73

Chapter No. – III.

Constitutional Provisions and Scheduled Tribes.

3.1. Introduction.

3.2. The term scheduled tribes under the constitution

3.3. Constitutional Provisions and Scheduled Tribes.

3.4. Constitutional Guarantees.

3.5. Constitutional Safeguards for Scheduled Castes

and Scheduled Tribes of India.

3.6. Reservation in Services.

74

Constitution of India 1949

( PREAMBLE )

Preamble – WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly

resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST

SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBPLIC and to secure to all its

citizens :

JUSTICE, social, economic and political;

LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;

EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote

among them all;

FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and

unity and integrity of the Nation;

IN OUR CONSTITUTENT ASSEMBLY this twenty – sixth

day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND

GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

75

Chapter No.-III

Constitutional Provisions and Scheduled Tribes.

3.1. Introduction:

The founding fathers of the constitution Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb

Ambedkar were aware of the political, social and economic inequalities,

which existed in the country due to historical reasons. They were aware of

the prevailing miserable and appalling conditions of the scheduled Tribes

who had remained far behind and segregated from national life. It became

imperative, therefore, to adopt a policy of protective discrimination as an

equalizer to those who were too weak to compute with the advance section

of the society in the race of life. The constitutional provisions set fourth a

programs for the reconstruction and transformation of Indian society of a

firm commitment to raise the sunken status of the pathetically neglected and

disadvantages sections of our society.

The provisions visualized by founding fathers of our constitution

reflected their anxiety and emotion to bring the poor tribals at par with

the general social level and into the main stream of Indian political and

socio – economic life.

3.2. The term Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution.

The term, ‘Scheduled Tribes’ is of recent origin which came into

being with the birth of the Republication constitution of India on Jan.,

26,1950. Prior to that scheduled Tribes were variously termed as

“Aboriginals,” “Adivasis,” “Forest tribes,” “Hill Tribes,” and

“Primitive Tribes,” The term tribe came to be used in denotation of a

particular stage of socio-political evolution of a community of people

76

within a given territory and language area upto 1919, they were

included along with other categories of backward classes under the

head of “Depressed classes” should include-

a) criminal and wandering tribes.

b) aboriginal tribes.

c) untouchables.

The need for separating ‘aboriginal tribes’ from ‘Depressed

classes’ was badly realized by Indian French committee in 1919 and

consequently tribals were accorded a separate nomenclature. In 1931

census, the term “Primitive Tribes” was used to specify the tribal

population of India, who were till these termed ‘forest tribes’ or ‘hill

tribes.’ The 1941 census just mentions “tribes” all adjectives for the

first time being dropped to quality the tribes. Today under the

Constitution of India, the tribals are scheduled and are popularly

termed “Scheduled Tribes.”3(51)

Scheduled Tribes:

The term ‘Scheduled Tribes’ first appeared in the Constitution of

India. Article 366 (25) defined Scheduled Tribes as, “ Such tribes or

tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled

Tribes for the purposes of this constitution.”2

Article 342, which is reproduced below, prescribes procedure to

be followed in the matter of specification of scheduled tribes.

Sec. S.11 of Constitution (1st Amendment) Act,1951; S.29 and

Schedule of Constitution (7th Amendment) Act, 1956.

Scheduled Tribes-(Article-342):

1) The president may, after consultation with the Governor or

Rajpramukh of a State, by public notification, specify the tribes or

77

tribal communities or parts of or groups within tribes or tribal

communities which shall for the purpose of this Constitution be

deemed to be Scheduled Tribes in relation to that State.

2) Parliament may by law include in or exclude from the list of

Scheduled Tribes specified in a notification issued under clause (1) any

tribe or tribal community or part of or group within any tribe or tribal

community, but save a aforesaid notification issued under the said

clause shall not be varied by any subsequent notification.

Thus the first specification of Scheduled Tribes in relation to a

particular state/ union territory is by a notified order of the President,

after consultation with the State Governments concerned. These orders

can be modified subsequently only through an Act of Parliament.

Above Article also provides for listing of scheduled tribes State /

Union Territory wise and not on an all India basis.

3.3. Constitutional Provisions and Scheduled Tribes.

Article 46 Promotion of educational and economic

interests of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes

and other weaker sections: - the state shall

promote with special care the educational and

economic interest of the weaker sections of the

people, and in particular of the scheduled castes

and the scheduled tribes and shall protect them

from social injustice and all forms of

exploitation.4(15)

Article 244 The scheduled and Tribal areas

78

Administration of scheduled areas and Tribal

areas: - 1) The provisions of the fifth schedule

shall apply to the administration and control of

the scheduled areas and scheduled tribes in any

state specified in part ‘A’ or ‘B’ of the first

schedule other than the state of Assam.

2) The provisions of the sixth schedule shall

apply to the administration of the tribal areas in

the state of Assam.5(82)

Article 330 Special provisions relating to certain classes-

Reservation of seats of scheduled castes and

scheduled tribes in the house of the people-

1) Seats shall be reserved in the house of the

people for –

a) The schedule caste.

b) The scheduled Tribes except scheduled tribes

in the tribal areas of Assam.

c) The scheduled tribes in the autonomous

districts of Assam.

2) The number of seats reserved in any state for

the scheduled castes or the scheduled tribes

under clause [I] shall bear, as nearly as may be,

the same proportion to the total number of

seats allotted to that state in the house of the

people as the population of the scheduled castes

in the state or of the scheduled tribes in the state

79

or part of the state, as the case may be, in

respect of which seats are so reserved, bears to

the total population of the state.6(114)

Article 332 Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and

Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assemblies

of the state:--

1) Seats shall be reserved for the scheduled

castes and the scheduled tribes, except the

scheduled tribes in the tribunal areas of Assam,

in the Legislative Assembly of Every state

specified in part ‘A’ or part ‘B’ of the first

schedule.

2) Seats shall be reserved also for the

autonomous districts in the legislative Assembly

of the state of Assam.

3) The number of seats reserved for the

scheduled caste or Scheduled Tribes in the

legislative Assembly of any state under clause

[I] shall bear, as nearly as may be, the same

proportion to the total number of Seats in

Assembly as the population of The Scheduled

Castes in the state or of the Scheduled Tribes in

the state or part of the State, as the case may be,

in respect of Which seats are so reserved, bears

to the Total population of the state.

4) The number of seats reserved for an

80

autonomous district in the legislative Assembly

of the state of Assam shall bear to the total

number of seats in that Assembly proportion not

less than the population of the district bears to

the total population of the state.

5) The constitution for the seats reserved for any

autonomous district of Assam shall not comprise

any area outside that district except in the case

of the constituency comprising the cantonment

and municipality.

6) No person who is not a member of

Scheduled Tribes of any autonomous District of

the state of Assam shall be Eligible for election

to the legislative Assembly of the state from any

constituency of that district except from the

Constituency comprising the cantonment and

municipality of shillong.7(114, 115)

Article 334 Reservation of seats and special representation

to cease after ten years- Not with standing any

thing in the foregoing provisions of this part, the

provisions of this Constitution relating to-

a) The reservation of seats for the Scheduled

Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House of the

People and in the Legislative Assemblies of the

States; and

b) The representation of the Anglo – Indian

81

community in the House of the People and in

the Legislative Assemblies of the States by

nomination; shall cease to have effect on the

expiration of a period of ten years from the

commencement of this Constitution:

Provided that nothing in this article shall affect

any representation in the House of the People or

in the Legislative Assembly of a State until the

dissolution of the then existing House or

Assembly, as the case may be.7(115)

Article 335 Claims of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes

to services and posts:- The claims of the

members of the scheduled castes and the

scheduled tribes shall be taken into

consideration, consistently with the maintenance

of efficiency of administration, in the making of

appointments to services and posts in connection

with the affairs of the union or of a state.8(116)

Article 338 Special officer for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled

Tribes etc:-

1] There shall be a special officer for the

Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes to be

appointed by the president.

2) It shall be the duty of the special officer to

investigate all matters relating to the safeguards

provided for the Scheduled Castes and

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Scheduled Tribes under this Constitution and

report to the president upon the working of those

safeguards at such intervals as the president may

direct and the president shall cause all such

Reports to be laid before each house of

Parliament.

3) In this article, references to the Scheduled

Caste and Scheduled Tribes shall be construed

as including references to such other backward

classes as the president may, on receipt of the

report of a commission appointed under clause

[I] of article 340, by order specify and also to

the Anglo Indian community.9(116,117).

Article 339 Control of the union over the Administration of

Scheduled Areas and the Welfare of Scheduled

Caste and Scheduled Tribes:-

1) The president may at any time and shall at the

expiration of ten years from the commencement

of this constitution by order appoint a

commission to report on the administration of

the scheduled areas and the welfare of the

Scheduled Tribes in the states specified in part

A and B of the first schedule.

The order may define the composition,

powers and procedure of the commission and

83

may contain such incidental or ancillary

provisions as the president may consider

necessary or desirable.

2) The executive power of the union shall

extend to the giving of directions to any such

state as to the drawing up and execution of

schemes specified in the direction to be

essential for the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes

in the State. 9(117).

Article 340 Appointment of a commission to investigate the

condition of backward classes:-

1) The president may by order appoint a

commission consisting of such persons as he

thinks fit to investigate the conditions of socially

and educationally backward classes within the

territory of India and the difficulties under

which they labour and to make

recommendations as to the steps that should be

taken by the union or any state to remove such

difficulties and to improve their condition and as

to the grants that should be made for the purpose

by the union or any state and the conditions

subject to which such grants should be made,

and the order appointing such commission shall

define the procedure to be followed by the

commission.

84

2) A commission so appointed shall investigate

the matters referred to them and present to the

president a report setting out the facts as found

by them and making such recommendations as

they think proper.

3) The president shall cause a copy of the report

so presented together with a memorandum

explaining the action taken thereon to be laid

before each house of parliament.9(117).

Article

341

Scheduled Castes:-

1) The president may, after consultation with the

Government or Rajpramukh of a state, by public

notification, specify the castes, races or tribes or

parts of or groups within castes, races or tribes

which shall for the purpose of this constitution

be deemed to be scheduled castes in relation to

that state.

2) Parliament may by law include in or exclude

from the list of scheduled castes specified in a

notification issued under clause [i] any caste,

race or tribe, but save as aforesaid a notification

issued under the said clause shall not be varied

by any subsequent notification.10(117, 118).

342 Scheduled Tribes:-

1)The president may, after consultation with the

85

Governor or Rajpramukh of a state, by public

notification specify the tribes or tribal

communities or parts of or groups within tribes

or tribal communities which shall for the

purposes of this constitution be deemed to be

scheduled tribes in relation to that state.

2) parliament may by law include in or exclude

from the list of Scheduled Tribes specified in a

notification issued under clause [i] any tribe or

tribal community or part of or group within any

tribe or tribal community, but save a aforesaid a

notification issued under the said clause shall

not be varied by any subsequent

notification.10(118)

3.4- Constitutional Guarantees: --

For the protection, socio-economic and political development

of scheduled Tribes, the constitution of India guarantees:-

A. Social:

Article 14 Equality before law.

Article 15(4) The state to make special provisions for the

advancement of any socially and educationally

backward classes of citizens or for the

Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes .

Article 16 Equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters

relating to employment or appointment to any

86

office under the state.

16(4A) The state to make provisions in matters of

promotion to any class or classes of posts in the

services in favour of the Scheduled Castes and

the Scheduled Tribes.

Article 338 A national commission for Scheduled Caste and

Scheduled Tribes to investigate, monitor

and evaluate all matters relating to the

constitutional safeguards provided for the

Scheduled castes and the Scheduled Tribes

in the states.

Article 339 Appointment of a Commission to report on the

administration of the Scheduled Areas and the

welfare of the Scheduled Tribes in the states.

Article 340 Appointment of a commission to investigate the

conditions of socially and educationally

backward classes and the difficulties under

which they labour and to make

recommendations to remove such difficulties

and to improve their conditions.

Article 342 To specify the tribes or tribal communities to be

scheduled tribes.2

B *Economic:

Article 46 The state to promote with special care the

educational and economic interest of the weaker

sections of the people, and in particular, of the

87

Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and

protect them from social injustice and all forms

of exploitation.

Article 275[i] Grant-in-aid from the consolidated fund of India

each year for promoting the welfare of

Scheduled Tribes and administration of

Scheduled Areas.

Article 335 The claims of the members of the Scheduled

Tribes in the appointment to services and posts

in connection with the affairs of the union or of

a state to be taken into consideration consistent

with the maintenance of efficiency of

administration.

C *Political:

Article 244(c) Through the fifth Scheduled the administration

and control of Scheduled Areas and the

Scheduled Tribes in any state, other than the

states of Assam Meghalaya, Tripura and

Mizoram by ensuring submission of Annual

Report by the Governors to the president of

India regarding the Administration of the

Scheduled Areas and setting up of a Tribal

Advisory council to advise on such matters

pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the

Scheduled Tribes.

Article 244(21) Special provisions through the sixth scheduled

88

for the administration of Tribal Areas in the

states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and

Mizoram by designating certain Tribal Areas as

Autonomous Districts and Autonomous

Councils and Regional Council.

Article 330 Reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes

and the Scheduled Tribes in the house of the

people.

Article 332 Reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes

and the Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative

Assemblies of the state.

Article 243-D Reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes

and the Scheduled Tribes in every Panchayat.

Extention of the 73rd and 74th Amendments

of the constitution to the Scheduled Areas –

through the Panchayat (Extension to the

Scheduled Areas) Act 1956- to ensure effective

participation of the tribals in the process of

planning and decision making.2

3.5. Constitutional Safeguards for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes of India.

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, according to the

1981 census, about 23.51 per cent of the total population of the country

excluding Assam. Their habitation are generally scattered in parts of

villages or small villages all over the country. It is a category, which

comprises a number of communities hierarchically ranked. They are

89

economically dependent, educationally backward and socially the

worst sufferers. Due to this spirit apart from various constitutional

safeguards a number of voluntary organizations started providing

various facilities for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for their

upliftment.

Undoubtedly the efforts were directed towards the formation of a

social structure based on socialism, democracy, social justice and

egalitarian values. However, the outcome of all these efforts was not

as desired. Even after a period of forty-one years of our independence,

it is now widely being experienced that caste discrimination, traditional

disabilities and intimidation of weaker sections by the caste Hindus are

still going on although their nature and expression are modified. It is,

therefore, necessary to first visualize, in short, the constitutional

safeguards and welfare measures provided to the Scheduled Castes and

Scheduled Tribes and then to evaluate the extent of success achieved

due to these efforts, while the constitution has prescribed certain

protective measures and safeguards for these classes, the successive

five year plans have regarded their progress as a major objective of

national policy’s.12(57)

*Constitutional Safeguards:

The constitution prescribes protection and safeguards for the

scheduled castes and scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections

either specially or by the way of insisting on their general rights as

citizens with the objects of promoting their educational and economic

interests and of removing the social disabilities. The main safeguards

are:

90

1) The abolition of ‘untouchability’ and forbidding of its practice in

any form (Article 17).

2) The promotion of their educational and economic interests and

their protection from social injustice and all forms of exploitation

(Article 47).

3) The throwing open by law of Hindu religious institutions of a

public character to all classes and sections of Hindus (Article 25b).

4) The removal of any disability, restriction or condition with regard

to access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public

entertainment or the use of wells, tanks, bathing ghats, roads and

places of public resorts maintained wholly or partially out of state

funds or dedicated to the use of the general public [Article15 (2)].

5) The curtailment by law in the interest of any scheduled tribes of

the general rights of all citizens to move freely, settle in and

acquire properly [Article 19 (5)].

6) The forbidding or any denial of admission to educational

institutions maintained by the sate or receiving and out of state

funds [Article29 (2)].

7) Permitting the state to make reservation for the backward classes

in public services in case of inadequate representations and

requiring the state to consider the claims of the Scheduled Castes

and Scheduled Tribes in the making of appointments to public

services (Article 16 and 335).

8) Special representation in the Lok Sabha and State Vidhan Sabhas

to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes till 25th –Jan.-1990.

(Article 330, 332 and 334).

91

9) The setting up of tribes advisory councils and separate

departments in the states and the appointment of a special officer

at the center to promote their welfare and safeguard their interest

(Articles 164 and 338 and fifth schedule).

10) Special provision for the administration and control of scheduled

and tribal areas (Article 244 and fifth and sixth scheduled). 11) Prohibition of traffic in human being and forced labour (Article

23).13(58)

3.6. Reservation in Services:

Article 335 of the constitution provides that the claims of the

members of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes shall be taken in to

consideration, consistent with the maintenance of efficiency of

administration, in making appointment to posts and services in

connection with the affairs of the union or of a state. Article 16(4)

permits reservation in favour of citizens of backward classes, who may

not be adequately represented in services. In pursuance of these

Provisions, the government has made reservations for scheduled castes

and scheduled tribes in the services under their control.

For the scheduled castes, reservation is 15% of the vacancies for

which recruitment is made by open competition of all India basis and

16 2/3% of the vacancies to which recruitment is made on all India

basis otherwise than by open competition. For the Scheduled Tribes

the reservation is 7.5% in both cases.

Reservation in direct recruitment to Group C and D posts, which

normally attract candidates from a locality or region, is fixed in

92

proportion to population of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes

in the respective states and Union Territories.

Reservation is also made at 15% of the vacancies for the

Scheduled Castes and 7.5% for the Scheduled Tribes in promotion on

the result of the competitive examinations limited to departmental

candidates in Group B, C and D and in promotion by selection in

Group B, C and D and to the lowest rung of Group A in grades or

services to which direct recruitment, if any, does not exceed 66.2/3%.

Reservation had been provided for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes in promotion on the basis of seniority subject to fitness in Group

A, B, C and D posts in grades or services to which direct recruitment if

any, does not exceed 66 2/3%.

A number of recommendations were made regarding relaxation

of standards of suitability in posts by direct recruitment as well as

promotion on the posts of departmental examinations. The Government

has accepted following recommendations.

A) Scheduled Tribe candidates should not be compared in merit with

general candidates,

B) Lower minimum standard should be fixed for Scheduled Tribes in

examination for direct recruitment,

C) Relaxed standard should be applied for promotions/ confirmation

and in the Departmental Qualifying Examinations, which are

prescribed as the criteria for fitness of the candidates in respect of

promotions on the basis of seniority subject to fitness as well as on

the basis of selection.

The benefits of employment have also been extended to

Scheduled Tribe candidates in public Sector Undertakings. In the

93

matter of application of the scheme of reservation in the case of Public

Sector undertakings, the Government has accepted the following

recommendations of the Commissioner.

A) Introduction of reservation in posts and services under the Public

Sector Undertakings.

B) Appointment of Liaison officers in the Public Sector Undertakings.

C) Issue of a comprehensive draft directive by the Bureau of Public

Enterprise.

D) To implement reservation orders for Scheduled Tribes in

Apprenticeship Scheme.

E) Introduction of reservation in posts filled by promotion in the face

of opposition by the labour unions.

F) Opening of Scheduled Tribes Cells in the Public Sector

Undertakings.

G) Adoption of all instructions issued by the Government of India in

the matter of reservation and other concessions etc. for Scheduled

Tribes in the services under the Public Sector Undertakings.

H) To conduct training courses for fresh graduates belonging to

Scheduled Tribes candidates having aptitude and flair of

stenography.

I) Reduction of the amount of surety bonds in favour of Scheduled

Tribes candidates at the time of entry into service.

J) Associating of senior Scheduled Tribe officers in the meetings of

the D. P. C. / Selection Boards.

K) Preparation of a larger panel of Scheduled Tribe candidates so that

in the event of a person declining the offer the next man on the

panel could be offered the post.

94

The representation of Scheduled Tribes in Central Government

service as on 1st January 1983.

Table No.-3.1

Scheduled Tribes representation in Central Government.

Groups (Class) No. of Employees

Scheduled Tribes

% of Scheduled

Tribes to total A (Class I) 53,165 761 1.43

B (Class II ) 62,600 922 1.47

C ( Class III ) 21,28,746 88,149 4.14

D (Class IV )

(excluding

sweepers)

13,03,005 71,812 5.51

Total 35,47,516 1,61,644 4.56

All India services

IAS

IPS

4,236

2,198

181

77

4.27

3.50

(Source:-Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes of India, 1994, P.68)

II) Administration of Scheduled and Tribal areas.

III) Welfare and Advisory Agencies.

IV) Parliamentary Committee.

V) Welfare Departments in States.

VI) Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes in Educational and Technical Institutions.

VII) Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes candidates in Post Graduate Classes.

VIII) Removal of Untouchability.

95

IX) Voluntary Organizations.

X) Welfare Schemes.

XI) Coaching and allied schemes for Scheduled Caste and

Scheduled Tribe Candidates.

XII) Post - matric scholarships for Scheduled Castes and

Scheduled Tribes students.

XIII) Girls Hostels Scheme for Scheduled Castes.

XIV) Research and Training.

XV) Book Bank Scheme for S.C and Scheduled Tribe Students.

XVI) Pre – Matric Scholarship.

XVII) Special Central Assistance, etc.2

In this way efforts are put in relation to the above topic to dot

down the articles mentioned in the Indian constituion for the economic,

social, cultural and political development of Scheduled Tribes. In the

next topic efforts are made to study the social condition, cultural life

and economic status of the Scheduled Tribes. And the magnitude of

their development in the respective fields in the present era.

References:

1. Gomango Giridhar, “Consitutional Provisions for the Scheduled

Caste and the Scheduled Tribes,” Himalaya Publishing House,

Girgaon Mumbai, (1992).

2. http://tribal.nic.in/chapter1.html

3. Mehata P.L., “Constitutional Protection to Scheduled Tribes in

India,” [Retrospect and prospect], H.K. Publishers and Distributors,

Delhi, (1991), P.51.

96

4. Mehata S.M., “Constitution of India and Amendment Acts,” Deep

and Deep publications, New Delhi, (1990), P.15.

5. Ibid, P.82.

6. Ibid, P.114.

7. Ibid, P.115.

8. Ibid, P.116.

9. Ibid, P. 116,117.

10.Ibid, P. 117, 118.

11.“The Constitution of India,” published by Government of India with

Government of Maharashtra, (1988), (marathi edition).

12. Upadhyay H.C., “Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Teibes in India,”

Anmol publications, New Dehli, (1991), P.57.

13. Ibid. P.58.

97

Topic No. IV.

Social and Economical Development of Scheduled Tribes in

Thane District.

4.1 Introduction.

4.2. An overview / development of Scheduled Tribes.

4.3. The setting.

4.4 Material culture / social development.

4.5. The constitution of India guarantees for the protection, social

development of Scheduled Tribes.

4.6. Political development.

4.7. The constitution of India guarantees for the protection, political

development of Scheduled Tribes.

4.8. Economic development.

4.9. Economic life and Concept of economic development.

4.10. The constitution of India guarantees for the protection,

economical development of Scheduled Tribes.

4.11. Landholding pattern.

4.12. Decadal variation in Scheduled Tribes population.

4.13. Sex Ratio of Scheduled Tribes by tahsil for total

Rural and urban.

4.14. Education / literacy of tribal and non-tribal students in Thane

district.

4.15. Tribal households in below poverty line.

98

Chapter No. IV.

Social and Economical Development of Scheduled Tribes in

Thane District.

4.1. Introduction:

This chapter highlights, on the meaning of development, the

constitution of India guarantees for the protection, Social, Economical

and Political development of Scheduled Tribes, Social and economical

life of scheduled tribes, landholding pattern, education, literacy,

income sources, expenditure pattern etc. among Scheduled Tribes in

Thane district.

The Tribals constitute a significant portion of the population.

Development of an economy is positively related to the tribals – their

social, cultural and the economic development. Social and economic

developments are interlinked. Social conditions and customs naturally

affect the economic conditions and vice-versa. If there is an importance

to the social condition it is bound to have a good effect on the

economic conditions. The researchers have tried to explain how Tribal

Development is a serious impediment to an individual growth and to

social and economic development of the nation.

In the developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America,

development requires social and cultural change as well as economic

growth, which have a reciprocal relationship. Hence development

means change plus growth. From this point of view development of

persons – men or women – in turn means awareness. Awareness

includes self-awareness, awareness of what is going on within and of

the world around us, awareness of our own feelings and needs,

awareness of the impact that the world around us has on us, and the

99

impact that we have or could have on the world, and in this inter-action

of the world as well as house blocking growth.1(25).

4.2. Development of Scheduled Tribes- An overview:

Scheduled Tribes are designated by several popular names like

Adivashi, Vanvasi, Girivasi, Junglevasi, Vanyajati, Adimjati,

Anusuchit Janjati (ST) and so on. Among all these terms Adivasi is

known as Anusuchit Janjati, the constitutional name is Scheduled

Tribes.

Anthropologists, economists and social scientists have given the

following definitions regarding these tribals.

Elizabeth E. Bacon in the encyclopedia America, “ Tribals is a

group of families who have a feeling of community through occupying

a common territory and following similar customs.”

“A Tribes is a collection of families or groups of families bearing

a common name, members of which occupy the same territory, speak

the same language and observe certain taboos regarding marriage, a

profession or occupation and have developed a well assessed system

of reciprocity and mutuality of obligations. A tribe is ordinarily an

endogamous unit, the members of which confine their marriage within

the tribe.” 12(39,40).

Meaning of Development:

The term development has been used in a wider sense; it is slow

process of civilization. The purpose of development is to provide

increasing opportunities to all the people for a better life. It is

essential to bring about more equitable distribution of income and

wealth for promoting social justice and efficiency of production, to

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provide a greater variety of facilities like education, health services,

nutrition, housing etc. The aim of development were spelled out in

1970’s in the preamble of the international development strategy for

the second United Nations Development Decade.

According to Pedley seers, “Development means creating

conditions for the realization of human potential.”8

“Development is an elusive concept and involves mobilization of

natural resources augmentation of trained manpower, capital and

technical known – how and their utilizations for attainment of

constantly multiplying national goals, higher living standards and the

changes over from a traditional to a modern society. The essence of

development is generally perceived as industrialization and

modernization. Development is a multidimensional and multilinear

process.”9

“Development is usually conceived as an aspect of change that

is desirable, broadly predicted or planed and administrated or at least

influenced by governmental action. Thus the concept of development

consists of – a) an aspect of change b) a plan or prediction and c)

involvement of the government for the achievements of that planed or

predicted goal. The term development is also used for the process of

allowing and encouraging people to meet their own aspirations.” 9

The main aim of development is to increase national as well as

per capital income and to raise the standard of living of the people and

secure justice, freedom equality and security for them in society. The

focus of development is new increasingly on – a) equitable distribution

of wealth and income, b) full utilization of manpower, c) better

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utilization of natural resources and d) protection of human environment

etc.

Hence development means change plus growth, i.e. it includes

growth, modernization, increase in social facilities etc.7(7).

4.3. The setting:

According to the census 2001 the total population in Maharashtra

is 9,68,78,627 and the tribal population is 85,77,276. The percentage

of tribal population to total population is 8.85% out of this the total

population in Thane district is 81,31,849 and Scheduled Tribes

population is 11,99,290. The percentage of tribal population to total

population is 14.74%.

The Scheduled Tribes people prefer to stay in hilly and remote

forest areas, so mostly they remain cut off from the main population.

The habitation of Scheduled Tribes can be found in Maharashtra and

Gujarat in India. In Maharashtra they are found in Thane, Raigad,

Pune, Nashik, Ahmadnager, Dhule, Nandurbar, Bhandara, Chandrapur,

Gudchiroli, Nanded, Aurangabad districts.

Following four taluka places from Thane district are selected for

study purpose.

Jawhar:

This taluka, which consist of 109 villages. It is situated in the

North of Thane district geographically. The area consists of 617.4 sq.

km. population is 1,11,039 and Scheduled Tribes population is 99,932,

the percentage of Scheduled Tribes to total population is 90.00%.

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Jawhar taluka is in North border of Gujarat State and West of

Mokhada taluka. The distance between Jawhar to Mokhada is 22 km.

This place is known as cool place in Thane district, situated in the

midst of highlands. It is 150 km. away from Mumbai; and connected

by only roadways. There is no rail transport, it is interior, isolated

place, from all sides by all means.

Mokhada:

This taluka, which consist of 59 villages. It is situated in the

North of Thane district geographically. The area consists of 489.00 sq.

km. According to the census 2001 the total population of Mokhada

taluka is 67,319 and Scheduled Tribes population is 60,964 the

percentage of Scheduled Tribes to total population is 90.56%.

Vikramgad:

This taluka, which consist of 100 villages. It is situated in the

North in Thane district geographically. The area consists of 496.07 sq.

km. According to the census 2001 the total population of Vikramgad

taluka is 1,14,254 and Scheduled Tribes population is 1,03,223 the

percentage of Scheduled Tribes to total population is 90. 35%.

Wada:

This taluka, which consist of 167 villages. The area consists of

496.07 sq. km. According to the census 2001, the total population of

Wada taluka is 1,42,753 and Scheduled Tribes population is 75,185

the percentage of Scheduled Tribes to total population is 52.67%.

103

The Scheduled Tribes population in Maharashtra is 85,77,276

and it forms 8.85% of total population of Maharashtra. Thane district

is the main center of tribal population. However, they are also

scattered in different district of the state. The district wise population is

as follows.

Table No. 4.1

District wise Total and Tribal Population of Maharashtra State

(As per 2001 census) population in thousand.

Sr. No.

State/Division/District Total

Population Tribal

Population

% of Tribal Population to

the total population.

* Maharashtra State 96,879 8,577 8.85

1. Mumbai Suburban 8,640 71 0.82 2. Mumbai City 3,338 21 0.62 3. Thane 8,132 1,192 14.74 4. Raigad 2,208 269 12.18 5. Ratnagiri 1,697 20 1.18 6. Sindhudurg 869 5 0.58

* Total Konkan Division 24,884 1,585 6.37

7. Nashik 4,994 1,194 23.91 8. Dhule 1,708 444 25.99 9. Nandurbar 1,312 860 65.53 10. Jalgaon 3,683 436 11.84 11. Ahmednager 4,041 303 7.50

* Total Nashik Division 15,738 3,237 20.57 12. Pune 7,232 262 3.62

13. Satara 2,809 22 0.78 14. Sangali 2,584 18 0.69 15. Solapur 3,850 69 1.79 16. Kolhapur 3,523 21 0.60 * Total Pune Division 19,998 392 1.96

17. Aurangabad 2,897 100 3.45

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18. Jalna 1,613 32 1.98 19. Parbhanni 1,528 35 2.29 20. Hingoli 987 87 8.81 21. Beed 2,161 24 1.11 22. Nanded 2,876 254 8.83 23. Osmanabad 1,487 28 1.88 24. Latur 2,080 48 2.31 * Total Aurangabad

Division. 15,629 608 3.89

25. Buldhana 2,232 115 5.15 26. Akola 1,630 100 6.14 27. Wasim 1,020 71 6.96 28. Amaravati 2,607 357 13.69 29. Yavatmal 2,458 473 19.24 * Total Amravati

Divisonl. 9,947 1116s 11.22

(Source:-Tribal sub plan 2006-07).

As seen from the above table out of 29 district having Scheduled

Tribes population, 8 districts having the maximum Scheduled Tribes

population. It is more than 11% to the toatal population.

The population of Scheduled Tribes in different taluka places in

Thane District is as follows:

Table No. 4.2

Talukawise population in Thane District.

Sr.

No. Taluka

Total

population

Tribal

population

% of total

popul. to

the trbal

popul.

1 Thane 24,86,941 48,739 1.16

2 Vasai 7,95,863 81,272 10.21

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3 Palghar 4,54,635 1,40,732 30.95

4 Dahanu 3,31,829 2,15,162 64.84

5 Talasari 1,21,217 1,07,379 88.58

6 Jawhar 1,11,039 99,932 90.00

7 Mokhada 67,319 60,964 90.56

8 Wada 1,42,753 75,185 52.67

9 Bhivandi 9,45,582 73,419 7.76

10 Shahapur 2,73,304 89,997 32.93

11 Murbad 1,70,267 38,518 22.62

12 Ulhasnagar 4,73,731 3,533 2.73

13 Kalyan 12,76,614 34,894 0.75

14 Ambernath 3,66,501 26,341 7.19

15 Vikramgad 1,14,254 1,03,223 90.35

Total- Thane 81,31,849 11,99,290 14.74

(Sources – Annual Tribal sub plan 2006-07, Govt. of Maharashtra).

The Table No 4.2 highlights that out of fifteen districts having

Scheduled Tribes population, Jawhar, Mokhada and Vikramgad has the

maximum Scheduled Tribes (above 90%) population. Talasari taluka

has 88.58% Scheduled Tribes population.

The total figures of Scheduled Tribes population of 400 families

of 4 taluka places of Thane district is given in the following table.

106

Table No. 4.3

Selected Taluka Places with total and Scheduled Tribes Population

in Thane District.

Sr. No.

Name of the taluka Total popul. STribes

population

% of ST popul. to

total popul. 1 Jawhar 1,11,039 99,932 90.00

2 Mokhada 67,319 60,964 90.56

3 Vikramgad 1,14,254 1,03,223 90.35

4 Wada 1,42,753 75,185 52.67

Total district 81,31,849 11,99,290 14.75

(Source:- Statistical office thane –2007) Tribal population in selected taluka places of surveyed families

has minimum 90.00% and above except Wada taluka which consist of

52.67% tribal population.

4.4. Material Culture / Social development:

Scheduled Tribes peoples in Thane district live in remote forest, hilly

areas and are completely left to nature for the survival. They have limited

means livelihood and have to put-up a struggle for the existence. Following

points are considered at the time of research work to know the social,

cultural and economical status of the scheduled tribes people.

i) Housing:

House is one of the basic needs of every human being, which

constitute the protecting base for any individual and his family. It is

therefore, essential to consider style, shape, size, material used for the

house.

Tribals have cultural norms, taboo’s meaningful customs,

traditions and rituals associated with house construction. Every social

107

action in the context of house building ritual in symbolic and

meaningful to the tribals. Their housing designs and settlement patterns

may have been involved to suit their ecological and environmental

needs. There could be some scientific base behind the creation of

house architecture, designs and settlement patterns.14(1)

In Maharashtra as elsewhere housing conditions of many of

tribals are miserable. This is especially so in the case of some of the

landless labourers in Kolaba, Thane and Yeotmal districts, who not

having a site of their own, are at present living on the sites given to

those very landlords thus resulting in a certain amount of exploitation.

We feel that if these landless labourers are able to live in houses of

their own their mobility as well as their bargaining power would

increase. The State Government is willing to provide lands but they

will not be in a position to give subsidy for housing.11(310).

Traditional Hut of Tribals.

108

Each family has its own house. The 400 families selected for

study had their own houses. The Table No.4.4 gives the information

regarding benefited families from housing schemes like Gharkul

Yojana and Indira Awas Yojana.

Table No.4.4

Families benefited under the housing Schemes.

Sr. No.

Name of the taluka

Benefited families.

Not benefited families.

No. % No. %

1 Jawhar 28 7.00 72 18.00

2 Mokhada 47 11.75 53 13. 25

3 Vikramgad 57 14.25 43 10.75

4 Wada 31 7.75 69 17.25

Total 163 40.75 237 59.25

(Source : Field servey –2006-07)

The table No.4.4 shows that only 163 families out of 400

families have taken the benefits from housing schemes like Gharkul

Yojana, Indira Awas Yojana 40.75% etc. Another 237 families have

not taken any type of benefit from housing schemes implemented by

the Government of Maharashtra.

Table No.4.5.

Total No. of living rooms of Tribal peoples in study area.

Sr. No. Number of rooms. Total families. Percentage.

1 1 200 50.00% 2 1-2 163 40.75% 3 2-3 29 07.25% 4 4 & above 08 02.00%

Total. 400 100.00%

(Source : Field Survey 2006-07).

109

Above Table No. 4.5 shows that total number of living rooms of

Tribal peoples in study area. At the time of field visit researcher

observed that near about 50% of Tribal families live in hut, 40.75%

tribal families live in two room huts because they are benefited by

housing schemes, 7.25% tribal families live in three or four room huts.

The medium sized huts belong to rich tribals and only one or two

houses in the village have four or more room house.

Mostly the Scheduled Tribes people require wood for

construction of the house. For the roofing of house they use manglore

tiles, cement roof sheets or dry grass, leaves etc. House is well built

with walls of mud, wooden doors and roofs either tiled or thatched.

They do not have window for their houses.

ii) Clothing:

The Scheduled Tribes men wear dhoti and shirt or half pant or

langoti and shirt. Some men wear Gandhi Cap to cover the head.

Some tribal men wear Mangeli Roomal instead of dhoti, and Cabana

instead of shirt. Boys wear mostly half or full pant and shirt.

The Scheduled Tribes women wear saree and blouse with

different styles with their own culture. Girls wear peticoat and blouse

or the regular dresses like non-tribal girls up to 10 years and after that

these girls wear blouse and saree.

iii) Ornaments:

Scheduled Tribes women try to wear maximum ornaments like,

in nose a silver ring which is known as nath, earnings are made by

silver or white metal, they wear a silver or white metal chain, black

and coloured bead necklace. They also wear jodwa (rings) on the feet

110

fingures, paijan in feet. These women’s wear green or silver bangles in

hand.

iv) Entertainment : Tribals have their own culture and social life. Music is

usually played on social as well as on religious occasions. With

culture they also have their own folklore, folk songs, dances, etc.

Dancing is very popular among the tribals. It is a part of their daily life

and medium of entertainment - like Tarafa dance, Dhol nach, Zingi

nach, Gaouri nach, Tur nach, Mukhavate nach, Kamadi nach, etc.

Tribals use musical instruments like Dhol, Drum, Bansuri, Kahali,

Ahuj, Ghangali, Tur, Tarafa, and Topari etc.

Tribal Peoples enjoy their traditional cultural life.

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v) Festivals:

Scheduled Tribe people celebrate Ganapati and Gauri festivals,

Dasara, Diwali, Holi, and other local festivals like Vaghadeo,

Narayandeo (Suryadeo) puja, Kansaridevi puja, pitra pujan etc. They

celebrate these festivals with their own culture.

Tribal peoples trust and worship Gods such as Narandeo, (Suryadeo), Kansaridevi, Himayedevi.

vi) Food and drinks:

Scheduled Tribe people in Thane district eat dal and rice, roti of

nagli (nachani) or rice flour, vegetable, fish and other non – veg.

Majority of the tribes, men and women both drink tadi and liquor. The

men also enjoy smoking beedies and chewing tobacco.

4.5. The constitution of India guarantees for the protection, social

development of Schedule Tribes:

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Article 14 - Equality before law.

Article 15(4) - The state to make special provisions for the

advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of

citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.

Article 16 - Equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating

to employment or appointment to any office under the state.

16 (4A)- The state to make provisions in matters of promotion to any

class or classes of posts in the services in favour of the Scheduled

Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.

Article 338 - A national commission for Scheduled Caste and

Scheduled Tribes to investigate, monitor and evaluate all matters

relating to the constitutional safeguards provided for the Scheduled

castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the states.

Article 339 - Appointment of a Commission to report on the

administration of the Scheduled Areas and the welfare of the

Scheduled Tribes in the states.

Article 340 - Appointment of a commission to investigate the

conditions of socially and educationally backward classes and the

difficulties under which they labour and to make recommendations to

remove such difficulties and to improve their conditions.

Article 342 -To specify the tribes or tribal communities to be

scheduled tribes.(3)

4.6. Political Development:

Lucian Pie defined political development in terms of cultural

defusion and adopting turning and adjusting old patterns of life to new

ones.4

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Colemen even thought of a development syndrome depending upon

the level of three factors present in each developing country, viz.:-

i. The principle of equality present behind the basic changes in

population – awareness about such a principle and obedience to

relevant laws.

ii. The capacity of the political system for satisfying the demands,

resolution of conflicts and governance of public affairs, and

iii. The structural factors in the organization of the political system and

the capacity to finally differentiate between such factors.

Rostow considers four stages of the process of political

development. These are :

A) Concentration of political power in the state and, through it,

political integration.

B) Economic development through industrialization.

C) National welfare through the political and economic power of the

state which benefits of them and

D) Abundance, upgradation of the material life of the people.

Milton J. Esman says that through out the developing world, the

political system is the legitimate, other - maintaining or transferring

system of society. This “political” element involves,

i. a “governing elite,” that moves and guides the modernizing

process-

ii. a “doctrine” which legitimizes, in terms of programmed action, the

norms, priorities, instruments and strategies of the governing elite:

and

114

iii. a series of instruments through which two – way communication is

facilitated and through which commitments to action are translated

in to operating programmes. 2(24).

The political approach for the tribal welfare may be understood

in the context of the pre and post independence period. The colonial

rule created “excluded” and “partly excluded” areas and gave separate

political representation to the tribes. Nationalists opposed their

measures as part of a diabolic conspiracy to a new separatism.

After independence the constitution has given the tribes a

number of safeguards considering them to be the weaker section of the

population. The first instance a period of ten years was given to active

the goal, but as the problem was too complicated to be solved in a

single decade, it has persisted through decades. We are to continue to

guard the tribal interests. A number of articles of the Indian

constitution provide proper safeguards for the tribal people.9(17)

Article 330-Special provisions relating to certain classes-

Reservation of seats of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in the

house of the people- 1) Seats shall be reserved in the house of the people for –

a) The schedule caste.

b) The scheduled Tribes except scheduled tribes in the tribal areas of

Assam.

c) The scheduled tribes in the autonomous districts of Assam.

2) The number of seats reserved in any state for the scheduled castes or

the scheduled tribes under clause [I] shall bear, as nearly as may be,

the same proportion to the total number of seats allotted to that

state in the house of the people as the population of the scheduled

115

castes in the state or of the scheduled tribes in the state or part of

the state, as the case may be, in respect of which seats are so

reserved, bears to the total population of the state.

Article 332 - Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes in the Legislative Assemblies of the state:

1) Seats shall be reserved for the scheduled castes and the scheduled

tribes, except the scheduled tribes in the tribunal areas of Assam, in

the Legislative Assembly of Every state specified in part ‘A’ or part

‘B’ of the first schedule.

2) Seats shall be reserved also for the autonomous districts in the

legislative Assembly of the state of Assam.

3) The number of seats reserved for the scheduled caste or Scheduled

Tribes in the legislative Assembly of any state under clause [I] shall

bear, as nearly as may be, the same proportion to the total number

of Seats in Assembly as the population of The Scheduled Castes in

the state or of the Scheduled Tribes in the state or part of the State,

as the case may be, in respect of which seats are so reserved, bears

to the Total population of the state.

4) The number of seats reserved for an autonomous district in the

legislative Assembly of the state of Assam shall bear to the total

number of seats in that Assembly proportion not less than the

population of the district bears to the total population of the state.

5) The constitution for the seats reserved for any autonomous district

of Assam shall not comprise any area outside that district except in

the case of the constituency comprising the cantonment and

municipality.

116

6) No person who is not a member of Scheduled Tribes of any

autonomous District of the state of Assam shall be Eligible for

election to the legislative Assembly of the state from any

constituency of that district except from the constituency

comprising the cantonment and municipality of shillong.

Article 334-Reservation of seats and special representation to case

after ten years-not with standing any thing in the foregoing provisions

of this part, the provisions of this Constitution relating to-

a) The reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes in the House of the People and in the Legislative Assemblies

of the States; and

b) The representation of the Anglo – Indian community in the House of

the People and in the Legislative Assemblies of the States by

nomination; shall cease to have effect on the expiration of a period

of ten years from the commencement of this Constitution:

Provided that nothing in this article shall affect any

representation in the House of the People or in the Legislative

Assembly of a State until the dissolution of the then existing House or

Assembly, as the case may be.10(115)

4.7. The constitution of India guarantees for the protection,

political development of Schedule Tribes:

Article 244(c) - Through the fifth Scheduled the administration and

control of Scheduled Areas and the Scheduled Tribes in any state,

other than the states of Assam Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram by

ensuring submission of Annual Report by the Governors to the

117

President of India regarding the Administration of the Scheduled Areas

and setting up of a Tribal Advisory council to advise on such matters

pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the Scheduled Tribes.

Article 244(21) - Special provisions through the sixth scheduled for

the administration of Tribal Areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya,

Tripura and Mizoram by designating certain Tribal Areas as

Autonomous Districts and Autonomous Councils and Regional

Council.

Article 330 -Reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the

Scheduled Tribes in the house of the people.

Article 332 -Reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the

Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assemblies of the state.

Article 243(D) - Reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes for the

Scheduled Tribes in every panchayat.

Extension of the 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Constitution to the

Scheduled Areas through the panchayats (extension the Scheduled

Areas) Act. 1996 to ensure effective participation of the tribals in the

process of planning and decision making.4.

During the last two decades, political participation of the

Adivasis has considerably increased. In some of the primary political

activities like voting, interest or discussion, their participation is as

much as that of the cast Hindus. In the campaign activities also they

actively participate. But their participation decreases in the activities

which involve complex procedures and which require initiative on the

part of the actors. Some of them are party members and only few

participate in party activities. By virtue of the reservations, they hold

various political positions in decision – making bodies. But they do

118

not enjoy political power as much as the caste Hindus even in

predominantly tribal areas.13(158).

Today in Thane district Congress I, Nationalist Congress party,

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv-Sena, Bhumi-Sena, Kunbi-Sena,

Markswadi Communist Party of India, Shramjivi Sangthatana etc.,

these various parties and organizations are doing political and social

work.

The various people from Scheduled Tribes community

participate in the above political parties and organizations. Following

is the few members elected as political leaders and some of a social

workers. The members of parliament are, Mr. Matera, Mr. Laxuman

Kakdya Dumada, Mr. Lahanu Shidva Kom, Mr. Damu Barku

Shingada, Mr. Shankar Vanasha Nam, Mr. Chintamani Navasha

Vanaga, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mr. Shankar Aba Govari,

Mr. Somanath Rama Wani, Mr. Ramji Vartha, Mr. Mahadu Barora,

Mr.Vishnu Savara, Mr. Krushna Arjun Ghoda, Mr. Daulat Daroda, Mr.

Rajaram Ozare, and the social workers are Mr. Kaluram Dodhade, Mr.

Mahadeo Ander, Mr. Appa Bhoye, Mr. Sahnkar Bhoye, Mr. RevajiBhai

Chaudhari, Mr. Nandu Mahadu Hindola, Mr. Maya Shingada, Mr.Jagan

Mhase, Mr. Kama Tabale and Mrs. Venubai Meghawale etc.

4.8. Economic development:

Socio- economic development is differently defined by different

scholars, Prof. Mahapatra has highlighted two major approaches of

development: - I) development of the material and human resource is

sought as catering to the material progress of the nation, and

ii) Development of region or its people in terms of the objectives, goals

and values of the people concerned, which may not always be in

119

conflict with the national objectives and requirements, which in turn

must respect and accommodate regional people’s aspirations and

potentialities.

Development, in a very general or common sense may refer to a

qualitative change or progress so far as the material needs are

concerned. In a populated and poverty stricken country like that of

ours fulfillment of basic material needs may occupy the top most

position on the way to the qualitative change or progress.

Subsequently, it may allow the wholesome living condition in respect

of education, consciousness, participation in the national or regional

progress etc. to be incorporated. Therefore development may

basically said to imply creating required condition in a particular

society for wholesome living of its members.11(10).

Tribal women busy in her traditional business.

120

Tribal women selling fruits and vegetable.

4.9. Economic life and concept of Economic development:

The economic life of the tribals is specific in nature. “In a

community like the tribals the price system is normally absent and

social tradition regulates the economic activities.” 6

“Economic activity is concerned with all such activities of man

as are designed to secure him physical survival.” 6

It is very difficult to find a simple and precise definition of the

tribal economy. “The socio-economic structure on tribal communities

is marked by difference from that of the non-tribals or, advanced

groups of people. They have a very simple technology which fits well

with their ecological surroundings and conservative out look.

Moreover their economy can be said to be of subsistence type. They

121

practice different types of livelihood strategies to sustain themselves

and live on marginal economy.” 6

In a marginal economy, primitive people practice different types

of occupations to take our its subsistence and combined hunting with

gathering. Shifting cultivation with domestication of animals, show

the complexity of economic subsistence in the lower culture. 6(151)

Concept of economic development:

Economic development is the process of securing a higher level

of productivity in all the sectors as the economic, which primarily

depends upon the technological advances the community is to make.

Economic growth with social justice is one of the most important

goals of developing economy like ours. Harmonious growth of inter

sectoral income, trade and income distribution are some of the pre-

requisite of accelerated economic development. In the process of

growth, agriculture and industry depend on each other for raw

materials and market, besides, it is often argued that declining output

ratio of agriculture and industry increases the net domestic product and

affects the income distribution pattern in the economy.8(11)

4.10. The constitution of India guarantees for the protection,

economical development of Schedule Tribes:

Article 46 - The state to promote with special care the educational and

economic interest of the weaker sections of the people, and in

particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and

protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.

122

Article 275(i) - Grant-in-aid from the consolidated fund of India each

year for promoting the welfare of Scheduled Tribes and administration

of Scheduled Areas.

Article 335 - The claims of the members of the Scheduled Tribes in

the appointment to services and posts in connection with the affairs of

the union or of a state to be taken into consideration consistent with the

maintenance of efficiency of administration.5

Economic development of any region is conditioned by various

economic factors of the respondents including tribal communities such

as the size of their landholding, economic status, income pattern,

expenditure pattern, cropping patterns, housing condition, population,

density, sex ratio, poverty etc.

4.11. Landholding pattern:

In developing countries like India where the economy is

basically agriculture, land is greatly valued by the people. The extent

of land possessed by a man contributes tremendously to enhance his

social status and more particularly his economic status. It was found

that average size of landholding was very small in study areas.

The following table gives the information about the size of

landholding.

123

Table No. 4.6.

Classification of Scheduled Tribe households according to the size

of land possessed. (area in hectores)

Size classes of land

possessed

Number of scheduled

Tribes

Total land possessed

Average size of land

per ST. family

% with the possessed

total.

1 2 3 4 5

Landless 1,93,212 ------ ----- 44.39

Below01.00 47,202 27,000.70 0.57 10.84

01.00-02.00 58,624 76,928.40 1.31 13.47

02.00-05.00 93,232 2,79,313.40 3.00 21.42

05.00-06.00 9,997 52,470.00 5.25 2.30

06.00-10.00 21,683 1,59,672.60 7.36 4.98

10.00-20.00 8,566 1,05,976.00 12.37 1.97

20.00and above.

2,742 1,51,804.30 55.36 0.63

4,35,258 8,53,155.40 1.96 100.00

(Source :- Universal Bench Mark Survey 1980.,Tribal Sub-Plan 2006).

It is evident from the table that 44.39% of households were

landless, 48.03% of the households were having less than 6 acres of

land. Only 4.98% of the households had more than 6 acres less than 10

acres of land. Only 1.97% of households had more than 10 acres of

land and 0.63% households had above 20 acres of land. The problem

of landholding poses a serious obstacle for Scheduled Tribes.

124

4.12. Decadal Variation in Scheduled Tribe Population:

The following table gives an idea of the growth of population for the

last three decades in selected taluka places.

Table No. 4.7

Decadal Variation in Scheduled Tribe Population.

SrNo

Name of Tahsil

1981 1991 2001 %Decadal variation (1981-91)

%Decadal variation (1981-01)

1. Jawhar 94,307 1,25,624 99,932 33.21 5.96

2. Mokhada 59,570 76,838 60,964 28.98 2.34

3. Vikramgad ----- ----- 1,03,223 ----- ------

4. Wada 48,863 61,157 75,185 25.16 53.87

Total District

7,29,424 9,51,205 11,99,290 30.40 64.42

(Source:- Census of Thane district 2001).

Out of the total Scheduled Tribes population of the Thane district

in the year 1981 is 7,29,424, it has increased in the year 1991 by

2,21,78, it consist of 30.40%, hence in the year 1991 total Scheduled

tribe population was 9,51,205. And in the year 2001 the total

Scheduled Tribe population increased by 4,69,866 as compared to

1981, it consist of 64.42%, hence in the year 2001 total Scheduled

Tribe population is 11,99,290. It results from a net increase of birth

rate over death mainly caused by gradual decrease in infant mortality

and a longer average life span. Secondly, the ideal sex ratio, massive

poverty and socio – religious factors contribute to an over-flooding

population, it created adverse economic condition.

125

4.13. Sex Ratio of Scheduled Tribes by Tahsils for total rural and

urban.( females per 1000 males).

Table No. 4.8.

Sex Ratio of Scheduled Tribes by Tahsils in Thane District.

Sr. No. Name of Tahsil Total Rural Urban

1. Thane 915 981 914

2. Vasai 990 996 963

3. Palghar 973 974 909

4. Dahanu 996 997 963

5. Talasari 1010 1010 -----

6. Jawhar 1007 1009 925

7. Mokhada 985 985 -----

8. Wada 965 965 968

9. Bhiwandi 938 956 777

10. Shahapur 950 949 998

11. Murbad 954 955 931

12. Kalyan 906 956 994

13. Ulhasnager. 948 963 901

District Total. 977 985 912

(Source:- census ofThane District 1991).

The above table reveals that, Thane district having 954 females

per every 1000 males. In the rural area of Jawhar and Talasari the

female population has exceeded the male population, the sex ratio is

126

1007 and 1010 females respectively to every 1000 males. The Table

No. 4.7 shows a great variation in rural urban sex ratio.

4.14. Education / literacy of Tribal and non-tribal students in

Thane District:

After the advent of democracy in India, for the first time, a

special consideration is made for the education of the tribals. After the

attainment of independence in the year 1947 the constituent assembly

provided statutory safe guards in the constitution for the people of SC

and ST and other depressed classes by defining them as socially and

educationally backward classes. In order to bring the illiterate and

economically backward tribals in to the mainstream of national life,

various schemes were started by the government of India after

independence. In these schemes the priority was given to the

educational development of tribals.

The following two tables show the educational status of tribal

students in Thane district.

Table No.4.9 Educational status of tribal and non-tribal students in Thane

District.

Sr. No.

Institutions No. of

school and colleges.

Total student

Tribal student

1 Primary 4,648 10,22,000 1,69,252 2 Secondary and

higher secondary 480 5,84,000 51,664

3 colleges 75 56000 22,916 (source: district social and economic survey, district Thane 2005-06 Marathi edition)

The above table clearly shows that, there are 4,648 primary

schools in Thane district, but only 1,69,252 tribal students are

127

benefited by this education. It consist only 16.56% as compared to

non-tribal student. Out of this, only 51,664 tribal students got the

education upto secondary and higher secondary. It means, there is a

dropout of 30.52%. Only 22,916 tribal students have got the education

up to graduation in Thane district.

Table No. 4.10. Educational position of scheduled tribe students in selected tahsils

in Thane Districst.

Sr. No. Name of

tahasil

Primary

school

Secondary

school

Higher

secondary Colleges

1 Jawhar 15,380 2,339 432 191

2 Mokhada 9,702 2,159 138 119

3 Vikramgad 13,473 3,804 295 157

4 Wada 13,477 4,613 697 187

District

total

1,69,252 47,436 4,228 2,209

(source: district social and economic survey, district Thane 2005-06 Marathi edition). 4.15. Tribal households in below poverty line:

Table No. 4.11

Tribal households in below poverty line in Thane District.

Sr.

No.

Name of

tahsil

Agricult

-urist

Agricultural

labour

Others Total

1 Jawhar 8,877 15126 2648 26,651

2 Mokhada 1949 6191 237 8,377

3 Vikramgad ----- ----- ----- -----

4 Wada 3614 8905 1417 13,936

District

total

52369 80631 21523 1,54,523

(source: district social and economic survey, district Thane 2005-06 Marathi edition).

128

Above table shows that, in Thane district total 1,54,523 families

live Below the Poverty Line. In Jawhar taluka total 26,651 families

including agriculturist, agricultural labour and others live Below

Poverty Line, it consists of 17.25% compared to Thane district. In

Mokhada taluka this percentage is increased as compared to Jawhar

taluka. There are 8,377 families living below the poverty line. It

means they do not meet their basic needs, food, cloth and shelter.

Density in Thane district:

The overall density of population in Thane district is 549 persons

per square kilometer as compared to State average of 257. Among the

30 districts of the State, Thane holds the 2nd place in density of

population, a situation similar to 1981 when an average density of 351,

the district was ranked 2nd.

Table No.4.12

Density of selected taluka places in Thane District.

Sr.

No.

Name of

tahsil

Geographical

area

(in hectors)

Total

Population Density

1. Jawhar 61,700 1,11,039 180

2. Mokhada 48,900 67,319 138

3. Vikramgad 49,700 1,14,254 230

4. Wada 42,100 1,42,753 339

District total

81,31,849 8.40

(Source:- Statistical Office Thane 2007).

129

The distribution of Scheduled Tribes families in the Tribal Sub-Plan

Areas according to their income ranges:-

Table No.4.13

The distribution of Scheduled Tribes families in the Tribal Sub-

Plan Areas according to their income ranges.

Sr. No.

Income Range (Rupees)

No. of ST. Families

% of ST. Families

according to income range

1. Up to 2000 26,944 4.25

2. 2001 to 3600 92,510 14.58

3. 3601to 5000 1,78,116 28.07

4. 5001 to 7000 1,44,192 22.72

5. 7001 to 11000 1,36,374 21.49

6. 11001 to20000 37,893 5.97

7. 20001 and above 18,551 2.92

Total 6,34,580 100.00

(Source: - Bench Mark Survey -1996-97).

It is seen from the above table that 4.25% of Scheduled Tribes

Families (26,944) were in below the annual income of Rs.2000/-.

However the 21.49% (1,36,374) of the families were in the middle-

income range of Rs. 7001 to 11,000 and only 2.92% (18,551)

Scheduled Tribes families were in upper income range of Rs.20, 001

and above.

130

The distribution of Source wise Income of Scheduled Tribe

Families:

Table No. 4.14

The distribution of Source wise Income of Scheduled Tribe

Families in Thane Distrisct.

Sr. No. Source Percentage with total income.

1. Agricultural farming 43.41

2. Agricultural labour 35.80

3. Forest labour 2.75

4. Trading 0.75

5. Services 13.50

6. Dairy 1.23

7. Other sources 2.56

Total 100.00

(Source :- Tribal sub –plan 2005-06).

Table No. 4.14 shows that, in Maharashtra 2.75% Scheduled

Tribes got the employment as the forest labour in collection of forest

products through- out the year. Only 43.41% tribals have their own

lands for cultivation and 2.75% tribals work as a agricultural labourers.

Hence their annual income is very low. Some scheduled tribe people

are engaged in trading and services but their annual income is not

sufficient.

131

Expenditure pattern:

Table No.4.15

Expenditure Pattern of the Tribal Families in the Tribal Sub-Plan

Areas of Maharashtra State.

Sr. No. Item %composition of expenditure

of Tribal Families.

1. Food 76.89

2. Clothing 7.86

3. Smoking 3.02

4. Drinking liquor 3.05

5. Education 0.04

6. Entertainment 1.00

7. Others 8.14

Total 100.00

(Source :- Tribal sub –plan 2005-06).

The expenditure pattern of Scheduled Tribes is given in the

above table. The table clearly shows that the expenditure pattern on

food items is very high, it consist of 76.89% of total expenditure. It

means tribals spend more income on food items. Compared to this

only 0.04% amount they spend on education. They spent on smoking

and drinking liquor bear about 3.02% and 3.05% respectively.

It may conclude that, the uneconomic landholding, low

productivity, low income, poverty, illiteracy, unbalanced expenditure

pattern, etc. these factors are taken together are responsible for slow

economic growth of Scheduled Tribes people in Thane district. In the

132

next topic the efforts are made to study the role played by government

and non-government organizations for the all-round development of

Scheduled Tribes in Thane district.

References:

1. Deogaonkar S. G, “Tribal Administration and Development,”

Concept Publishing Company, New Delhi, (1994), P-25.

2. Deogaonkar S. G., “Tribal Administration and Development,”

Concept Publishing Company, New Delhi, (1994), P-24.

3. http://tribal.nic.in/chapter1.html

4. http://tribal.nic.in/chapter1.html

5. http://tribal.nic.in/chapter1.html

6. Jain Navinchandra, Dr. Tribhuvan Robin D., “An Overview of

Tribal Research Studies,” published by Tribal Research and

Training institute, Pune, (1995), P.151.

7. Mehta Prakash Chandra, “Development of Indian Tribes,”

Discovery Publishing House, New Delhi, (2006), P-7.

8. Mehta Prakash Chandra, “Development of Indian Tribes,”

Discovery Publishing House, New Delhi, (2006), P.11.

9. Mehta Prakash Chandra, “Development of Indian Tribes,”

Discovery Publishing House, New Delhi, (2006), P-17.

10. Mehata S. M., “Constitution of India and Amendments Acts,”

Deep and Deep Publications, (1990), New Delhi.P.115.

11. Singh Anil Kumar, “Tribal Culture and Policy,” Sarup and

Suns, New Delhi, (1994), P-310.

133

12. Sahoo Rajan Kumar, “Tribal Development in India,” Mohit

Publications, New Delhi, (2005), PP-33,40.

13. Shah Ghanshyam, “Politics of Scheduled Castes and Tribes,”

Vora and Co. Publishers Pvt. Ltd., Bombay, (1975), P. 158.

14. Tribhuwan Robin D., “Tribal Housing Issues,” Discovery

Publishing House, New Delhi, (2005), P-1.