Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Indian Constitution recognizes the unique socio-economic and cultural vulnerabilities of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and mandates their protection and development. Despite various Five Year Plans and programs, significant disparities persisted. Recognizing this, the Government of India formulated the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) strategy in 1975, during the Fifth Five Year Plan, as a part of a broader strategy of area development. The TSP aimed to identify, formulate, and implement projects specifically for tribal areas, ensuring that benefits of development reached them effectively and in a culturally sensitive manner. This approach marked a shift from a welfare-oriented to a development-oriented approach for tribal communities.
Emergence of the Tribal Sub-Plan
Prior to the TSP, tribal development initiatives were largely fragmented and often lacked a holistic perspective. The Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-79) marked a turning point. The Working Group on Tribal Development, headed by U.N. Ghose, recommended the formulation of a TSP. This recommendation stemmed from the realization that general development programs often bypassed tribal communities due to their geographical isolation, socio-economic backwardness, and distinct cultural identities. The core idea was to earmark a specific proportion of funds from general sector ministries and departments for projects benefiting tribal areas.
Salient Features of the Tribal Sub-Plan
Key Principles
- Identification of Tribal Areas: The TSP focused on areas with a significant tribal population, as defined by the Constitution and Presidential Notifications.
- Earmarking of Funds: A specific percentage of the budget of general sector ministries was earmarked for TSP, initially 5% and later revised to 2.5% of the total plan budget.
- Project Formulation: Projects were to be formulated based on the specific needs and priorities of tribal communities, with their active participation.
- Integrated Approach: The TSP advocated for an integrated approach to development, encompassing economic, social, and cultural aspects.
- Beneficiary-Oriented Programs: Emphasis was placed on programs directly benefiting individual tribal families and communities.
Institutional Mechanisms
- Tribal Development Agencies (TDAs): Established at the district level to plan, implement, and monitor TSP projects.
- State Tribal Development Corporations (STDCs): Formed to promote economic activities and entrepreneurship among tribal communities.
- National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC): Established in 1976 to provide financial assistance to STs for income-generating activities.
Evolution of TSP – From Sub-Plan to Tribal Component Plan (TCP)
In 1999, the TSP was renamed the Tribal Component Plan (TCP) to emphasize its integration with the overall development plans. This change aimed to move away from a segregated approach and promote mainstreaming of tribal development. However, the core principles of earmarking funds and focusing on tribal needs remained largely unchanged.
Limitations of the Tribal Sub-Plan
Implementation Challenges
- Inadequate Funding: Despite earmarking, the actual funds released for TSP were often less than allocated, hindering effective implementation.
- Lack of Coordination: Poor coordination between different ministries, departments, and agencies involved in TSP implementation led to duplication and inefficiency.
- Administrative Bottlenecks: Bureaucratic delays and cumbersome procedures hampered the timely execution of projects.
- Lack of Local Participation: Insufficient involvement of tribal communities in planning and decision-making processes resulted in projects that were not always aligned with their needs.
- Diversion of Funds: Instances of funds being diverted to non-tribal areas or used for purposes other than those intended were reported.
Conceptual and Structural Weaknesses
- Top-Down Approach: The TSP was often criticized for being a top-down approach, with limited scope for local initiative and innovation.
- Focus on Poverty Alleviation: The TSP primarily focused on poverty alleviation, neglecting other crucial aspects of tribal development, such as education, healthcare, and cultural preservation.
- Lack of Monitoring and Evaluation: Inadequate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms made it difficult to assess the impact of TSP projects and identify areas for improvement.
- Changing Needs: The TSP framework, designed in the 1970s, did not adequately address the evolving needs and challenges faced by tribal communities in the 21st century, such as displacement due to development projects and the impact of globalization.
Recent Developments & Alternatives
The Government of India has introduced several new initiatives to address the limitations of the TSP, including the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) and the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). These schemes aim to promote tribal entrepreneurship and provide quality education to tribal children. However, a comprehensive review and restructuring of the tribal development strategy is needed to ensure that it is relevant, effective, and sustainable.
Conclusion
The Tribal Sub-Plan, despite its limitations, represented a significant step towards recognizing the specific development needs of Scheduled Tribes in India. While the TCP attempted to address some of the shortcomings, persistent challenges in implementation, funding, and local participation remain. A more holistic, participatory, and flexible approach, coupled with robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, is essential to ensure that tribal communities benefit fully from the fruits of development and achieve their full potential. The focus needs to shift towards empowerment, skill development, and preservation of tribal culture alongside economic advancement.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.