Tamil Nadu-Tribal Golden Handshakes

Tamil Nadu-Tribal Golden Handshakes

#GS1 #Salient features of Indian Society #Diversity of India

  • Tamil Nadu is home to several indigenous tribal communities, such as the Irula, Kurumba, and Paniya, who have historically lived in forested areas and depended on natural resources for their livelihoods.
  • Many of these communities have faced displacement and loss of their traditional lands due to various development projects, including dams, mines, and wildlife sanctuaries.
  • The government has attempted to address these issues by providing compensation and resettlement packages to affected communities. The “Golden Handshake Scheme” is one such initiative, which offers a lump sum payment and other benefits to families who agree to relocate.
  • The scheme is meant to be voluntary and dignified, and families are supposed to be consulted and involved in the decision-making process. However, there have been concerns raised about the adequacy of compensation and the transparency of the process.
  • Some communities have refused to relocate, arguing that the compensation offered is not enough to compensate for the loss of their traditional lands and way of life. Others have accepted the offer but faced difficulties in the resettlement areas, such as inadequate infrastructure and lack of basic amenities.
  • The government has also introduced other measures to address the issues faced by tribal communities, such as providing legal recognition to their traditional rights and setting up institutions to promote their welfare.
  • However, despite these efforts, the situation of many tribal communities in Tamil Nadu remains precarious, with continuing threats to their livelihoods and cultures. There is a need for more comprehensive and sustainable approaches to address the underlying causes of their marginalization and exclusion.