Tribal Welfare And Development

The Constitution of India has more than 20 Articles on the redressal and upliftment of the underprivileged following the policy of positive discrimination and affirmative action, particularly with reference to the Scheduled Tribes. Recognising the special needs of STs, the Constitution has made certain special safeguards to protect these communities from all the possible exploitation and thus ensure social justice. High priority to the welfare and development of STs has been given right from the beginning of the first five-year plan. This review shows that a lot needs to be done further for the development and welfare of the Tribals. The overall development of Tribals should include their empowerment – educational, social, economic and political while keeping in view their special identity – culturally, habitationally, traditionally and in terms of their age-old rights and privileges.