Unraveling the Socio-Economic Condition of Tribal Peoples in West Bengal

Abstract

Indigenous and tribal rights have always been neglected in almost all jurisdictions across the world. The international movement has however gained momentum in the last few decades with the turn-around construed by ILO 169. The indigenous movement subsequently reached a significant level with the UNDRIPS. Thirty years after the Convention No. 169 only 23 countries have ratified the convention. Like most signatory countries, India has not ratified this convention and still carries on with the outdated ILO 107 which was criticized as a historic blunder. Like most nations India is also bound to submit the UPR but unfortunately none of the UPRs discusses in details the condition of tribal communities in India. This research studies the socio-economic scenario of tribal peoples in West Bengal. Some perception of the employees, Social worker, NGO professional have been made and a set of recommendation follows for better implementation of development schemes and livelihood.