Regional Differentials in the Socio-Demographic Status of Scheduled Tribes in North East and Mainland India

Abstract

India is home to one of the largest indigenous populations in the world, officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes (STs), who constitute 104.28 million people (8.6%) of the country's population according to the Census of India (2011). Despite constitutional safeguards and affirmative development policies, substantial regional disparities persist in the socio-demographic status of tribal communities. The present study aims to comparatively examine the socio-demographic characteristics of tribal communities in North East and Mainland India, with particular emphasis on population distribution, education, employment, livelihood patterns, and overall developmental conditions. The study is based entirely on secondary data obtained from the Census of India (2011), National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21), National Sample Survey (NSS), Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, National Statistical Office (NSO), NITI Aayog, and other government reports and peer-reviewed literature. A comparative descriptive research design was adopted, and information was synthesized using thematic analysis and descriptive statistical techniques. The findings reveal that tribal communities in North East India generally exhibit more favourable socio-demographic outcomes than those in Mainland India. Several North Eastern states have tribal-majority populations with relatively higher literacy, better female education, lower school dropout rates, greater occupational diversification, stronger political representation, and comparatively better preservation of indigenous institutions and cultural identity. In contrast, tribal communities in many mainland states continue to experience lower educational attainment, greater dependence on agriculture and forest-based livelihoods, higher informal employment and seasonal migration, and persistent poverty, together with limited access to quality education and healthcare. These disparities are primarily shaped by differences in historical experiences, geographical settings, governance structures, institutional support, and developmental opportunities. The study concludes that tribal communities in India should not be treated as a homogeneous population and emphasizes the need for region-specific, culturally responsive, and evidence-based development policies to promote equitable human development, social justice, and sustainable tribal development in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).