IASSI Quarterly
Year : 2005, Volume : 23, Issue : 4
First page : ( 92) Last page : ( 106)
Print ISSN : 0970-9061.

Tribals and Forest: Emerging symbiosis

Dr. Kumar Niraj, Research Officer

Sulabh Institute of Development Studies, Sulabh Bhawan, New Patliputra Colony, Patna, 800013. He is also Associate Member IASSI, Patna Chapter. E-mail: nirajkrin@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

The relationship between tribals and forest is very intimate. Since most of the tribals have traditionally depended on forest for their livelihood, their entire social and cultural life revolves around the forest. From time to time policies were made and legislation enacted to regulate the relationship between the tribals, the forest and government. India has internationally been regarded as the forerunner of forest policies through the renowned project of Joint Forest Management. The author in this paper made an attempt to examine the impact of forest laws on the livelihood pattern of tribals in the Scheduled V areas of three States. Community participation through J.F.M and the important role played by women and NGOs in this sector has been also highlighted. The paper ends with a note on an agenda for future action so that the interest of local inhabitants are not sacrificed in the dominant national interest.

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