SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AREAS: A STUDY OF THE TRIBAL AREAS IN NORTH-EAST INDIA

Abstract

India lives in its villages (Gandhiji). The real identity of India is found in its rural character as majority of the population i.e. 67.63 percenti according to the World Bank still resides in the rural areas as recently as in 2011. Majority of the tribal population also lives in rural areas. A large part of the rural areas in the North-easternii part of India is a home to the numerous tribal populations from time immemorial. The area inhabited by the tribal population is rich in natural resources and biodiversity. However, the region remains isolated from the rest of the country and has not been able to attract investors or produce skilled labour and entrepreneurial resources. It has failed to transform even the primitive agricultural practices of the region into modern commercial agriculture. In addition, the region has not succeeded in building the required essential infrastructure for progress. In this context, it is important to examine how people of this region have (or have not) used these resources to survive through the ages? How Government interventions have change the way resources are managed and used? What has been its implication for sustainable livelihood? These broad questions offer possibilities of exhaustive research.

Management and utilization of natural resources Pre-independence scenario: Before the British came, the tribal in the north-eastern part of India lives in small groups with great autonomy and independence. Tribes were organized into villages with a defined territory. These territories are exclusively under the jurisdiction of the respective villages. Inter-tribe clash or raids were common phenomena. This mode of living gave rise to a strong administrative system such as the institution of Chieftainship, Village Council etc. among many tribes.iii Though, the functioning of this institution differs from tribe to tribe, its role in the management of land and its resources are prominent in most of the tribes. It is found to be embedded in its executive, legislative and judicial powers.

Among many tribes in north-east India, the institution of Chieftainship was common. In this system, the decisions of the Chief are final in all matters. He is the traditional village head having authority to enact laws and at the same time executed these laws at his discretion. The chief appointed members of the council of elders to assist him in village administration. Council of elders is chosen from among the subject who possessed tact and wisdom and who is well versed with customary laws and usages of the people