Civil society organisations play a critical role in monitoring the actions of the authorities, and hence, local NGOs, societies, and so on must be actively involved in the monitoring of government work among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
By Karishma Nagesia
Livelihood is the subject of a dynamic debate in society. The most widely accepted definition of livelihood is provided by Robert Chambers and Gordon Conway, who define livelihood thus: ‘a livelihood comprises the capabilities, assets (including both material and social resources) and activities required for a means of living’. Livelihood essentially revolves around people, their resources such as land, crops, seeds, labour, knowledge, cattle, money, social relationships, and so on. Further, under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, right to livelihood is an integrated part of fundamental right. This Right imposes the duty on State to provide security to livelihoods of its citizens.
After independence, the prime mission of the India has been to improve the living condition of its people. For the past 75 years, Indian has given special attention for the development and improving the living condition of the people belonging to the backward categories. Tribals are one of the communities falling under backward category. As per the 2011 census of India, the total population of tribal people in India is 8.6 per cent. These tribal people are identified by the list notified by the central government. They are considered to be the most vulnerable, isolated and undeveloped communities in the society.
Dhebar Commission
During 1960s the Dhebar Commission stated that within Scheduled Tribes there existed an inequality in the rate of development. During the fourth Five Year Plan, a sub-category was created within Scheduled Tribes to identify groups that considered to be at a lower level of development. This was created based on the Dhebar Commission report and other studies. This sub-category was named “Primitive tribal group”. They were first classified by the Government of India in 1975–1976 using the following criteria to identify PVTG: (i) pre-agricultural level of technology; (ii) very low level of literacy; and (iii) declining or stagnant population. In 2006 the government of India proposed to rename “Primitive tribal group” as “Particularly vulnerable tribal groups” (PVGTs). Presently there are 75 PVTG identified in India. These PVTGs mostly lives in rural areas of India.
India has adopted various schemes for the development and to remove poverty among these PVTGs. The concern, yet, is how effectively these national schemes, law and policy, are working for the development and for the improvement of livelihood condition of the PVTGs. There always remains a loophole for the effective implementation of these schemes and benefits. Local self-governance, education, health facilities, water facilities, shelter, job security etc, are considered to be the matter of basic livelihood securities. There is no doubt that, India does have a well-planned policy for improving the living standards of PVTGs, but what they need is a strong law for monitoring and implementation of these policies.
Civil society organisations
An in-depth examination of the living conditions of the PVGTs, socioeconomic predicament, and interaction with forests shows key difficulties and challenges confronting this marginalised section of society. It illuminates the complex dynamics of rural life, economic difficulties, and the critical need for social and environmental justice. Prolonged legal battles and internal politics have stalled development, leaving many tribes in poverty and with limited prospects for progress. Limited education opportunities, coupled with poverty, force many tribe members to migrate seasonally for work, often living in precarious conditions. The Indian Constitution provides a strong foundation for addressing the living conditions of marginalized communities and promoting social justice. However, the gap between constitutional ideals and on-the-ground realities is evident. Bridging this gap requires concerted efforts, inclusive policies, and equal opportunities for forest-dwelling tribes, particularly PVTGs.
The development of the PVGTs requires a multifaceted approach that addresses their social, economic, educational, and healthcare needs while respecting their cultural heritage and rights.
Civil society organisations play a critical role in monitoring the actions of the authorities, and hence, local NGOs, societies, and so on must be actively involved in the monitoring of government operations.
Strong laws needed
Besides this, strong laws and restrictions must be implemented in order to reduce the political use of this section of our tribal population. Each hamlet must have at least one legal assistance agency and the government must spend in providing these people with a high-quality education. There should be a legal education programme in the village.
Finally, the law governing the unorganised sector must be strengthened in order to ensure the safety of these individuals. In order to improve living conditions, greater power should be assigned to the panchayat, as well as aid help to panchayat through local non-governmental organisations and authorities on regular basis.
Karishma Nagesia studies at the National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi. This piece has been extracted from her research report following her stint as an Abhijit Sen Research Intern with the National Foundation for India.
