Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India is home to a significant tribal population, representing approximately 8.6% of the total population (Census 2011). Recognizing the unique socio-economic vulnerabilities of these communities, the Government of India adopted the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) strategy in 1975. This strategy aimed to ensure that benefits from general sector programs reached tribal areas and that specific programs were designed to address their particular needs. Identifying areas covered under the TSP is crucial for targeted interventions, and numerous programs have been initiated to tackle issues ranging from poverty and illiteracy to displacement and lack of access to healthcare.
Identifying Areas Covered Under the Tribal Sub-Plan
The identification of areas covered under the TSP is primarily based on the following criteria:
- Concentration of Tribal Population: Areas with a significant concentration of Scheduled Tribes (STs), generally defined as at least 50% of the total population in a block or tehsil.
- Geographical Isolation: Areas characterized by remoteness, difficult terrain, and limited access to basic amenities.
- Socio-Economic Backwardness: Areas exhibiting low levels of literacy, health, and economic development, as indicated by various socio-economic indicators.
- Historical and Cultural Identity: Areas with a distinct tribal identity and cultural heritage.
Currently, there are approximately 244 districts in India identified as TSP districts. These districts are spread across various states, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and the North-Eastern states.
Programmes Initiated to Address Tribal Problems
1. Livelihood and Economic Development
Tribal communities often face challenges related to land alienation, lack of access to credit, and limited employment opportunities. Programmes addressing these issues include:
- Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) (2018): This scheme focuses on value addition to forest produce, creating livelihood opportunities for tribal communities. It supports the establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) for processing and marketing forest products.
- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) – Ajeevika: This mission prioritizes the inclusion of tribal women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and provides them with access to credit and skill development training.
- Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006: This landmark legislation recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities over forest land and resources, empowering them economically and socially.
2. Education
Low literacy rates and high dropout rates are significant challenges in tribal areas. Programmes aimed at improving educational outcomes include:
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): These schools provide quality education to tribal students in remote areas, with a focus on holistic development. The scheme aims to establish one EMRS in every block with more than 20,000 tribal population.
- Scholarships for Tribal Students: Various scholarships, such as the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe Students, are offered to support tribal students pursuing higher education.
- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) & Samagra Shiksha: These flagship programmes prioritize the enrollment and retention of tribal children in schools, providing infrastructure support and teacher training.
3. Health and Nutrition
Tribal communities often suffer from poor health indicators due to limited access to healthcare facilities and malnutrition. Programmes addressing these issues include:
- National Health Mission (NHM): The NHM focuses on improving healthcare access in tribal areas through the establishment of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub-Centres, and the deployment of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs).
- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): This scheme provides financial assistance to pregnant women for institutional deliveries, promoting safe motherhood practices.
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): The ICDS provides supplementary nutrition, immunization, and pre-school education to children in tribal areas, addressing malnutrition and promoting early childhood development.
4. Infrastructure Development
Lack of infrastructure is a major impediment to the development of tribal areas. Programmes addressing this include:
- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): This scheme aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to eligible habitations in tribal areas.
- Integrated Action Plan (IAP): Launched in 2008 (later subsumed under other schemes), the IAP provided additional funds to districts with significant tribal populations for infrastructure development and social sector interventions.
| Programme | Focus Area | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| PMVDY | Livelihood | Value addition to forest produce, VDVKs |
| Eklavya Model Residential Schools | Education | Quality education in remote areas |
| National Health Mission | Health | Improved healthcare access, PHCs, ASHAs |
Conclusion
Addressing the problems of tribal communities requires a multi-faceted approach that combines targeted programmes with inclusive development strategies. While significant progress has been made through initiatives like the TSP and various flagship schemes, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to resources, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Strengthening the implementation of FRA, promoting participatory governance, and addressing issues of displacement and environmental degradation are crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive development of tribal areas. A continued focus on culturally sensitive and locally relevant interventions is essential for empowering tribal communities and ensuring their socio-economic well-being.
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.