ABSTRACT
With a relatively larger proportion of tribal population, almost twice that of the national average, tribal development in Gujarat is poised for unique opportunities and, of course, challenges. The opportunities emanate mainly from a vibrant state economy, whereas the challenges lie in addressing the institutional vacuum, essential for translating the economic prosperity into developmental opportunities among this historically marginalised segment of the state’s population. Although relatively better-off than their counterparts in several other regions, especially in neighbouring states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, tribals in Gujarat face increasing marginalisation, as reflected in the widening poverty gap vis-à-vis the rest of the population in the state. What is also important to note here is that this situation has arisen in spite of the relatively better presence of social movements, civil society organisations and political inclusion in the state when compared to several other states; the last aspect is manifested by the fact that Gujarat, among various other comparable larger states in the country, has the distinction of being headed by a tribal leader as chief minister for a number of years.
