Contemporary Movements and Efforts by the Civil Society for Dalit and Tribal Empowerment from a Social Work Perspective

Abstract

The trajectory of Dalit and tribal empowerment in India has evolved from historical resistances against exploitation to contemporary civil society-led movements advocating for rights, dignity, and social justice. In post-independence India, despite constitutional safeguards and targeted developmental initiatives, Dalit and tribal communities have continued to face structural inequalities, displacement, land alienation, and cultural erosion. Grassroots and organized movements such as the Bhim Army, National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), and various tribal assertion movements reflect a renewed collective consciousness and resistance against socio-economic deprivation and systemic discrimination. This chapter critically explores contemporary movements led by civil society actors that seek to dismantle caste and tribal hierarchies and promote substantive empowerment. It examines the strategies adopted ranging from rights-based advocacy, legal interventions, identity assertion, to socio-political mobilization and highlights the increasing political engagement among marginalized groups. The chapter also proposes a praxis framework for Dalit and Tribe Centred Social Work, emphasizing empowerment-oriented, rights-based, and culturally responsive interventions. Social workers are positioned not merely as facilitators but as co-travelers with communities in their struggle for justice, advocating for inclusive development, capacity building, and systemic change. By integrating theoretical perspectives with practical approaches, this chapter aims to strengthen the role of social work in advancing the aspirations of Dalit and tribal communities towards an equitable and dignified future