08 Oct Strength in Heritage: Empowering Tribal Communities for a Brighter Future
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-2-Polity-Strength in Heritage: Empowering Tribal Communities for a Brighter Future
FOR PRELIMS:
What impact does government policy have on the rights and empowerment of tribal populations?
FOR MAINS:
Discuss the relationship between tribal empowerment and legal rights. How do land rights and self-governance contribute to the overall well-being of tribal populations?
Why In the News?
On October 2, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in Hazaribag, Jharkhand. With an outlay of over ₹79,150 crore, this ambitious program aims to address critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood development across approximately 63,000 tribal villages.
Key Facts:
1. Population: Over 10.45 crore individuals belong to Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India, accounting for 8.6% of the total population (2011 Census).
2. Diversity:India is home to more than 705 distinct tribal groups, often residing in remote and inaccessible regions.
3. Government Initiatives: Historical commitment to tribal development began with the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) in 1974-75, evolving into various programs like the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) and the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST).
3. Financial Commitment:
DAPST budget increased from ₹25,000 crore to ₹1.2 lakh crore in 2023-24.
An allocation of ₹13,000 crore for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in the 2024-25 Union Budget, marking a 73.60% increase.
4. Major Programs:
Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan:Launched on October 2, 2024, with a budget of ₹79,150 crore, targeting infrastructure, health, education, and livelihoods across 63,000 tribal villages.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Focus on providing quality education to ST children, with 40 schools recently inaugurated and 25 more planned.
5. Socio-Economic Schemes:
Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships to reduce dropout rates.
National Overseas Scholarship for ST students to pursue higher education abroad.
Development programs for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
6. Health Initiatives:
Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission to combat prevalent health issues in tribal communities.
Mission Indradhanush for full immunization in Adivasi populations.
7. Cultural Preservation:
Establishment of Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums and cultural festivals like Aadi Mahotsav to honor tribal heritage and promote economic empowerment.
8. Support Structures:
Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) for research and preservation of tribal culture.
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) to market tribal products and create livelihoods.
9. Impact: The initiatives aim to bridge socio-economic gaps, enhance quality of life, and integrate tribal communities into India’s broader development narrative while preserving their rich heritage.
Key Initiatives for Empowerment:
1.Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan
Launch:October 2, 2024.
Budget: ₹79,150 crore.
Focus:
Healthcare: Establishing health centers.
Education: Building schools and improving infrastructure.
Livelihood: Promoting skill training and entrepreneurship.
2. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
Objective: Quality education for ST children in remote areas.
Recent Developments:40 EMRS inaugurated; 25 more planned.
Curriculum: Academic and vocational training.
Cultural Integration: Local art forms included in education.
Sports Development: Facilities to nurture talent.
3.Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)
Budget: ₹1,360 crore.
Focus:
Infrastructure: Community centers and market access.
Skill Development: Training for employability.
5. National Overseas Scholarship for ST Students
Challenges Faced by Tribal Communities in India:
2. Illiteracy
High illiteracy rates hinder educational and employment opportunities, trapping many in cycles of poverty.
3. Developmental Backwardness
Tribal areas often lack essential infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, schools, and transportation, leading to overall developmental delays.
4. Rural-Urban Divide
There is a significant gap between rural tribal regions and urban centers, limiting access to resources and opportunities.
5. Social Stigma
Discrimination and social stigma against tribal communities can result in exclusion and hinder their integration into wider society.
6. Gender Inequality
Tribal women often face gender-based discrimination, restricting their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
7. Cultural Disconnection
Many tribal individuals may feel hesitant to engage with mainstream society due to cultural differences and horical marginalization.
8. Lack of Awareness
Insufficient understanding of tribal cultures among non-tribal populations can lead to misconceptions and ineffective policies.
9. Regional Disparities
Significant inequality exists among different tribal groups, with some, such as the Munda, Gond, and Bhil, facing more challenges than others.
10. Neglect of Lesser-Known Tribes
Government initiatives often focus on a few prominent tribes, overlooking the diverse needs of less recognized groups, exacerbating disparities.
Conclusion:
Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 8th Oct 2024
PRELIMS QUESTION:
Q.Which of the following schemes supports the marketing of tribal products through e-commerce?
A. Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan
B. Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED)
C. National Fellowship for ST Students
D. Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission
Answer: B
Mains Question:
Q. Critically assess the effectiveness of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in addressing socio-economic disparities in tribal regions. What metrics can be used to evaluate its success?
(250 words, 15 marks)
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