Syllabus :GS 1/Society
In News
- The National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
About Tribal communities
- Tribal communities have rich traditions, cultures, and heritage, with unique lifestyles and customs.
- Tribes often live in geographical isolation and are more homogeneous and self-contained compared to non-tribal communities.
Status In India
- Tribes in India are considered to be one of the oldest ethnological groups, often referred to as “Adivasis” (original inhabitants).
- The term “Adivasi” is recognized internationally, with the International Labour Organization classifying them as “indigenous.”
- India has the second largest tribal population in the world, with nearly 100 million tribal people (Adivasis).
- As per the Census 2011, the tribal population constitutes about 8.9% of the total population in India.
- Settlement: Northeastern States are home to tribes with distinct ethnicity, and they are generally more isolated from mainstream society.
- More than 80% of India’s tribes live in the Central and Southern Regions:; these tribes have greater interaction with non-tribal communities compared to northeastern tribes.
Do you know ? – Tribal people have been an integral part of Indian society since the times of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. – Tribal movements like the Khasi-Garo, Mizo, and Kol movements are significant chapters in India’s history and the struggle for independence. 1. Adivasi heroes like Gond Maharani Veer Durgavati, Rani Kamalapati, and the Bhils, who fought alongside Maharana Pratap, played vital roles in the freedom struggle. – The Union Government declared November 15, 2021, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, recognizing the contribution of tribal communities to India’s freedom movement and nation-building. |
Government Initiatives for Tribal Development:
- The Government of India has launched several initiatives to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities.
- TRIFED : TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited) was established in 1987 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to support tribal communities.
- The Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) aims to provide basic infrastructure in villages with a significant tribal population.
- The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), launched in 2023, to improve the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- National Tribal Health Conclave : It is organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW).
- It is part of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan aimed at improving the health and well-being of India’s tribal communities.
- National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to eradicate sickle cell anemia by 2047.
- Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chair of Tribal Health and Haematology established at AIIMS Delhi for research on tribal health.
- Constitutional Provisions for Tribals: The Indian Constitution includes special provisions for the protection of tribal communities, their culture, and development.
- Funds are allocated to states under Article 275(1) of the Constitution to promote tribal welfare and development.
Challenges:
- Indian tribal communities face several challenges, including preserving their cultural heritage, addressing economic and social disparities, and protecting their rights and resources.
- Many tribes face poverty, limited access to education, healthcare, and unemployment.
- Discrimination, lack of representation in decision-making, and loss of traditional knowledge further exacerbate their vulnerabilities.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- Tribal areas are largely underdeveloped and home to a significant portion of India’s population.
- To promote their well-being, it is essential to respect and understand their cultural heritage, recognize their traditional knowledge and practices, and involve them in decisions regarding their lands and resources.
- Government policies and initiatives are crucial for addressing these challenges and preserving their unique cultural identity.
- And a comprehensive plan is needed to enhance healthcare delivery in tribal regions, addressing their unique challenges.
Source :PIB
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