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(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) SOCIAL SECURITY OF SCHEDULED TRIBES AND SCHEDULED CASTES IN NORTHEASTERN REGION

(NOVEMBER-2024)

SOCIAL SECURITY OF SCHEDULED TRIBES AND SCHEDULED CASTES IN NORTHEASTERN REGION

Introduction

The Northeastern Region of India boasts a distinctive demographic configuration characterized by a significant presence of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs), especially in states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.

Focus on Scheduled Populations:

An overview of ST and SC distributions across the Northeastern states, highlighting their cultural and ecological interconnections. Addressing the necessity for extensive social security, development, and welfare for these communities.

Demographic Overview of STs and SCs in the Northeast

Tribal Majorities: Substantial ST populations in Arunachal Pradesh (64%), Meghalaya (86.15%), Mizoram (95%), and Nagaland (88%).
ST Distribution in Other States: Remarkable ST populations in Sikkim (33.8%), Assam (12.4%), Manipur (25.7%), and Tripura (31.8%).
SC Population Percentages: Lower SC population, with the most significant concentration in Tripura (17.83%) and considerable percentages in Assam and Sikkim.

Historical and Cultural Factors Influencing Social Security

Impact of Colonial Policies: British colonial governance marginalized tribal communities under a divide-and-rule approach, resulting in land dispossession, particularly in Assam.
Collective Land Ownership: Traditionally, ST communities in the hill states practiced communal land ownership, decreasing the occurrence of landless households.
Immigration and Land Pressures: Government-facilitated immigration has led to land encroachment dilemmas, creating vulnerabilities and conflicts, especially among Assam’s tribal groups.

Post-Independence Developments

Sixth Schedule Implementation: Designed to safeguard tribal interests in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram by facilitating self-governance in tribal territories.
Challenges in Development Projects: Development-induced displacement has impacted ST and SC communities despite rehabilitation efforts.
Political Representation: Reserved positions for STs and SCs in legislative bodies have helped ensure representation but do not entirely cater to social security requirements.

Current Social Indicators

Literacy Rates

ST Literacy Rates: Generally higher in the Northeast compared to the national average for STs, with Mizoram (91.5%) and Nagaland (80%) exhibiting remarkable levels.
SC Literacy Rates: While SC populations are minimal, states like Tripura have relatively elevated SC literacy rates.

Crime Rates

Low Crime Rates Against STs and SCs: The Northeast records fewer crimes against STs and SCs relative to the national average, indicating a more secure social environment for these communities.
NCRB Data: Analysis of crimes against STs from 2020–2022, highlighting minimal crime figures in states like Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Sikkim.

Health Indicators

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Six Northeast states report IMR figures below the national average, with Mizoram (3) and Nagaland (4) achieving excellent outcomes.
Sex Ratio: Most states surpass the national average, showcasing favorable gender balance indicators, except for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Sikkim.

Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER)

Higher GER at Primary and Elementary

Levels: All Northeastern states exceed national averages, with ongoing enrollment challenges only at higher secondary levels in certain areas.

Housing and Infrastructure Initiatives

Housing through PMAY-G: Construction of 16,43,716 houses for SC and ST communities in the Northeast under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin.
Future Housing Expansion: Union Cabinet’s initiative to finance two crore more houses in the Northeast, hill states, and Union Territories, addressing housing needs for economically disadvantaged sections.

Union Government Schemes for Tribal Upliftment

Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA)

Objective: Enhance socio-economic conditions of tribal communities through a holistic strategy covering 63,000 villages and benefiting over 5 crore tribal individuals.
Scope: Encompasses 549 districts across 30 states and UTs with initiatives across diverse sectors.

Key Components of PM-JUGA

Housing and Entitlements: Provision of pucca houses along with additional entitlements.
Infrastructure Development: Emphasis on village infrastructure and resource accessibility.
Skill Development and Employment: Improving livelihood opportunities through skill-building and entrepreneurship programs.
Education Initiatives: Increase in Gross Enrollment Ratio(GER), particularly at higher levels.
Healthcare Access: Enhanced access to quality health facilities, addressing existing gaps in healthcare infrastructure.

Conclusion

Comprehensive social security and development initiatives are vital to support ST and SC communities in the Northeast. Current and proposed schemes demonstrate a commitment to addressing historical injustices, ensuring social, economic, and environmental security. Ongoing efforts in education, healthcare, housing, and community infrastructure are crucial for realizing equity and promoting growth in tribal-majority areas.