Tribes Of Rajasthan

In the vibrant tapestry of Rajasthan Geography, tribes like Bhil, Meena, Garasia, and Sahariya flourish amidst Udaipur’s lush Aravalli hills and Barmer’s golden deserts. Their rich traditions and colorful cultures weave a unique thread into the state’s diverse social fabric.

Bhils

• Bhils rank second in Rajasthan’s tribal population, concentrated mainly in Banswara, Dungarpur, and Udaipur districts. They are among India’s oldest tribes, speaking Bhili and Vagri dialects. Socially patrilineal, they are primarily farmers and renowned archers traditionally.

Habitat and Housing

• Uneven and Forested Lands: Bhils typically inhabit uneven and forested lands, reflecting their close connection to nature.
• Traditional Housing: Their houses are constructed using bamboo,mud and wood, materials readily available in their surroundings.
• Regional Distinctions:
  • Paalvi Bhils:Bhils residing on higher hills are known as ‘Paalvi.
  • Vagri Bhils: Bhils residing in the plains are referred to as ‘Vagri’.

Social Life 

• Patrilineal Gotras: Bhils have several patrilineal gotras known as ‘Atak’.
• Marriage Practices: Various types → Mor Bandhiya marriage, marriage by capture, child marriage, marriage by exchange, marriage by service, and marriage by purchase.
• Family Structure: In comparison to joint families, nuclear families are more common among the Bhils.
• Village Structure: The head of the village is referred to as ‘Gameti’. Smaller villages are called “Fala” and larger ones are called ‘Paal’.
• Cultural Practices:
  • Dances: Gawri and Ghoomar are the main dances of the Bhil community.
  • Fair and Festivals:
    • The worship of goddess Parvati, known as the ‘Gavri’ festival in the month of Shrawan, is a significant festival among the Bhils. 
    • Beneshwar Fair: The famous Beneshwar fair of the Bhil community takes place annually on the full moon day (Poornima) of the month of Maagh at the confluence of the rivers Mahi, Som, and Jakham.
• Traditional Attire and Ornaments: Bhil males wear a kameez or ‘Angrakhi’, tight-fitted dhoti called ‘hepada’, and a turban called ‘Potya’. Females wear ghagra, lugdi, and choli as their traditional outfits. Ornaments made up of metals like silver, brass, and nickel are common among both males and females, along with tattoo making.
• Religious Practices: Besides Hindu gods and goddesses, the Bhils also worship local deities such as Dharal, Birsa Munda, Kalaji Goraji, Mataji, Govind Guru, and Lasodia Maharaj.

Economic Status of Bhils

• Nomadic Lifestyle: Traditionally, the Bhils have been a very poor tribe, often leading a nomadic lifestyle.
• Transition to Farming and Animal husbandry: Many Bhils have now transitioned to farming activities in various places.
  • Farming on hill slopes is known as ‘Chimata’, while farming in plain areas is called ‘Dajiya’.
  • They also perform shifting agriculture locally called as ‘Vaalra’
  • In addition to farming, Bhils also engage in animal rearing as a part of their economic activities.
• Forest-based Livelihood: Fishing, hunting, and collecting forest products, particularly by children and females, form an integral part of their economic system.
  • The Mahua tree holds significant importance among the Bhils, likely due to its economic value as well as cultural significance.
• Transition to Wage Labor: Presently, some Bhils have also started working as wage laborers in nearby cities and towns, indicating a shift in their economic activities.

Meenas

Rajasthan has the maximum population of the Meena tribe. According to the 2011 census, the maximum meena tribal population was located in 1.Udaipur 2. Jaipur and minimum in 1. Jaisalmer and 2.Barmer.

 It is considered to be most educated tribe of Rajasthan and are considered to be primitive natives of state

• The Meena tribe traces its origins to ancient times and is believed to be associated with the Matsya Purana. The name “Meena” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Matsya”, meaning fish, symbolizing their connection to water.
• Historically, the Meenas were rulers and warriors before the rise of Rajput dominance in Rajasthan. They are said to have established several kingdoms in the region, including Dhundhar (modern Jaipur).
• During the medieval period, the Meenas were marginalized by Rajput rulers and later by British colonial policies, which affected their socio-political standing.
• There are two types of meenas -Jamindaar and Chowkidar Meena

1. Jamindaar Meena  are considered to be the lower class and majorly perform agricultural works. These are located mainly in Udaipur, Hadoti, Dungarpur, Banswara, Chittorgarh and nearby areas.
2. Chowkidar Meena  Used to serve the Kings/Maharajas so were considered as higher class. These are located mainly in Jaipur, Dausa, Ajmer, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur and nearby areas.

The Meena community is divided into several sub-groups, such as:

1. Chauhan Meena
2. Bhadauria Meena
3. Pardeshi Meena
4. Raghuvanshi Meena
5. Rawat Meena

Social Life

• Patrilineal- Meena families have patriarchal system,but women play a significant role in household and agricultural activities.
• Family Structure- Both joint and nuclear families are seen
• Marriage Practices-Their society is organized around gotras (clans), and marriages within the same gotra are prohibited. They practice exogamy and have a strong sense of community.
  • Meena tribe practises Brahma, Gandharva & Rakshas types of marriages. Divorce, Widow remarriage, Nata System, Ata-sata (exchange marriage)are also practised.
• Village Structure-  The head of panchayat is called Patel. The panchayat is called Chaurasi and the head of five panchayats is called Panch Patel, who is responsible for almost all social decisions.
• Cultural Practices-  Meena tribe is famous for tattoos.The Meenas primarily speak Rajasthani dialects like Dhundhari, Mewari, and Hadoti. Hindi is also widely spoken. They celebrate traditional festivals such as Teej, Gangaur, and Holi, incorporating tribal rituals and folklore. Dance forms like Ghoomar and music are integral to their celebrations, often featuring themes from nature and mythology.
• Traditional Attire and Ornaments- Men typically wear dhoti, kurta, and a safa (turban), while women wear ghagra-choli with odhani (veil). Jewelry is an essential part of their attire, with women adorning silver ornaments and men wearing traditional earrings.
• Religious Beliefs– The Meenas are predominantly Hindus and worship a variety of deities, including Matsya Avatara (fish incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Shiva, and local deities like Kali Mata and Bhagwati.

Economic life of Meenas – The Meenas are traditionally an agrarian community, with farming being their primary livelihood. Crops like wheat, barley, maize, and mustard are commonly cultivated. Many have diversified into government jobs, private enterprises, and small businesses in recent years

Garasiyas

• This is the third largest tribal group of Rajasthan, in terms of population
• The Garasiya tribe is believed to have descended from Rajput ancestry, with the term “Garasiya” derived from “Garas”, meaning “land” or “a small holding of land.”
• Historically, they were small landowners and warriors who lost their prominence due to socio-political changes. Over time, they adapted to agricultural and pastoral livelihoods.
• The Garasiya tribe is predominantly found in the southern districts of Rajasthan, especially Abu Road and Pindwara tehsil of Sirohi, Bali of Pali district, and Gogunda and Kotra tehsil of Udaipur in Rajasthan.

The Garasiya tribe has several sub-groups based on geographical and cultural variations. These include:

1. Rajput Garasiya: Claim descent from Rajputs.
2. Bhopa Garasiya: Known for their priestly roles in community rituals.

Tribe is divided into two sections-

1. Bhil Garasiya
2. Gameti Garasiya

• Village and Housing: Houses are called ‘Gher’ and villages ‘Faliya.’ Group of 5-6 houses is called ‘Falaa’ and group of 4-6 falaa is called ‘Paal’

Social and Cultural Life:

• Marriage Types: Mor Badhiya, Peharawana, Tadana marriage (Bride price is paid by the groom’s family-12 calves and 12 roles of fabric cloth “DAAPA”). Widow marriage, love marriage are also prevalent in them. Their community is divided into clans, and marriage within the same clan is strictly prohibited.
• Family Structure: Live in nuclear families with the father as the head. Please call Sehalot. Polygamy and the Nata system are prevalent among them.
• Social Divisions: Divided into three sections: Moti nyat, Nenki Nyat, and Nichli Nyat.
• Fairs: Koteshwar fair near Ambaji, Chetar Vichitar fair near Devla,Mankha ro melo
• (Sirohi)-largest fair of Garasiya and Gangaur fair of Gogunda.
• Dances: Main dances include Valar(Ghoomar of Garasiyas), Garba, Gair, Moriya, and Gaur.
• Dialect: A mix of Gujarati, Bhili, Mewari, and Marwari.
• Dress and Appearance: Males wear dhoti, kameez, and a head towel. Tradition of tattoo making, with tattoos on females’ foreheads and chins (Mandaliyan).
• Religion: Worship Shiva, Bhairav, and Durga. The Garasiyas practice Hinduism, with a strong inclination toward nature worship and animistic beliefs. They revere local deities such as Dev Narayan, Bhavani Mata, and Shiva.Bhakhar Baavji and Ghoda Baavji are also worshiped.
• Nakki lake (mt. abu) is their major pilgrimage site.
• Festivals like Holi, Diwali, Ganagour, Akshay tritiya and local fairs are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Rituals often involve animal sacrifices and offerings to appease spirits and deities.

Economic status of Garasiyas

• Based on agriculture (shifting agriculture), animal husbandry, wood-cutting, and forest product collection.
• Increasingly involved in labor work in towns and cities.
• Practice ‘Hari Bhawri,‘ a form of community farming.
• Store food grains in ‘Sohri’ (Kothi).

Sahariya

• The Sahariya Tribe is one of the most marginalized and impoverished tribal communities in Rajasthan. Known for their rich cultural traditions, the Sahariyas are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) due to their low socio-economic development. 
• The name “Sahariya” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Shahri”, meaning people associated with the jungle, as they traditionally lived in forested regions.
• They are believed to have Dravidian origins and were historically forest dwellers dependent on hunting, gathering, and primitive agriculture.
• Over time, deforestation and socio-political changes forced them to adapt to settled agriculture and labor work.
• The Sahariya tribe is primarily found in the Baran district (SHAHBAD district)
• Smaller populations are also present in Kota, Jhalawar, and Sawai Madhopur districts.

Social Structure

• The Sahariya tribe practices a patriarchal system, with decision-making typically in the hands of male elders.
• Women play a significant role in the family, especially in agricultural and domestic activities.
• They follow strict exogamous marriage rules based on clan affiliation.
• Chouhan and dodiya gotras are commonly found. These also practise endogamy and the groom side has to pay Daapa to bride’s father
• Naata practice, mrityu bhoj are very common.

Language and Culture

• The Sahariyas speak a dialect of Hadoti
• Their culture is deeply rooted in nature and revolves around seasonal changes, agricultural cycles, and local festivals.
• Folk songs, dances, and ritualistic practices are integral to their community life, often centered on nature worship and ancestral reverence.
• Women often adorn themselves with silver jewelry, bangles, and anklets, which reflect their tribal identity.

Religious Beliefs

• The Sahariyas are predominantly Hindus, with a strong inclination toward nature worship.
• They revere local deities and spirits like Kher Baba, Bhavani Mata, and Durga Mata.
• Sitabari fair (Baran) is their holy place.

Economic status of Sahariya 

• Traditionally, the Sahariyas were dependent on forest produce like honey, medicinal herbs, and firewood for their livelihood.
• In modern times, they primarily engage in agriculture and daily wage labor.
• They are one of the poorest communities in Rajasthan, with limited access to land ownership and modern employment opportunities.
• Many Sahariyas work in stone quarries, brick kilns, or as unskilled laborers in urban areas.

Damor

• The Damor tribe has preserved its distinct identity despite being marginalized in the mainstream socio-economic framework.
• Historically, they were forest dwellers and subsistence farmers, depending on agriculture, forest produce, and animal husbandry for their livelihood.
• Historically, they were forest dwellers and subsistence farmers, depending on agriculture, forest produce, and animal husbandry for their livelihood.
• The Damor tribe primarily resides in the southern and southeastern districts of Rajasthan, including:Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur and Pratapgarh

Social Structure

• The Damor tribe follows a patriarchal social system.
• They are organized into clans, and marriage within the same clan is strictly prohibited (exogamy).
• Their traditional governance system includes community elders who resolve disputes and maintain social harmony.
• The Damors live in small, dispersed villages or hamlets in forested or hilly regions.
• Their houses are typically kutcha (mud) structures with thatched roofs, reflecting their connection to natural resources.
• Naata practice is seen, devar-batta (marrying deceased husband’s younger brother), mrityu bhoj are also practiced

Language and Culture

• The Damors predominantly speak Wagdi, a dialect of the Bhili language family, which is influenced by Rajasthani and Gujarati.

• Festivals: Traditional festivals like Holi, Diwali, and local fairs are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
  • Their unique festivals include rituals specific to agricultural cycles and nature worship.
  • Beneshwar fair is celebrated by them also
• Art and Music: Folk music and dances are central to their cultural life.
  • Ghoomar and Bhavai are popular dances, often performed during festivals and social gatherings.
• Traditional Attire:
  • Men Wear dhoti, kurta, and a safa (turban).
  • Women: Adorn themselves in ghagra-choli and odhani, often decorated with traditional patterns.
  • Jewelry, particularly silver ornaments, is an integral part

Religious Beliefs

• Religion: The Damors practice Hinduism, but their religious practices are often infused with tribal customs and animistic beliefs.
  • They worship local deities such as Bhavani Mata, Kali, and Dev Narayan.
  • Nature worship and ancestral veneration are common.

Economic status of Damor

• Agriculture:
  • The Damors rely heavily on subsistence farming, cultivating crops such as maize, sugarcane, wheat, millets, and pulses.
  • Agricultural productivity is often limited due to reliance on monsoons and lack of modern farming techniques.
• Forest Produce:
  • They collect forest products like firewood, honey, and medicinal herbs, which serve as supplementary sources of income.
• Animal Husbandry:
  • Livestock rearing, especially cattle and goats, is an essential part of their livelihood.
  • At times hunting is also done by them.
• Daily Wage Labor:
  • Many Damors work as laborers in construction, quarries, and other unskilled sectors.

Sansi

• Historically, the Sansis were engaged in cattle rearing, hunting, and trading. However, during the colonial era, they were classified as a “criminal tribe” under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, which stigmatized them and led to their socio-economic decline.
• Post-independence, they were denotified in 1952 and classified under the Scheduled Castes (SC) category in Rajasthan.
• The Sansis are predominantly found in the northern and western regions of Rajasthan, including: Jaipur, Ajmer, Sikar, Alwar, Bharatpur

Cultural Practices

• Clothing 
  • Men: Wear dhoti, kurta, and turbans, often in earthy tones.
  • Women: Wear colorful ghagra-choli
• Housing and Settlements 
  • The Sansis live in temporary or semi-permanent structures in rural and peri-urban areas.
  • Their settlements, known as tandas, often lack basic infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sanitation.
• Religion and Beliefs:
  • The Sansis practice Hinduism with a blend of animistic and tribal traditions.
  • They worship local deities such as Kali Mata, Shitala Mata, and Hanuman ji.
  • Ancestral worship and nature reverence are integral to their spiritual practices.
• Festivals:
  • Common Hindu festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Navratri are celebrated with zeal.
  • Community-specific rituals and fairs are observed, reflecting their traditional beliefs.
• Art and Music:
  • Folk music, dance, and storytelling are central to Sansi culture.
  • They are skilled performers of Kalbelia-style dances and other tribal art forms.

Social Structure

• The Sansi society is patriarchal and follows a clan-based structure.
• Marriage within the same clan is prohibited, and alliances are formed within the tribe but across clans (exogamy).
• Traditional councils, known as panchayats, handle disputes and maintain social norms.
• Widow remarriage is not popular amongst sansis.

Economic Activities

• Historically, the Sansis were pastoralists and hunters. However, with the loss of their nomadic lifestyle, their economic activities have diversified:
  • Daily Wage Labor: A significant portion of the community works in unorganized sectors as construction workers, porters, and agricultural laborers.
  • Cattle Rearing: Some Sansis still engage in livestock farming, primarily goats and cows.
  • Small-scale Trading: Selling traditional handicrafts and forest produce.
  • Performing Arts: Some members are involved in traditional entertainment, performing folk dances and songs at local fairs.

Kanjar

The origin of the Kanjar tribe is rooted in their nomadic traditions. Historically, they were wandering communities, skilled in crafts, music, and other forms of traditional entertainment.

The name “Kanjar” is believed to have derived from the Persian word for “wanderer” or “gypsy,” reflecting their historically itinerant lifestyle.

• During British rule, the Kanjars were stigmatized under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, branding them as a “criminal tribe,” a label that deeply affected their socio-economic status. This categorization forced them into a life of marginalization.
• After independence, the tribe was “denotified” in 1952, but the stigma of their past classification continues to impact their societal perception.
• In Rajasthan, the Kanjar tribe is primarily concentrated in:Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, Bharatpur, Ajmer.

Cultural Practices

• Housing and Settlements 
  • The Kanjars traditionally lived in temporary or semi-permanent settlements, houses are often simple, made of mud and thatch, with minimal infrastructure.
• Religion and Beliefs:
  • The Kanjars practice Hinduism, often with animistic and tribal elements.
  • They worship local deities and nature spirits, with a strong emphasis on rituals and folk traditions.
  • Deities like Kali Mata, Bhavani Mata, Chouth Mata and Hanuman ji are central to their religious practices.
• Festivals:
  • Major Hindu festivals such as Holi, Diwali, and Navratri are celebrated with enthusiasm.
  • They also observe community-specific rituals tied to agricultural cycles and nature worship.
• Music and Dance:
  • The Kanjars have a vibrant tradition of folk music and dance, often performed during festivals and social gatherings.
  • They are skilled in playing traditional instruments like dholak, shehnai, and manjeera.

Economic Activities

• Historically, the Kanjars were skilled artisans, entertainers, and hunters. With changing socio-economic conditions, their economic activities have diversified:
  • Handicrafts:
    • Known for making intricate ornaments, pottery, and baskets using locally available materials.
  • Labor:
    • Many Kanjars work as daily wage laborers in agriculture, construction, and other unskilled sectors.
  • Small-scale Trade:
    • Selling handcrafted goods and forest produce in local markets.
  • Traditional Entertainment:
    • Some members still engage in performances like dance, music, and storytelling.

Challenges Faced by the Tribes of Rajasthan

1. Economic Challenges

• Poverty:
  • Many tribal communities live below the poverty line due to limited access to stable livelihoods and resources.
• Unemployment:
  • Lack of skill-based training and education restricts employment opportunities.
  • Tribals often depend on unskilled daily wage labor, seasonal farming, or subsistence-level activities.

• Landlessness:
  • A significant portion of tribal families does not own agricultural land, forcing them to work as laborers or engage in shifting cultivation.
• Exploitation:
  • Tribals are often exploited by moneylenders, landlords, and middlemen, leading to cycles of debt and economic vulnerability.

2. Educational Challenges

• Low Literacy Rates:
  • Literacy levels among tribal populations are significantly lower than the state and national averages, particularly among women.
• Lack of Infrastructure:
  • Many tribal areas lack proper schools, teachers, and educational facilities.
• Language Barrier:
  • Tribal dialects differ from mainstream languages, making formal education less accessible.
• High Dropout Rates:
  • Economic constraints and the need to contribute to household income force many tribal children to drop out of school.

3. Social Challenges

• Discrimination and Stigma:
  • Tribals often face social exclusion and discrimination from mainstream society due to historical biases and stereotypes.
• Cultural Marginalization:
  • Tribal customs, traditions, and languages are often ignored or undervalued, leading to cultural alienation.
• Gender Inequality:
  • Tribal women face double marginalization due to their gender and tribal identity, resulting in limited access to education, healthcare, and employment.

4. Health Challenges

• Poor Healthcare Access:
  • Tribal areas lack adequate healthcare infrastructure, leading to high mortality rates and poor health outcomes.
• Malnutrition:
  • Poor dietary intake and lack of awareness about nutrition result in widespread malnutrition, especially among children and women.
• Prevalence of Diseases:
  • Diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrhea are common due to unsanitary living conditions and lack of medical facilities.
• Dependence on Traditional Medicine:
  • Tribals often rely on traditional healers( bhopa ji) due to the inaccessibility of modern healthcare, which can delay proper treatment.

5. Infrastructure Challenges

• Remote Locations:
  • Many tribal settlements are in remote and inaccessible areas, making it difficult to provide essential services like education, healthcare, and connectivity.
• Lack of Basic Amenities:
  • Many tribal villages lack clean drinking water, electricity, sanitation, and proper roads.
• Housing Issues:
  • Poor housing conditions are common, with many families living in temporary or semi-permanent structures.

6. Environmental Challenges

• Degradation of Natural Resources:
  • Overuse of forest resources, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity directly affect the livelihoods of tribes dependent on these resources.
• Conflict Over Land:
  • Encroachments and large-scale projects such as dams and mining often lead to the displacement of tribal communities.
• Climate Change:
  • Changing weather patterns and unpredictable rainfall impact agriculture and forest-based livelihoods.

7. Political and Administrative Challenges

• Lack of Representation:
  • Tribals often lack adequate representation in local governance and decision-making processes.
• Ineffective Implementation of Policies:
  • Welfare schemes and programs for tribal development are often poorly implemented due to corruption, lack of awareness, or administrative inefficiencies.
• Displacement and Rehabilitation:
  • Large-scale development projects have displaced many tribal families without proper rehabilitation, leaving them vulnerable.

8. Cultural Challenges

• Loss of Traditional Knowledge:
  • Modernization and migration have led to the erosion of traditional skills, crafts, and medicinal practices.
• Impact of Urbanization:
  • The influx of urban culture into tribal regions threatens their distinct cultural identity and values.

Steps Taken by the GoI and Rajasthan to Address the Challenges of Tribes

The Government of India and the Government of Rajasthan have implemented several initiatives and policies to address the challenges faced by tribal communities. These measures focus on improving socio-economic conditions, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring their overall development and empowerment.

1. Constitutional and Legal Provisions

• Scheduled Tribes Recognition:
  • Tribal communities are recognized as Scheduled Tribes (STs) under the Constitution of India, ensuring special safeguards and affirmative action.
• Reservation Policies:
  • Reservation in education, employment, and political representation at state and central levels to ensure tribal inclusion.
• Fifth and Sixth Schedules:
  • The Fifth Schedule applies to Rajasthan, providing special provisions for the administration and governance of tribal areas.
• Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA):
  • Recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities to land and other resources traditionally used by them.

2. Economic Empowerment

• Van Dhan Vikas Yojana:
  • Promotes tribal entrepreneurship by creating Van Dhan Kendras for value addition to forest produce.
• Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP):
  • A strategy to allocate a proportion of the state and central budgets for tribal welfare and development projects.
• MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act):
  • Provides guaranteed employment to tribal communities, enhancing their economic stability.
• Livelihood Development Schemes:
  • Initiatives like Skill India Mission and Start-Up India to encourage skill development and entrepreneurship among tribal youth.

3. Educational Initiatives

• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS):
  • Residential schools for ST students providing quality education and skill development.
• Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students:
  • Financial support to tribal students pursuing higher education.
• Ashram Schools:
  • Schools in tribal areas to promote basic education and reduce dropout rates.
• Special Coaching and Hostels:
  • Hostels and coaching centers for tribal students preparing for competitive exams.

4. Health and Nutrition

• Tribal Health Initiative:
  • Mobile health units and tribal health centers providing affordable healthcare in remote tribal areas.
• Poshan Abhiyaan:
  • Aiming to address malnutrition among tribal children and women through awareness campaigns and supplementary nutrition programs.
• National Health Mission (NHM):
  • Focus on improving maternal and child healthcare services in tribal regions.
• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY):
  • Provides health insurance coverage to tribal families, ensuring access to quality healthcare.

5. Infrastructure Development

• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):
  • Affordable housing for tribal families in rural and urban areas.
• Rural Connectivity:
  • Construction of roads and infrastructure in tribal regions under schemes like PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana).
• Electrification and Water Supply:
  • Programs like Saubhagya Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure electricity and clean water supply in tribal areas.

6. Cultural and Social Preservation

• Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs):
  • Documenting and promoting the cultural heritage, arts, and crafts of tribal communities.
• Support for Tribal Artisans:
  • Schemes like Tribes India to market and promote tribal handicrafts and products at national and international levels.
• Celebration of Tribal Festivals:
  • Support for organizing tribal fairs, festivals, and cultural programs to preserve and promote tribal identity.

7. Other Provisions

• Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955
• SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
• Abolition of Bonded Labour System Act, 1976

Special Provisions by Rajasthan Government

• Sahariya Vikas Karyakram: Special welfare schemes targeting the Sahariya tribe, one of the most vulnerable tribal groups in Rajasthan.
• Rajasthan Tribal Area Development Programme (TADP):
  • Focuses on integrated development of tribal areas including education, health and infrastructure.
• RajasthanSkill Development Programme:
  • Provides skill training and employment opportunities to tribal youth in Rajasthan.
• Rajasthan Tribal Cultural Heritage Conservation Programme:
  • Dedicated efforts to preserve and promote the rich cultural traditions of the tribes of Rajasthan.
• Rajas Sangh
  • Rajasthan Janjati Kshetriya Vikas Sahakari Sangh
  • Objective To save the tribals from the clutches of money lenders and to provide consumer products at reasonable prices
• Anuja Nigam
  • Rajasthan SC/ST Finance and Development Cooperative Corporation Limited
  • Provide loans and grants
  • Improvement in living standards
• Manikya Lal Verma Tribal Research and Training Institute
  • Bringing tribals into the mainstream
  • Training tribals
  • Promoting research and training to study tribal life
• Tribal Advisory Council (TAC):
  • Under Article 244(1) of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India,
  • To advise the State Government on matters relating to tribal welfare, development and protection.
• Rajasthan Scheduled Tribes Commission-2016
• Tribal Area Development Department
  • Established for the upliftment of tribals
  • Removal of backwardness existing under Article 46 of the Constitution of India
• Rajasthan State SC, ST Development Fund Act, 2022
  • Allocation of funds in proportion to population → 14.82 percent of state budget for STs.
• Scheduled Tribes Development Fund (STDF).
• For skill development → Samarth Yojana
• Udaipur + Jodhpur → Pilot Project > Mission Sickle Cell Anaemia
• TB Mukt Banswara: For TB elimination – Contact tracing by ASHA, ANM etc.
• Poshan Swaraj Abhiyan → First screening of children → Focus on local cuisine → Balance their nutrition in diet like Lapsi, Chikki, Dal etc.
• Anuprati coaching yojana.
• Babasaheb Ambedkar Integrated Village Development Scheme: ₹200 crore allocated to develop rural infrastructure, education, and healthcare facilities in ST-dominated areas .  
• SCSP and TSP Funds: ₹1,500 crore reserved for SC/ST communities, offering financial aid, employment, and educational benefits .  
• Women Entrepreneur Scheme: ST women can avail loans up to ₹5 lakh for businesses, targeting 5 lakh beneficiaries over five years .  
• Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana: Provides ₹50,000 in installments to ST girls from birth until Class 12, including health checkups and skill development .  
• Kalibai Bhil Medhavi Chhatra Scooty Yojana: Offers scooties to meritorious ST girls to encourage education .  
• Ayushman Model Health Centers: ₹125 crore allocated to strengthen healthcare in tribal areas.  
• Dang, Magra, and Mewat Regional Development Schemes: ₹50 crore each for infrastructure and welfare in ST-majority regions

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