Impacts of Development Programs on Santal Community

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.