24 Jul 2023 Tribal Empowerment
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Tribal Empowerment”. The topic “Tribal Empowerment” has relevance in the Social Justice section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
Recent Steps for Empowerment of Tribes in India?
Constitutional Provisions Related to Scheduled Tribes?
For Mains:
GS 2: Social Justice
Issues Faced by the Tribes in India?
Way Forward?
Why in the news?
Government has enlisted retired officials to monitor tribal welfare schemes
Recent Steps for Empowerment of Tribes in India:
Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs):
- Establishment of seven ZCCs to organize cultural activities and programs across the nation.
- ZCCs focus on conserving tribal languages and culture.
Regional Festivals:
- The Ministry of Culture organizes Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavas and regional festivals through ZCCs.
- These festivals promote and showcase tribal culture.
Promotion of Tribal Languages:
- Grants provided to State Tribal Research Institutes for promoting tribal languages.
- Development of bilingual primers and tribal literature.
Eklavya Model & Museums:
- Establishment of 750 Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal students’ education.
- Creation of ten tribal freedom fighter museums to honor tribal heroes.
Adivasi Grants Management System (ADIGRAMS): Monitoring and tracking the utilization of grants provided by the Ministry to States.
Other Related Government Initiatives:
- TRIFED: Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India supports tribal livelihoods by promoting tribal products.
- Digital Transformation of Tribal Schools: Initiatives to introduce technology and improve education in tribal schools.
- Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups: Schemes and programs focused on upliftment and development of particularly vulnerable tribal groups.
- Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana: Scheme aimed at improving tribal livelihoods by value addition and marketing of minor forest produce.
Constitutional Provisions Related to Scheduled Tribes:
| Constitutional Provisions | Description |
| Fifth Schedule | Setting up Tribes’ Advisory Council in States having Scheduled Areas. |
| Article 15(4) | Special provisions for the advancement of other backward classes (includes STs). |
| Article 29 | Protection of the Interests of Minorities (includes STs). |
| Article 46 | State shall promote, with special care, the educational and economic interests of SCs and STs, and protect them from social injustice and exploitation. |
| Article 350 | Right to conserve a distinct Language, Script, or Culture. |
| Political Safeguards | |
| Article 330 | Reservation of seats for STs in the Lok Sabha. |
| Article 332 | Reservation of seats for STs in State Legislatures. |
| Article 243 | Reservation of seats for STs in Panchayats. |
| Article 275 | Provides for the grant of special funds by the Union Government to the State Government for promoting the welfare of Scheduled Tribes and providing them with better administration. |
Issues Faced by the Tribes in India:
- Land Rights: Lack of secure land rights leading to displacement and land alienation.
- Socio-economic Marginalisation: Poverty, lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic amenities.
- Education Gap: Lower educational levels due to limited access and cultural barriers.
- Exploitation and Bonded Labor: Vulnerability to exploitation, bonded labor, and human trafficking.
- Cultural Erosion: Threat to tribal cultures, languages, and traditional practices.
- Lack of Representation: Inadequate political representation and limited participation in decision-making.
Way Forward:
- Secure Land and Resource Rights.
- Improve Education and Skill Development.
- Enhance Healthcare and Sanitation Facilities.
- Empower Women in Tribal Communities.
- Preserve and Promote Indigenous Culture.
- Encourage Participation and Inclusion in Governance.
Q.1 Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha?
(A) Article 330
(B) Article 243
(C) Article 46
(D) Article 275
ANSWER: A
Q.2 Which of the following statements about TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India) is/are correct?
- TRIFED is an apex organization under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
- The primary objective of TRIFED is to provide financial assistance to tribal communities for setting up small-scale industries.
Select the correct answer from the options below:
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) None of the above
ANSWER: D
Q.3 Discuss the challenges faced by tribal communities in India and suggest measures to empower them for inclusive development.
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