Prior to the advent of British rule, tribes enjoyed absolute ownership and management rights over their natural resources, encompassing land, forests, wildlife, water, soil, fish, and more. However, as colonial influence expanded, tribal territories gradually fell under its sway. The dawn of industrialization in India and the discovery of valuable minerals exposed tribal areas to the outside world, triggering a shift from tribal control to state control. This marked the onset of an enduring era of tribal poverty. Post-independence, the demand for land and forests as instruments of development escalated, leading to the eradication of tribal proprietary rights. Consequently, tribes became ensnared in perpetual indebtedness to exploitative factions, including landlords, moneylenders, contractors, and officials. The establishment of protected forests and national parks further alienated tribes from their cultural heritage, depriving them of secure livelihoods.

 The 2001 census reveals that over 70 percent of the tribal population remains illiterate. Several factors hinder educational expansion in tribal regions, including tribal superstitions and prejudices, extreme poverty, limited availability of teachers, and a dearth of essential facilities. Achieving true partnership between tribes and the development process necessitates the widespread dissemination of education.

 Since independence, the focal point of development has centered around heavy industries and core sectors. Consequently, colossal steel plants, power projects, and large dams emerged, predominantly in areas inhabited by tribes. Mining activities also surged in these regions. The government acquired substantial tracts of tribal land for these projects, exacerbating the displacement of tribal communities. Notable instances of this issue can be observed in regions such as Chhota Nagpur, Odisha, specific tribal concentrations in Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.