Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs) represent a significant approach to addressing the socio-economic marginalization of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India. Launched in the 1970s, following the recommendations of the Working Group on Tribal Development (1969-70), ITDPs aimed to move away from a welfare-oriented approach to a development-oriented one. These projects were conceived as comprehensive area development programmes focusing on improving the quality of life of tribal communities in a holistic and integrated manner. The core principle was to ensure that development initiatives reached the most remote and vulnerable tribal populations, bridging the gap between them and the mainstream.
Objectives of Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs)
The primary objectives of ITDPs, as envisioned by the government, were multi-faceted and aimed at comprehensive tribal development:
- Economic Development: To enhance the economic viability of tribal communities through initiatives like land development, irrigation, animal husbandry, horticulture, and promotion of minor forest produce (MFP) based industries.
- Social Development: To improve the social indicators of tribal populations, focusing on education, health, nutrition, and sanitation.
- Educational Advancement: To increase literacy rates and provide access to quality education, including residential schools and scholarships.
- Health and Nutrition: To improve health infrastructure, provide access to healthcare services, and address malnutrition among tribal children and women.
- Infrastructure Development: To provide basic infrastructure facilities like roads, drinking water, electricity, and housing.
- Cultural Preservation: To protect and promote the unique cultural heritage of tribal communities.
- Empowerment & Participation: To ensure the active participation of tribal communities in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of development projects.
Extent of Achievement of Objectives
Economic Development: Mixed Results
While ITDPs have facilitated some economic improvements, the impact has been uneven. Land development initiatives have faced challenges due to land alienation and lack of secure land tenure. MFP-based industries have often been hampered by exploitative intermediaries and inadequate marketing infrastructure. According to a report by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (2018-19), the average income of tribal households remains significantly lower than the national average.
Example: The TRIFED’s initiatives to promote Van Dhan Vikas Kendras aim to improve the livelihoods of tribal communities by value addition to MFPs, but scaling up remains a challenge.
Social Development: Progress but Persistent Gaps
Significant progress has been made in improving access to education and healthcare in ITDP areas. However, quality remains a major concern. Dropout rates are still high, particularly among girls, and healthcare facilities often lack adequate staffing and equipment. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) data reveals that infant mortality rates and malnutrition levels continue to be higher among tribal populations compared to the national average.
Infrastructure Development: Limited Impact
Infrastructure development has been slow and often inadequate. Roads, drinking water facilities, and electricity supply remain deficient in many ITDP areas. This hinders economic activities and access to essential services. The lack of all-weather roads restricts access to markets and healthcare facilities, especially during the monsoon season.
Cultural Preservation: Largely Neglected
The objective of cultural preservation has received limited attention. While some efforts have been made to document tribal languages and traditions, there is a lack of sustained support for preserving and promoting tribal cultural heritage. The increasing influence of mainstream culture poses a threat to the unique identity of tribal communities.
Empowerment & Participation: Tokenism Often Prevails
Despite the stated objective of ensuring tribal participation, decision-making processes often remain top-down. Tribal communities are often consulted as a formality, and their voices are not adequately reflected in project planning and implementation. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments aimed at strengthening local self-governance, but their effective implementation in tribal areas remains a challenge.
| Objective | Achievement Level | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Development | Moderate | Land alienation, exploitative intermediaries, inadequate marketing |
| Social Development | Partial | Quality of education & healthcare, high dropout rates, malnutrition |
| Infrastructure Development | Low | Deficient roads, water supply, electricity |
| Cultural Preservation | Very Low | Lack of sustained support, influence of mainstream culture |
| Empowerment & Participation | Limited | Tokenism, top-down decision-making |
Conclusion
While ITDPs have contributed to some improvements in the lives of tribal communities, their overall impact has been limited by a range of factors, including inadequate funding, poor implementation, lack of inter-departmental coordination, and insufficient tribal participation. A renewed focus on empowering tribal communities, strengthening local self-governance, ensuring secure land tenure, and promoting sustainable livelihoods is crucial for achieving the objectives of inclusive and equitable development. Moving forward, a more holistic and participatory approach, coupled with increased investment and effective monitoring, is essential to ensure that ITDPs truly benefit the tribal populations they are intended to serve.
Answer Length
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