TRIBALS & DEMOCRATIC POLITICS: Understanding from Agency Areas of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Evolving through different ideological and philosophical phases, the contemporary democratic system in India was established on elements of liberty, equality, justice, promotion of common good and equal participation. This study is primarily aimed to examine the state of tribal communities in contemporary democratic system, particularly considering the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution for effective political participation, governance and administration. The book addresses following questions:
• Why is the voice of adivasis not given appropriate attention in the electoral process to present their demands using a deliberative democratic approach, despite the Constitutional provisions under the Fifth Schedule?
• Why is the political voice of adivasis not considered a part of the larger democratic process?
• Are adivasi women adequately represented in political meetings and allowed to participate in such meetings?
Using both qualitative and quantitative tools for microanalysis, the study examines the political voice of tribal people in the Indian democratic system and its government and further explores the qualitative contribution of women’s participation in politics at various levels of local governance. The book will be of great relevance to researchers, policy makers, social activists and bureaucrats concerned with tribal development.