Human Development Indicators of the Scheduled Tribes of Assam

Abstract

Human Development, Indicators, agricultural productivity, Tiwas, Boros Living mostly in the rural areas with low agricultural productivity, lack of infrastructural facilities related to education and health, under developed transport and communication facilities, the tribal people although in complete touch with nature, becomes quite prone disadvantageous situations. It is therefore important to focus on Human Development Indicators to overcome such disadvantages. The three essential elements for measuring Human Development are to enable people to live a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and education as well as to possess resources so as to enjoy a reasonable standard of living. It is seen that the tribal people who mostly lives in the remote areas suffer from malnutrition, lack of safe drinking water, poor hygiene and environmental sanitation. This study aims at getting first hand knowledge of the Human Development Indicators of the Tiwas of Kamrup and Morigaon District as well as the Boros of Darrang and Udalguri districts of Assam. The study looks into the socio economic conditions of these communities. While delineating the insufficiencies of the Human Development Indicators, this study also suggests ways to remove the shortcomings that will largely contribute towards formulation of rational and need based Human Development of these two communities at large.