SOCIO – ECONOMIC PROFILE OF RURAL...
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166 Chapter-VI SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE OF RURAL SCHEDULED CASTE WOMEN OF KRISHNA DISTRICT The present study is an attempt to analyse the socio-economic conditions of Scheduled Caste rural women in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Of all the districts of Andhra Pradesh, Krishna district is one of the most prosperous with a high political profile. It is in this district that communist movement became active in India. Krishna district is the nerve centre of Telugu film industry - Film makers, actors, directors of eminence such as Goodavalli Ramabrahmam (Malapalle, Raitu Bidda), Ghantasala Balaramaiah, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, N.T.Rama Rao, not to speak of many others of contemporary times. Krishna district also equally contributed many nationalist leaders and journalists of eminence such as Mutnuri Krishnarao (Krishna Patrika), Kasinathuni Nageswara Rao (Andhra Patrika). It is Krishna district which produced a number of stalwarts of Indian Communist movement--Chandra Rajeswara Rao, Makineni Basava Punnaiah, Kambhampati Satyanarayana (senior), not to speak of a number of stalwarts of the nationalist movement such as Duggirala Gopala Krishnaiah, Pattabhi Seetharamaiah who started the Andhra Jatiya Kalasala at Machilipatnam during the peak period of the freedom struggle. Educationally, agriculturally, commercially in media–print and electronic including movie making - Krishna District stands second to no other district in Andhra Pradesh.
Transcript of SOCIO – ECONOMIC PROFILE OF RURAL...
166
Chapter-VI
SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE OF RURAL SCHEDULED
CASTE WOMEN OF KRISHNA DISTRICT
The present study is an attempt to analyse the socio-economic conditions of
Scheduled Caste rural women in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
Of all the districts of Andhra Pradesh, Krishna district is one of the most
prosperous with a high political profile. It is in this district that communist movement
became active in India. Krishna district is the nerve centre of Telugu film industry - Film
makers, actors, directors of eminence such as Goodavalli Ramabrahmam (Malapalle,
Raitu Bidda), Ghantasala Balaramaiah, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, N.T.Rama Rao, not to
speak of many others of contemporary times. Krishna district also equally contributed
many nationalist leaders and journalists of eminence such as Mutnuri Krishnarao
(Krishna Patrika), Kasinathuni Nageswara Rao (Andhra Patrika).
It is Krishna district which produced a number of stalwarts of Indian Communist
movement--Chandra Rajeswara Rao, Makineni Basava Punnaiah, Kambhampati
Satyanarayana (senior), not to speak of a number of stalwarts of the nationalist movement
such as Duggirala Gopala Krishnaiah, Pattabhi Seetharamaiah who started the Andhra
Jatiya Kalasala at Machilipatnam during the peak period of the freedom struggle.
Educationally, agriculturally, commercially in media–print and electronic including
movie making - Krishna District stands second to no other district in Andhra Pradesh.
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PROFILE OF KRISHNA DISTRICT
Krishna district with its headquarters at Machilipatnam is the coastal district of
Andhra Pradesh. It was formerly called Machilipatnam district. Later it was renamed as
Krishna district after the holy river Krishna, by adding certain Talukas which were from
of the abolished Guntur district in 1859. Again in 1925, Krishna district was further
divided into Krishna and West Godavari districts.
The district is divided into Mandals covering Four Revenue Divisions viz.,
1.Bandar 2. Vijayawada 3. Gudivada and 4. Nuzvid. The district is divided into Delta
and Upland zones. All the Mandals existing in Bandar, Gudivada divisions and part of
Vijayawada division (Penamaluru, Kankipadu, Thotlavalluru part of Vijayawada Rural)
comprise delta and Ungaturu, Vuyyuru, Pamidimukkala and part of Gannavaram and
Bapulapadu Mandals of Nuzvid Division and all the Mandals existing in Nuzvid division
and the remaining Mandals of Vijayawada division constitutes upland. The main sources
of Irrigation in upland are tanks. It is benefited by the water of Nagarjuna Sagar also. The
delta land is irrigated by canals of river Krishna.
The population of the district is 41,87,841 comprising 967 inhabited and 38
uninhabited villages. It took third rank in population density (480 per Sq.Km.). There
are 5 Municipalities viz., 1. Machilipatnam 2. Pedana 3. Gudivada 4. Nuzvid and 5.
Jaggaiahpeta, one Municipal Corporation in Vijayawada.
The Kolleru Lake having a shallow depression area of about 388.5 Sq.Km. lies in
Kaikaluru and Kalidindi Mandals. It acts as a reservoir for drainage water of surrounding
delta areas during monsoon and it dries up in summer.
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Rivers
The famous river Krishna flows in the district. Part of upland Mandals as well as
the delta Mandals now have the facility of utilising the Krishna river water for irrigation
purpose. Krishna being a great and sacred river of South India like Godavari and
Cauvery, flows almost across the peninsula from West to East and finally joins the sea by
two principal mouths. Among the other streams and tributaries Muniyeru, Budameru and
Tammileru are significant.
Muniyeru is the chief tributary of the river Krishna and it flows from North to
South across erstwhile Jaggaiahpeta and Nandigama taluks. This is an additional source
available in this district. The Budameru is another hill stream which flows through
several Mandals viz., Mylavaram, G.Konduru, Unguturu, Vijayawada, Gannavaram,
Gudivada, Mandavalli, Kaikaluru and finally falls into Kolleru Lake. Agriculturally, the
importance of the above water sources is more as they not only feed minor irrigation
tanks but also provide for lift irrigation sources and ground water potential.
Climate and Rainfall
Tropical climate conditions with extreme hot summer and cold winter prevail in
this district. April to June are the hottest months with high temperature in May. The
monsoon usually breaks in the middle of June and brings good rains up to middle of
October. The normal rainfall of this district is 1034 mm, two-thirds of which is received
through the South West monsoon. The average rain recorded during the year 2004-05 is
790.3 mm and in 2005-06 it is 1237.6 mm.
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Soils
Three types of soils viz., 1.Black soil which constitute 57.6 per cent of the
villages, 2. Sandy clay loams with 22.3 per cent and 3.Red loamy with 19.4 per cent of
the villages are prevalent in this district, while small sandy soils constitute 0.7 per cent
fringes on the sea-coast.
Agriculture
Endowed with a rich variety of soils, the district occupies an important place in
agriculture which is the most important occupation and paddy is the main food crop
produced. According to agricultural census of 2004-05, the gross cropped area of the
district was 6.61 lakh hectares of which gross irrigated area was 339 lakh hectares. While
2005-06, the gross cropped area of the district was 7.15 lakh hectares of which gross
irrigated area was 4.43 lakh hectares.
Transport and Communications
The district is well served by roads and railways. About 972 villages (including
some of the major hamlets) have been connected with transport facilities of which 923
villages are connected by R.T.C. (Road Transport Corporation) and 49 villages are
connected by private bus routes. Vijayawada city, situated at the head of the Krishna
Delta is the chief commercial centre of this district and also this famous town on the
banks of river Krishna is an important railway junction being connected to Delhi,
Kolkata, Chennai, Hubli, Gudivada and Machilipatnam. It has an Aerodrome at
Gannavaram, about 16 Kms away and a minor sea port at Machilipatnam.
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Literacy
Krishna district has recorded a literacy of 68.85 per cent as per 2001 census and
occupied a second place next to Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh. This district is much
advanced in the field of education. Almost all the villages in the district have primary
schools. NTR Medical University is located at Vijayawada.
Mineral Sources
Several minerals like:
.
1. Chromate : Kondapally hills and adjoining areas
2. Diamond : Paritala, Ustepalli, Kodavatikallu, Ramannapet, Suryavaram,
Kothapet, Nemalipuram, Mogaluru, Putrela etc.
3. Iron Ore : Jaggayyapet area
4. Lime Stone : Jaggayyapet
5. Mica : Tiruvuru area
6. Sulphur : Kona in Machilipatnam Mandal.
In view of the present demand for chromate for Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, it may
be worthwhile to carry out detailed exploitation to assess the grade and reserves.
As regards diamonds, detailed exploration of diamond ferrous gravels at Paritala
and other areas is taken up by Geological Survey of India to assess the potentiality of the
deposits.
Most of the iron ore from Jaggayyapeta area has already been mined and exported
and the mining industry was closed down.
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Table VI.1
POPULATION OF KRISHNA DISTRICT
(VARIATION IN POPULATION, 1991-2001)
Sl.
No.
Year
Population
(In lakhs)
Variations Increase Density of
Population
(in Sq.Km.) No. of persons
(In lakhs)
Percentage
1 1901 8.61 0.00 0.00 99
2 1911 9.93 1.32 15.33 114
3 1921 10.60 0.67 6.75 122
4 1931 12.29 1.69 15.94 141
5 1941 14.14 1.85 15.05 162
6 1951 17.36 3.22 22.77 199
7 1961 20.77 3.41 19.64 238
8 1971 24.94 4.17 20.08 286
9 1981 30.48 5.54 22.21 349
10 1991 36.99 6.51 21.36 424
11 2001 41.87 4.88 13.19 480
Source: 2001 Population Census.
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Table VI.2
POPULATION STATISTICS - SUMMARY
Sl.
No.
Item
Unit
1991
2001
Decennial
Growth Rate
(1981-1991)
1 Population Lakhs 36.99 41.87 13.19
2 Males Lakhs 18.79 21.17 12.67
3 Females Lakhs 18.20 20.70 13.74
4 Females per 1,000
Males
(Number)
969.00
978.00
0.93
5 Rural Population Lakhs 23.74 28.74 19.80
6 Urban Population Lakhs 13.25 13.43 1.36
7 Urban Population as
A per cent to total
Population
Per cent
35.82
32.08
-10.44
8
Literates
a) Males
b) Females
Lakhs
Lakhs
9.63
7.02
13.86
11.54
43.93
64.39
9 Literacy Rate Per cent 45.01 60.65 34.75
10 Main Workers Lakhs 15.47 18.42 19.07
11 Marginal Workers Lakhs 0.54 2.66 392.59
12 Non-Workers Lakhs 20.97 23.46 11.87
13 Cultivators Lakhs 2.43 1.99 -18.11
14 Agricultural Labour Lakhs 7.52 6.73 -10.51
15 Density of Population (Per Sq.Km) 424.00 480.00 13.21
16 Scheduled Caste
Population
Lakhs
6.13
7.46
21.70
17 Scheduled Caste
Population. As a per –
Cent to total population
Per cent
16.58
17.82
7.48
18 Scheduled Tribe
Population
Lakhs
0.92
1.08
17.39
19 Scheduled Tribe
Population. As a Per –
Cent to total
Population.
Per Cent
2,48
2.58
4.03
Source: 1991 Census and 2001 Census.
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STATUS OF SCs IN THE KRISHNA DISTRICT
The total SC population in the district Krishna, according to the census of 2001
is 7,46,832. They constitute 17.83 per cent of the total population of the district i.e.
41,87,841. Among the SCs, males are 3,78,329 while females are 3,68,503. Female
population of the SCs in the district is almost equal to male SC population.
The district-wise literacy rate of SCs is 63.87 per cent, while that of male
literacy is 69.76 per cent, SC female literacy is around 57.8 per cent. The combined
male-female literacy rate of SCs of the Krishna district constitutes 7.31 per cent of the
rural SC literacy rate of the State of Andhra Pradesh. With regard to rural literacy, five
districts of Andhra Pradesh viz., Krishna, East Godavari, Guntur, West Godavari and
Chittoor together share almost one-third 32.43 per cent of the State SCs population but
account for 39.31 per cent of the literate SCs population.
Socio-Economic Survey (SES) of Rural SC Women of the District
For the purpose of collecting primary data on the socio-economic conditions of
the rural SC women of the Krishna district, an elaborate questionnaire was prepared and
administrated to 300 SC women spreading over three revenue divisions of the district i.e.
Machilipatnam, Nuzvid and Vijayawada. From each revenue division, the scholar has
chosen two mandals and from each mandal two villages one well developed and nearer to
the mandal headquarters and the other one less developed and far away from the mandal
headquarters. In each village, the scholar chose fifty (50) SC women for the purpose of
the present socio-economic survey.
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Table VI.3
POPULATION STATISTICS OF SCHEDULED CASTES AND SCHEDULED TRIBES OF
MANDAL-WISE (2001 CENSUS FIGURES)
Sl.
No.
Mandal
Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribes
Male Female Total Per cent to
Total
Population
Male Female Total Per cent to
Total
population
1 Machilipatnam 10,850 10,498 21,348 8.52 1,940 1,845 3,785 1.51
2 Guduru 3,801 3,699 7,500 14.08 288 295 583 1.09
3. Pedana 3,466 3,271 6,737 9.85 270 274 544 0.80
4 Krithivennu 963 1,004 1,967 3.74 401 359 760 1.44
5 Bantumilli 3,184 3,066 6,250 11.96 485 486 971 1.86
6 Avanigadda 3,239 3,121 6,3600 15.20 568 510 1,o78 2.58
7. Nagayalanka 2,993 2,899 5,892 11.45 538 539 1,077 2.09
8 Koduru 3,077 3,092 6,169 12.44 432 446 878 1.77
9 Movva 7,810 7,601 15,411 27.26 704 670 1,374 2.43
10 Challapalli 5,495 5,335 10,830 20.13 681 652 1,333 2.48
11 Ghantasala 7,251 7,188 14,439 32.91 647 571 1,218 2.78
12 Mopidevi 4,364 4,340 8,704 24.17 445 450 895 2.49
13 Gudivada 12,985 13,214 26,199 17.20 783 832 1,615 1.06
14 Nandivada 4,380 4,145 8,525 20.80 419 419 838 2.04
15 Pamarru 8,260 8,387 16,647 28.30 668 669 1,337 2.27
16 Peda Parupudi 5,159 5,101 10,260 31.00 317 305 622 1.88
17 Mudinepalli 5,322 5,224 10,546 15.46 758 730 1,448 2.18
18 Gudlavalleru 6,906 6,651 13,557 24.39 544 494 1,038 1.87
19 Mandavalli 3,285 3,165 6,450 12.61 126 119 245 0.48
20 Kaikaluru 3,189 3,167 6,356 8.46 205 197 402 0.54
21 Kalidindi 2,001 2,031 4,032 5.52 209 193 402 0.55
22 Vijayawada(U) 34,448 34,911 69,359 8.15 4,335 4,309 8,664 1.02
23 Vijayawada(R) 8,624 8,365 16,989 17.81 1,252 1,206 2,458 2.58
24 Penamaluru 8,107 8,036 16,143 12.96 1,286 1,837 3,723 2.99
25 Kankipadu 9,017 8,979 17,996 24.86 604 605 1,209 1.91
26 Mylavaram 6,537 6,372 12,909 21.00 2,073 2,009 4,082 6.64
27 Ibrahimpatnam 10,102 9,427 19,529 21.40 2,407 2,221 4,628 5.07
28 G.Konduru 8,624 8,623 17,247 32.24 1,237 1,256 2,493 4.66
29 Kanchikacherla 8,308 8,089 16,397 24.23 712 648 1,340 2.01
30 Veerullapadu 9,248 8,797 18,046 36.10 737 711 1,448 2.90
31 Nandigama 11,529 10,493 22,472 26.31 1,834 1,725 3,559 4.17
32 Penuganchiprolu 7,655 7,413 15,068 29.72 991 1,004 1,005 3.94
33 Chandarlapadu 8,201 7,872 16,073 28.26 808 767 1,575 2.77
34 Jaggayyapeta 9,416 9,177 18,593 17.33 4,748 4,335 9,083 8.47
35 Vatsavai 8,661 8,452 17,113 29.36 1,718 1,629 3,347 5.74
36 Thotlavalluru 5,946 5,819 11,765 29.65 356 365 721 1.82
37 Nuzvid 13,284 13,042 26,326 22.57 2,713 2,516 5,229 4.48
38 Musunuru 8,424 8,113 16,537 30.05 270 275 545 0.99
39 Agiripalli 74,600 7,032 14,492 25.03 337 311 648 1.12
40 Bapulapadu 8,363 8,102 16,465 19.77 916 849 1,765 2.12
175
Table VI.3 (contd.)
41 Gannavaram 8,684 8,647 17,331 21.55 888 828 1,716 2.13
42 Ungaturu 6,747 6,610 13,357 24.58 551 512 1,063 1.96
43 Vuyyuru 7,078 7,007 14,085 19.09 882 847 1,729 2.34
44 Pamidimukkala 6,486 6,309 12,798 22.97 516 508 1,024 1.84
45 Vissannapeta 8,216 7,687 15,903 28.03 1,977 1,645 3,622 6.38
46 Chatrai 7,372 7,005 14,377 27.89 982 961 1,943 3.77
47 Reddygudem 5,861 5,455 11,316 26.33 860 878 1,738 4.04
48 A.Konduru 5,764 5,409 11,173 24.87 5,716 5,241 10,957 24.39
49 Tiruvuru 10,810 10,145 20,955 29.34 866 803 1,669 2.34
50 Gampalagudem 11,374 10,465 21,839 32.07 601 554 1,155 1.70
DISTRICT TOTAL 378.329 368,503 746.832 17.83 55,201 52,410 107.61 2.57
Source: 2001 Census.
176
Table VI.4
AGE, FAMILY AND OCCUPATION
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISION
Total
Percent-
age to
Total Machilipatnam Nuzvidu Vijayawada
1. AGE GROUP
a. Below 20 01 06 06 13 04.33
b. 20-40 60 63 65 188 62.67
c. 40 - 60 31 30 24 85 28.33
d. Above 60 08 01 05 14 04.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. TYPE OF FAMILY
A. Nuclear 77 55 76 208 69.34
B. Joint 23 45 24 92 30.66
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3. OCCUPATION
A. Agriculture 93 91 95 279 93.00
B. Non-Farm Sector 04 08 05 17 05.67
C. Not Answered 03 01 -- 04 01.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Age Group, Type of Family & Occupation (Table VI.4)
Among the participants in the survey majority of the SC women belong to the
middle age group 62.67 per cent, those above 40 and within 60 years age group constitute
less than one third i.e. 28.33 per cent. From the above Table, it is clear that those
belonging to the age group of 20-40 who form a majority of respondents are very
enthusiastic in responding to the survey.
Among the respondents 69.34 per cent belong to nuclear families. The institution
of joint family is secondary even among the SC communities which mostly eke out their
livelihood through unskilled labour.
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From the data furnished in the Table VI.4, it is quite clear that SC women though
mostly work on farms prefer to lead nuclear families. Most of the SC women 93 per cent
make out their living by agricultural activities, since they live in rural areas. Those who
work in non-farm sector constitute a microscopic minority.
Table VI.5
CHILD CARE
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijayaw
ada
1. CHILD CARE WHILE WORKING
A. Parents 43 14 30 87 29.00
B. Elders at Home 03 34 20 57 19.00
C. Themselves 54 52 50 156 52.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2.
AVAILABILITY OF ANGANWADIES
A. Yes 86 79 70 235 78.33
B. No 06 15 06 27 09.00
C. Not Answered 08 06 24 38 12.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3.
SATISFIED WITH THE TREATMENT GIVEN BY ANGANWADIES
A. Yes 47 20 16 83 35.32
B. No 25 47 20 92 39.15
C. Not Known 14 12 34 60 25.53
Total 86 79 70 235 100.00
4.
SHELTER TO THE CHILDREN AT WORK PLACE
A. Yes 20 27 27 74 24.67
B. No 72 69 36 177 59.00
C. Not known 08 04 37 49 16.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
178
Child care (Table VI.5)
Among the SC women, many of their children are taken care of by themselves.
In some cases have by their parents 29 per cent and elders in the family 19 per cent while
they are working elsewhere. Since many of them 52 per cent do not have anyone to take
care of their children. SC women have to take care of their children even while they are
working in the agricultural fields. The figures listed in Table VI.5 are indicative of the
burden of childcare borne by the SC women.
With regard to the availability of Anganwadi facilities, as many as 35.32 per cent
of SC women responded quite positively. But 39.15 per cent of them are not satisfied
with the services provided by the Anganwadies and the remaining 25.53 per cent
expressed their inability to express either positively or negatively.
When asked about the shelter to their children at the work place, 59 per cent of
respondents gave a negative reply. They are left to take care of their children while
working at the same time. Therefore, for them child rearing is a big problem. Only one-
fourth of the respondents replied positively since their children are given shelter at the
work place 24.67 per cent. From the above data, it is quite clear that for SC women child
upbringing poses a serious problem since these women have work outside their homes to
make a livelihood.
179
Table VI.6
HOUSING AND OTHER AMENITIES
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION
A. Own 90 95 66 251 83.67
B. Rental 10 5 34 49 16.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. TYPE OF OWN HOUSE
A. Thatched 65 20 11 96 38.25
B. Semi-pakka 12 43 31 86 34.26
C. Pakka 13 32 24 69 27.49
Total 90 95 66 251 100.00
3. MONTHLY RENT
A. Rs.200 08 05 28 41 83.67
B. Rs.200-500 01 -- 05 06 12.45
C. Above Rs.500 01 -- 01 02 04.08
Total 10 05 34 49 100.00
4. REASONS FOR RENT
A. Poverty 09 04 32 45 91.84
B. Due to Employment 01 01 02 04 08.16
Total 10 05 34 49 100.00
5. NUMBER OF ROOMS IN THE HOUSE
A. Single 84 38 66 188 62.67
B. Double 14 50 32 96 32.00
C. Triple 02 12 02 16 5.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
6. ELECTRICITY IN THE HOUSE
A. Yes 85 91 92 268 89.33
B. No 15 09 08 32 10.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
7. DRINKING WATER IN THE HOUSE
A. Yes 22 56 51 129 43.00
B. No 78 44 49 171 57.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
8. SANITARY FACILITIES IN THE HOUSE
A. Yes 13 39 59 111 37.00
B. No 87 61 41 189 63.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
180
Table VI.6 (contd.)
9. SMOKELESS CHULA IN THE HOUSE
A. Yes 07 11 13 31 10.33
B. No 93 89 87 269 89.76
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
10 HOUSE ALLOTTED IN GOVERNMENT
SCHEME
A. Yes 04 47 46 97 32.33
B. No 96 53 54 203 67.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
11 HOUSE SITE FROM GOVERNMENT
A. Yes 05 28 32 65 21.67
B. No 95 72 68 235 78.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
12 LAND FROM THE GOVERNMENT
A. Yes 07 13 06 26 8.67
B. No 91 87 91 269 89.67
C. Not Known 02 00 03 05 01.66
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
13 HOUSE SITE RETAINED OR SOLD
A. Retained 04 20 29 53 81.54
B. Sold 01 08 03 12 18.46
Total 05 28 32 65 100.00
14 REASON FOR SALE
A. Poverty 01 04 01 06 50.00
B. Family Needs -- 04 01 05 41.66
C. Thrown Out -- -- 01 01 08.34
Total 01 8 03 12 100.00
181
Housing and other amenities (Table VI.6)
With regard to the question whether they live in their own houses or rented homes
as many as 83.67 per cent of respondents replied that they have their own roofs. Very
few of them, 16.33 per cent, live in rented houses. This is quite understandable since in
rural areas thatched houses are quite a common sight. About 38.25 per cent of
respondents own thatched houses only. Most of them 83.67 per cent who live in rentals,
pay less than Rs.200 as monthly rent. Only around one-fourth of them live in pakka
houses 27.49 per cent. Many of the respondents cite poverty as the main reason for living
in rented houses 91.84 per cent.
Majority of respondents 62.67 per cent live in single room tenements. Only 5.33
per cent of them reside in three-room houses.
A majority of SC houses, 89.33 per cent, have electricity connection. But with
regard to drinking water, majority of them, 57 per cent have to go out to fetch potable
water.
Similarly, only a few houses, 37 per cent, have proper sanitary facilities. As many
as 189 respondents 63 per cent complained about lack of private toilets and sanitary
facilities. Only a few 10.33 per cent respondents possess smokeless Chula in their houses
while others 89.67 per cent depend on firewood for cooking purposes.
Despite the publicity given to housing schemes for the weaker sections and
allotment of houses constructed by the state government, as many as 67.67 per cent of the
respondents are not being allotted houses. Therefore, it is clear from the data furnished by
the above Table that many SC women do not have own houses allotted by government.
182
Similarly, many of the respondents are not given house sites by the government
78.33 per cent only 21.67 per cent of the respondents have house sites given by the state
government.
With regard to land, as many as 269 out of 300 respondents 89.67 per cent said
that State government did not give them any land. It is only 8.67 per cent of them who
own land given by the government.
When the respondents were asked whether they sold/rented or retained their lands
it is significant to note that as many as 81.54 per cent replied positively – retained their
lands.
When asked as to why some of them sold away their lands, 50 per cent
respondents cited poverty as the main cause for disposing their lands while 41.66 per cent
sold their lands to meet family needs.
A careful study of the data provided in the Table VI.6 reveal that many
respondents live in own houses but with little or without sanitary facilities. They also do
not have drinking water supply to their houses. Government has done very little to
provide them own houses. Similarly, many of the respondents were not allotted land by
the State government. From this analysis, it is clear that many SC women lack proper
housing, potable water and sanitary facilities. Hence their habitat needs quite a lot of
improvement.
183
Table VI.7
EDUCATION AMONG SC WOMEN
S.No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 NO. OF WOMEN HAVING LITERACY IN FAMILY
A. None 23 33 57 113 37.67
B. One 43 34 35 112 37.33
C. Two 29 22 08 59 19.67
D. Three 05 09 -- 14 04.67
E. All -- 02 -- 02 00.66
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2 SCHOOL DROPOUTS
A. Yes 29 30 38 97 32.33
B. No 71 70 62 203 67.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3 REASON FOR DROPOUTS
A. Poverty 25 24 28 77 79.38
B. Negligence of the parents 04 04 08 16 16.49
C. Negligence of the student -- 02 2 04 04.13
Total 29 30 38 97 100.00
Literacy among SC women (Table VI.7)
With regard to literacy many of them 37.67 per cent replied that there are no
literates, while 37.33 per cent of the respondents have one literate in their families.
About 24.34 per cent of the respondents’ families have two or three literates. Only 0.66
per cent of respondents’ families have total literacy.
School dropouts among the respondents are less than one-third of the total sample
i.e., 32.33 per cent. It is significant to note that as many 67.67 per cent of respondents did
not have any drop outs. Many of the respondents 79.38 per cent who did not continue
school education cited poverty as the main reason for dropping. From the above data, it
is clear that SC women respondents did show interest in pursuing school education. It is
very clear from the sample respondents that 37.67 per cent are still illiterates and hence
there is every need to make further efforts to improve literacy among the SC women.
184
Table VI.8
EDUCATION AMONG SC WOMEN
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISION
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya
wada
1. WOMEN WHO COMPLETED SCHOOL
A. Yes 72 38 29 139 46.33
. B. No 28 62 71 161 53.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. WOMEN WITH HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION
A. UPTO 5TH
02 04 03 09 06.47
B. 6TH
– 7Th
08 10 05 23 16.55
C. 8Th
– 10Th
62 24 21 107 76.98
Total 72 38 29 139 100.00
3. WOMEN WITH INTER EDUCATION
A. Yes 38 20 07 65 60.75
B. No 24 04 14 42 39.25
Total 62 24 21 107 100.00
4. COLLEGE EDUCATION
A. Yes 18 15 05 38 58.46
B. No 20 05 02 27 41.54
Total 38 20 07 65 100.00
5. POST GRADUATE WOMEN
A. Yes 02 01 03 06 15.79
B. No 16 14 02 32 84.21
Total 18 15 05 38 100.00
6. PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
A. Engineer 02 02 -- 04 57.14
B. Doctor -- -- 01 01 14.28
C. M..C.A -- 01 -- 01 14.29
D. M.Ed., -- -- 01 01 14.29
Total 02 03 02 07 100.00
7. WOMEN WITH TECHNICAL EDUCATION
A. I.T.I. -- 01 -- 01 12.50
B. Polytechnic 03 02 01 06 75.00
C. Other Diplomas 00 01 00 01 12.50
Total 03 04 01 08 100.00
8. REASON FOR NOT STUDYING
A. Poverty 21 48 39 108 67.08
B. Not Interested -- 02 12 14 08.69
C. No Educational
Institutions
-- 01 02 03 01.87
D. Not Knowing The
Importance Of Education
07 11 18 36 22.36
Total 28 62 71 161 100.00
185
Education for SC women (Table VI.8)
Among the respondents women who completed school education constitute 46.33
per cent. A majority of them 53.67 per cent left the school education incomplete.
Significantly it is only in Machilipatnam revenue division that out of 100 respondents as
many as 72 said that they completed school education. While in Nuzvid and Vijayawada
revenue divisions very few respondents received total school education. Similarly,
among the respondents, 76.98 per cent received school education between 8th
and 10th
class. When asked about Intermediate education, 60.75 per cent of the respondents gave
positive reply. As many as 58.46 per cent of them received college education. It is only
15.79 per cent of them who pursued post-graduate studies. Among the respondents who
obtained engineering degrees constitutes only four out of 300 sample while medicine,
MCA and M.Eds. are equally small in number. Many of the respondents had technical
education polytechnic 75 per cent. As many as 67.08 per cent of respondents cited
poverty as the main reason for not attending studies. Among the total respondents, only
the level of higher education particularly professional and technical education is very low.
From the data furnished in the Table VI.8, it is clear that many respondents are not
well educated. This shows that the facilities for education provided by the State and
Central governments for SCs are not properly used by the SC women.
186
Table VI.9
DRINKING WATER
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. SOURCE OF SAFE DRINKING WATER
A Neighbours’ Well 25 18 12 55 24.23
B. Community Water
Scheme
60 36 54 150 66.08
C. Other Sources 10 08 04 22 09.69
Total
95 62 70 227 100.00
2. PROBLEM OF GETTING DRINKING WATER FROM UPPER CASTE
PEOPLE
A. Yes 08 03 05 16 20.78
B. No 27 23 11 61 79.22
Total 35 26 16 77 100.00
Drinking water scheme (Table VI.9)
As per the table VI.9, 66.08 per cent of the respondents are making use of
community water scheme to fetch drinking water. It is significant to note in this context
that 79.22 per cent of respondents said that they do not have any problem for getting
drinking water from upper caste people.
From the above Table VI.9, it is clear that of drinking water is still a big problem
for a majority of SC women in rural areas.
187
Table VI.10
OWN VEHICLES
Sl.
No.
VEHICLES
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
A. None 68 32 11 111 37.00
B. Cycle 13 56 31 100 33.34
C. Moped 19 11 57 87 29.00
D. Motor Cycle -- 1 -- 01 0.33
E. Scooter -- -- 1 1 0.33
TOTAL 100 100 100 300 100.00
Own Vehicles (Table VI.10)
When asked about owning of vehicles, 37 per cent of respondents replied
negatively, while 33.34 per cent of them own cycles, 29 per cent of the SC women own
mopeds. Among the 300 respondents only one family owns motor cycle while another
woman uses scooter. Therefore, it is clear that a majority of them do not have their own
transport, a few of them use cycle as the mode of transport.
Political and Mass organisations: SC Women (Table VI.11)
Among the respondents political activists are very few, almost negligible 5.33 per
cent whereas a great majority of them 86.37 per cent are very active in mass
organisations. About 68.42 per cent of the respondents are involved in DWCRA / SHGs.
This clearly reveals the fact that they are less interested in politics and more busy with
economic empowerment activities. It is quite significant to note in this connection that
very few men accept their women’s participation in the political activities 14 per cent.
This clearly shows that SC women do not get family support for their political activities.
Hence they are far away from the political process. With regard to considering male
188
Table VI.11
POLITICAL AND MASS ORGANISATIONS : SC WOMEN
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISION
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. FAMILIES WITH WOMEN POLITICAL ACTIVISTS
A. Yes 02 08 06 16 05.33
B. No 98 92 94 284 94.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. ACTIVITIES IN A POLITICAL PARTY OR MASS ORGANISATION
A. Political Party 02 08 06 16 12.12
B. Mass Organisation 18 75 21 114 86.37
C. Both -- 02 -- 02 01.51
Total 20 85 27 132 100.00
3. ACTIVITIES IN WHICH MASS ORGANISATION
A. Women 1 16 02 19 16.67
B. Kisan 1 1 01 03 02.63
C. Agricultural Labourers 5 03 06 14 12.28
D. DWCRA/Self-Help
Groups
11 55 12 78 68.42
Total 18 75 21 114 100.00
4. MEN’S ACCEPTANCE OF POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF WOMEN
A. YES 02 15 25 42 14.00
B. NO 82 83 58 223 74.33
C. NO MEN 16 2 17 35 11.67
TOTAL 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. CONSIDERING MALE MEMBERS OPINION IN WOMEN POLITICAL
ACTIVITIES
A. Yes -- 22 25 47 15.67
B. No 84 76 58 218 72.67
C. No Men 16 2 17 35 11.66
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
6. ENCOURAGEMENT OF MALE MEMBERS FOR WOMEN IN
POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
A. Yes 01 14 25 40 13.33
B. No 83 84 58 225 75.00
C. No Men 16 02 17 35 11.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
7. PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN POLITICAL ACTIVITY
A. Yes 05 22 28 55 18.33
B. No 95 78 72 245 81.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
189
members’ opinion of women political activities a majority of the respondents 72.67 per
cent replied negatively. Very few respondents 13.33 per cent, received encouragement
from male members of the family to take active part in politics. Hence their participation
in politics is very marginal and negligible. Another reason for their non-participation in
political activities is, they do not find much time as they have to work outside their homes
and also take care of domestic work as well.
Table VI.12
POLITICAL PARTIES AND PERCEPTION OF SC WOMEN
S
l.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. REASON TO RESPECT THE POLITICAL PARTY
A. Good Leaders 51 57 59 167 55.67
B. Looking after Our
Welfare
25 24 16 65 21.66
C. Blindly Supporting 24 19 25 68 22.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. POLITICAL PARTY FOUGHT FOR WOMEN’s INTEREST
A. Congress 79 89 85 253 84.34
B. B.J.P 1 -- -- 1 0.33
C. C.P.M 3 3 2 8 02.67
D. C.P.I 1 -- -- 1 0.33
E. None 16 8 13 37 12.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3. COMMUNISTS FOUGHT FOR THEIR LAND, WAGES AND AGAINST
SOCIAL OPPRESSION
A. Yes 28 42 18 88 29.33
B. No 53 50 35 138 46.00
C. Not Known 19 8 47 74 24.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100
190
Reason to Respect the Political Party (Table VI.12)
About 55.67 per cent of the respondents said that they like a particular political
party because of its good leadership 21.66 per cent felt that they looked after their
welfare and only 22.67 per cent blinding supported the political party. Instead of
activities/programmes/policies, it is the leadership that attracts a majority of SC women
to favour a particular political party.
An overwhelming majority of the respondents 84.34 per cent support congress
party since they opined that it is the Congress Party which protected the interests of
women.
With regard to the role of Communist Parties which fought for their land, wages
and against social oppression, 46 per cent of respondents replied negatively. They feel
that left parties did nothing or negligible for their welfare. From the data, it is very clear
that SC women did not favour communist parties. Only 29.33 per cent expressed their
view that communists fought for their land, wages and against social oppression. The
remaining 24.67 per cent of respondents said that it is not known to them.
191
Table VI.13
PARTICIPATION IN GAMES, SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. WOMEN ENGAGED IN GAMES AND SPORTS
A. Yes 02 13 09 24 08.00
B. No 98 87 91 276 92.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. ENGAGED IN GAMES OR SPORTS
A. Games 02 10 07 19 79.17
B. Sports -- 03 2 05 20.83
Total 02 13 09 24 100.00
3. LINKING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
A. Yes 01 22 11 34 11.33
B. No 99 78 89 266 88.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. TIME TO PARTICIPATE IN GAMES / SPORTS / CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES
A. Yes 02 13 09 24 08.00
B. No 98 87 91 276 92.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. CHILDREN INTERESTED IN GAMES / SPORTS / CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES
A. Yes 06 37 38 81 27.00
B. No 94 63 62 219 73.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
6. INTEREST IN CULTURAL PROGRAMMES
A. Songs 11 33 16 60 20.00
B. Classical Dance 01 01 03 05 01.67
C Others -- 02 04 06 02.00
D. None 88 64 77 229 76.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
192
Women Engaged in Games and Sports (Table VI.13)
As regards their participation in Games and Sports, majority of the respondents 92
per cent replied negatively. However, 79.17 per cent of them said that they are interested
in playing games and 20.83 per cent are interested in sports.
SC women’s participation in cultural activities is quite negligible since they do
not have much time to spare. Very few of them 11.33 per cent showed interest in cultural
activities through their participation.
Same is the case with their children also. A majority of them 73 per cent do not
evince interest in games / sports or cultural activities. Similarly, many SC women 76.33
per cent did not evince any interest in cultural programmes like songs, classical dance or
any other stage performances.
From the data given in the above Table VI.13, it is evident that a majority of SC
women respondents have no interest in cultural activities. Perhaps the reason could be
that they do not get much time to spare as they are busy either at work place or with
domestic chores.
193
Table VI.14
IMPACT OF SC RESERVATION
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machilip
atnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya
wada
1. BENEFITED WITH SC RESERVATION
A. Yes 17 63 39 119 39.67
B. No 83 37 61 181 60.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. ADMISSION IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, THROUGH SC
RESERVATIONS
A. Yes 23 52 44 119 39.67
B. No 77 48 56 181 60.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3.. NO. OF BENEFICIARIES OF SC RESERVATION IN EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTION IN THE FAMILY
A. One 12 41 16 69 57.98
B. Two 03 13 19 35 29.41
C. Three or More 02 09 04 15 12.61
Total 17 63 39 119 100.00
4. ENJOYED THE BENEFIT OF RESERVATION
A. Son 21 25 28 74 24.67
B. Daughter 17 14 14 45 14.33
Total 38 39 42 119 100..00
5. EMPLOYMENT THROUGH SC RESERVATION
A. Yes 7 10 10 27 09.00
B. No 93 90 90 273 91.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
6. WOMEN GOT EMPLOYMENT THROUGH SC RESERVATION
A. Yes 02 08 08 18 06.00
B. No 98 92 92 282 94.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
194
Impact of SC Reservation (Table VI.14)
When asked about the benefits of ‘reservation’, 60.33 per cent of respondents
replied negatively. Only 39.67 per cent of them availed of reservation benefits. But
57.98 per cent of the respondents said that they were beneficiaries of reservation in
educational institutions by getting and missions into them.
Lack of publicity make many of them not to avail of the benefits of ‘reservation’
facilities. Through reservation as many as 24.67 per cent of the respondents’ sons
obtained public employment and in case of daughters it was only 14.33 per cent.
Only 9 per cent of the respondents said that they obtained employment in
Government whereas as many as 91 per cent replied negatively. Again, it is only 6 per
cent of women who got public employment through SC reservation while a vast majority
of them 94 per cent could not get employment through SC ‘reservation’.
From the above analysis, it is very clear that a vast majority of SC women could
not gain any benefits either of education or public employment although reservation
system is there to protect their interests. One main reason for this could be lack of
knowledge of various schemes and programmes meant for their upliftment. Lack of
sufficient publicity also in addition to their own ignorance made most of them not to avail
of reservation benefits.
195
Table VI.15
DISABILITY AMONG SC CHILDREN
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Per cent-
age to
Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 CHILDREN SUFFERING FROM DISABILITY
A. Yes 12 13 08 33 11.00
B. No 88 87 92 267 89.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2 TYPE OF DISABILITY
A. Physically
challenged
06
05
04
15
45.46
B. Mentally challenged 03 03 02 08 24.24
C. Visually challenged 01 02 01 04 12.12
D. Hearing impaired 02 03 01 06 18.18
Total 12 13 08 33 100.00
3 HELP TO TREAT DISABLED CHILD
A. Yes 06 07 05 18 54.55
B. No 06 06 03 15 45.45
Total 12 13 08 33 100.00
Disability among SC children (Table VI.15)
With regard to children suffering from disability as many as 89 per cent
respondents replied negatively. Only 11 per cent of the SC women complained about the
disability of their children. Most of the disability is related to physically challenged,
handicapped challenged problems 45.46 per cent while mentally retarded children
constitute 24.24 per cent. This may be due to poor availability of medicare in rural areas
where these SC women deliver their babies. About 54.55 per cent of respondents said
that their physically handicapped children are getting support service from the State
government, while 45.45 per cent replied negative.
196
Table VI.16
FAMILY RELATIONS
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machilip
atnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya
wada
1. CHILDREN’S AFFECTION TOWARDS PARENTS
A. Yes 14 75 81 170 56.67
B. No 86 25 19 130 43.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. MORE AFFECTIONATE
A. Son 2 27 35 64 37.65
B. Daughter 1 21 13 35 20.58
C. Both 11 27 33 71 41.77
Total 14 75 81 170 100.00
3. CHILD MARRIAGES
A. Yes 01 01 17 19 06.33
B. No 99 99 83 281 93.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. HARMONIOUS RELATIONS WITH FAMILY MEMBERS
A. Yes 56 49 66 171 57.00
B. No 44 51 34 129 43.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. NOT HAVING HARMONIOUS RELATIONS DUE TO
A. Economic Problems 13 15 10 38 29.46
B. Lack of commonness 2 3 4 9 06.97
C. Kept Silent 29 33 20 82 63.57
Total 44 51 34 129 100.00
6. RELATIONS WITH HUSBAND
A. Good 89 80 90 259 86.33
B. Normal 5 1 2 8 02.67
C. Bad 6 19 8 33 11.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
7. REASONS FOR NOT HAVING GOOD RELATION
A. Alcoholic 01 05 06 12 36.37
B. Not Earning 02 09 01 12 36.36
C. Not Paying Attention
Towards Family
03 05 01 09 27.27
Total 06 19 08 33 100.00
197
Family Relations (Table VI.16)
With regard to children’s affection 56.67 per cent of respondents answered
positively. While 37.65 per cent said that their sons are more affectionate towards
parents than their daughters. 41.77 per cent parents have opined that both sons and
daughters are equally affectionate towards them.
It is heartening to note that despite their socio-economic backwardness a great
many rural SC respondents 93.67 per cent are opposed to child marriages. They also
maintain 57 per cent harmonious relations with family members. For a majority of them
family ties are natural and affectionate.
When asked about as to why they lack harmonious family relations 63.57 per cent
of respondents kept quiet. Very few, 29.46 per cent, cited economic problems as
responsible for lack of harmonious relation within the family.
With regard to relations with husband, a vast majority of the respondents, 86.33
per cent answered positively. Only 11 per cent of them admitted that their relations with
their respective spouses are bad. For many of the families below the poverty line one
great problem is alcoholism of the male member which swallows most of the income and
make the family poor, starving and suffer deprivation. The other reasons for not having
good relations with their spouses are, 36.37 per cent alcoholics, 36.36 per cent not
earning and 27.27 per cent not paying attention towards family.
From the above Table VI.16, it is evident that despite their suffering within the
family many SC women respondents are unwilling to disclose the causes. Nor do they
admit the fact of negligence on the part of the male member of the family, customs and
caste conventions prevent them to air their views openly.
198
Table VI.17
MARRIAGE RELATED ISSUES
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. TO MARRY OWN CASTE PEOPLE
A. Yes 82 57 93 232 77.33
B. No 11 37 03 51 17.00
C. Not Expressed 07 06 04 17 05.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. REASONS FOR THE MARRIAGE OF OWN CASTE PEOPLE
A. Due To Caste Tradition 53 35 67 155 66.82
B. Other Caste People Do
Not Marry Me
01 05 06 12 05.17
C. Feel Comfortable 06 02 01 09 03.87
D. Not Expressed 22 15 19 56 24.14
Total 82 57 93 232 100.00
3 REASONS FOR NOT MARRYING OWN CASTE PEOPLE
A. To break the tradition 08 25 01 34 66.67
B. To marry upper caste
man is good to me
01 02 01 04 07.84
C. No satisfaction with the
same caste people
01 04 01 06 11.75
D. My living condition
will be better
01 06 -- 07 13.73
Total 11 37 03 51 100.00
4. AGE OF MARRIAGE
A. Early Age 89 89 84 262 87.33
B. Late Age 11 11 16 38 12.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. REASONS FOR LATE MARRIAGE
A. Poverty 08 07 11 26 68.42
B. Not Found Good Man 02 02 04 08 21.05
C. Not interested to marry 01 02 01 04 10.53
Total 11 11 16 38 100.00
6. BELIEF IN CHILD MARRIAGES
A. Yes 08 04 06 18 06.00
B. No 86 69 58 213 71.00
C. Not Known 06 27 36 69 23.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
199
Marriage System (Table VI.17)
When questioned about their marriage with their own caste men as many as 77.33
per cent of the respondents answered positively. It is only a meagre 17 per cent who said
‘No’, 66.82 per cent said that caste tradition made them seek grooms from their own
caste.
However, among those respondents who did not wish to marry men of same caste,
want to break the tradition. This clearly indicates the fact that there is quite a lot of social
awareness among the SC rural women.
Many SC women are married when they are very young. Late marriages took
place only among a few respondents 12.67 per cent. As many as 68.42 per cent of
respondents cited poverty as the main reason for their late marriage.
Despite the fact that many of them married when they were very young, it is
heartening to note that many of them 71 per cent are opposed to child marriages. They
want their children to marry when they are fully grown up.
With regard to marriage and settlement in family life, as the above Table VI.17
indicates many of the SC women have progressive views.
200
Table VI.18
DOWRY SYSTEM
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. DOWRY TO DAUGHTERS
Big 02 04 02 08 26.67
Little 26 33 76 135 45.00
Satisfactory 72 63 22 157 52.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. MONEY SPENDING FOR CHILDREN MARRIAGE
Big Amount -- 05 -- 05 01.67
Medium, 26 63 56 145 48.33
Small 74 32 44 150 50.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3. REASON FOR SPENDING THE MONEY
Tradition 42 50 48 140 46.67
Prestige 58 39 43 140 46.67
Forced To Spend -- 11 09 20 06.66
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. MARRIAGE AMONG THE RELATIVES IS HARMFUL TO THE CHILD
HEALTH
Yes 33 22 22 77 25.67
No 55 53 27 135 45.00
No Answer 12 25 51 88 29.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Dowry System (Table VI.18)
With regard to giving dowry to daughters, as many as 52.33 per cent of
respondents replied that they do not face any problem. Only 26.67 per cent said that they
had to pay a lot and spend more at the time of their daughter’s marriage. Similarly, as
many of them, 48.33 per cent said that marriage expenditure is within the manageable
limits. Due to tradition 46.67 per cent and prestige 46.37 per cent are forced to spend
more money on marriage occasions.
201
Among the respondents 45 per cent are of the opinion that marriage among the
relatives does not cause any child health problem. Only very few 25.67 per cent
expressed their concern against marriage within the circle of relatives.
The above Table VI.18 reveals the fact that SCs are still tradition-bound,
governed and regulated by the traditions of the caste and family prestige. To marry from
outside their caste, is a rare thing among the SCs. Many of them prefer to marry their
daughters within the circle of close relatives.
Table VI.19
UNTOUCHABILITY : UPPER CASTES’ HARASSMENT
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu
Vijaya-
wada
1. UNTOUCHABILITY
Yes 02 05 00 07 02.33
No 98 95 100 293 97.67
Total 100 100 100 100 100.00
2. PRACTISING UNTOUCHABILITY
Not allowed inside the
house
01 02 00 03 42.86
Two Glass System -- 03 00 03 42.86
Not allowed to take water
from the well
01
--
00
01
14.28
Total 2 5 0 7 100.00
3. UPPER CASTES’ HARASSMENT
Yes -- 03 01 04 01.33
No 97 95 94 286 95.34
Not Answered 03 02 05 10 03.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. TYPE OF HARASSMENT
Caste Wide 00 03 01 04 01.33
No Harassment 97 95 94 286 95.34
Not Answered 03 02 05 10 3.033
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. CASTE IS A HURDLE FOR PROGRESS
Yes 43 12 13 68 22.67
No 48 75 70 193 64.33
No Answer 09 13 17 39 13.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
202
Untouchability: Upper Castes Harassment (Table VI.19)
It is heartening to note that an overwhelming majority of respondents, 97.67 per
cent, said that they no longer suffer from the evil practice of ‘untouchability’. While
42.86 per cent expressed that untouchability is not practised inside the house, and 42.86
per cent said that the two glass system is still prevailing. It is a general belief that
‘untouchability’ is practised in rural areas but the respondents have expressed their view
differently.
It is equally significant to note that a great majority of the respondents 95.34 per
cent said ‘no’ to the question whether they are facing upper castes’ harassment. At the
same time, many of them are of opinion 64.33 per cent that caste system is no hurdle to
progress.
From the above data, it is clear that SCs no longer suffer from the stigma of
untouchability nor face any harassment from upper caste people. To that extent, they
have achieved progress, still they are tradition-bound and do not consider the caste system
as a hurdle to progress but wish to preserve their own caste identity.
203
Table VI.20
JOINT FAMILY
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 LIVING IN JOINT FAMILY
Yes 27 27 25 79 26.33
No 73 73 75 221 73.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2 HARASSMENT IN A JOINT FAMILY
Husband 01 01 05 07 08.86
Sons 04 02 02 08 10.13
Daughters 01 -- -- 01 01.27
Not Answered 21 24 18 63 79.74
Total 27 27 25 79 100.00
3 HARASSING ONE OR JOINTLY
One 05 01 05 11 68.75
Jointly 01 02 02 05 31.25
Total 06 03 07 16 100.00
Joint Family (Table VI.20)
Many SC women 73.67 per cent prefer nuclear family to joint family system.
This individual family living is to avoid domestic harassment.
However, with regard to any harassment in a joint family living a majority of
respondents 79.74 per cent refused to give any answer. If they suffer from any
harassment 68.75 per cent they suffer from harassment of one person.
From the data shown in the above Table VI.20, it is quite evident that many SC
women prefer to live in nuclear family to avoid any harassment in the joint family system.
At the most they face in an individual family harassment from one person--husband.
They also enjoy relative freedom in social relations.
204
Table VI.21
FREEDOM IN THE SOCIETY
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 FREEDOM IN THE SOCIETY
Yes 81 82 85 248 82.67
No 17 16 04 37 12.33
Not Answered 02 02 11 15 05.00
Total 100 100
100 300 100.00
2 REASONS FOR NOT HAVING FREEDOM
Caste Discrimination 02 02 01 05 13.51
Due To Poverty 03 03 01 07 18.92
Social Conditions 05 04 02 11 29.73
Male Domination 02 02 -- 04 10.81
Not Answered 05 05 -- 10 27.03
Total 17 16 04 37 100.00
Freedom in the Society (Table VI.21)
With regard to freedom in the society, 82.67 per cent answered positively. It is
their poverty and social conditions which restrain their freedom, was the response of a
few of the respondents. Caste discriminations 13.51 per cent, social conditions 29.73 per
cent, poverty 18.92 per cent, male domination 10.81 per cent are the major obstacles.
205
Table VI.22
FAMILY PLANNING
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. FAMILY PLANNING
Yes 73 78 83 234 78.00
No 24 17 11 52 17.33
Not Answered 03 05 06 14 04.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. REASONS FOR NOT UNDERGONE FAMILY PLANNING
Fear 18 11 06 35 67.31
Want More Children
03
02
04
09
17.31
No Knowledge 03 04 01 08 15.38
Total 24 17 11 52 100.00
3. PREFERENCE FOR MORE NUMBER OF CHILDREN
Yes 13 21 22 56 18.67
No 83 68 72 223 74.33
Not Answered 04 11 6 21 7.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. REASONS TO PREFER MORE NUMBER OF CHILDREN
Casual 06 15 18 39 69.64
To Earn More Wages 01 05 02 08 14.29
For Dynasty Growth 06 01 02 09 16.07
Total 13 21 22 56 100.00
Family Planning (Table VI.22)
It is quite significant to note that many rural SC women are in favour of family
planning. As many as 78 per cent of the respondents accept family planning. It is only a
few who do not wish to undergo family planning operation. Fear is the main reason for a
majority of them 67.31 per cent. It is important to note in this connection that only a
marginal number of respondents 18.67 per cent preferred to have more children. But they
had no valid reason to say as to why they want more children.
206
The above Table VI.22 indicates that a majority of rural SC women are aware of
the implications of unplanned families. That is the reason why they want to restrict the
number of child-births to the minimum. This clearly reveals their economic awareness of
bringing up children.
Table VI.23
PERCEPTIONS ON S.C. CLASSIFICATION
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. CATEGORY OF S.C. COMMUNITY
A 08 00 00 08 02.66
B 33 62 51 146 48.67
C 59 38 49 146 48.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. SUPPORT TO CLASSIFICATION OF S.C. COMMUNITY
Yes 39 56 38 133 44.33
No 47 39 21 107 35.67
Not Known 14 05 41 60 20.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3. CLASSIFICATION WOULD HELP OR HARM THE WELFARE OF S.C.
COMMUNITY
Help 43 36 27 106 35.33
Harm 37 56 15 108 36.00
Not Known 20 08 58 86 28.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. CLASSIFICATION A POLITICAL GIMMICK OF POLITICAL PARTIES
Yes 22 37 15 74 24.66
No 63 47 36 146 48.67
Not Known 15 16 49 80 26.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. CLASSIFICATION LEADS TO DISUNITY AMONG S.C. PEOPLE
Yes 16 24 11 51 17.00
No 67 52 33 152 50.67
Not Known 17 24 56 97 32.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
207
Perception on SC classification (Table VI.23)
Among the respondents majority of them 48.67 per cent belong to ‘B’ and ‘C’
categories. ‘A’ consists of only microscopic minority. Many of the SC women 44.33 per
cent are in favour of classification of SC community. It is equally significant that as
many as 35.67 per cent of respondents are opposed to classification of SCs. From this, it
is quite clear that opinion for and against classification of SC community is sharply
divided if not evenly.
When asked whether the classification is a political gimmick of political parties,
however, 48.67 per cent of them replied negatively. Does that mean that in their opinion
the agitation for and against classification of SC community has no support of different
political parties but it is only simmering within the SCs?
With regard to the question whether classification of their community leads to
disunity among them, half of the respondents 50.67 per cent said emphatically ‘No’,
whereas only 17 per cent of them feared that classification would create disunity among
the SCs.
SC communities, though placed at the bottom of the social order, within
themselves, they practise untouchability among themselves. For example, in Andhra
Pradesh, Malas consider themselves superior to Madigas and do not wish to have any
social relation with Madigas.
208
Table VI.24
VIEWS OF S.C. WOMEN ON SOCIAL SYSTEM
S.No.
Response
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 Yes 43 41 48 132 44.00
2 No 50 49 34 133 44.33
3 Not Known 7 10 18 35 11.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Views of S.C. Women on social system (Table VI.24)
With regard to the question whether the existing system can solve the problems
of the SC women the response is equally divided between ‘yes’ and ‘no’ 44 per cent and
44.33 per cent respectively. That accounts for their aspirations and deprivations.
S.C. Women’s Health (Table VI.25)
As many as 70 per cent of the SC women’s behaviour is psychologically normal
during the period of menses. A great majority of them do not display any anger on
children during that period 81 per cent. Mensuration period does not make them 84.33
per cent irritated and they do not quarrel with the members of the family nor do they feel
mentally disturbed or depressed.
A majority of the SC women respondents do not face any problems either mental
disturbance or quarrels with husbands, after stepping into the period of menopause.
The data furnished in the Table VI.25, clearly indicate the mental stability and
normal health of a majority of SC women during the period of mensuration and even after
reaching the stage of menopause, which means they enjoy normal health.
209
Table VI.25
S.C. WOMEN’S HEALTH
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. PSYCHOLOGICALLY NORMAL DURING THE PERIOD OF MENSES
Yes 64 64 82 210 70.00
No 29 33 12 74 24.07
Not Known 07 03 06 16 05.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. GET ANGRY WITH CHILDREN IN THAT PERIOD
Yes 02 15 14 31 10.33
No 85 79 79 243 81.00
Not Known 13 06 07 26 08.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3. QUARREL WITH FAMILY MEMBERS IN THAT PERIOD
Yes 00 13 05 18 06.00
No 85 82 86 253 84.33
Not Known 15 05 09 29 09.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. FEELING OF MENTAL DISTURBANCE IN THAT PERIOD
Yes 00 09 06 15 05.00
No 86 80 85 251 83.67
Not Known 14 11 09 34 11.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. PROBLEMS DURING THE PERIOD AT MENOPAUSE
Yes 09 17 20 46 15.33
No 82 77 61 220 73.34
Not Known 09 06 19 34 11.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
6. MENTAL DISTURBANCE DURING THIS PERIOD
Yes 01 07 14 22 07.33
No 83 62 52 197 65.67
Not Known 16 31 34 81 27.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
7. QUARREL WITH HUSBAND DURING THIS PERIOD
Yes 02 04 11 17 05.67
No 84 80 62 226 75.33
Not Known 14 16 27 57 19.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
210
Table VI.26
CASTE CONFLICT IN VILLAGE
S.No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percent-
age to
Total
Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. CASTE CONFLICT IN VILLAGE
Yes 04 11 02 17 05.67
No 90 85 86 261 87.00
Not Known 06 04 12 22 07.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. BELIEF IN RELIGION
Yes 64 58 85 207 69.00
No 31 27 07 65 21.67
Not Known 05 15 08 28 09.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3. BELIEF IN CONVERSION OF RELIGION
Yes 07 17 30 54 18.00
No 68 37 32 137 45.67
Not Known 25 46 38 109 36.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Caste Conflict in Village (Table VI.26)
A great majority of respondents reacted positively to the question whether they
have caste conflicts in their villages. As many as 87 per cent of them did not experience
any caste conflicts. With regard to belief in religion 69 per cent of the respondents said
that they have religious beliefs. Only 21.67 per cent of the respondents expressed their
disbelief in religion.
Again, 45.67 per cent do not believe in conversion of religion. This shows that
despite the age-old social oppression and outcaste treatment, SC women do have not only
belief in religion but also accept the Hindu social system and code of conduct.
211
Table VI.27
OLD AGE PENSION
S.No.
Response
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 Yes 18 09 06 33 11.00
2 No 82 91 94 267 89.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Old Age Pension (Table VI.27)
Among the 300 respondents, only very few are receiving old age pensions. As
many as 89 per cent of them are not getting old age pensions. This clearly indicates the
fact that they still suffer from financial insecurity.
Views of SC Women on Hindu Gods (Table VI.28)
About 77.67 per cent of SC women wish to enter Hindu temples and 22.33 per
cent of respondents said that they are not interested in the entry into Hindu temples. They
could not protest their religious discrimination on account of inferiority complex and fear.
On account of the denial of entry into the temples, 33.67 per cent of respondents
expressed their sincere concern to the entry into temples. This is more pronounced in
Machilipatnam revenue division, 67 respondents, compared to 11 per cent in Nuzvid, and
23 per cent in Vijayawada revenue division, respectively.
Their belief in Hindus God to a great extent is not very high. Only 32 per cent of
the respondents believe in Hindu gods: almost equal number of them expressed their lack
of faith in gods 28.67 per cent. That is the reason why a few of the respondents 30 per
cent expressed their willingness to agitate for the entry into the Hindu temples.
212
Table VI.28
VIEWS OF S.C. WOMEN ON HINDU GODS
S
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. ENTRANCE TO THE HINDU TEMPLES
Yes 85 70 78 233 77.67
No 15 30 22 67 22.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. REASONS FOR NO RESISTANCE
Inferiority 06 11 12 29 43.28
Fear 05 14 07 26 38.81
Not Interested 04 05 03 12 17.91
Total 15 30 22 67 100.00
3. SINCERELY FEELING TO ENTER INTO HINDU TEMPLES
Yes 67 11 23 101 33.67
No 14 45 29 88 29.33
Not Very Keen 12 02 00 14 04.67
Not Known 07 42 48 97 32.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. BELIEF ON HINDU GODS
Yes 72 10 14 96 32.00
No 10 57 19 86 28.67
No idea 10 09 17 36 12.00
Not Answered 8 24 54 82 27.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. FIGHT FOR ENTRANCE IN HINDU TEMPLES
Yes 56 16 18 90 30.00
No 18 24 20 62 20.67
Not Interested 14 12 12 38 12.66
Not Known 12 48 50 110 36.37
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
213
The data provided in the above Table VI.28 reveal the fact that many respondents
do not agitate for entry into the Hindu temples since many of them do not believe in
Gods. The main reason for this appears to be the religious discrimination meted out to
them. Generally men are more prone to agnosticism. But in the case of rural SC women
who are presumed to be more religious and superstitious on account of their illiteracy, it
is surprising to note that a majority of the respondents are far away from belief in God
and do not evince any interest to enter Hindu temples.
Table VI.29
EQUALITY WITH UPPER CASTE WOMEN
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili
-patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. EQUALLY TREATED WITH THE UPPER CASTE WOMEN
Yes 70 33 82 185 61.67
No 17 47 14 78 26.00
Not Known 06 00 01 07 02.33
Not Answered 07 20 03 30 10.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. HARASSMENT FROM MEN
Yes 05 00 00 05 01.66
No 90 87 71 248 82.67
Not Answered 05 13 29 47 15.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Equality with Upper Caste Women (Table VI.29)
It is heartening to note that majority of the respondents said that they are treated
on par with upper caste women 61.67 per cent. It is equally significant to note that they
do not face any harassment from men 82.67 per cent.
214
Table VI.30
RELATIONS BETWEEN WIFE AND HUSBAND
SL.No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. QUARRELS BETWEEN WIFE AND HUSBAND
No Quarrel 73 09 50 132 44.00
Quite Often 01 16 03 20 06.67
Rarely 04 46 32 82 27.33
Not Answered 22 29 15 66 22.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. DESPITE QUARRELS LIKE HUSBAND
Yes 05 25 16 46 15.33
No 80 21 35 136 45.34
Not Known 00 07 00 07 02.33
Not Answered 15 47 49 111 37.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3. COURAGE TO LIVE ALONE
Yes 01 09 21 31 10.33
No 76 26 21 123 41.00
Not Known 02 07 01 10 03.33
Not Answered 21 58 57 136 45.34
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Relations between Wife and Husband (Table VI.30)
With regard to wife and husband relations 44 per cent of the respondents did not
have any quarrels with their respective husbands. A few of them 27.33 per cent however,
rarely had any quarrels, while 22 per cent of the respondents did not answer.
Despite quarrels a few like their husbands 15.33 per cent whereas 45.34 per cent
of the respondents do not like their respective quarrelsome husbands. Still they stay with
them as many of the SC women lack the courage to live alone.
Data given in the above Table VI.30 reveals the fact that many of the SC women
do not have peaceful relations with their husbands. Though they do not wish to stay with
their respective husbands yet they are living with them as they lack the courage to live
alone. Social and caste constraints restrict their freedom of decision.
215
Table VI.31
MALE-FEMALE CHILDREN VIEWS OF S.C. WOMEN
SL.NO.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
To Total
Machili
-patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. NO. OF CHILDREN
One 25 8 10 43 14.33
Two 41 41 48 130 43.33
Three 24 34 28 86 28.67
More Than Three 10 17 14 41 13.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. OPT FOR MALE OR FEMALE BABY
Male 41 31 13 85 28.34
Female 27 25 6 58 19.33
Not Keen 05 31 46 82 27.33
Not Answered 27 13 35 75 25.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3. MORE CHILDREN LEADS TO MORE POVERTY
Yes 73 66 68 207 69.00
No 15 30 31 76 25.33
Not Known 12 04 01 17 05.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Male-Female children views of SC Women (Table VI.31)
With regard to the number of children, it is significant to note that a majority of
the respondents 43.33 per cent prefer to have two children only. However, they prefer
male 28.34 per cent to female children, poverty makes them not to opt for more children.
The above Table VI.31 highlights the fact that economic constraints more than anything
else make them to restrict child bearing to the minimum. One reason for them to prefer
male to female children could be the burden and risk involved in bringing up girl
children. They (69%) are also very conscious that more children will lead to more
poverty.
216
Table VI.32
PROBLEMS OF HEALTH
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili
-patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. HOW OFTEN YOU GET DISEASES
Quite Often 04 03 07 14 04.67
Rarely 75 89 58 222 74.00
Not Answered 21 8 35 64 21.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. HEALTH PROBLEMS
Heart 02 00 02 04 28.57
Lungs 00 01 02 03 21.43
Total 04 03 07 14 100.00
3. SEXUAL DISEASES
Yes 00 01 02 03 01.00
No 95 82 76 253 84.33
Not Answered 05 17 22 44 14.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. SUFFERING FROM HIV / AIDS
Yes 00 01 02 03 01.00
No 95 82 76 253 84.33
Not Answered 05 17 22 44 14.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Problems of Health (Table VI.32)
When asked as to how often they get diseases, it is significant to note that
majority of them 74 per cent replied that they rarely fall sick. They are less prone to
diseases. About 50 per cent of them, however, face a severe health problem related to
kidneys. The rest of the major health problems such as heart and lungs are relatively
small, 28.57 and 21.43 per cent, respectively. It is equally noteworthy that an
overwhelming majority of the respondents 84.33 per cent do not suffer from any serious
sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV or AIDS. From the above data, it is evident
that they are not sexually used or ‘abused’ on account of their poverty or social
backwardness.
217
Table VI.33
PUBLIC HEALTH AND S.C. WOMEN
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES
Yes 65 21 20 106 35.33
No 35 79 80 194 64.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2 SATISFACTORY TREATMENT FROM DOCTOR
Yes 61 17 26 104 34.67
No 35 69 41 145 48.33
Not Answered 4 14 33 51 17.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3. MEDICINES FREE OF COST
Yes 65 26 19 110 36.67
No 33 67 60 160 53.33
Not Answered 02 07 21 30 10.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. DOCTORS WORKING IN PHCs DEMAND FOR MONEY
Yes 04 08 08 20 06.67
No 93 73 51 217 72.33
Not Answered 3 19 41 63 21.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. DAILY INCOME IS SUFFICIENT TO MEET HEALTH PROBLEMS
Yes 40 15 16 71 23.67
No 56 66 46 168 56.00
Not Answered 04 19 38 61 20.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Public Health and SC Women (Table VI.33)
However, a majority of the respondents 64.67 per cent complained about the lack
of public health facilities. Even the meagre healthcare facilities made available, are not
provided properly and adequately as the doctors at the primary health centres do not
evince any interest to look after their health problems even if they are minor and trivial.
They do not get medicines in those Primary Health Centres (PHCs) free of cost.
218
Therefore, medicare still remains a major problem for the rural SC women of Krishna
district.
Though doctors do not demand any money for treatment as the State provided
PHCs, yet their indifference on the one hand and the lack of sufficient quantity of
medicines and medical facilities such as equipment, beds etc., make the health care a
major problem for rural SC women. They do not earn enough money in the form of daily
wages to spend on health problems.
Table VI.34
S.C. WOMEN AND WELFARE SCHEMES
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. SPECIAL ALLOWANCES (IN THE EVENT OF DEATH OF BREAD
WINNER)
Yes 00 11 05 16 05.33
No 92 72 90 254 84.67
Not Answered 08 17 05 30 10.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. TEN Kgs. OF FOODGRAIN UNDER ANNAPOORNA SCHEME
Yes 05 02 01 08 02.67
No 89 80 54 223 74.33
Not Known 06 18 45 69 23.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PREGNANT WOMEN
Yes 00 07 00 07 02.33
No 90 78 52 220 73.34
Not Answered 10 15 48 73 24.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. EMPLOYMENT UNDER SAMPURNA GRAMEENA YOJANA
Yes 01 17 04 22 07.33
No 96 76 88 260 86.67
Not Answered 03 07 08 18 06.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
219
S.C. Women and Welfare Schemes (Table VI.34)
For a majority of rural SC women, 84.67 per cent no special allowance or
financial support is forthcoming in the event of the demise of the bread-earner of the
family.
Even most of them 74.33 per cent, are not covered under the scheme of
‘Annapoorna’ of obtaining 10 Kgs of foodgrains, not to speak of financial assistance to
pregnant women. Similarly, most of them 86.67 per cent are not brought under the
scheme Sampoorna Grameena Yojana which provides employment.
The information culled from the above Table VI.34 clearly established the fact
that a majority of rural SC women have to mend for themselves as the State Government
schemes do not cover them in the event of the death of their bread-earner. Therefore,
financial insecurity still haunts them despite special schemes such as Indira Kranthi
Padham and Pavala Vaddi (0.25 Paise as Interest) the much publicised schemes. They
still lurch under poverty and deprivation.
Panchayat Raj and SC Women (Table VI.35)
With regard to the periodic elections held to Panchayat Raj Institutions, it is
significant to note that an overwhelming majority of the respondents replied positively.
They, 83.33 per cent, feel that the electoral process is democratic. As many as 82.33 per
cent of them said that they are allowed to exercise their franchise on their own free will.
But the fact remains that money plays a big role in the casting of their votes as 52.67 per
cent of respondents admitted that money influences their electoral choice.
220
Table VI.35
PANCHAYAT RAJ AND S.C. WOMEN
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. PANCHAYAT ELECTIONS ARE HELD DEMOCRATICALLY
Yes 78 94 78 250 83.33
No 20 6 18 44 14.67
Not Known 02 00 04 06 02.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. ALLOWED TO VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS FREELY
Yes 81 89 77 247 82.33
No 12 10 01 23 07.67
Not Answered 07 01 22 30 10.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3. IMPACT OF MONEY IN ELECTION
Yes 63 37 58 158 52.67
No 30 61 19 110 36.66
Not Answered 07 02 23 32 10.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. RICH ARE MOSTLY HOLDING THE POWER IN RURAL AREAS
Yes 48 40 56 144 48.00
No 42 59 42 143 47.67
Non Known 10 01 02 13 04.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. RICH PEOPLE THREATEN TO VOTE IN FAVOUR OF THEIR
CANDIDATES
Yes 20 08 39 67 22.33
No 47 67 35 149 49.67
Not Known 25 00 00 25 08.33
Not Answered 08 25 26 59 19.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
6. FEEL TO RESIST THIS TREND
Yes 18 07 39 64 95.52
No 02 01 00 03 04.48
Total 20 08 39 67 100.00
221
However, with regard to the question whether the rich people holding power in
rural areas threaten them to vote in favour of a particular candidate, the opinion is almost
equally divided between ‘yes’ and ‘no’ 48 and 47.67 per cent. They admitted the fact
that money has its impact on the different stages of electoral process from filing
nomination to polling. It can be safely assured that ‘spot cash’ bias does influence their
free will in casting their votes. However, it is worthwhile to note that a great majority of
them 95.52 per cent evinced interest to resist this trend.
From the above Table VI.35, it becomes clear that rural SC women are not coaxed
or prevented from voting but money is spent to influence their choice.
Table VI.36
TYPE OF LABOUR / SERVICE CONTRACT
S.No.
Response
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 Not A Labour 06 01 00 07 02.33
2 Daily Labour 81 84 62 227 75.67
3 Monthly 01 05 05 11 03.67
4 More Than One Year 00 01 00 01 0.33
5 Not Working 12 09 33 54 18.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Type of Labour / Service Contract (Table VI.36)
More than 75.67 per cent of respondents work on daily wages. This response from
the respondents makes the point clear that in the rural areas, SC women mostly earn their
livelihood through daily wages. They have no other occupation to earn their income.
222
Table VI.37
S.C. WOMEN AND WAGES
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS Total Percentage to
Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. DAILY WAGES
Rs.30 00 03 04 07 02.33
Rs.40 07 25 10 42 14.00
Rs.50 and above 93 72 86 251 83.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. WORKING HOURS IN THE FIELD
3 Hours 00 01 03 04 01.33
4 Hours 00 05 06 11 03.67
5 Hours 02 00 21 23 07.67
6 Hours 19 07 32 58 19.33
7 Hours 28 23 12 63 21.00
8 Hours And Above 51 64 26 141 47
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3. GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
Non 75 96 29 200 66.67
One 02 04 10 16 05.33
Two 23 00 41 64 21.33
More Than Two 00 00 20 20 06.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. SEMI-GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
None 97 94 98 289 96.33
One 03 05 02 10 03.34
Two 00 01 00 01 0.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
S.C. Women and Wages (Table VI.37)
About 83.67 per cent of the daily wage based SC women earn more than Rs.50
per day and are working longer than eight hours a day. This clearly tells us that many SC
women of rural areas per day work for longer duration to earn their meagre wages. This is
the main reason for their poverty. Working for longer duration in agricultural fields
makes them suffer stress and strain and face several health problems.
223
Their share in Government employment is quite marginal 26.66 per cent as can
be seen from the above Table VI.37. Similarly in semi-government organisation
employment for them is almost nil.
From the table VI.37, it is very clear that an overwhelming majority of SC rural
women are working in unorganised sector on daily wages to earn their livelihood.
Table VI.38
POSSESSION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND
Sl.
No.
Land
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 Nil 14 04 31 49 16.33
2 1. Acre 02 16 06 24 08.00
3 1 – 2 Acre 84 80 62 226 75.34
4 2 – 3 Acre 00 00 01 01 0.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Possession of Agricultural Land (Table VI.38)
Most of their families 75.34 per cent own around 1-2 acre land. They have to meet
their family needs only working on daily wages as the land owned by them is insufficient
for their sustenance. About 8 per cent own one acre land and 16.33 per cent of them do
not own any land. It shows the need for implementation of land reforms so as to
distribute the surplus land to the landless agricultural labourers.
224
Table VI.39
MICRO FINANCE - S.C. WOMEN
SL.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS Total
Percentage to
Total Machilipatn
am
Nuzvidu Vijayawada
1. HEARD ABOUT MICRO-FINANCE
Yes 28 18 52 98 32.67
No 62 61 38 161 53.67
Not Answered 10 21 10 41 13.66
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. LOAN TAKEN FROM MFI
Yes 15 07 26 48 48.98 No 13 11 26 50 51.02
Total 28 18 52 98 100.00
3. PLEDGED PERSONAL DOCUMENTS TO MFI
yes 07 03 05 15 31.25
no 08 04 21 33 68.75
total 15 07 26 48 100.00
4. DO YOU THINK THAT MICRO FINANCE HELPING YOU?
Yes 11 18 28 57 19.00
No 76 26 24 126 42.00
Not Answered 13 56 48 117 39.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Micro Finance – SC Women (Table VI.39)
It is significant to note that a majority of the respondents 53.67 per cent are not
aware of micro-finance. However, some of them 49.98 per cent borrowed from micro-
finance institutions. Many of them did not pledge personal documents 68.75 per cent.
They complain 42 per cent that Micro Finance Institutions are not very helpful to them.
From the above Table VI.39, it is clear that most of the SC women are not
availing of the loan facilities provided by the MFIs, as most of them are not aware of such
facilities. There is a greater need to cover them with appropriate financial assistance in
achieving their economic empowerment.
225
Table VI.40
CONSUMPTION LEVELS OF S.C. WOMEN
SL.
NO.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machilip
atnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya
wada
1. USE OF COSMETICS IN DAILY LIFE
Yes 25 61 58 144 48.00
No 72 34 36 142 47.33
Not Answered 03 05 06 14 04.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. TYPE OF COSMETICS
Face Powders 12 55 50 117 81.25
Snows 01 05 06 12 08.33
Nail Polish 12 01 02 15 10.42
Total 25 61 58 144 100.00
3. TAKE BREAKFAST EVERY DAY
Yes 05 17 55 77 25.67
No 95 83 45 223 74.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. TAKE COFFEE OR TEA IN A DAY
Once 40 30 43 113 37.67
Twice 50 44 37 131 43.67
Thrice 03 02 07 12 04.00
More Than Thrice 02 04 01 07 02.33
Not Taking Coffee, Tea 05 20 12 37 12.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. PURCHASE OF SAREES EVERY YEAR
Yes 72 88 78 238 79.33
No 24 06 11 41 13.67
Not Answered 04 06 11 21 7.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
6. NO. OF SAREES PURCHASED EVERY YEAR
One 15 25 29 69 28.99
Two 35 38 32 105 44.12
Three 22 25 17 64 26.89
Total 72 88 78 238 100.00
7. REASONS FOR NOT PURCHASING SAREES
Lack Of Income 18 05 07 30 73.17
Not Interested 06 01 04 11 26.83
Total 24 06 11 41 100.00
226
Consumption Levels of SC Women (Table VI.40)
With regard to the use of beautification aids such as cosmetics, the response is
almost equal in terms of ‘yes’ and ‘no’, 48 and 47.33 per cent, respectively. While
among those who use cosmetics, face powder users constitute a large majority 81.25 per
cent. This indicates the fact that their meagre earnings do not permit them to use any
beauty aids other than face powder of cheap variety.
About 74.33 per cent of the respondents do not take breakfast everyday. Less
than half of the respondents take coffee or tea twice a day.
Less than half of the respondents, 44.12 per cent could afford to buy two sarees
every year. Lack of sufficient income is the main reason for majority of them 73.17 per
cent not to buy enough clothes.
From the above Table VI.40, it is evident that many SC women suffer from
financial distress. Hence they are unable to improve their standard of living in terms of
food and clothing.
227
Table VI.41
SELF-HELP GROUPS AND S.C. WOMEN
SL.
NO.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
To Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. MEMBER OF DWACRA OR SELF HELP GROUP
DWCRA 91 91 69 251 83.67
Self Help Group 01 05 04 10 3.33
Not Member In Any
Organisation
08
04
27
39
13.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. HELPFUL TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS
YES 60 67 47 174 66.67
NO 32 29 26 87 33.33
TOTAL 92 96 73 261 100.00
3. INCOME FROM DWCRA IS SPENT FOR
Food Needs 31 34 23 88 35.06
Health Needs 08 12 04 24 09.56
Children Education 07 02 09 18 07.17
Savings 45 43 33 121 48.21
Total 91 91 69 251 100.00
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and SC Women (Table VI.41)
It is heartening to note that as many as 83.67 per cent of respondents are members
of DWCRA. About 66.67 per cent receive financial support to improve their living
conditions. Most of their income is put under savings 48.21 per cent while food needs is
their next priority. It is unfortunate that very little, a meagre 7.17 per cent, is spent on the
education of their children.
228
Table VI.42
S.C. SOCIETY AND WOMEN
SL.
NO.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
To Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 FINANCIAL HELP FOR SELF–EMPLOYMENT FROM SC SOCIETY
Yes 01 10 04 15 05.00
No 77 50 50 177 59.00
Not Answered 22 40 46 108 36.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2 TRAINING FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT FROM SC SOCIETY
Yes 02 02 04 08 02.67
No 85 47 42 174 58.00
Not Known 13 51 54 118 39.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
S.C. Society and Women (Table VI.42)
A great majority of them 59 per cent do not receive financial help for self-
employment from SC society. They do not get even training from SC society.
Most of the time, they have to rely on their own skills for self-improvement. Out
of their meagre income a big chunk is put under savings and then their second priority is
food requirements. It is clear from the above Table that they spend very little on the
education of their children. Two reasons could be attributed to this trend. One is their
poverty, second reason, the State providing them free education-admission scholarships
social welfare hostels and monthly pocket money.
229
Table VI.43
PROBLEMS OF DEBTS – S.C. WOMEN
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. FAMILY DEBTS
Yes 41 34 45 120 40.00
No 59 66 55 180 60.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. REASON FOR DEBTS
Food Needs 19 11 15 45 37.50
Educational Purpose 02 10 08 20 16.67
Marriage Purpose 06 03 06 15 12.50
Health Purpose 04 05 03 12 10.00
Social Functions 02 03 02 07 05.83
Others 08 02 11 21 17.50
Total 41 34 45 120 100.00
3. PERIOD OF DEBTS
One Year 14 10 14 38 31.67
Two Years 14 09 12 35 29.17
Three Years 11 02 09 22 18.33
Four Years 01 01 03 05 04.17
Five Years 01 12 07 20 16.66
Total 41 34 45 120 100.00
4. DEBTS TAKEN FROM
Relatives 01 04 01 06 05.00
Friends 01 04 01 06 05.00
Banks 01 07 08 16 13.33
Micro-Finance 13 02 04 19 15.83
DWCRA 19 07 23 49 40.84
Other Sources 06 10 08 24 20.00
Total 41 34 45 120 100.00
5. INTEREST RATE FROM MONEY LENDERS
Rs. Less Than One 04 04 04 12 10.00
Rs. One 32 18 22 72 60.00
Rs. Three 03 11 15 29 24.17
Rs. Five 01 01 03 05 04.16
More Than Rs. Five 01 00 01 02 01.67
Total 41 34 45 120 100.00
6. MONEY LENDERS’ HARASSMENT
Yes 09 15 04 28 23.33
No 32 19 41 92 76.67
Total 41 34 45 120 100.00
230
Problems of Debts – SC Women (Table VI.43)
Significantly 60 per cent of the respondents do not have any family debts. The
reason is many of them do not have anything to mortgage to raise loans. For those who
have family debts, the main reason is food needs 37.50 per cent. Most of the debts are
cleared within one or two years. Loans are mostly taken from DWCRA. Therefore, these
debts do not continue for long as they have to be repaid within the stipulated time. Most
of them borrow loans at an interest rate of Re.1, 60 per cent, few very 24 per cent @
Rs.3. Many of the borrowers 76.60 per cent do not suffer any harassment from the
lenders because they have nothing to lose-property, jewellery etc.
Table VI.44
RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES - AWARENESS OF S.C. WOMEN
SL.
NO
.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
To Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. AWARE OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
Yes 89 76 91 256 85.33
No 09 21 08 38 12.67
Not Answered 02 03 01 06 02.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. PROGRAMMES WILL HELP TO COME OUT OF POVERTY
Yes 31 33 53 117 45.71
No 51 40 33 124 48.44
Not Known 07 03 05 15 05.86
Total 89 76 91 256 100.00
3. CORRUPTION IN THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
Yes 58 47 61 166 64.84
No 19 20 19 58 22.66
Not Known 12 09 11 32 12.50
Total 89 76 91 256 100.00
4. HELP FROM ANY NGOs
Yes 06 06 06 18 06.00
No 86 87 82 255 85.00
Not Known 08 07 12 27 09.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
231
Rural Development Programmes - Awareness of S.C. Women (Table VI.44)
It is quite significant to note that among the 300 respondents as many as 256
85.33 per cent are aware of rural development programmes. To the question whether
these programmes benefit them the opinion is more or less divided as 45.71 per cent ‘yes’
and 48.44 per cent ‘no’. Many believe 64.84 per cent that corruption in rural development
programmes is the main reason for their lack of improvement. Then the NGOs do not
help them much is the response of 85 per cent of respondents.
From the above data, it is clear that although many respondents are aware of rural
development programmes, yet they did not reap any benefits.
Since a majority of the SC women are landless and eke-out their livelihood
through agricultural labour, banks do not give them any loans. Hence they borrow from
DWCRA. Since DWCRA loans have to be cleared in or on time SC women suffer much
from debt burden. Since their income is meagre most of them lead frugal life.
232
Table VI.45
PURCHASE OF GOLD AND SILVER ORNAMENTS
Sl.
No.
Response
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya
-wada
1. POSSESSION OF GOLD OR SILVER ORNAMENTS
Yes 06 23 05 34 11.33
No 91 74 80 245 81.67
Not Answered 03 03 15 21 07.00
Total
100 100 100 300 100.00
2. DO YOU LIKE TO PURCHASE GOLD OR SILVER
Yes 04 20 18 42 14.00
No 92 65 54 211 70.33
Not Answered 04 15 28 47 15.67
Total
100 100 100 300 100.00
3. REASONS FOR NOT PURCHASE
Lack Of Money 69 51 41 161 76.30
Not Interested 10 10 08 28 13.27
No Habit 08 03 04 15 07.12
Not Answered 05 01 01 07 03.31
Total
92 65 54 211 100.00
Purchase of Gold and Silver Ornaments (Table VI.45)
Very few of them 11.33 per cent possess gold or silver ornaments. As poverty
prevents them, many of the SC women do not buy any gold or silver jewellery. Most of
them 76.30 per cent cannot afford to fulfil this natural desire associated with women.
233
Table VI.46
CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL – S.C. WOMEN
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuz-
vidu
Vijaya-
wada
1. FAMILY MEMBERS CONSUME ALCOHOL
Yes 76 71 63 210 70.00
No 18 28 26 72 24.00
Not Answered 06 01 11 18 06.00
Total
100 100 100 300 100.00
2. LADY MEMBERS OF FAMILY CONSUME ALCOHOL
Yes 02 06 08 16 07.62
No 71 57 50 178 84.76
Not Answered 03 08 05 16 07.62
Total
76 71 63 210 100.00
3. HARM TO HEALTH
Yes 41 15 32 88 29.33
No 41 19 18 78 26.00
Not Known 18 66 50 134 44.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Consumption of Alcohol – SC Women (Table VI.46)
Many of the SC women 70 per cent respondents complain that their family
members consume alcohol. As many as 84.76 per cent women members of the family are
not addicted to liquor is a noteworthy revelation. Unfortunately, 44.67 per cent do not
know whether alcohol consumption is harmful to health. In a developing country like
India a predominantly 75 per cent of the population living in slum areas, who crippled
with poverty and suffer from other socio-economic problems, like to consume alcohol.
234
Table VI.47
BONDED LABOUR
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
To Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 BONDED LABOUR IN FAMILY
Yes 1 03 05 09 03.00
No 95 85 83 263 87.63
Not Answered 04 12 12 28 09.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2 CHILD LABOUR IN FAMILY
Yes 04 02 04 10 03.33
No 92 86 86 264 88.00
Not Answered 04 12 10 26 08.67
Total 100.00 100 100 300 100.00
Bonded Labour (Table VI.47)
It is a noteworthy feature of the data furnished in the above Table VI.47 that
bonded labour is virtually absent as an overwhelming number of respondents 87.63 per
cent are free from it. Similarly, their children are not sent to work anywhere as 88 per
cent of the respondents said ‘no’ child workers in their families.
In rural areas there are little opportunities for child labour except sheperding cattle.
Therefore, many of them do not send their children to work. Moreover, looking after kids
at home also prevents them to work outside their homes.
235
Table VI.48
EARNINGS OF HUSBAND IS USED FOR
Sl.
No.
Income is used
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
To Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 Spend For Children’s
Education
36 31 12 79 26.33
2 Used For Food Needs 22 23 29 74 24.67
3 Health Needs 02 02 02 06 02.00
4 Not Known 40 44 57 141 47.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Earnings of Husband is used for (Table VI.48)
As many as 47 per cent of the respondents do not know to which purpose their
husbands’ earnings are spent. Out of the earnings only 26.33 per cent spent on children’s
education while 24.67 per cent spent on food needs. It is significant to note that only
02.00 per cent spend on health needs.
Nutritious Food and SC Women (Table VI.49)
Many SC women respondents 74 per cent do not have access to nutritious food.
Poverty 85 per cent is the main reason for this poor consumption of nutritious food. Fifty
three per cent of them have vegetable curries in their lunch as well as dinner. Only 14 per
cent of them consume milk daily. Similarly, many of them do not eat curds. As many as
81.34 per cent do not take non-vegetarian food daily as they lack sufficient income to buy
non-vegetarian items. Among the non-vegetarian stuff chicken is preferred by many,
51.33 per cent. About 79.67 per cent of respondents eat non-vegetarian dishes once in a
week.
236
Table VI.49
NUTRITIOUS FOOD AND S.C. WOMEN
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
To Total Machili-
atnam
Nuzvidu Vijayawa
da
1. NUTRITIOUS FOOD
Yes 21 16 14 51 17.00
No 73 69 80 222 74.00
Not Known 06 15 06 27 09.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. REASON FOR NOT GETTING
Poverty 66 57 66 189 85.13
Less Savings 02 03 09 14 06.31
Not Answered 05 09 05 19 08.56
Total 73 69 80 222 100.00
3. VEG. CURRIES IN YOUR LUNCH AND DINNER
Yes 39 59 61 159 53.00
No 59 37 35 131 43.67
Not Answered 02 04 04 10 03.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. TAKE MILK DAILY
Yes 04 17 21 42 14.00
No 94 82 75 251 83.67
Not Answered 02 01 04 07 02.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. TAKE CURDS DAILY
Yes 37 24 55 116 38.67
No 61 74 40 175 58.33
Not Answered 02 02 05 09 03.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
6. NON-VEGETARIAN EVERYDAY
Yes 12 11 20 43 14.33
No 87 83 74 244 81.34
Not Answered 01 06 06 13 04.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
7. REASON FOR NOT TAKING
Lack Of Income 73 64 52 189 77.46
No Habit 09 07 13 29 11.88
Health Not Permitting 05 12 09 26 10.66
Total 87 83 74 244 100.00
8. WEEKLY CONSUMPTION OF NON-VEGETARIAN
Once 80 84 75 239 79.67
Twice 10 08 11 29 09.67
Thrice 01 03 07 11 03.66
Not Answered 09 05 07 21 07.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
9. TYPE OF NON-VEGETARIAN MOSTLY EATING
Chicken 48 61 45 154 51.33
Mutton 00 09 07 16 05.33
Beef 27 20 36 83 27.67
Fish 02 01 00 03 01.00
Others 23 09 12 44 14.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
237
From the above data, it is clear that many of the SC women do not have access to
nutritious food. Most of them do not take non-vegetarian items on daily basis but eat
once in a week as their poverty makes non-vegetarian stuff a luxury which they cannot
afford often.
Table VI.50
HEARD ABOUT ONGOING ECONOMIC REFORMS
Sl.
No.
Response
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
To Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 Yes 03 02 03 08 02.67
2 No 87 73 72 232 77.33
3 Not Answered 10 25 25 60 20.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Heard about ongoing Economic Reforms (Table VI.50)
Many of the respondents 77.33 per cent are not aware of the ongoing economic
reforms. Lack of literacy is the main reason for this.
Knowledge about SC Corporation (Table VI.51)
Many of the respondents 83.67 per cent do not have knowledge about SC
Corporation. Therefore, they do not receive 54.55 per cent any assistance from this
Corporation. Similarly, many of them have not received any loans to buy lands from SC
society. They did not get any amount either for purchasing land or for developing it.
Similarly as many as 96.67 per cent of respondents did not receive any loans or assistance
under minor irrigation schemes. Same is the case with animal husbandry programmes.
About 98.67 per cent of respondents are kept outside the purview of the above schemes.
238
Table VI.51
KNOWLEDGE ABOUT S.C. CORPORATION
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1. KNOW ABOUT SC CORPORATION
Yes 04 18 11 33 11.00
No 92 79 80 251 83.67
Not Answered 04 03 09 16 05.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2. HELP FROM SC CORPORATION
Yes 01 05 03 09 27.27
No 02 09 07 18 54.55
Not Answered 01 04 01 06 18.18
Total 04 18 11 33 100.00
3. HELP TO PURCHASE LAND FROM SC SOCIETY
Yes 01 01 01 3 01.00
No 90 61 49 200 66.67
Not Known 09 38 50 97 32.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
4. AMOUNT FOR LAND DEVELOPMENT
Yes 01 01 01 03 01.00
No 62 38 43 143 47.67
Not Known 37 61 56 154 51.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
5. RECEIVED FOLLOWING FACILITY UNDER MINOR IRRIGATION
SCHEMES
Bore Well 00 00 02 02 00.67
Open Wells 01 02 00 03 0.100
Sub-Mercible Pump Sets
Pipe Lines
00
01
00
01
00.33
Tube Wells 00 01 00 01 00.33
Oil Engines 01 00 02 03 01.00
Not Received Any Help 98 96 96 290 96.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
6. ALLOTTED UNDER ANIMAL HUSBANDRY PROGRAMME
Murra Buffalo 0 01 00 01 00.33
Sheep Rearing 00 00 01 01 00.33
Goat Rearing 00 00 02 02 00.67
Not Received Any
Animal
100
99
97
296
98.67
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
239
Ignorance, illiteracy of the respondents apart, lack of motivation by the village
officials, corruption and politicisation in providing loans are some of the causes for many
of the SC women not being benefited from various schemes launched by the State
government through the department of rural development and various other agencies.
Table VI.52
INDIRA KRANTHI PATHAM – S.C. WOMEN
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
to Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 KNOW ABOUT INDIRA KRANTHI PADHAM
Yes 29 78 14 121 40.33
No 69 19 78 166 55.34
Not Answered 02 03 08 13 04.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2 HELP FROM IKP
Yes 15 41 02 58 19.33
No 73 31 54 158 52.67
Not Known 12 28 44 84 28.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3 TYPE OF HELP
Financial 05 29 02 36 62.07
Other Help 10 12 00 22 37.93
Total 15 41 02 58 100.00
4 HOUSE UNDER INDIRAMMA PATHAKAM
Yes 14 41 11 66 22.00
No 77 50 76 203 67.67
Not Answered 09 09 13 31 10.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
Indira Kranthi Padham – SC Women (Table VI.52)
While 40.33 per cent of the respondents have no knowledge of Indira Kranthi
Padham it is a good sign to note that 55.34 per cent of them are aware of the largest
scheme in Asia. However, only 19.33 per cent of respondents received assistance from
240
IKP. Most of the assistance they received is in the form of finance. Only 22 per cent of
the respondents received assistance for the construction of houses.
The above table VI.52 indicates that although many of the respondents are
aware of IKP, only few of them made use of the scheme and got benefited.
Table-VI.53
NREGS – S.C. WOMEN
Sl.
No.
REVENUE DIVISIONS
Total
Percentage
To Total Machili-
patnam
Nuzvidu Vijaya-
wada
1 KNOW ABOUT NREGS
Yes 51 12 51 114 38.00
No 47 79 45 171 57.00
Not Answered 02 09 04 15 05.00
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
2 GETTING WORK UNDER NREGS PROGRAMME
Yes 27 10 06 43 14.33
No 62 61 88 211 70.34
Not Known 11 29 06 46 15.33
Total 100 100 100 300 100.00
3 CORRUPT PRACTICES IN NREGS PROGRAMME
Yes 26 08 04 38 88.37
No 01 02 02 05 11.63
Total 27 10 06 43 100.00
NREGS – S.C. Women (Table VI.53)
About 38 per cent of the respondents are aware of NREGS (National Rural
Employment Guarantee Scheme). Very few of them, 14.33 per cent, got work under this
scheme. Many 88.37 per cent complain that corrupt practices mostly prevent them to
reap benefits fully from this much publicised rural employment guarantee scheme.
*****
