UPSC Mains 2025 GS1 Q20 — Tribal Development
Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- DoesGive your opinion
- Scope keywords
- tribal developmentdisplacementrehabilitationtwo axes
- Implicit sub-parts
- Critique of the 'Displacement-Rehabilitation' model as the dominant paradigm of post-independence development.
- The inherent conflict between national developmental goals (mining, dams) and tribal rights (jal-jungle-zameen).
- The qualitative shift from mere rehabilitation to rights-based empowerment and autonomy.
- Assessment of alternative axes like health, education, and political agency beyond the physical movement of people.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on tribal problems without addressing whether these two specific 'axes' define the entire development story.
- Failing to mention the 'Development-Induced Displacement' vs. 'Naxalism/Extremism' link.
- Neglecting the shift from 'Rehabilitation' (physical) to 'Resettlement' (socio-economic) as defined in the LARR Act 2013.
- Providing a purely negative critique without acknowledging constitutional safeguards like the 5th/6th Schedules or the Forest Rights Act.
- Dimensions required
- Constitutional/LegalSocio-EconomicEnvironmental/Resource-basedPolitical/AdministrativeEthical/Human Rights
- Marks allocation hint
Devote approximately 50 words to establishing the context of development-induced displacement in tribal belts. Allocate 100 words to analyze why the two axes have historically dominated the discourse, and another 100 words to provide your opinion on why modern development must evolve to include self-governance, identity preservation, and holistic human development indicators.
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