What is World Tribal Day? UPSC CSE
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On August 9, International Day of the World's Indigenous People is celebrated to honor and defend the rights of Indigenous people and their contributions to improving Earth's quality of life. Despite accounting for less than 5% of the world's population, indigenous people make up 15% of the world's poorest people, according to UN data. The significance of this day lies in identifying challenges faced by indigenous people worldwide, such as racism, poverty, and limited access to healthcare and education. It serves as a reminder to preserve and honor the diverse cultural heritage, customs, languages, and perspectives of indigenous peoples, aiming to increase public awareness and promote unity among indigenous groups. Respecting and understanding indigenous cultures increases empathy and self-worth, promoting an inclusive and compassionate society.
Articles associated with tribals in the Indian Constitution include Article 15(4), which makes special provisions for their educational advancement, Article 46, which directs the state to promote their educational and economic interests, and Article 244(1), which applies the Fifth Schedule to Scheduled Areas and Tribes.
Tribal communities in India are indigenous groups with distinct cultural, social, and economic traits. They live in distinct places and preserve their own traditions, customs, and languages.
Tribes or tribal communities are defined under Article 366 of the Constitution as those designated by Article 342 on the grounds of social, educational, and economic regression, shyness, and primitiveness.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are the most vulnerable among the Scheduled Tribes. These communities face significant challenges due to pre-agricultural way of life, low literacy rates and stagnant or declining population. The Indian Government has recognized 75 PVTGs spread across 18 states and one UT.
Following a global push to acknowledge the rights and important contributions of indigenous peoples, World Tribal Day 2023 was first observed. Despite comprising around 6% of the global populace and possessing an extensive array of cultural customs, indigenous groups generally face disadvantages. The UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights' Working Group on Indigenous Populations held its maiden meeting in Geneva in 1982, which is why the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples was chosen. The UN General Assembly formally recognized and observed the International Day of the World Indigenous People in December 1994. The resolution's main objectives were to uphold the rights of the tribal population and guarantee that their opinions and voices were heard.
The potential of the World Tribal Day in 2023 to draw attention to the difficulties faced by diverse tribal people worldwide makes it significant. These challenges include things like poverty, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare and education. We have the ability to appreciate and enjoy the rich cultural history, traditions, dialects, and life experiences that tribal people bring to the world. It is anticipated to foster harmony among indigenous networks and raise consciousness among larger populations. The subject chosen for 2023's World Tribal Day is "Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination."
The term 'Adivasi' refers to the indigenous ethnic and tribal people in India, making up 8.6% of the country's population, or around 104 million people, according to the 2011 census. These tribes are recognized under Schedule 5 of the Indian Constitution, making them 'Scheduled Tribes'. India has around 645 distinct tribes, with the most significant tribal population in central India.
The communities in the country were suffering from extreme social, educational and economic backwardness on account of the primitive agricultural practices, lack of infrastructure facilities and geographical isolation. The Constitution prescribes the Tribes that are deemed under Article 342 of the Constitution to be Scheduled Tribes.
Indigenous peoples have distinct cultural settings, dialects, and customs. They also reside in organized societies. Their farming methods have developed to be resistant to climate change. They labor to safeguard, maintain, and replenish natural resources such as soil, rivers, and forests. Eighty percent of the world's biodiversity is found in the areas they occupy and safeguard. Their way of life and methods are incredibly sustainable. Hence their practices and knowledge hold immense value for India.
Related Committees: These were setup to investigate the rights and conditions of the Tribal population in India and recommend improvements.
In 1999, from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Tribal Affairs was created separately. The integrated socio economic development of Scheduled Tribes (STs), the most disadvantaged segment of Indian society, is its main objective. The Union Territory Administrations, State Governments, and Central Ministries/Departments are in charge of sectoral programs and schemes; the Ministry is in charge of policy, planning, and coordination of development initiatives for STs. Tribal affairs were managed by many Ministries prior to its establishment.
The Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003 replaced the previous National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with two distinct commissions, NCSC and NCST, with effect from February 19, 2004. This created the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) by amending Article 338 and inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution.
In India, the government launched the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) with the goal of advancing the socioeconomic advancement of tribal people. Each state or UT must have funds that are at least equal to the ST population. As per the recommendations set forth by the Planning Commission, Central Ministries/Departments are required to set aside funds for the TSP, which should be non-divertible and non-lapsable. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is in charge of overseeing the Union's and any state's scheduling of STs and taking part in the planning process.
To protect tribals in India and ensure their rights and well-being, several measures and policies need to be implemented. These include:-
In Indian society, tribal people play a crucial role. They make up 8.6% of the whole population. They encounter several problems in India. By following the aforementioned policies and developing a comprehensive approach to tribal welfare, India may endeavor to defend tribal populations' rights and preserve their rich cultural legacy. It is critical to create an atmosphere in which tribal groups can prosper and have equal chances and rights as other inhabitants of the country.
The goal of inclusive development should be to improve tribal livelihoods and maintain their culture while obtaining local approval and involvement. Tribes that have been displaced should receive rehabilitation and compensation in order to guarantee them just compensation, sufficient homes, and chances for a sustainable way of life. Enhancing the availability of high-quality education and healthcare services in tribal communities is imperative, and the government must guarantee equitable remuneration, sufficient housing, and viable livelihood prospects. Encouraging job possibilities and skill development in tribal areas can offer sustainable livelihood alternatives and lessen reliance on exploitative labor markets. In general, these actions are meant to safeguard the rights and welfare of native groups.
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