Question

Who are called Indigenous people? Discuss their position in India.

Hint:

For the Indian context, always equate "Indigenous People" with "Scheduled Tribes" or "Adivasis". Highlight the paradox: strong constitutional safeguards on paper versus harsh socio-economic realities on the ground.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question has two parts: first, to define 'Indigenous people', and second, to discuss their specific situation and status within India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Who are Indigenous People?
The United Nations defines Indigenous people as the descendants of those who inhabited a country or a geographical region at the time when people of different cultures or ethnic origins arrived. The new arrivals later became dominant through conquest, settlement, or other means. Indigenous people have their own distinct social, economic, cultural, and political institutions, and they retain a strong connection to their ancestral lands and natural environment. They often form a non-dominant sector of society and are determined to preserve and transmit their ancestral territories and ethnic identity to future generations.
Position of Indigenous People in India:


Identification: The Government of India does not officially use the term 'Indigenous people' as it considers all Indians to be indigenous. However, the communities that fit the international definition are officially recognized under the constitutional category of 'Scheduled Tribes' (STs), commonly known as 'Adivasis' (meaning 'original inhabitants'). India has a large and diverse tribal population, making up about 8.6% of the total population.

Constitutional Protection: The Constitution of India provides several safeguards for the Scheduled Tribes to protect them from discrimination and to promote their educational and economic interests. These include reservations in educational institutions, government jobs, and political bodies (legislatures). The Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution contain special provisions for the administration of tribal areas.

Socio-Economic Challenges: Despite these legal protections, the Adivasi communities in India face severe challenges. They are among the most marginalized groups in the country. A major issue is displacement from their traditional lands and forests due to development projects like dams, mines, and industrial plants. This has led to loss of livelihood, culture, and identity. They also suffer from high rates of poverty, illiteracy, and poor health indicators compared to the general population.

In summary, while India has a robust legal framework to protect its tribal populations, the gap between policy and implementation remains large, and their socio-economic position continues to be precarious.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Indigenous people are the original inhabitants of a region. In India, they are recognized as Scheduled Tribes (Adivasis) and are granted constitutional protections, but they continue to face significant marginalization, displacement, and socio-economic hardships.