Tribal Demography of Gujarat

Scheduled Tribes (STs) are indigenous, have their own distinctive culture, geographically isolated and are low in socio-economic conditions. For centuries, the tribal groups have remained outside the realm of the general development process due to their habitation in forests and hilly tracts.

As per the 2011 census, the total population in the State was 604.39 lakh of which the tribal population, accounting for 14.76% of the total population, was 89.17 lakh. The literacy rate has increased to 62.5% in ST population. Since 2001, literacy rate has improved for the tribal communities. The gap reduced from 21.4% to 15.4%. Therefore, it is imperative to increase literacy rate amongst STs, particularly ST females. There are 26 Scheduled Tribe groups in the State. The major tribal communities are

Tribal communities including Kathodi, Padhar, Siddi, Kolgha and Kotwalia belong to the Primitive Tribal Groups.

In Gujarat, Scheduled Tribes are mostly concentrated in the areas along the State’s eastern border. The tribal region consists of 48 tribal talukas, 15 pockets and 4 clusters covered under the 14 Integrated Tribal Development Projects. For administration and implementation of the Tribal Sub Plan, the tribal area is grouped under 14 Integrated Tribal Development Projects in 14 districts.