Unequal Access to Education and Employment: Emerging Conflicts among Tribal Communities in Telangana

The study examines the disparities in access to reservations for education and employment among tribal communities in Telangana, with a particular focus on the ongoing conflict between the Lambadi and Adivasi communities over these provisions. Five major tribal communities, Lambadi, Koya, Gond, Kolam, and Chenchu, are studied regarding their relative access to reservations and benefits. Using a survey sample of ten villages and four hundred households, the research assesses both the distribution of resources and the perspectives of different tribes on the Lambadi-Adivasi conflict. Findings reveal significant disparities, with the Lambadi and Koya communities receiving comparatively greater access to educational and employment opportunities. In contrast, Gond, Kolam, and Chenchu communities face persistent barriers due to geographical isolation, infrastructural limitations, and socio-cultural factors. The study emphasizes the need for targeted policy interventions to bridge these disparities and promote more inclusive growth among tribal communities.