ABSTRACT:This study examines the impact of legal illiteracy on the protection of tribal rights, with particular reference to rights relating to land, forests, education, healthcare, and social welfare. It explores the extent to which inadequate awareness of constitutional provisions, statutory safeguards, and government welfare schemes affects the ability of tribal populations to claim and protect their rights. The research adopts a qualitative and doctrinal approach by analyzing constitutional provisions, legislative frameworks, judicial decisions, government reports, and existing literature on tribal welfare and legal awareness. The findings indicate that legal illiteracy significantly contributes to the denial of rights, exploitation, land alienation, and exclusion from development programs. The study further emphasizes the importance of legal awareness campaigns, community-based legal education, strengthened legal aid services, and effective implementation of protective laws to empower tribal communities. Enhancing legal literacy is essential for promoting social justice, protecting indigenous rights, and achieving inclusive and sustainable development in the Vidarbha region.
KEYWORDS: Legal Illiteracy, Tribal Rights, Vidarbha Region, Legal Awareness, Access to Justice, Forest Rights Act, Scheduled Tribes, Constitutional Protection, Social Justice.
THE IMPACT OF LEGAL ILLITERACY ON THE PROTECTION OF TRIBAL RIGHTS IN THE VIDARBHA REGION
MS. PETHKAR KALYANI TANJIRAO, DR. VIJAYMALA, DR. PRAKASH LAXMANRAO DOMPALE