Abstract:
A Tribe is viewed historically and developmentally as a social group existing
before the development of or outside of state. The present study is an attempt to
discuss the impacts of development programs on Santal Community. Santal are
known as one of oldest tribal populations in Bangladesh, having their own
religion, traditions and customs. Government and non-government
organizations recently have undertaken different development programs in most
of the tribal inhabited areas of Dinajpur District and integrate them socially and
economically with the mainstream population of Bangladesh.
To know the impacts of Development programs on Santal Community is the
main objective of the study.
A total of 80 respondents aged from 15 to 55 years with different socioeconomic
and cultural problem related and here this study is both qualitative
and quantitative in nature. The respondents were evaluated by conducting case
study and focus group discussion.
It is evident from field visit and the FGD findings that the Santals are vulnerable
in terms of economic, social and human rights conditions. However, there are
some positive impacts of different GOs & NGOs programs upon them and
effective measures should be taken by the government functionaries, human
rights agencies and civil society. Which are reducing illegal eviction,
harassment, discrimination, human indignation. The government institutions are
not highly responsive for developing the Santal community. Only a few number
of respondents getting the government institutional facilities. On the other hand
a large number of respondents are highly responsive by the NGO activities.
Education, rights and status of women, wages, scope of employment, health
facilities, loan facilities and training should be provided greatly for meaningful
existence and uplift of the Santal Community. They are facing many challenges
like, land grabbing, unemployment, wage discrimination, violence etc. Santal
could change their social status by these programs and also got freedom and
make them empowered through the programs.
