Why in the News?

Maharashtra is set to establish a university in Nashik dedicated to tribals, offering education and skills training from kindergarten to postgraduate levels. Initiated by Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, who also serves as the chancellor of universities in the state, the university will reserve 80% of its seats for tribal students, aiming to enhance their development and future prospects.

Tribal Communities

• They are collectively known as Adivasis, who have traditionally lived in remote regions, forests and hilly areas.
• As per the Census 2011, the tribal population constitutes about 8.6% of the total population in India.
• The Jharkhand government declared August 9, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, as a state holiday.
• Article 46: The State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of society and of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation. (Part: IV, DPSP)
• Major Tribes in Maharashtra
  • Bhils
  • Gonds
  • Warlis
  • Katkaris
  • Kolis
  • Mahadeo Kolis
  • Pardhis
  • Kolams
  • Madias
• In India there are two central government tribal universities
  • Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (Andhra Pradesh)