A Critical Appraisal of Demographic and Socio-economic Characteristics of the Scheduled Tribes in West Bengal, India

Scheduled tribes (ST) in India are distinct indigenous groups by their unique social structures, cultural practices, and socioeconomic characteristics. They are often economically disadvantaged and socially marginalized, exhibiting a homogenous identity within their social and geographical boundaries. The backwardness includes uneven literacy growth, economy, human development, immunization patterns, nutritional levels, and overall health conditions. Considering these factors with prior studies, this research explored the socio-demographic and economic status of STs in West Bengal. West Bengal alone contributes 5.8% of the national ST population, comprising 40 tribal groups. The results revealed that the ST population in West Bengal increased from 5.59% of the total population in 1991 to 5.80% in 2011, with varying growth rates across districts, while the Howrah district experienced a negative growth rate of -2.39%. The socioeconomic status of STs is marked by low literacy rates, poor health, and inadequate access to amenities. The literacy rate among STs in West Bengal rose from 27.78% in 1991 to 57.93% in 2011, but gender disparities remain. Health challenges are prevalent, with high levels of stunting (37%) and underweight (44%) among children compared to state prevalence, despite improvements in immunization and nutritional status over time. Similarly, maternal nutritional level, fertility rate, and antenatal care visits declined in nature. Access to basic amenities like safe drinking water, sanitation, clean cooking fuel, and electricity remains limited, highlighting ongoing disparities in living conditions. The study underscores the need for targeted policies to improve the living standards, education, and healthcare of STs in West Bengal. Therefore, the existing policies and schemes should be evaluated regularly and improvised, and community-based policies and interventions need to be incorporated to minimize children and maternal health deficiencies and over development.