In recent developments, the Government of Chhattisgarh has recognized the habitat rights of the Baiga and Kamar tribes, marking significant progress in empowering vulnerable tribal communities. This article delves into the details of this landmark decision, its implications, and the broader context of tribal rights in India.
Baiga Tribe: A Brief Introduction
The Baiga tribe, also known as sorcerers, inhabits several Indian states including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Historically, the Baigas led semi-nomadic lives, practicing slash-and-burn agriculture. Today, though, they are primarily reliant on minor forest produce, with bamboo being a primary resource. Tattooing holds a vital place in their culture with specific tattoos assigned to different ages and body parts.
Understanding Habitat Rights
Habitat rights are key to preserving the traditional livelihoods and ecological knowledge of tribes and other forest dwelling communities. According to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, ‘habitat’ includes customary habitats as well as those present in reserved and protected forests belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and other forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes. To date, only three out of 75 PVTGs in India have been granted habitat rights, the latest being the Baiga tribe in Chhattisgarh.
Procedure for Declaring Habitats
The process of habitat declaration is guided by detailed instructions provided by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 2014. It involves discussions with traditional tribal leaders to define the extent of culture, traditions, and occupation. Collaboration between state-level departments such as Forest, Revenue, Tribal, and Panchayati Raj, as well as with the UNDP team is crucial for defining and declaring habitats.
Legal Framework: Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act, 2006
Habitat rights are granted under Section 3(1)(e) of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, better known as the FRA. Recognition of habitat rights empowers the PVTGs by granting them possession over their customary territory, along with habitation, economic and livelihood means, and biodiversity knowledge.
Identification of PVTGs
PVTGs are distinguished based on a set of characteristics including technological backwardness, stagnant or declining population growth, low levels of literacy, a subsistence-based economy, and challenging living conditions. Given their vulnerability in terms of health, education, nutrition, and livelihood, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has identified 75 PVGTs in 18 states and one Union Territory.
Significance of Granting Habitat Rights
The recognition of habitat rights plays a crucial role in preserving the unique cultural heritage of tribal communities and empowering them through legal recognition. These rights ensure that the traditional occupations of tribes, such as hunting, gathering, fishing, and farming, can continue. They also validate traditional knowledge regarding local ecosystems and resource management, leading to the preservation of biodiversity and promotion of sustainable development.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question(S)
Question 1: Consider the following pairs: (2013)
Tribe State
1. Limboo (Limbu) Sikkim
2. Karbi Himachal Pradesh
3. Dongaria Kondh Odisha
4. Bonda Tamil Nadu
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched? Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Question 2: Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (2019)
1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct? Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4
