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Research Paper | Development Studies | Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026 | Pages: 1784 - 1791 | India
Tribal Development in India: Revisiting the Journey from Isolation to Market Citizenship in a Climate-Constrained Democracy
Abstract: This paper examines the evolution of tribal development in India through an integrated anthropological and policy perspective. It traces the trajectory from colonial-era isolation and post-independence welfare approaches to contemporary frameworks centred on rights-based governance and market participation. Drawing on key legislative instruments such as the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (1996) and the Forest Rights Act (2006), the study highlights the persistent gap between progressive policy intent and uneven implementation, particularly in relation to decentralised governance and community agency. The paper further analyses the emerging phase of "market citizenship", where tribal communities are increasingly integrated into value chains, digital platforms, and enterprise-led livelihood systems. While these transitions offer new economic opportunities, they also introduce risks related to unequal market access and institutional fragility. A central contribution of the paper lies in examining the intersection of climate change and extractive economies in tribal regions, especially mining-affected areas. It argues that these regions face layered vulnerabilities arising from ecological degradation, climate variability, and livelihood disruption. The paper concludes that the future of tribal development in India depends on strengthening local governance institutions, integrating indigenous knowledge systems, and aligning economic transformation with ecological sustainability.
Keywords: Tribal Development, Market Citizenship, PESA, Forest Rights Act, Climate Change, Indigenous Knowledge, Mining Regions, Decentralised Governance
How to Cite?: Kumar Amarendra Narayan Singh, Sharmila Goswami, "Tribal Development in India: Revisiting the Journey from Isolation to Market Citizenship in a Climate-Constrained Democracy", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1784-1791, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26428171520, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26428171520