India’s democratic framework is often celebrated for its inclusive architecture, yet the lived experiences of its most marginalized Indigenous communities—Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)—reveal enduring asymmetries of power, voice, and representation. PVTGs, a sub-category within the Scheduled Tribes (STs), remain among the least integrated populations in India’s political and developmental mainstream. This paper conceptually explores their political participation and empowerment within the broader discourse on Indigenous rights, democratic inclusion, and social justice. It critically examines constitutional provisions, policy frameworks, and institutional practices that shape tribal political life while analysing how socio-cultural and structural barriers impede effective participation.
Adopting a conceptual-discursive approach, the paper synthesises insights from political theory, anthropology, and governance studies to interpret the paradox of formal inclusion and substantive exclusion. It argues that while legal safeguards such as reservations and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA, 1996) offer procedural representation, they seldom translate into meaningful political empowerment. PVTGs’ political marginalisation reflects deeper developmental asymmetries linked to land alienation, cultural invisibility, and administrative centralisation. The paper concludes that real empowerment demands a shift from representational tokenism to transformative participation—grounded in self-determination, leadership capacity, and recognition of Indigenous autonomy.
International Journal of Political Science and Governance
