Alienation of Tribal Lands in Tamil Nadu

This paper reviews the results of two studies conducted in 1989 and 1998 on tribal land alienation. Despite government action and legislation, land alienation has not been checked but has increased. Transfer of land from tribals to non-tribals has happened largely through sale driven by consumption needs and also through indebtedness. As development makes land more attractive, tribals will need protection - and urgently.