Critical Issues In Tribal Development

Abstract

Government of India ever since Independence has been extending large number of development programmes and sincerely trying to bring in all round development ofthe tribal people and their area. In spite of the efforts, the tribals are lagging behind in development and the gulf between the mainstream population and the tribal population is increasing. It is true that a lot of development has happened in case of the tribals and their areas during the past 60 years, but the pace of development has been rather slow.There are various reasons which are responsible for the slow pace of development of the tribals and there are several critical areas of concernwhich need to be addressed for ensuring speedy and sustainable development of these populations within a reasonable timeframe. It istherefore, crucially important to identify various factors hindering tribal development to the desired level.Realizing this, SCs & STs Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI)had organized a three day National Seminar titled Critical Issues in Tribals Development from 26-28 September 2008 inviting expertsfrom various parts of the country concerned for development of the tribals. Wide rangingissues concerning problems encountered by the tribals across the country, factors of slow pace of development and critical areas ofconcern were discussed and research papers were presented byscholars. Some of the selected papers of the Seminar havebeen edited and published in this volume are based on empirical studies.There are five sections in the book incorporating 25 research paperson issues pertaining to tribals. I. Critical Issues and Strategies in Tribal Development II. Tribal Land alienation III. Tribal Education IV. Tribal Demography, Health and Unresolved Issues V. Development Projects and Tribal Displacement Besides, the 24 research, there are two master pieces Tribals People : The Unprecedented Challenge and Encounters and Experiences with Tribal Development by Dr. B.D.Sharma and Dr. Bhupinder Singh. This volume is dedicated to the memory of Late Dr. Nityananda Patnaik, the Founder Director of this Institute, who had served for long 13 years from the 6th May 1976 to 31st July 1989. Dr. Patnaik, a practising Anthropologist had laid a solid foundationfor this Institute and had contributed enormously to the field of tribal studies and development in Odisha. It is hoped that this book will be extremely helpful for students, academicians, researchers, policy makers and planners to pursue their research and formulate appropriate plans for tribal development.