It is generally presumed that
the Tribal people (adivasi) are so ignorant of the prevailing
rules and facilities that they fail to assert their rights. The
officials who have served in the tribal areas have no better
views. They are gullible and are convinced by their neighboring
non-tribal people. This type of idea is half-truth, and almost
synonymous with the word 'tribe', as if the non-tribal villagers
are very careful and clever. Recent report indicates that many
non-tribal (also tribal) cultivators are in severe debt trap after
they adopted fertilizer dependent hybrid seeds for higher yield.
The traditional farmers used known seed and manure of bio-origin
and similar pesticides. Indeed, farmers were in debt, and
exploited by the gentry, who were local. The indebted families
lived at their mercy.
The government stepped in to
give loans resumes the ignorant farmer. The process is hazardous,
which is less understood by the beneficiary. Corruption interferes
and the cultivator with an undertaking of larger amount receives a
lesser sum. Little knows the recipient. He considers it as
donation by 'Sarkar' (Government). When repayment comes, he is
summoned to the distant office and feel helpless. Thus many tribal
farmer has refused to receive loan and not to enter their name in
'Sarkar' document.
Tribal rights on homestead
and farming land are protected, which can not be acquired by any
person. Under the plan of industrialization and harnessing of
Natural River water, large dams are coming up, displacing
thousands of traditional villagers. This for national interest and
sacrificing tribal from the ancestral homeland is justifiable. The
‘protected communities’ are utilized for political interest,
became when 'reservation' or 'quota' is to be implemented. The
'tribe'/scheduled caste identify is respected, but for
displacement, the 'individual' or 'family' is counted. This dual
dealing doesn't respect the once-autonomous 'adivasi' identity.
The property stricken tribal
(and similar) people are also under pressure from the rebel
groups, 'Naxalite' or 'Maoist' who operate on the forest areas,
demanding development of local people. They are now expanding
their operation using gun and fire weapons. Those who have ground
knowledge know that such groups terrorize the government and
contractors, whom they consider 'outside oppressor' of the tribal
people. Many on-going construction projects have been stalled by
them. The tribal villagers are also afraid of their so-called
'benefactors'. These areas are also full of special police force,
which disturb the tranquility of the area.
It is not known who take care
of the interest of the tribal (or similar) people. Development
plans, implementing machinery, actual operation and political
attitude, all work in divergent manner. The social scientists have
so far written volumes and in future add more, only for academic
benefit.