Opinion | How Tribal India Went from Forgotten to Empowered!

Before 2014, India’s tribal communities faced an uphill battle, with their struggles largely invisible to the nation. For decades, they lived on the fringes, overlooked and left without the support needed to lead healthy, dignified lives. Basic amenities such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities were either minimal or nonexistent in many tribal regions.

But since 2014, a transformative shift has occurred. The Modi government’s focused initiatives have not only acknowledged the needs of tribal communities but have also prioritized these issues with urgency. From education to healthcare to economic empowerment, these communities are now seeing the kind of support and investment that had eluded them for generations.
Take Education, for example. Tribal children once had little hope of accessing quality schooling. The few Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) that existed before 2014 were sparse and under-resourced. Since then, the Modi government’s focus on education has led to a significant expansion of these schools. Today, 715 schools have been sanctioned, and 476 are already functional, serving over 1.33 lakh students. These schools are equipped with modern facilities, digital classrooms, and sports infrastructure, ensuring tribal children receive an education that’s on par with their urban counterparts. Scholarships worth ₹17,000 crore have further empowered over 3 crore tribal students, giving them access to higher education and better career opportunities. The path that once seemed closed to tribal youth is now wide open, and they are stepping into a future full of possibilities.
In Healthcare, the story is no different. Before 2014, tribal communities had limited access to quality healthcare, with government support slow or out of reach. But since then, a new chapter has begun. Mobile medical units now reach the remotest corners of tribal areas, making healthcare services accessible. Additionally, over 1.5 crore toilets have been built in tribal areas, improving sanitation and reducing the spread of diseases. The health and well-being of tribal communities are being prioritized, making a huge difference in their lives.
A nationwide push to eradicate sickle cell anemia—a disease that disproportionately affects tribal communities—has been a significant milestone under the leadership of PM Modi. The National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, launched in 2023, targets complete eradication of this disease by 2047. Over 4.6 crore tribal individuals have now been screened, and diagnosis and treatment are underway, a level of healthcare intervention that would have seemed a distant dream only a few years ago. The goal is to cover 7 crore people through screening, counseling, and care, offering new hope to tribal communities.
With the Forest Rights Act’s rigorous implementation, significant progress has been made in recognizing and protecting tribal land rights. Before 2014, tribal communities had little security over their lands, living in constant fear of encroachment and displacement. This lack of control over their land perpetuated a cycle of poverty and loss of culture. But under the Modi government, a landmark shift has taken place. The Forest Rights Act has been actively enforced, resulting in over 23 lakh land titles granted to tribal families, covering more than 1.9 crore acres. This historic move has empowered tribals to cultivate their land, practice traditional livelihoods, and safeguard their ancestral heritage without fear of displacement. For tribal India, land is not just a resource but a source of security and dignity in a new era of empowerment.
Economic empowerment is another area where transformation has been profound. Before 2014, tribal communities often depended on forest resources for their livelihood but lacked support or means to leverage these resources effectively. Today, initiatives like the National Bamboo Mission have redefined the economic landscape for tribals. By declassifying bamboo as a tree, the government opened new avenues for tribal families to harvest, process, and sell bamboo, providing them with a sustainable source of income. Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) have also supported over 45 lakh tribal beneficiaries, helping them add value to forest produce and boost their incomes. Under PM-KISAN, about 1.2 crore tribal farmers now receive direct financial support, empowering them to invest in agriculture and improve their productivity. These initiatives are not just transforming tribal economies; they are laying the foundation for self-reliance and long-term prosperity.
In terms of Infrastructure, tribal communities had long been isolated, especially in Naxal-affected areas. Poor road connectivity, lack of clean water, and unreliable transportation were daily struggles. But since 2014, there has been a massive push to connect these remote areas to the mainstream. Thousands of kilometers of roads have been constructed, linking tribal villages to urban centers and opening up new opportunities for education, healthcare, and trade. The government’s focus on infrastructure has bridged gaps that existed for decades, ensuring tribal communities are no longer cut off from the world around them.
Perhaps one of the most heartening changes has been in the Cultural Recognition of tribal communities. For years, the contributions and sacrifices of tribal heroes were largely forgotten. But now, under the Modi government, there has been a concerted effort to honor these unsung heroes. The birth anniversary of the great tribal leader, Birsa Munda, is now celebrated as Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas, paying tribute to his immense contributions and sacrifices for India’s freedom struggle. The renaming of railway stations, such as Habibganj to Rani Kamalapati Railway Station, and the creation of Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums across the country have also given tribal heroes the recognition they deserve. This shift in cultural perception is instilling a sense of pride and identity among tribal communities, reminding them that their history is as integral to India’s heritage as anyone else’s.
The transformation of tribal India from neglect to empowerment is not merely a promise—it is a reality being shaped every day through government policies and initiatives. The struggles that once defined the lives of tribal communities are now being addressed with urgency and care, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for India’s tribal population.

Syed Sahil

(Writer can be reached on Syedsahil0347@gmail.com )