Main Bhi Bharat is the first ever TV programme in India on the tribes. This programme deals with the issues related to the identity, lifestyle and livelihood of the tribals. In this first episode of the programme, RSTV team travelled to the tribal districts of Madhya Pradesh and examined the issue of seasonal and circular migration in the tribal districts.
Most sections of the rural poor in India take up multiple strategies to sustain their family but in tribals with their limited access barely have any alternate work opportunities. This has resulted in large scale casualisation of the tribal work force. Seasonal and circular migration has long been part of the livelihood portfolio of poor people across India. The MGNREGA law related to rural employment could have been a policy instrument to change this situation, but there is reported impropriety and lack of political will to implement this law in tribal areas. Also, there are some new dimensions to the problem which are discussed in this programme.
Anchor: Shyam Sunder