an ideal type of a tribal community. But today they are much
in cor~tactwith other groups hence there is a continuous change. In the reports of
some British travelers and later on in Census reports that certain communities
like these were termed as aborigines. Besides, due to the imposed British
admirdstration there were uprisings, and consequently the British recognized
that these were a separate ethnic groups from the larger Indian society. And they
c1assi;Fiedthem as aborigines.

According to the Oxford Dictionary "A tribe is a group of people in a primitive

or barbarous state of development acknowledging the authority of a chief and
usually regarding themselves as having a common ancestor". The Colonial
ethnographers have laid much emphasis on the isolation and the common
ancestors; therefore, in their minds the tribes had no interaction with the larger
population and civilization. The Indian anthropologists also have seen in the
same way as separate from the rest of the population. N.D. Majumdar defines
tribe as a social group with territorial affiliation, endogamous with no
speciallization of functions ruled by tribal officers hereditary or otherwise, united
in language or dialect recognizing social distance with other tribes or castes.
Andre Beteille (1986: 316) sees the tribes as remaining outside of the state and
civilization in social organization. According to Ralf Linton tribe is a group of
bands occupying a contiguous territory or territories and having a feeling of
Social Development unity deriving from numerous similarities in a culture, frequent contacts and a
certain community of interests..

The word "Tribe" is not known in the Indian society prior to the British
anthropologists or the colonial rule. In India there lived heterogeneous
communities better known by the more indigenous term "jana" and "jati". This
term jana is derived fiom Sanskrit and Prakrit meaning to give birth. We also
know that there are "communities of people like the Savars, the Kullutas, the
Kollas, the Bhi1las;the Khasas, the Kinnars, the Gujjars, the Gaddis, the Lepchas,
and countless others whom today we know as "Tribes7'(Dube ed. 1972:8). At
that stage the two communities seemed very much belonging to the same ethnic
categories altogether.

There is a di%culty in distinguishing the jana and the tribes in ancient times.
But not many would accept equating them on equal parlance. The social
organization of the janas was based on egalitarian principle while the jati's social
organization was based on the system of jati. Today we can understand better
the distinction between the Tribals and the castes system (Beteille 1986; Roy
Burman 1994). The term tribe was used by Colonial administration to describe
communities which were heterogeneous in physical and linguistic traits,
demographic size, ecological conditions of living, regions inhabited, stages of
social formation and levels of acculturation and development (Xaxa, 2008).

Tribes have also been studies in relation to peasant society. The two have different
types of societies. In Anthropological literature tribes have been defined as
communities that are more or less homogeneous, having a common government,
a common dialect, and a common culture. Tribes have characteristic of segmentary
social system, The Tribal society is small in scale are restricted in spatial and
temporal ranges of their social, legal and political relations and possess a morality,
religion and world view of a corresponding order. In short, tribal societies are
self-contained units whereas the peasant society is a part society and not a whole
society. The tribes do not suffer fiom any caste-like social stigma. They have
remained beyond the pale of caste society except for those who have interacted
closely with peasant castes in a few regions.

The so-called tribals of India are the indigenous people of the land, in the sense
that they have been long settlers in different parts of the country before the Aryan-
speaking people penetrated into India passing through Kabul and Tndus Valley.
Since then tribal communities have spread all over India including Bangladesh,
erstwhile East Bengal. There are four fold categories of tribals according to
economic type as given by D.N. Majumdar and T.N. Madan. The first are the
food gatherers, mainly depending on the forests. The second are the tribes having
an economy between food gathering and primitive agriculture. The third are the
tribes of North-East and Middle India that mainly depend on some form of
ab't-iculture with forest produce as a secondary support. The fourth are those
working in industries. Especially the Bihar, Bengal and Assam (Mehta, 1991).
They are found ethnically and culturally distinct from the non-tribal neighbours.
This is the reason why their demand for special treatment as socio-culturally
distinct group is valid and has to be looked sympathetically.
In general, the following are the characteristic features of a tribe:
Tribe should be a primitive and isolated community
 (Generallybackward, illiterate, rustic and outside of state civilization Developmentof Schedub?d
'kibes
Primitive method of exploiting natural resources
'Territorial unity and a separate common language
Descendants from a common ancestor
Having its own belief system like animism, morality, governance
Cultural unity and governed by customary law

2.2.2 Concept of Scheduled Tribes

While the term "Tribe" is an anthropological concept, the term "Scheduled Tribes"
is administrative and political. The tribal populations visible in various Indian
states and Union Territories were grouped together as "Scheduled Tribes" under
the Constitution of India. Therefore, the word Scheduled Tribes is an
admillistrativecoinage, used for purposes of dispensing constitutional privileges,
security and benefits in independent India. However, not all the tribes were
included in it. In all 698 scheduled tribes with their sub groups exist in India as
per ccnsus 2001.
The primary criteria adopted for delimiting Indian backward communities as
"Schc:duled Tribes" include:
Traditional livelihood of a definite geographical area .
Characteristic culture that includes a whole gamut of tribal modes of life,
i.12.language, customs, traditions, religious beliefs, arts and crafts, etc.
Archaic traits portraying occupational pattern, economy, etc.
Lack of educational and economic development.
The first prerequisite of Indian Scheduled Tribes in relation to a particular State
or Union Territory is through a notified order of the President of India, after
consultation with the concerned State Government. These brders can be modified
conse~quentlyonly through an Act of Parliament. According to Article 342 of the
Constitution of India, the President, after consulting with the State Government
concerned, has promulgated nine orders so far. This promulgation has distinctly
specified the Scheduled Tribes in relation to the concerned State and Union
Territories.
The S1:heduled Tribes live mostly in well defined but isolated hilly areas, which
are ofien inaccessible and relatively underdeveloped and poorly integrated with
the rest of the nation. They have been denied the basic human rights and dignities
and subjected to social injustices and disabilities and economic exploitation for
centuries. The British policy of total neglect and isolation led to their exploitation
by zarnindars, landlords, traders, contractors, money lenders and various other
agencies and consequently they had to remain at their mercies. Their land and
forests, were gradually grabbed by the rich people like this class of outsiders.
They Iwere turned into bonded laborers leading a life of poverty and misery
exposed to all kinds of exploitations. Thus independent India inherited from the
Coloni a1 system complex problems of Scheduled Tribes.
Keeping in view the gross social injustice, discrimination and social disabilities
sufferehd by the Scheduled Tribes and the inhuman suppression and economic
exploi1:ationsto which they have been subjected to over centuries, the founding
Social Development Fathers of the Indian Constitution incorporated special provisions in the
Constitution with the object of promoting and safeguarding the social, educational
and economic interests of persons belonging to Scheduled Tribes. One of the
main concerns of the founding fathers of the Constitution was to create an
egalitarian society wherein 'justice, social, economic and political' prevail and
equality of status and of opportunity' are made available to all. There are number
of articles adopted by our Constituent Assembly to ameliorate their conditions
and lift them to a position of equality with others. All these provisions have been
designed to narrow down the various disparities' existing between the socio-
economic conditions of the Scheduled Tribes and the rest of the population.

The concentration of tribal inhabitation varies from state to state. In view of

their development as a policy some areas are declared as "Scheduled Areas".
Such a set up was designed for socio-economic betterment of the tribals. The
criteria for declaring any territory as "Scheduled" adopted by the sub-committee
of the Constituent Assembly included three points: 1. preponderance of tribal
population; 2. the stage of advancement and degree of assimilation; 3. to a slightly
lesser extent the susceptibility of these areas to special administrative treatment.

PROCESS OF CHANGE AMONG THE

SCHEDULED TRIBES
The Scheduled Tribes of India have shown a great volatility in their life style
change over the years in the present scenario. Closer interaction with the larger
society and other cultures made way for their constant adaptation to the new and
more modem cultures. Some tribes in this process are much more advanced
than the others, and there are others also who are resilience to the onslaught of
the larger culture and remained very much static. However, the number of those
who opened up to the new changing situations is far bigger. There are factors
that effected rapid changes in the tribal society.

2.3.1 Education
Impact of development processes, particularly, education has brought about a
sea change in tribal society of India. According to 2001 Census, there are 47%
literate among the tribals at all India level; 59% among male and 35% among
female. The All India literacy rate is 65%; 75% among male and 54% among
female. In the following table a decennial growth of literacy rate among the
tribals is given:
Table 1: Educational Status of Scheduled Tribes
Year Male % Female % Total %

1961 13.83 3.16 8.54

1971 17.63 4.85 11.30

1981 21.52 8.04 16.35

1991 40.65 18.19 29.60

2001 59.17 34.76 47.10

-
 Mcldernization and development of tribals mainly depend on the factor of Development of Sehed~lled
education that comes as linkage to the integration process of the tribals with the Tribes

mainstreams society of the country. Originally the tribals by definition given in

the foregoing pages are generally isolated untouched by the civilization in terms
of ttieir organization and governance. Looking at the table given above there is a
marked progressive increase in the rate of literacy among tribal society. As a
result of this process a large number of tribals now are integrated into the
mainstream to a great extent and find the modern cities their home. It is generally
accepted that education is the basic input for any sustainable development,
particularly, in the.context of socio-economic development. It can be said with
great veracity that an illiterate nation is a poor nation. It is in this background
that there have been continuing national efforts at the promotion of education
amctng the Scheduled Tribes in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

The spread of education is vital and a prime requisite for socio-economic

devc:lopment for the lower sections of people, especially, the Scheduled Tribes
and Scheduled Castes. In the traditional society the tribal people had a well
organized system of education through the home training and youth dormitories
where they learnt various activities and art of tribal life. With the advent of
Christian missionaries in many parts of the tribal regions modern schools were
opened in tribal areas giving them greater impetus and opportunities for education.

Chstian missionaries played a very important part in the spread of education

all over India, but more specifically in the tribal areas of the Central States like
Jharlchand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and the entire north-
east ~eegion.It was Christian missionaries who tried to improve the socio-economic
conditions of tribals through imparting primary and higher education. The role
of etlucation in the development of Scheduled Tribes in various regions was
imm~znsethat also brought about a silent revolution in their life and society. The
impact of development processes, particularly, education, has created a new
stratum of entrepreneurs/businessmen, teachers, administrators, engineers,
doctors and defence services. There has also been a rise of political leadership at
the village panchayat, regional and national levels. There is a marked absence of
discrimination on gender basis among tribals in matters education. It spurred the
expected social mobility among the tribals in the post-independenceperiod. There
are h ~ g hranking IAS, IPS, IFS officers and many employed in the government
services.
t
t There is an increase of awareness among the tribals regarding health and
sanita~tion.They avail health and medical facilities. More than 85% tribals showed
their positive attitudes towards these facilities, though a good number are critical
of the service availed to them in rural areas. In the north-east many tribals face
the health hazards because there are not enough facilities for safe potable water
and health care in the hilly regions.
l
I
1 Education helped social mobility among the tribals and improved their life very
much. However, there is also a fallout of modern education in that it led to social
/ stratification in their tribal society organized on egalitarian principle. The better
off tribals benefited from the modern education and rose very high in the society.
But they did not care for their own less fortunate brethren who therefore looked
upon the educated 'babus' with distaste and distrust. It also evokes a negative
attitude towards education.
Social Development 2.3.2 Occupations
Traditionally the primitive tribes engaged themselves in hunting, gathering and
fishing for their livelihood. They were mostly hills and forests dwellers. At a
later stage some of the tribes like the Oraons and Mundas of Jharkhand and
Chhattisgarhsettled down in villages and started agriculture and other cultivation.
Just as the tribal people are spread all over the states and the Union territories
they inhabit all climatic zones in the country. About 52 per cent live in areas of
moderate climate and 34 per cent in areas of warm and temperate climate. They
also live in extreme warm climate. About 63 per cent of the tribals live in hilly
terrains nearly 2 per cent are living in desert or semi-arid zones and 2 per cent
are found in the islands. Occupations are related to their ecology and environment.
It means that they have to produce grains from land and hunt and gather from
forests and hills while fish from rivers, streams and lakes.

The main crops of tribals are rice, pulses, millets and other coarse grains grown
in the hilly terrains and rocky grounds. More than 90 per cent tribals eat rice and
millet forms the staple food for many tribals. Wheat is introduced recently. Now
they have taken to growing vegetables. Those engaged in agriculture are plain
dwellers and are influenced by modem agriculttue.There is a variety of cropping
like wheat, oilseeds, cash crops and marketable vegetables. The Tribals have
also taken to business but mostly as small entrepreneurs.

They also took-to modem education which led to diversification of occupation

into non-agricultural se tors. Thus educated tribals are moving up higher in the
ladder of social strata. It would be worth defining occupation at this juncture
because the tribals have their own means of livelihood mainly agriculture as
subsistence economy.

Today the tribals are found in almost all the occupations both white-collar jobs
and blue-collar jobs. Under professional jobs there are tribal doctors, lawyers,
engineers, university teachers, school teachers of various grades, nurses, skilled
technical workers etc. The tribals are also found in central and state government
ofices, executives and managerial ofices. The highest number of course is found
in the clerical grades of different levels. Semi-slulled, skilled and non-skilled
workers come in the blue-collar workers where tribals are the majority.

2.3.3 Access to Land and Local Resources

It has been noted earlier that one of the elements or criteria to determine a group
as tribe is territory that is synonymous with their cultural identity. This territory
of an exogamous, isolated, self contained, simple organized, having own cultural
and social traditional society, was ruled by a tribal Chief. This was a feature
before the coming of the British when substantial areas were ruled exclusively
by such tribal chiefs. In most of the north-east regions the tribal chief was the
supreme, having command over village or groups of villages. There were large
Tribal States like those of the Gonds in Nagpur and Garh Mandla. Munda Chiefs
were supreme in their territory, effectively protecting it from outside influence.
There were areas under Bhil leaders as in Jhabua. Some of the tribal areas were
under Kshatriya rulers, particularly in central India and Rajasthan. The largest
being the Bastar state. Many of the zarnindars, however, were tribals under these
rulers. This is the pristine concept and image of the self-rule of tribals before the
British and the independence.

c
Since they were the rules of their areas the entire territory with all the resources Development of Scheduled
Ikibes
or1 the surface of the land and below belonged to them. Hence the tribals were
land owners from the very beginning who owned all resources and managed
them. The Mughals did not interfere into their ownership or social organization
and life style so long as they paid the maIgujari (land revenue) to the Mughal
Emperor. That is why the introduction of the zarnindars and rajas by the British
for their revenue was totally alien to the tribal system of self-rule and communal
ov~nershipof land and forest. Even the old rulers- tribals and others- began to
adopt new methods of administration through their zamindars and their agents.
The successive, almost continuous uprisings of the tribal communities living in
these regions against the imposition of new administration drew attention to the
sp1:cial problems. The British slowly realized the difference between the larger
Intlian masses and the inhabitants of forests and hills. Consequently certain
co~nmunities,for the first time, were recognized as separate ethnic groups and
classified as aborigines. The areas predominantly inhabited by the aborigines
were directly under the British administration and excluded hlly or partially
from the normal administration. Areas were, later on, called "scheduled areas"
anti the tribes included in the Schedules to the Presidential order of 1950 were
called "Scheduled Tribes".
Thl:re was no question of access to the land by tribes; rather they had inherently
possessed the land and forest of the territorial entity where they lived. It is their
binh right over the land and forest and all the natural resources of their territory.

2.4 SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION AND

DISABILITIES OF SCHEDULED TRIBES
Sorne of the social discrimination and disabilities of which the scheduled castes
fact: are discussed below:

2.4.1 Outside the Hindu Caste System

In the foregoing pages we have stated that there was a difficulty in distinguishing
the jana and the tribes in ancient times. However, not many would accept equating
them on equal parlance. The social organization of the janas was based on
"egiilitarian"principle while the jati's social organization was based on the system
of 'tjati". The term jati even today implies caste hierarchy which is absent in the
tribal society. The tribal society therefore falls outside the pale of caste system
and does not suffer from caste discrimination or untouchabilty. However, serious
social disabilities are created in the name of tribals who are described as poor,
illiterate, backward and uncivilized. Further, many tribes are still living in the
hills and forests who are still isolated from the main stream of society. According
to the 2001 Census the tribals were reckoned 8.2 per cent of the total Indian
popillation which is a minority group. They do not come into the main stream
society though a big chunk has integrated into it due to increased interaction
with the main stream culture.

2.4.2 Poverty
The main occupation of the tribals is agriculture and some of them still depend
on hunting and gathering and some on nomadic zoom agriculture which is also
known as "slash and burn" cultivation. Their agriculture is very much primitive
and traditional depending mainly on monsoon. In kharif season about 47% land
are under inigatioil and only 2% in the rabi season (1991 Census). Nearly 90 per
Social Development cent of the tribals live in villages, some in forests and hills. In 2004-2005 there
were 47 per cent tribals below poverty line in the rural area and 33 per cent in the
urban area compared to 16 per cent for others in both the areas (Planning
Commission). One can see the vast difference in poverty between the two social
groups. Recently the migration of tribals due to displacement has increased by
leaps and bounds.
2.4.3 Illiteracy
The literacy rate of tribals at the national level was 47.10 per cent as per 2001
Census, of which 59 per cent was male and 37 per cent was female. The literacy
rate for the general population was 65 per cent. The literacy rate among the
tribals comparatively is very low. We have discussed earlier that due to poverty
the tribals cannot take to education and much less to the higher level particularly,
among the rural tribal population. There is little awareness about the value of
education among the tribals and to add to it there are no sufficient number of
schools in the remote villages. The present status of the literacy rate goes higher
much due to the pioneering efforts of the Christian missionaries who opened
schools even in the remotest areas to impart education to tribals and backwards
classes. Now there are various projects, like National Literacy Mission
programmes, Non-formal Education, Adult Literacy, sarva shiksha abhiyan and
private schools that have boosted up the literacy rate.
2.4.4 Backwardness
Both the factors given above, namely, poverty and illiteracy sum up to give the
rationale for the relative backwardness of the tribals in general. The habitat of
the tribals is also partly responsible for their isolation, and minimum interaction
with the rest of the society.
In this sections you read about the tribals and their status now answer the questions
given in check your progress 1.
Check Your Progress 1
Note: a) Write your answer in about 50 words
b) Check your answer with possible answers given at the end of the unit
1) What are the two principal points that distinguish a tribe from a caste?
.......................................................................................................................

2) Identi@ at least three factors that have brought about changes in the socio
economic conditions of the tribals.
 - - '3) 'What are the three main points of the social discrimination of Tribals? Development of Scheduled
Tribes

2.5 MAJOR PROBLEMS OF SCHEDULED TRIBES

Somlz of the problems of STs are narrated below:

2.5.:1 Land Alienation

The Scheduled Tribe people are basically land holders. The holding pattern and
the amount may vary from place to place but they are agricultural based
comnunities. Land, forests and water sources are the bedrock of their livelihood.
Tribal communities traded with outsiders for few necessities like salt and iron.
The twentieth century, however, has seen far-reaching changes in the relationship
between tribals in India and the larger society and by extension, traditional tribal
econl3mies, improved transportation and communications have brought ever
deeper intrusion into tribal land. Merchants and variety of government policies
have involved tribals into cash economy. Large areas fell into the hands of the
non-lribals round 1900, when many regions were opened by the government to
homestead-style settlement. Immigrants received free land in return for cultivating
it. The notion of land ownership was at most communitarian for the tribals. By
the time tribals accepted the need of obtaining land titles they had lost the
opportunity. The colonial regime realized the necessity of protecting tribals of
I India from the predations of outsiders and prohibited the sale of tribal lands. Yet
there were some loopholes like grant of lease form. Little land was left for the
i tribals. In the post independence era tribal land has been rapidly taken away by
I
I industries, mines, big dams, sanctuaries, reserve forests etc, driving the tribals

/ into utter poverty and misery. Out of the 40 million people displaced since
independence across India 40% are tribals This shows the magnitude of the
development-induced displacement. Land alienation is the major problem of
the trlbals today. The causes of land alienation are hydroelectricity and irrigation,
mega dams, power plants, mines, industries, military installations, weaponry
I testing, railways, roads, reserves, sanctuaries etc.
r
2.5.1: Losing Rights Over Community Forests
For a large number of tribal people, forest is home, a livelihood, yes the very
existc:nce. Forest is one of the mainstays of tribal economy. It gives them food -
fruits of all kinds- edible oils, honey, nourishment roots, herbs, wild game and
fish. Minor forest produce gives them supplementary income to their meager
produce. From time immemorial tribal people have enjoyed freedom to use the
foresr and hunt animals and this has given them a conviction that remains even
today deep in their hearts that the forests belong to them. Traditionally local
comniunities exercised their rights over the forests because it was the source of
livelihood, house construction and agricultural implements. The forests provide
Social Development fuel, food, fodder, fibre and timber for housing, ploughing and other materials.
While the community utilized the forest produce it was in the nature of the
tribals to conserve the forests for their sustainable economy and livelihood. The
tribals had free hand in exploiting the forest resources, and they also regulated it
continuously, like restrictions in cutting certain kinds of trees. But it did not
pose any problem as the population was small and the forest vast. After the
British came into the scene they realized the value of timber and started controlling
its use especially after 1855-56.

2.5.3 Forests Acts

a) Forest Acting Director 1865-This covered the management and preservation
of Forests. Any land covered with trees was declared as.forest and hence
controlled by the government.
b) Forest Act 1878 - Forests were classified under
i) Reserved forests
ii) Protected forests
iii) Village forests
c) Forests Policy 1894 - Provided that the State Forest to be used for public
benefit and valuable timbers to be declared as commercial.
d) Forest Act 1927 - It was related to the question of duty on timber, therefore
commercial approach to the use of forests.
e) Forest Act 1935 - The subject of forest was included in the provincial list
under this act empowering the province for forest management.

i) Post Independence:
a) National Forest Policy 1952 - Declared that the forests should be used strictly
for the national interests. "The accident of village being situated close to a
forest does not prejudice the right of the country as a whole to receive the
benefits of a National Asset" (Paty Kr Ed 2007). Logic was that the rural
people have not contributed much towards the maintenance and regeneration
of the forests (National Commission on Agriculture - 1976:25). This act
does not consider the needs of the adivasisl tribals for the use of even the
minor forest products. A study team of the Tribal Development Programme
of the Planning Commission presented a report that asserted, " that the tribals
have special claim over the forest and forest produces, they have the rights
to collect fuel, food, fodder and minor produces"
b) The Forest Policy 1988 with amendment - The Act stressed on the forest
conservation but did not blame the people statement as in earlier documents.
But it did not analyse the causes of destruction and solution.
c) The Conservation of Forests and Natural Eco-system Act 1995 - It was
proposed as a New Forest Bill to replace the Forest Act 1927. This bill was
not covering the people's right over forest for livelihood. But this bill stressed
the need of people to manage and conserve forests. orei its are national
assets to be protected and enhanced for the well-being of the people and me
nations. Management was decentralized by the 73rd-74th Amendment of the
Constitution implying people's participation.
2.5.4 Traditional Agriculture Development of Sched~ded
Tribes
By and large the tribals take to primitive technology for agriculture even to this
day. It depends on the mercy of monsoon entirely which of late is coming more
and more unpredicted and erratic due to climatic change. The animal power,
moilsoon rain, mono cropping, meager land holding, less fertile soil, land erosion,
depletion of forests are some of the main characteristic features of tribal
agriculture. The annual per acre yield remains to be low. There is a high level
dependency population on the agriculture and the labour surplus is the added
reas~onfor poor agriculture. For most of the tribal households the produce of the
land is hardly sufficient for six months, so for the remaining months they have
to depend on daily wages either locally available or outside. There is also undue
pressure on agriculture land because of the large population to be fed. The modern
technology has not touched primitive agriculture extensively and high yielding
varieties are limited in use. Cultivation remains the main occupation of the tribals
but with so many constrains.

2.5.5 Unemployment
The kharifcrop cultivation activities keeps the tribal farmers busy for about six
months and for the remaining six months they are largely idle and unemployed.
The rabi crop is taken up only by about 2 per cent of the tribals because of the
lack.of irrigation facilities. These are the non-productive days when the tribals
are imemployed. In the rural sectors there are go\~ernmentschemes now to give
then1employment but insufficient. Some of the schemes under rural employment
programmes are: National Rural Employment Programme (NREP), Jawahar
Rojgar Yojna (JRY), Food for Work Scheme, and now the latest is National
Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). The last one gives a guarantee of
100 days work by Act of the parliament. Most of the unemployed tribals and
other poor people are the beneficiaries. The youth have a very high rate of
uneinployment because there is also high degree of school dropouts. The result
is that they are migrating to the urban areas' in search of job and livelihood.

2.5.6 Development Displacement

Development projects of the country are mostly located in the tribal belts.
Industries, mines, mega dams, reserves are maximum located in the tribal
dominated habitat. The tribals are being pushed out of their home soil by force.
Since independence the number of development-induced displaced people in
the country was about 40 million of which 40 per cent were tribals. This number
has increased to 50-55% by all estimates till 2008. This is a fact that the stream
of djsplacement continues.

2.5.7 Migration
Migration by definition is the movement of population from one place to another
in search of livelihood or other necessities of life not available in the place of
birth. Such movement could be from less developed villages or cities to more
developed villages and cities. It could also be from a traditional agricultural
occupational area to modern industrial occupational areas. The desire is to gain
basic: necessities and amenities of life for a higher standard of life. Such a motive
to m~svementis called the bbpush"factor and the availability of goods and services
in another place is called the "pull" factor. The push and pull factors can be both
economic and non-economic. Need of higher income in the industrial sector
Social Development could be the pull economic factor whereas the aspiration of modern amenities
like films and TV and running water for household use could be the non-economic
factor. More concretely economic factors are poverty, search for livelihood, better
employment opportunities etc. Lack of proper education, social discrimination,
open war, media influence, and desire to be away fi-om social control are some
of the social and non-economic factors of migration. In this sense it is different
from the displacement which is by compulsion rather than voluntary. The tribals
in general have moved to towns and cities main in search of jobs and better
t
oppoi-tunities.

The main cause of their move is poverty and poverty is caused mainly by the
unviable agricultural yield in the traditional villages. The government has not
given enough attention to modernize agriculture or provide irrigation facilities.
The available job opportunities are

found only in towns and cities and industries. So because of this economic
development policy of the government the people migrate to towns and cities.
The consequences are:
loss of tribal population in the stateldistricts of birth
tribals are becoming minority in their own homelands
transferlalienation of tribal lands
identity of tribals in danger
increasing slums in cities and poverty as well
2.5.8 Problem of Maoist Extremism
This is very pernicious fallout of the poverty and exploitations of the tribal society
particularly in the central regions of India. The Maoist organization found fertile
ground to take roots and flourish in the poverty stricken regions of central regions
in India. They made their inroads in Bengal and Andhra Pradesh central Bihar.
Today they have got firm footing in all most all the tribal belts of India. Andhra
Pradesh, Orissa, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh are
rigged with the menace of the Maoist terrorism. They induce the young
unemployed fi-om the tribal belts and recruit them to their regiment on a paltry
sum of money, uniform and a gun. The developments of these regions have been
sabotaged by the Maoists. These extremists groups are nearly running a parallel
government in the rural areas. The efforts of the government to squash these
groups have been very unsuccessful.

2.6 GOVERNMENT MEASURES

Some of the constitutional measures initiated for the upliftment of STs are
discussed below:

2.6.1 Constitutional Provisions

The policy of "isolation" of tribals adopted by the British exposed them to
exploitation, extortion, enslavement and treatment like animals in the colonial
period. The new class of people like the zamindars, money lenders, contractors,
traders, middle men grabbed their land and reduced them to utter poverty.
Thousands and thousands of tribals migrated to the tea gardens of Assam and
Berigal and the land of Andamans as labourers. In fact this was the most pitiful
conditions of the tribals only a few took notice of and showed their concern.
Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru was one of them as the first Prime Minister of India.
The founding fathers of the Indian constitutions took pity on the gross social
injustice, discrimination and social disabilities suffered by the Scheduled Tribes
and the inhuman suppression and economic exploitations to which they had
been subjected to over centuries. They incorporated special provisions in the
Constitution with the object of promoting and safeguardingthe social, educational
and economic interests of persons belonging to Scheduled Tribes. One of the
main concerns of the founding fathers of the Constitution was to create an
egalitarian society wherein justice, social, economic and political prevail and
eq~~s~lity of status and of opportunity' are made available to all. There are number
of articles adopted by our Constituent Assembly to ameliorate their conditions
and I ifl them to a position of equality with others. All these provisions have been
designed to narrow down the various disparities existing between the socio-
economic conditions of the Scheduled Tribes and the rest of the population.
Constitutional Provisions:After Independence and adoption of the constitution
of free India, various constitutional provisions were made for the welfare and
development of tribals In pursuance of the Directive Principles, (as Article 46)
state, 'promotion of education and economic interests of Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections", special articles have been provided.
These constitutional provisions may be divided into five classes:
1) Social provisions = Abolition of untouchabilty of any form (Art. 17),
Prohibition of child labor under 14 in mines and industries (Art. 24), .freedom
to practice and maintain any religion (Art 25 - 2B)
2) Economic provisions = Assistance of states to implement the provisions of
constitution (Art. 275), executive power given to draw up schemes for Tribal
d(:velopment (Art. 339), safeguarding tribal interest in property (Art. 19-5)
3) Educational and Cultural provisions = promotion of social, economic and
educational interests and reservation of seats in educational institutions (Art
15-4), cultural protection of tribal communities (Art 29-I), promotion of
eclucational interest of tribals (Art.46)
4) Political provisions = reservations in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha (Art
330,332,334), appointment of a commission (Art 339-I), Minister in charge
of Tribal Welfare in Bihar, Orissa MP (Art. 164), special provisions for
Nitgaland, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh ( 371 -
A- F)
5) Services provisions= Reservations in posts and services (Art. 16 - 4) Limits
of reservations (Art. 335). The main aims of the constitutional provision are
protection and development.

2.6.2 Reservations
Reservation in the Indian law is a form of aflirniative action. By this measure
certain percentage of seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Castes in public sector units, union and state civil services, union and state
governinent departments and in all public and private educational institutions. It
is meant for socially backward classes who are inadequately represented in these
senlice~sand institutions. Reservation is a concept not unique to India only; it
Social Development also exists in other nations like the USA where certain percentage of jobs are
served for African Americans or other "disadvantaged" groups. Scheduled Tribes
in India are under represented in the country's social structure because they have
been historically oppressed and discriminated. Reservation was an attempt to
abolish some social evils like untouchabilty and reduce social differences giving
the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes equal opportunities to better their
lives and integrate themselves into the country's social fabric. To this effect the
following are the provisions:

15% Seats Reserved In The Government Aided Educational Institutions

7.5% Jobs In The Governrnent/Public Sectors As Reserved Quota
27% Of Higher Education Quota By Central Government
State Governments May Legislate Further Reservations
By Supreme Court Ruling Reservations Cannot Exceed 50%
Provision For Review Of Reservation After Five Years
Reserved Constituencies In Scheduled Areas
Provision Of Political Reservation Only For Ten Years Initially
Problems: The provisions of reservations given in the constitution for the
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes did not have an easy sailing. In the
course of time it became a thorny problem and it is more vehemently opposed
today, particularly, regarding admission in the higher educations. There are
oppositions from the larger society as regards the period of application of this
provision and the standard criteria for selection. The Normal period prescribed
is five years but this period is not sufficient to bring up the target groups to the
level of the general population. Besides, there are so many other factors that
come as hindrance to the fulfillment of the desired target.

There have been periodical reviews and each time-due to above mentioned
considerations the period of reservations is extended by various amendments in
the parliament. Reservation for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha is supposed to
expire in January 2010 as of now. Only the time will tell about its fate. It is to be
noted that political reservations in the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabha are not
as stiff as it is in the educational and professional institutions, like the schools
and colleges, IIT/JEE, IIM, Medical and Engineering Colleges. Some points of
arguments are brought out here.

The bone of contention is merit by competition in such institutions rather than

by reservations on the ground of backwardness and surnames, which may likely
give admission to candidates of lower quality. The qualifying cut points in
competitive examinations are much lower for the reserved candidates than those
of the general category. It implies therefore, that the general candidates have to
work twice harder than the reserved candidates. Economic conditions should
also be taken into consideration, according to some critics, as criterion for selection
of reservation at least for some economically well-off groups. Lot of grounds is
created for biases and prejudices that come as social discrimination against these
backward class people.
21.6.3 Fifth Schedule and Tribal Areas Development of Scheduled
Tribes
ELS per the Article 244 (1) provisions are given as to the administration and
control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes. There are four parts in this
provision:
a) General: Under this Schedule the expression "State" does not include the
states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tspura and Mizoram. The subject to the
provisions of this Schedule, the executive power of State extends to the
Scheduled areas therein. The governor of the State will make a report for the
President annually or whenever required. The president will give direction
to the governor for the administration of the Scheduled areas.
bj~ Administration and Control: There would be an Advisory Council set up
of not more than 20 members of whom three-fourth shall be the
representatives of the Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assembly of the
State. The Council will advise on matters pertaining to the welfare and
advancement of the Scheduled Tribes. The governor monitors the application
of any Act of the Parliament or the Legislature in the Scheduled areas. He
also is in charge of protecting the tribal land from transfer or alienation of
tribal lands into non-tribal hands.
c) Scheduled Areas: In this Constitution the Scheduled Areas mean such areas
as the President may by order declare to be the Scheduled Areas. He may by
any order direct any part wholly or partially to cease to be Schedule area,
increase its area or alter by way of rectification of boundaries of any scheduled
Area.
d) Amendment of the Schedule: Amendment of the Schedule can be done
from time to time by the Parliament by way of addition, variation or repeal
any of the provisions of this Schedule and, when the Schedule is so amended
any reference to this Schedule in this constitution shall be construed as
reference to such Schedule as so amended.

The President declared certain areas in the central belt of Madhya Pradesh
(Clthattisgarh), Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar (Jharkhand), Orissa,
Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh as Scheduled areas. The characteristic features
are that the Governor has special legislative power, as to report to the President
and take the advice of the Tribal Advisory Council, however, not bound by it.
The Governor has the power to suspend any Act of the Parliament that may not
be c:onducive to the welfare of the Tribals.

2.6.4 Sixth Schedule and Tribal Areas

As per Article 244 (2) and 257 (1) provisions are given as to the administration
of the Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
The Scheduled characterizes the autonomy of the districts and the regions.
Acclordingly these tribal areas are governed by the provisions of the sixth schedule.
There are nine districts falling under these States: The North Cachar Hills District;
The Karbi Anlong District; Khasi Hills District; Jaintia Hills Distirct; The Garo
Hill:; District; Tripura Tribal Area District; The Chakma District; The Mara
District and the Lai District. The main features of this sixth Schedule are:
'Their full authority in respect of matters falling within their jurisdictions
Social Development Self management~govemance through autonomous districts; district Councils
are elected bodies with corporate status and have power
To make laws for management of forests, allotment of land and its use
To make laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance and succession of property
To regulate money lending
To constitute village councils or courts to try cases among the tribals
Has a fund and can establish schools, dispensaries, markets, roads, waterways
etc.
The governor enjoys unique position in autonomous districts. In several
respects his position may be equated to that of the President's in relation to
the State.
Governor may appoint a Commission of enquiry and might dissolve a district
council on its recommendationor suspend any act or resolution of the district
council.
The writ of the parliament or the state legislature does not m automatically
unless the Acts in whole or part are notified by Governor for tribal areas.

Administrative setup is also a factor for unsatisfactory performance of Tribal

Development programmes. Planning Commission observed that multiplicity of
agencies ahs resulted into diffusion of responsibilities, lack of coordination and
difficulty in identifying the concerned officials. Nevertheless, the considerable
socio-economic development improvement cannot be denied despite mismatch
between input and outputs.

Check Your Progress 2

Note: a) Write your answer in about 50 words
b) Check your answer with possible answers given at the end of the unit
1) Write down the three main features of reservations for Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes provided in the Constitution.

.......................................................................................................................
2) What are the three main features of the Fifth Schedule?
.......................................................................................................................
 3) I:n what four different ways has the Sixth Schedule helped the North-East Develo~mentofScheduled
'Tribals? Tribles

I
I
2.7 DEVELOPMENT POLICIES AND
PROGRAMMES
Somc: of the policy and programme measures undertaken for the upliftment of
ST population are described here under.

I 2.7.11 Tribal Development Programmes

Way back in 1958 Jawaharlal Nehru had rightly outlined the basic policy of the
development of Tribals, "Tribal people should be afforded opportunity to develop
along the lines of their own genius and we should avoid imposing anything on
them. We should try to encourage in every way their own traditional culture".
(Verrier Elwin, 1958)

Taking this policy into account the post independent period has seen number of
programmes for the development of tribals. In order to achieve this objective a
special tribal development administrative setup was organized right from after
the independence. The broad framework of administration is given below:
1.
LJnder Article 338 of the Constitution, a special officer known as
C)ommissionerfor Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has been working
! s lnce November 1950. The ministry of Home Affairs was initially in charge
of the work related to the welfare of Scheduled Tribes till 1964. It came
under the Department of Social Security, and in 1966 was recognized under
the Department of Social Welfare and is responsible for the welfare of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and other backward classes.
C'ommissioner for SC and ST groups: It is the medium through which the
union government is kept informed of the programmes and implementation
of the safeguard and welfare schemes of ST and SC.
I\ational Commission for SC and ST: The commission shall consist of the
Chairperson the Vice Chairperson and five other members nominated by
the President. Their power and duties are to investigate and monitor matters
relating to the safeguards provided to the ST and SC, inquire into the
I
complaints regarding deprivation of rights, participate and advice the planning
for their socio economic development inform the President of the working
o F this Commission, that is put in the parliament.
There are State and district level setups for the tribal programmes that may
vary from one state to another. At lower level the District Magistrate and his
i
subordinate staff and officers of various departments are responsible for all
d1:velopment activities related to the Tribals.
L
Social Development Under the Fifth Scheduled and the Sixth Scheduled (described earlier) there
are elaborate provisions for the governance and development of the Scheduled
areas.

2.7.2 The Five Year Plans and the ST

With the First Five Year Plan launched in 1951 the Community Development
Programmes were organized under the Block whose in charge was the Block
Development Officer. Emphasis was given on rural health, communication
and housing.

The 2ndFive year Plan emphasized on the economic development and set up
Special Multiple Tribal Blocks (SMPT). The Ministry and Home Affairs
and the State government through blocks jointly implemented the
programmes.

In 3rdFive Year Plan these blocks were named as Tribal Development Block
which primarily undertook with priority the economic, education and, health
and housing sectors. The blocks were initially consisting of one lakh
population later on reduced to 25 thousand with 213 tribal population.

The 4&Five Year Plan introduced the strategy of Tribal Development Agency
as additional programme focusing on specific target groups/areas especially
in Bihar Orissa and Andhra. The targets were individual families and small
farmers.

The 5&Five Year Plan is known as the landmark of tribal people. The concept
of Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) was introduced. The strategy under this concept
was that of Integrated Tribal Development Actions ( ITDA).

The 6" Five Year Plan adopted Modified Ares Area Development Approach
to cover smaller areas of 10,000 population. In this 50% or more were
supposed to be tribals. There are 268 MADA at present.

Under the 7" and 8&Five Year Plans the Tribal Sub-plans were consolidated
better. Other efforts were also initiated for the development of the Primitive
Tribal Groups (PTG).

2.7.3 Tribal Sub Plan

Under this scheme the entire sub plan area was divided into a number of viable
Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDP). Initially the project coverage
was on an average of 3 to 4 lakhs population and in 6 to 7 Blocks. By the end of
the 5" Plan there were 179 ITDPs covering nearly 65% of the country's tribal
population. Presently there are 191 ITDPs, 268 MADAs,74 PTGs in 15 states1

Objectives
Narrowing the gaps at the levels of development between tribal and non-
tribal areas
Improving the standards of lives of tribal communities
Making up for deficiencies in infrastructures for development
 - ---

I Assisting voluntary agencies to facilitate their participation for socio-

economic assistance
Elimination of exploitation and up gradation of environment
Develo~mentofScheduled
albes

, Centrally Sponsored Schemes for Tribal Development are:

Tribal Development Blocks - Cooperation ( under TRIFED)
I
I
I Constructions of Tribal Girls' Hostels
I Provision for the Post-Matric Scholarship
I Coaching for IAS, IPS, IFS, State Service Commission services and pre-
examination training schemes for tribal candidates

State Plan Schemes for the Tribal Development are:

Education - pre matric scholarships, stipends, free supply of books, stationery,
uniforms and mid-day meals
Economic development - Subsidy for agricultural implements, seeds,
fertilizer, cottage industries, horticulture, and soil conservation
Health, housing and others - Provisions for housing, drinking water supply,
medical and public health aids to voluntary agencies etc.
Large Sized Multi purpose co-operative Societies (LAMPS) - To free the
tribals from the grips of the money lenders and mahajans

Spacial Central Assistance and grants under Article 275 (1):

Scheme for development of primitive Tribes
Tribal Research Institutes
Construction of hostels for tribal boys and girls
Ashrama schools in Tribal Sub Plan areas
Strengthening education of girls in low literacy areas
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED)
Coaching centres for Scheduled Tribes
Grants-in-Aid for NGOs working for Tribal Welfare C

Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme (RGNF)

Vocational Trainings
National Overseas Scholarship Schemes for Scheduled Tribes

General Criticism: Efforts of planning and programming for the development

of Scheduled Tribes are praiseworthy. The life standard of a good number of
Trihals has come up to a great extent in many areas. Some of them have managed
to come into the mainstream of development of the general population. However,
in administration the setup is also a factor for unsatisfactory performance of the
Tribal DevelopmentProgrammes. Planning Commission observed that multiplicity
 Social Development of agencies has resulted in diffusion of responsibility, lack of coordination and
difficulty in identification of the concerned officials. Unfortunately, the
development programmes for tribal areas have not yielded expected results in
terms of input-output ratio.

Suggestions: Firstly, the administrative setup is very complex; it should be made

simpler. Secondly, Tribal Sub Plan should be separated from the State plan and
thirdly, the main responsibility of Tribal development should rest with the Ministry
of Welfare. Once these measures are adopted there would be a- considerable
change in the functioning and execution of development works.

In these sections you read about the policy and programme measures undertaken
for the uplifiment of STs and now answer the questions .given in check your
progress 3.

Check Your Progress 3

Note: a) Write your answer in about 50 words
b) Check your answer with possible answers given at the end of the unit
1) What are the provisions under Article 388 of the Constitution of India?
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................

I .......................................................................................................................
1
What actions were taken in the lsc frdand 5thF Y Plans for the welfare of the
Scheduled Tribes?

Under Tribal Sub Plan what h e three most important activities for the
development of the Scheduled Tribes?
 I
- Development of Sched~~led
2 LET US SUM UP lkibes

I Tribals are the important segment of the Indian population. They constitute 8.2
I

perlzent of total population in India. However, the socio-economic status of ST

I
I population has remained low despite several measures taken by the Government
I
of India after independence. This unit has also described the various problems
and issues related to ST population. Scheduled Tribe population needs special
attention because of their socio-economic as well as geographical locations.
I
2 REFERENCES AND SELECTED READINGS

iI Ahmad, M.S. (2004), Five decades of Planning and Tribal Development. N

Del hi: Gyan Publishing House
Deshingkar, P. and J. Farrington (Ed.). (2009), Circular Migration and Multi-
Loc:ationallivelihood Strategies in Rural India. N Delhi: Oxford University Press.
Joshi, YG. (1997), Tribal Migration. ~ a i ~ uRawat
r : Publication.
Mehta, P.L. (1991), Constitutional Protection to Scheduled Tribes in India. Delhi:
HK: Publishers & Distributors
Shiuma, B.D. (1984), Planning for Tribal Development. N Delhi: Prachi
Pra kashan
Singh, K.S. (Ed) (1989), Jawaharlal Nehru, Tribes and Tribal Policy. Calcutta:
Anthropological Survey of India
Singh, C.P. (1994), Tribal Development Administration. N Delhi: Mittal
Publications
Shimna, B.D. (200 I), Tribal AHairs in India. N Delhi: Sahyog Pustak Kutteer
T h i h , D and DN Thakur (Ed) (1997), Tribal Law andAdministration. N Delhi:
Deep & Deep Publications

2.:10 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS - POSSIBLE

ANSWERS
Chieck Your Progress 1
1) What are the two principal points that distinguish a tribe from a caste?
Amis. The two principal points that distinguish a tribe from a caste are:
a) Social organisation based on egalitarian principle and not on Hindu caste
system,
b) No social stigma based on caste system with sense of untouchability.
2) Identifl at least three factors that have brought about changes in the socio
economic conditions of the tribals.
Am. The three factors that have brought about changes in the socio economic
conditions of the tribals:
a) Taking up to modern education,
Social Development b) Diversification of occupation,
c) As a result social mobility.
3) What are the three main points of the social discrimination of Tribals?
Ans. The three main points of the social discrimination of Tribals are:
a) Wide spread poverty,
b) Very high illiteracy,
c) Overall backwardness.
Check Your Progress 2
1) Write down the three main features of reservations for Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes provided in the Constitution.
Ans. The three main features of reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes provided in the Constitution are:
a) 15% reservation seats in Govt. aided educational Institutions,
b) 7.5% reserved quota jobs in Govemment/Public Sector employment,
c) Reservation for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha seats in scheduled areas.
2) What are the three main features of the Fifth Schedule?
Ans. The three main features of the Fifth Schedule are:
a) Power given to the Governor for administration of scheduled areas,
b) Reporting to the President by Governor about the implementation of
development programme and plans
c) The Governor can suspended any legislature fiom the State or the Union
not suited to the tribals.
3) In what four different ways has the Sixth Schedule helped the North-East
Tribals?
Ans. The four different ways through which the Sixth Schedule helped the North-
East Tribals are:
a) Autonomy given to the autonomous districts for self-governance,
b) Make laws for the management of forests and land allotment,
c) Funds to establish schools, dispensaries, markets, roads and waterways,
d) To constitute Village Councils to try local cases.
Check Your Progress 3
1) What are the provisions under Article 388 of the Constitution of India?
Ans.The provisions under Article 388 of the Constitution of India are:
a) Establishing of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Society
under the Department of Social Welfare,
 b) Composition of national Commission for Scheduled Tribes consisting Developmentof Scheduled
of 5 members
c) District Magistrate and its subordinates made responsible for the
development of Scheduled Tribes.

I 2) What actions were taken in the 1sc frdand 5"' Five Year Plans for the welfare

Ans.
of the Scheduled Tribes?
a) In the 1st Five Year Plan launching of Community Development
Programme for Scheduled Tribes in Blocks,
b) Under the 3rdFive Year Plan composition of Special Multiple Tribal
Blocks (SMPT),
I c) Under 5"' Five Year Plan introduction of Tribals Sub Plan (TSP).
3) Under Tribal Sub Plan what are three most important activities for the
I
development of the Scheduled Tribes?
Ans. The three most important activities for the development of the Scheduled
Tribes are:
a) Tribal cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India
(TrnED),

f-
b) Large Sized Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPS), fiee the
Tribals from money- lenders. I