Tribalism and Resistance: Exploring Tribal Movements and Socio-Economic Challenges in Odisha

Abstract

Tribal communities in Odisha constitute approximately 23% of the state’s population and remain socio-economically marginalized despite significant developmental efforts. This paper analyses secondary data from the Odisha Economic Survey (2024–25), the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (2022), and the Census of India (2011) to examine disparities in literacy and poverty affecting Scheduled Tribes (STs). It further explores how tribal identity and cultural cohesion shape resistance movements against systemic exclusion. Findings reveal a persistent literacy gap of nearly 14 percentage points between tribal communities and the state average, and multidimensional poverty rates in tribal-majority districts exceeding 35–45%, significantly higher than the state average of 15.7%. Cultural identity emerges as both a unifying and mobilizing force, fuelling diverse forms of resistance, including legal action, protests, and alliances with civil society organizations. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and further research into gender dimensions of tribal resistance.