Q 20. क्या भारत में जनजातीय विकास दो धुरियों, विस्थापन और पुनर्वास के इर्द-गिर्द केंद्रित है? अपने विचार व्यक्त कीजिए। (UPSC 2025,15 Marks,250 Words)

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Tribal Development in India involves a delicate balance between displacement due to development projects and effective rehabilitation. According to the 2011 Census, tribals constitute 8.6% of India's population. Thinker Verrier Elwin emphasized the need for integrating tribals into the mainstream while preserving their culture. The PESA Act, 1996 aims to empower tribal communities, yet challenges persist in ensuring equitable development without compromising their rights and livelihoods. Balancing these aspects is crucial for sustainable tribal development.

 ● Historical Context:  
        ○ The history of tribal displacement in India is deeply rooted in the colonial era, where large-scale projects like railways and plantations led to the uprooting of tribal communities. Post-independence, the trend continued with the establishment of dams, mining projects, and industrialization. For instance, the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River displaced thousands of tribal families, highlighting the ongoing struggle between development and tribal rights.
  ● Impact on Livelihoods:  
        ○ Displacement often results in the loss of traditional livelihoods for tribal communities. Tribals, who are primarily dependent on forests and land for their sustenance, face severe economic hardships when relocated. The Kalinga Nagar industrial project in Odisha is a case in point, where the displacement of tribal communities led to significant disruptions in their traditional agricultural practices and forest-based livelihoods.
  ● Cultural and Social Disruption:  
        ○ Displacement not only affects the economic aspects but also leads to the erosion of cultural and social structures. Tribals have a deep connection with their land, which is integral to their identity and cultural practices. The Polavaram Dam project in Andhra Pradesh, for example, threatens to submerge several tribal villages, risking the loss of unique cultural heritage and social cohesion among the displaced communities.
  ● Policy and Legal Framework:  
        ○ The Indian government has enacted several policies and laws to address the issue of displacement, such as the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. However, the implementation of these policies often falls short, leading to inadequate compensation and rehabilitation measures. The challenge remains to ensure that development projects are inclusive and sensitive to the needs of tribal populations, balancing economic growth with social justice.

Achieving a balance between tribal development and displacement requires a nuanced approach. According to the Xaxa Committee Report, over 40% of displaced persons in India are tribals, highlighting the need for effective rehabilitation. Amartya Sen emphasizes the importance of enhancing capabilities, suggesting that development should empower tribals rather than displace them. A way forward involves implementing inclusive policies that respect tribal rights, ensuring sustainable development while preserving cultural heritage and providing equitable opportunities.