PLIGHT OF INDIAN TRIBE

The plight of Indian tribes is a multifaceted issue encompassing various challenges such as
marginalization, poverty, and inadequate government support. The historical and ongoing
marginalization of indigenous peoples has led to high rates of poverty, violence, and social
abuse. The lack of economic opportunities, restrictions on tribal sovereignty, and insufficient
federal funding have contributed to the persistent poverty and unemployment faced by many
tribes. The impact of globalization and liberalization has further exacerbated the challenges
faced by Indian tribes, threatening their cultural heritage and traditional ways of life. The
complex and interconnected nature of these challenges demands comprehensive attention
from both the government and society to address the needs of Indian tribes and ensure their
well-being. It encompasses various challenges such as lack of development, marginalization,
and inadequate government support. According to an article from Deccan Herald, there are at
least 120 tribes in India that have not benefited from reservation or government schemes
over the last seven decades. These include nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes living in
stigma, poverty, and marginalization. The Adivasi, heterogeneous tribal groups across the
Indian subcontinent, have also been identified as particularly vulnerable tribal groups,
demanding their rights for special reservation quotas. The situation is further exacerbated by
the impact of globalization and liberalization on the indigenous people, as discussed in a
paper on the plight of tribals in Kerala, India.

 HISTORICAL AND ONGOING MARGINALIZATION

The historical and ongoing marginalization of Indian tribes has been a significant and
enduring issue. Tribals, also known as indigenous people, have been marginalized and
impoverished, with limited access to political and economic power and resources. The
impact of globalization and liberalization has further exacerbated their plight, threatening
their cultural heritage and traditional ways of life. Research has shown that the cultural
marginalization of tribal people in India, both pre- and post-independence, has been a result
of the school system and historical oppression by colonial powers and the Indian state.
Additionally, the plight of Native Americans in the United States, such as the forced
relocation of the Cherokees in the 19th century, provides a stark example of the historical
marginalization and suffering experienced by indigenous tribes. The complex challenges
faced by Indian tribes, including poverty, violence, and social abuse, necessitate
comprehensive attention and concerted efforts to address their needs and ensure their well-
being. The grim testimony of the devastating effects of unemployment on the individual, the
family, and the community among Native Americans further underscores the urgent need to
address the historical and ongoing marginalization of Indian tribes.
The marginalization of Indian tribes has been a significant issue, with communities such as
the forest people and labouring classes having little or no access to political and economic
power and resources. The tribes have been subjected to exploitation, subjugation, and
societal exploitation, leading to their marginalization and impoverishment. The cultural
marginalization of tribal people in India, both pre- and post-independence, has been a result
of the school system and historical oppression by colonial powers and the Indian state. The
marginalization of tribes is also based on ethnicity, with the Scheduled Tribes facing
structural discrimination within Indian society. This historical and ongoing marginalization
has significantly contributed to the complex challenges faced by Indian tribes, necessitating
comprehensive attention and concerted efforts to address their needs and ensure their well-
being.

 HIGH RATES OF POVERTY AND UNEMPLOYMENT

The high rates of poverty and unemployment among Indian tribes are deeply rooted in
historical marginalization and ongoing systemic challenges. The impact of globalization and
liberalization has further compounded the economic struggles of indigenous communities.
For instance, a study on the plight of tribals in Kerala, India, highlights the adverse effects of
globalization on the traditional livelihoods of tribes, pushing them further into poverty. The
marginalization of tribals is not only limited to economic aspects but also extends to their
representation in history and media. Indian historians have often overlooked the
contributions of tribes to the freedom struggle, perpetuating a narrative that portrays them as
primitive beings, thus marginalizing their significant role in the country's history.
Furthermore, the representation of tribes in films and media has been problematic, often
depicting them as primitive savages, thereby reinforcing marginalization and misconceptions
about their knowledge and capabilities. This misrepresentation and marginalization have
contributed to the perpetuation of poverty and unemployment within tribal communities,
emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to address the systemic challenges they
face.

The economic challenges faced by Indian tribes are also influenced by the lack of access to
quality education and healthcare. Many tribal communities are in the remote and
underserved areas, leading to limited educational and healthcare facilities. This lack of
access perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as education is a key factor in obtaining employment
and improving economic well-being. Additionally, the prevalence of health disparities in
tribal communities, including higher rates of chronic diseases and limited access to
healthcare services, further exacerbates their economic struggles.

Moreover, the geographical isolation of many tribal communities has limited their ability to
participate in the formal economy. Traditional livelihoods such as farming, hunting, and
gathering have been adversely affected by environmental degradation, deforestation, and
land acquisition for development projects. This has led to a loss of livelihood and economic
insecurity among tribal populations, contributing to high rates of unemployment and
poverty.

The systemic challenges faced by Indian tribes demand comprehensive and targeted
interventions to address the root causes of poverty and unemployment. Efforts to rectify
historical misrepresentations and provide economic opportunities are crucial in improving
the economic well-being of tribal communities. This can be achieved through the
implementation of policies that promote inclusive and sustainable economic development,
ensure access to quality education and healthcare, and protect the land and resource rights of
indigenous communities. By addressing these systemic challenges, it is possible to create a
more equitable and prosperous future for Indian tribes, ensuring that they are no longer
marginalized and disenfranchised.

 LACK OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

The lack of economic opportunities and tribal sovereignty is a significant challenge faced by
Indian tribes. The Indian government has historically imposed restrictions on tribal land
ownership and resource use, limiting their ability to participate in the formal economy. This
has led to a loss of livelihood and economic insecurity among tribal populations,
contributing to high rates of unemployment and poverty. Additionally, the lack of tribal
sovereignty has limited their ability to make decisions about their own economic
development, further exacerbating their economic struggles.

The Indian government has recognized the importance of tribal sovereignty and economic
development, implementing policies such as the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas)
Act, 1996, which grants greater autonomy to tribal communities in decision-making
processes related to their land and resources. However, the implementation of these policies
has been slow and uneven, with many tribal communities still facing significant barriers to
economic development and self-determination.

Furthermore, the lack of access to credit and financial services has limited the ability of
tribal communities to start and grow businesses. Many tribal communities lack the collateral
required to secure loans, making it difficult to access the capital needed to start and expand
businesses. This has perpetuated the cycle of poverty and unemployment within tribal
communities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these systemic
challenges.

Efforts to promote economic development and tribal sovereignty must be accompanied by

measures to protect the land and resource rights of indigenous communities. The Indian
government has recognized the importance of protecting the land and resource rights of tribal
communities, implementing policies such as the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which grants legal
recognition to the land and resource rights of forest-dwelling communities. However, the
implementation of these policies has been slow and uneven, with many tribal communities
still facing significant barriers to securing their land and resource rights.

 INSUFFICIENT FEDERAL FUNDING

Insufficient federal funding is a significant challenge faced by Indian tribes, as it affects their
economic development, infrastructure, and basic services. Many tribal communities lack
adequate funding for essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure
development, which can hinder their ability to provide basic services to their citizens and
improve their standard of living.
The United States has a unique trust responsibility to protect and support Indian tribes, but
inadequate funding levels for Native American tribes remain a persistent issue. The U.S.
Commission on Civil Rights reported in 2018 that due to historical discriminatory policies,
insufficient resources, and inefficient federal program delivery, Native Americans continue
to rank near the bottom of all education and employment categories. In India, the Ministry of
Tribal Affairs and other government agencies implement various schemes and programs to
support tribal communities, such as the Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan, which
provides funding for infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. However, the
implementation of these schemes can be slow and uneven, with many tribal communities
still facing significant barriers to economic development and self-determination. To address
the issue of insufficient federal funding, it is crucial for governments to allocate more
resources to tribal communities and ensure that existing programs and schemes are
effectively implemented and adequately funded. This would help improve the standard of
living for tribal communities, reduce poverty and unemployment rates, and promote
sustainable economic development in their regions.

 IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION AND LIBERATION

The impact of globalization and liberalization on the cultural heritage of Indian tribes is a
significant challenge faced by these communities. Globalization has led to the spread of
modern communication technologies, mass media, and increased exposure to global
consumer culture, which has had a profound impact on the traditional ways of life and
cultural practices of Indian tribes. This has resulted in the loss of cultural identity, as
traditional practices and customs have been replaced by more modern and Westernized ones.

The spread of modern communication technologies has also brought about changes in the
way Indian tribes interact with one another and the outside world. While these technologies
have the potential to bridge the gap between tribes and the rest of society, they have also
contributed to the erosion of cultural identity, as traditional forms of communication, such as
storytelling and oral histories, have been replaced by more modern means of communication.

The increased exposure to global consumer culture has also led to the adoption of Western-
inspired values and material possessions, which can undermine the unique cultural values
and traditions of Indian tribes. This has resulted in a loss of cultural authenticity, as
traditional crafts, clothing, and practices have been replaced by more modern and
Westernized versions.

Moreover, the spread of mass media has led to the portrayal of Indian tribes in a
stereotypical manner, often perpetuating negative stereotypes and misconceptions about their
lifestyle and capabilities. This has contributed to the marginalization and invisibility of
Indian tribes, further eroding their cultural identity and undermining their unique
contributions to society.

 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the plight of Indian tribes is a complex and multifaceted issue that
encompasses historical marginalization, high rates of poverty and unemployment, lack of
economic opportunities and tribal sovereignty, insufficient federal funding, and the impact of
globalization and liberalization on their cultural heritage. Addressing these challenges
requires comprehensive and targeted interventions, including the rectification of historical
misrepresentations, the promotion of economic development and tribal sovereignty, and the
protection of the land and resource rights of indigenous communities. Furthermore, it is
essential for governments to allocate more resources to tribal communities and ensure the
effective implementation of existing programs and schemes. By addressing these systemic
challenges, it is possible to create a more equitable and prosperous future for Indian tribes,
ensuring that they are no longer marginalized and disenfranchised.