ABSTRACT
Among all social groups, the level of socio-economic deprivation faced by the Adivasis is among the highest, across the country and in central India. In fact, the worsening of the economic conditions of Adivasis can be attributed to government policies over time. Following the lack of Adivasi interests in the Indian political sub-system has contributed to the invisibility of tribal voices in the policy process. In central India, due to predominance of rainfed agriculture, the status of Adivasi worsened compared to rest of India. For Adivasis, non-farm employment generated a much smaller share of employment, as compared to all social groups, including Dalits.
