Demography of tribal population in Jharkhand 1951-1991
Arup Maharatna; Rasika Chikte
Economic and Political Weekly 39(46/47): 5053-5062
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-9976 Document Number: 247834
This paper examines the broad demographic patterns and changes in the tribal population of Jharkhand, India, since independence (1951-91). Population growth, fertility, mortality, and tribal migration are examined. It is revealed that Jharkhand's tribal population has persistently experienced a slower population growth than the non-tribal groups. The low natural rate of increase of the tribal population does not suffice to explain this slow growth. Substantial tribal outmigration to other states over a long period appears to have been a major cause of this trend. However, as this paper proposes, the diminishing demand for migrant labour, the displacement of tribals, the subsequent disruption of livelihood patterns, and the inaccessibility of health care and other services have placed the tribals at a disadvantage. This is manifest in the slower declines (or even increases) in mortality levels among Jharkhand's tribals.