4.(b) In spite of various tribal area development programmes in India, tribal areas still lag behind. Discuss critically with examples. 15Marks (PYQ/2024)
Answer:
Introduction
Tribal areas in India, home to approximately 8.6% of the population (Census of India, 2011), continue to experience underdevelopment despite a long history of targeted development programmes such as the Tribal Sub-Plan, Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP), and various welfare schemes. Factors such as historical marginalization, poor infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare, and exploitative interventions have resulted in persistently low human development indicators. A critical examination using various analytical frameworks reveals why these disparities persist.
Models
Empowerment Triangle Model The Empowerment Triangle is a framework that emphasizes the balance among three key actors: the state (public policies and legal support), the market (economic opportunities and investments), and communities (local agency and participation). In tribal development, when one component—especially community empowerment—is weak, initiatives falter. For example, even with government programmes in place, limited local participation and inadequate market linkages often undermine overall effectiveness. Source: Adapted from participatory development literature (Sen, 1999).
Theories
Dependency Theory (Andre Gunder Frank, Immanuel Wallerstein) This theory posits that peripheral regions, such as many tribal areas, remain underdeveloped due to exploitative relationships with more developed, core regions that siphon off resources and labour. Tribal areas are thus caught in a cycle of dependency, hindering genuine local development.
Social Exclusion Theory (Amartya Sen) Sen’s capability approach highlights that social exclusion—manifested in poor access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities—restricts the expansion of human capabilities among tribal communities, further entrenching inequality.
Laws
Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 This Act is intended to secure rights over land and forest resources for tribal people. However, its implementation has been uneven, and bureaucratic hurdles often prevent meaningful benefits from reaching the intended beneficiaries.
Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) A fiscal instrument aimed at ensuring that a proportionate share of development budgets is allocated to tribal areas. Despite its theoretical potential, the integration of TSP funds with locally relevant projects remains weak in many regions. Source: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
Perspectives
Political Economy Perspective This view argues that historical exploitation, lack of political representation, and structural biases in mainstream development processes have continually marginalized tribal areas. The differential focus of development policies tends to favour urban and industrial regions, thereby widening regional disparities.
Social Justice Perspective From the social justice viewpoint, tribal development should not only be measured in economic terms but also in terms of empowerment, cultural preservation, and equitable participation. The failure to integrate these dimensions underlines why many programmes have fallen short.
Case Studies
- Bastar Region, Chhattisgarh Bastar, with a high tribal population, continues to record low literacy rates (around 55% compared to the national average of 74% in 2011) and poor healthcare outcomes. Despite several targeted ITDP initiatives, issues such as land alienation, exploitation by contractors, and inadequate infrastructure persist. Source: Census of India (2011), Various NGO reports (e.g., Oxfam India).
- Koraput District, Odisha Koraput is emblematic of the challenges in tribal development. With tribal literacy far below the state average and high dependency on traditional agriculture, the area has seen limited benefits from central schemes. Moreover, remittance flows from migrant workers, while providing some relief, have not replaced the systemic deficiencies in education and healthcare. Source: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Odisha State Government Reports; Indian Journal of Rural Development.
Conclusion
In spite of numerous development programmes, tribal areas continue to lag due to entrenched structural issues, ineffective implementation, and the lack of meaningful community empowerment. An integrated approach—drawing on models like the Empowerment Triangle, Dependency and Social Exclusion theories, along with supportive legal frameworks—is essential for redressing these persistent disparities and achieving sustainable tribal development.
