Dr. B. D. Sharma is an authority on tribal affairs in the country. His concern for the tribal people began in Bastar, the largest tribal tract of the country where he was posted as Collector and District Magistrate. While serving in the Central Government and also State Government, he was responsible of formulation of tribal policies particularly what is known as sub-plan strategy. He was also instrumental in bringing back the Fifth Schedule, as the vital instrument of policy for the very survival of the tribal people, on the national agenda.
Dr. Sharma joined the IAS in 19,56. He resigned from the same in 1981 when differences arose on vital issues of policy Nevertheless he became Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University (1981-1986), covering some of the most enchanting tribal regions comprisingNagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya. He occupied the highest Constitutional position concerning tribal people, as the last Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes during 1986-91. There after the National Commission was constituted. His reports to the President are a landmark, the 28th being described as 'next in historical significance only to the Constitution of India'.
Ever since 1991, Dr. Sharma is with the tribal people and participating as an activist in their straggles. The law concerning tribal self-governance, which acknowledges the competence, of the village community to manage all its affairs according to its customs and tradition, is the most-significant achievement of the movement. The idea is of universal significance., It is spreading to the general -areas in the country as well. It is bound to become a global phenomenon, particularly in the developing nations.
Dr. Sharma has written extensively on the issue of change His writings in Hindi and their translations have beconie proud possessions of every tribal household. He is basically a student of mathematics with doctorate in the same subject. The Web of Poverty, 50 Years of Anti-Panchayat Raj. Dalits Betrayed. Tribal Development- the Concept and the Frame. Planning for Tribal development, Can we afford to Drink? are some of the major works of reference.
