Paper 2 of Anthropology deals with Indian Society, Tribal India, and Development Interventions. It requires a synthesis of sociological concepts, administrative policy, and empirical field studies of Scheduled Tribes (STs).
1. Major Problems Facing Tribal Communities in India
- Land Alienation & Displacement: Loss of ancestral land due to mining, mega dams, and industrial projects without adequate Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R).
- Poverty & Malnutrition: High prevalence of stunting, wasting, and endemic diseases (Sickle Cell Anemia, Thalassemia, Malaria).
- Identity Crisis & Assimilation vs Isolation: Debate between Elwin’s National Park Approach (Isolationist) vs Ghurye’s Assimilation Approach vs Jawaharlal Nehru’s Tribal Panchsheel.
- PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups): Declining or stagnant population, low literacy, and pre-agricultural technology across 75 identified PVTGs.
2. Key Constitutional Safeguards & Laws
| Provision / Law | Key Objective & Impact |
|---|---|
| Fifth Schedule | Administration & control of Scheduled Areas in 10 states (Tribal Advisory Councils). |
| Sixth Schedule | Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram. |
| PESA Act 1996 | Empowers Gram Sabhas over minor forest produce, land alienation & village resources. |
| Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 | Recognizes individual and community forest rights of traditional forest dwellers. |
3. Recommendations of the Virginius Xaxa Committee (2014)
The High-Level Committee headed by Prof. Virginius Xaxa highlighted critical governance gaps in tribal areas. Key recommendations include strict implementation of PESA, mandatory free prior informed consent of Gram Sabhas before land acquisition, and strengthening tribal healthcare infrastructure.