Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India constitute a significant section of the population, often referred to as the indigenous or tribal communities, who have historically lived in isolation and relied on forest, agriculture, and traditional occupations for their livelihood. Despite constitutional safeguards and affirmative policies, they continue to face multiple socio-economic, cultural, and political challenges that hinder their holistic development. One of the major problems faced by scheduled tribes is poverty. A significant proportion of STs live below the poverty line due to limited access to productive resources such as land, capital, and modern technology. Many tribal communities depend on subsistence agriculture, forest produce, or casual labor, which does not provide stable income. Their geographic isolation in hilly, forested, and remote areas also limits access to markets, employment opportunities, and government schemes. Another critical issue is illiteracy and poor educational outcomes. The literacy rate among STs is substantially lower than the national average, particularly for women. Schools in tribal areas are often inadequately staffed, poorly equipped, or located at long distances from tribal habitations. Language and cultural barriers further impede learning, as formal education is frequently delivered in languages unfamiliar to tribal children. This educational disadvantage perpetuates intergenerational cycles of marginalization and restricts access to skilled employment and government jobs, leaving tribes socially and economically disadvantaged. Health and nutrition constitute another pressing problem. Tribal populations experience high infant and maternal mortality rates, malnutrition, and prevalence of communicable diseases due to poor healthcare infrastructure and limited awareness. Government health services often do not reach remote tribal areas, and traditional practices, though culturally significant, sometimes fail to address modern health challenges. Women and children, in particular, are vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies, anemia, and other health risks, further contributing to poor human development indicators among STs. Land alienation and displacement have also been persistent issues. Many tribal communities depend on land for their sustenance, but industrial projects, mining, dams, and commercial plantations have led to large-scale displacement without adequate rehabilitation. Loss of forest rights, customary land, and access to natural resources has disrupted their traditional livelihoods, leading to economic insecurity and social disintegration. Additionally, exploitation by non-tribal intermediaries in the sale of forest