1. Tribe:

A tribe is a social group that exists in a traditional society, usually characterized by:

• Common ancestry, language, and culture
• Shared territory and customary laws
• Collective identity and social cohesion
• Self-governance through traditional leaders or councils

Tribes often have a strong relationship with nature and forest-based livelihoods, and many live in remote or rural areas. They usually follow distinct customs, festivals, rituals, and religious practices.

2. Scheduled Tribe (ST):

Scheduled Tribes are tribal communities that have been officially recognized by the Constitution of India as socially and economically disadvantaged. They are listed under the Schedule of the Indian Constitution (Article 342), hence the name Scheduled Tribes.

Key Features of Scheduled Tribes:

• Notified by the President of India in consultation with the Governor of the respective state
• Identified based on characteristics like geographical isolation, distinct culture, backwardness, shyness of contact with the community at large, and economic disadvantage
• Eligible for affirmative action or reservations in education, employment, and political representation
• Entitled to special welfare schemes and protections

Example:

Some major Scheduled Tribes in India include:

• Gond (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh)
• Santhal (Jharkhand, West Bengal)
• Bhils (Rajasthan, Gujarat)
• Munda, Oraon, Kharia, etc.

3. Demographic status of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India based on the Census 2011

1. Population Size

• Total ST population: 10.45 crore (104.5 million)
• Percentage of India’s total population: 8.6%

1. Gender Composition

• Male STs: Approx. 5.24 crore
• Female STs: Approx. 5.21 crore
• Sex ratio (STs): 990 females per 1000 males
  (Better than national average of 943)

1. Rural vs Urban

• Rural ST population: 90%
• Urban ST population: 10%

This reflects high dependence on agriculture, forests, and traditional livelihoods.

1. State-wise Distribution

STs are unevenly distributed across India.

States with Highest ST Population:

Highest % ST in State Population:

1. Literacy Rate (STs)

• Overall ST literacy rate: 59%
  • Male ST literacy: 68.5%
  • Female ST literacy: 49.4%
• Still lower than national average of 74%

1. Main Occupation

• Majority are involved in:
  • Agriculture and Allied activities
  • Forest-based livelihoods (NTFP collection, shifting cultivation)
  • Wage labor

1. Tribal Groups

• Over 700 recognized Scheduled Tribes in India.
• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): 75 identified groups that are the most marginalized.

4. NFHS5 (201921), focusing on Scheduled Tribes in India:

1. Demographic & Socio-Economic Profile

• Among tribal women:
  • 35.9% are aged 35–49.
  • 25% have no formal education; 52.2% have secondary education.
  • Majority are Hindu (46.6%), followed by Christians (39.8%).
  • 36.6% belong to the poorest wealth quintile.
  • 84.8% reside in rural areas; only 15.2% urban.
  • Just 10.8% possess digital literacy; 89.2% lack digital skills.

1. Reproductive Health & Knowledge

• 98.4% are aware of modern contraceptive methods; 33.2% currently use them.
• Knowledge of ovulatory cycle (KOC) among tribal women stands at an average ~22%, with large variation:
  • Highest in Northeast and Southern states.
  • Regional variation: 100% KOC in a few districts (e.g., Badgam, Majuli); zero in many others
• Determinants of KOC:
  • Higher education, partner’s education, massmedia exposure, modern/traditional contraceptive use, and urban residence all boost odds.
  • Rural residence and lower partner education reduce.

1. UnderFive & Infant Mortality

• Elevated underfive mortality (U5MR) among STs is significantly associated with:
  • Home births 
  • Mother’s illiteracy
  • Higher birth order (≥4)
  • Lower wealth quintile
• Institutional births, maternal education and better economic status each reduce mortality risk.

1. Nutrition & Child Health Inequality

• Undernutrition among ST children under 5 remains high in Jharkhand and Odisha:
  • Stunting, wasting and underweight significantly above nonST levels.
  • Persistent wealthbased inequalities across all quintiles.
  • Negative correlation between inadequate ANC visits and worse nutritional outcomes.

1. Substance Use & NonCommunicable Diseases

• Among tribal men:
  • 45% use tobacco, 30% consume alcohol.
  • Higher rates seen in men aged 50–54, uneducated, poorest quintile.
  • Substance use is associated with higher risk of diabetes and heart disease.

1. Healthcare Affordability & Access

• Challenges in arranging funds for medical care remain persistent from NFHS4 to NFHS5:
  • Tribal women in rural areas, especially in Northeast and West zones, continue to face greater difficulty compared to others.

National Indicators & Infrastructure

• Compared to other groups, ST households have the lowest access to sanitation (69%).
• Vaccination coverage overall rose to ~76.6% in NFHS5 (from 62% in NFHS4), benefiting ST communities as well though state-wise variation exists.

Summary Table

Conclusion & Policy Implications

• Strengthen female education, especially beyond secondary level.
• Promote institutional deliveries, ANC visits, and responsible birth spacing.
• Expand nutritional interventions with sensitivity to intratribe wealth gaps.
• Address high tobacco and alcohol usage through culturally tailored awareness.
• Improve healthcare financing and access, particularly in remote zones.
• Boost digital and media outreach to raise awareness and knowledge (e.g. of ovulatory cycle).

5. Bio-genetic Variability of Tribal Populations

Tribal populations in India exhibit significant biological and genetic diversity, shaped by centuries of geographical isolation, endogamy (marriage within the tribe), and adaptation to different environments.

Major Racial/Genetic Groups among Tribals:

Genetic studies have shown tribal populations have high genetic purity, but are vulnerable to certain inherited diseases due to isolation and inbreeding (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia in Central India).

6. Linguistic Characteristics

Indian tribal communities speak a rich diversity of languages, which fall into major language families:

Many tribal languages are oral and not standardized, leading to endangerment or extinction.

7. Socio-Economic Characteristics

Tribal communities are generally economically backward, and face disadvantages in terms of education, health, income, and employment.

 Economic Features:

• Primary occupations: Shifting cultivation, forest gathering (NTFP), hunting, fishing, wage labor
• Low land ownership: High dependency on forest and common lands
• Marginal participation in formal economy and markets
• Many are classified as Below Poverty Line (BPL)

Social Characteristics:

• Simple social structure, mostly clan-based
• Strong belief in animism, spirit worship, ancestor worship
• Collective decision-making through traditional councils
• High gender parity in many tribes (women enjoy social freedom)

Educational Status:

• Low literacy rate: National ST literacy (2011) = 59%
• Female literacy is much lower than males
• Cultural and linguistic barriers to formal education

Health Conditions:

• High levels of malnutrition, anemia, and infant mortality
• Poor access to modern health services
• Traditional medicine still widely practiced

8. Geographical Distribution of Tribes in India

 Zone-wise Distribution:

Madhya Pradesh has the largest tribal population in absolute numbers, while Mizoram and Lakshadweep have the highest percentage of tribal people.

The tribal population of India is diverse, vibrant, and culturally rich, but remains socio-economically marginalized. Understanding their bio-genetic roots, linguistic diversity, and cultural identity is key to planning inclusive development and protecting tribal rights under the Indian Constitution.

Tribal situation in India