Question

Answer the following question in detail (in 150-200 words).

Discuss the problems of tribal community. Suggest measures to solve the problems of tribal community.

Answer 1

• Problems of tribal community

1. Alienation from forest land: History of land alienation among the tribes began during British period. Tribal lands were also occupied by money lenders, zamindars and traders. Industrialisation and construction of water reservoirs resulted into further acquisition of land by the State. 
2. Poverty and indebtedness: Majority of tribal people live below the poverty line. They practice simple occupations based on primitive technology. Most occupations fall into the primary categories. Hence, their per capita income is very low. Most of them are steeped in debt. Local money lenders and zamindars exploit the tribals. To repay the debts, they often have to mortgage or sell their land. 
3. Health and nutrition: In many parts of India, tribal people suffer from chronic waterborne diseases. They also suffer from malnutrition and consequent deficiencies. Infant mortality is quite high. Lack of proper medical and sanitary facilities, poverty etc. leads to difficulties in maintaining proper health and nutrition.
4. Illiteracy: Illiteracy is a major hindrance towards development of tribal people. Children are looked upon as economic assets and are expected to supplement parents’ income. Also, schools are often not located in the vicinity of tribal settlements. The formal courses in school are not taught in tribal languages and hence, children lose interest in learning.
5. Bonded labour: Indian law has banned bonded labour. However, it still prevails in some tribal areas. It is a serious problem which started due to rampant poverty and lack of stable income among the tribals.
6. Shifting cultivation: Shifting cultivation becomes a problem as it involves large-scale deforestation and soil erosion.

• Measures to solve the problems of tribal community

1. Strict laws should be implemented to abolish transfer or sale of tribal land to non-tribal people. The processes of development should not take place at the cost of tribal alienation.
2. Government could provide financial assistance to tribal people. The steps could be taken to eliminate exploitation of tribals by money lenders and zamindars. Development of secondary and tertiary activities could also be encouraged.
3. Government must ensure availability of adequate medical and sanitary facilities. NGOs could also take steps to improve health and nutrition in tribal areas. 
4. Schools should be set up in the vicinity of tribal settlements. The courses taught could be taught in tribal languages. Schemes like mid-day meal could also be implemented. 
5. Government and NGOs can take efforts to eliminate the problem of bonded labour.
6. The steps could be taken to reduce the extent of shifting cultivation