Impact of globalization on weaker sections with special reference to tribal communities in Mysore district, Karnataka

Globalization is making a considerable impact on all the aspects of human life in all the countries in the world. It is imperative to understand this process and study the nature of the impact on various communities. It is making its impact even on developed countries. The impact is social, economic, political, cultural and even moral in nature. The reform process began in India in 1991. As Streeten points out, it increases the gap between different strata of people and countries. Globalization is good for rich people and developed countries with assets and skills. But it is bad for the developing countries and poor people like Tribals and Dalits. The studies included are the Hill Tribes of Chamarajanagara District and Nayaka Community in H.D Kote, Mysore district. The study is based on the secondary data. The selected research design is Descriptive-cum-diagnostic research design. The study shows that Globalization affects tribals differently. Urban and educated tribals may benefit from the increased opportunities for work. The new technologies that define this era, in particular the computer and internet may be accessible to this group of tribals. Markets are not very friendly to the poor, to the weak or to the vulnerable, either nationally or internationally. The result shows that the hill tribes Jenu Kurubas and Kadu kurub are illiterate and their living standard is Below Poverty Line (BPL). It was found that the major problems are lack of awareness and ability to access to public offices. And the Nayaka of H.D. Kote taluk who are totally dependent on the fuel wood collection and selling them to the local public, hotels, bakery etc, for their survival. It also reflects their socioeconomic condition. In conclusion the tribals are part of the Indian society, at the same time they are different. Special policy and programmes are required to address and redress these differences especially in the context of globalization. Outsiders cannot develop tribals; they can become only facilitators if they want to do so. Their felt needs should be transformed in development programmes. The tribals can participate in their development programmes only if they are considered to be equals and if unique identities are respected