Empowering democracy in tribal communities-Grass-root democracy as a bulwark against Maoists

Source: The post empowering democracy in tribal communities has been created on the article “Grass-root democracy as a bulwark against Maoists” published in “The Hindu” on 19th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper1- Society-social empowerment & GS paper3- Security- Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

News: The article discusses the low voter turnout in Maoist-affected areas in Chhattisgarh’s elections, by highlighting how Maoists discourage tribal people from voting. It emphasizes the need for empowering tribal communities and implementing the PESA Act effectively to counter Maoist influence and strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.

Background

India has the second-largest tribal population in the world.

As per the Census 2011, the tribal population constitutes about 8.9% of the total population in India.

Around 92% of the ST population lives in rural areas.

How do Maoists impact democracy?

Election Boycotts: Maoists actively promote election boycotts, undermining the democratic process. This contradicts their claim of representing tribal interests, as it prevents tribal communities from exercising their voting rights. For example, In Maoist-affected areas like Bijapur and Konta in Chhattisgarh, the voter turnout was drastically low, ranging from 3% to 4%.

Exploitation of Legislative Gaps: The improper implementation of the PESA Act, which aims to empower tribal communities, is exploited by Maoists. They use these legislative gaps to maintain control in their strongholds.

What are the initiatives for empowering democracy in tribal communities?

Constitutional initiatives: The makers of the Constitution of India made special provisions for the protection of tribal culture and the development of Scheduled Tribes.

These include the conservation of their language, script and other cultural elements (article 350), ensuring their educational interests (article 46), providing economic safeguards and taking steps for political empowerment (article 330, 332, 243, fifth schedule).

For more information on constitutional safeguards for tribal community read here

Legislative initiatives:

PESA Act: The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) aims to empower tribal gram sabhas (village councils) to govern their socio-economic aspects, enhancing local self-governance. The Act is designed to align with the tribal way of life, respecting their historical and traditional governance structures.

For more information on PESA Act read here

Separate Ministry: Ministry of Tribal Affairs was set up in 1999 with the objective of providing a more focused approach to the integrated socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes (STs).

What should be done?

Increase Tribal Voting: Tackle low turnout in Maoist areas like Bijapur and Konta by motivating tribal communities to vote, overcoming Maoist boycotts.

Proper Implementation of PESA Act: Ensure the PESA Act is fully enacted to empower tribal gram sabhas, countering the legislative gaps Maoists exploit.

Strengthen Tribal Democracy: Empower tribal communities through democratic means, recognizing and nurturing tribal leadership.

Focus on Tribal Aspirations: Address the genuine issues of tribals, such as their constitutional rights, highlighted in movements like Pathalgadi in Jharkhand.

Question for practice:

Discuss the impact of Maoists on democracy in tribal areas and the actions needed to empower tribal communities and strengthen democracy.