Exclusion of Scheduled Tribes from Healthcare Systems: A Case Study of the Tarao and Kharam Tribes of Manipur

The Tarao and Kharam tribes settled in Manipur are amongst the least populated tribes in the State. Although recognized as Scheduled Tribes by the Government of India in 2003, these tribes fare amongst the neglected groups in terms of healthcare system, access to transport and communication, education, and most government welfare schemes. With total population of around one thousand individuals only, these tribes have long suffered in the shadow of other major tribes, necessitating them to identify themselves with major tribes to avail government welfare schemes and other facilities including availing government issued health, education and social welfare certificates and cards. In instances where immediate health facilities are not available in the village or nearby locations, the villagers rely on their knowledge of traditional medicine to cure ailments. The wisdom of the elders on the medicinal value of herbs and plants serves to fill in the gaps where the State apparatus had not reached the remote villages. For instance, the Tarao elders treasure the properties of the Hakungnaii plant to cure gum injury and treatment of kidney stone. In the age of science, the villagers have to rely on their traditional wisdom and knowledge to fill in the gaps left by the State.