The New Economic Policy (NEP) introduced in India in 1991 brought liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation into the Indian economy. It aimed to reduce government control, encourage private investment, expand markets and integrate India with the global economy. These changes have had significant and mixed effects on tribal communities of South and Central India, including the Gond, Bhil, Baiga, Oraon, Munda, Santhal and other tribal groups. One major effect of the New Economic Policy has been the expansion of mining, industries, infrastructure and commercial activities in tribal regions. South and Central India possess rich deposits of coal, iron ore, bauxite, manganese and other minerals. Economic liberalisation encouraged greater private and corporate participation in these sectors. As a result, mining and industrial projects expanded in several tribal areas. While these projects created employment and contributed to regional economic growth, they also resulted in the acquisition of tribal land and displacement of communities. Loss of land has often meant loss of livelihood, because tribal economies are closely connected with agriculture, forests, grazing and other natural resources. The NEP