SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF WOMEN, SCHEDULED...
Transcript of SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF WOMEN, SCHEDULED...
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SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF WOMEN, SCHEDULED
CASTES AND SCHEDULED TRIBES
- A CASE STUDY OF KARNATAKA STATE
This chapter deals with a case study of Karnataka state with reference to
socio-economic conditions and the implementation of protective discrimination
clause to women and Scheduled Castes, scheduled tribes.
History of Karnataka starts from the period of Banavasi, Gangas of
Talakad, Chalukya of Badami ,Rastrakutas of Malked, Chalukyas of Kalyana,
Sevunas of Devagiri ,Hoysalas of Dwarsamudra, Vijayanagara Empire,
Bahamani kingdom, Adilshahis of Bijapura, Mysore rulers and british rule.
During the British rule there were many Kannada speaking regions
outside the Mysore princely states which were then became the languages
capital. The British rulers had split the Kannada speaking regions into 20
administrative units including princely state the territory of Kodagu, and some
districts in the Madras presidency the Bombay presidency and the Hyderabad
state.
After independence the Kannada speaking areas were grouped under
only five administrative units the Madras and Bombay provinces, Kodagu, and
princely states of Mysore and Hyderabad, In 1947, Akila Karnataka Ekikarana
parishat which held its meeting at Kasaragud, demanded for formation of
linguistic states. Eventually the states reorganization commissions report came
out in favour of the unification of all Kannada speaking territories under one
state. This state which came into being on November 1, 1956 was called
Mysore.
The erstwhile Mysore state has been renamed as ‘Karnataka’ on
November 1, 1973. It is situated in the southern part of India and 74’to 78’ east
longitude. The total area of the state is 1,91,791 sq kms .It has a population of
5,28,50,562 of which 2,68,98,918 are males 2,59,51,644 are females, among
these population, 85,63,930 are Scheduled Castes and 34,63,986 are scheduled
tribes. For the purpose of administrative convenience the state has been divided
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into four divisions with head quarters at Bangalore, Belagum, Gulbarga and
Mysore. Further the entire state is divided into 29 districts and 175 taluks.
For the purpose of studying socio-economic conditions and to find out
how far constitutional benefits are reaching the weaker sections. i.e., women,
the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes four districts of Karnataka state have
been selected such as Bijapur, Chamarajanagar, Kolar and Raichur. For
empirical study .800 respondents including women, Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes have been selected on random basis from the above four
districts.
Besides 340 women, 340 Scheduled Castes, 120 scheduled tribe
respondents 40 SC/STs officers, 40 Dalit leaders’ women and 20 Scheduled
Castes, Scheduled Tribes political representatives including MLA’s, MP’s have
been selected on random basis for extracting various information relating to the
problems of women, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe. In order to get
information from all the respondents, interview schedules and questionnaires
were prepared and administered to them individually. Sincere attempts have
been made to meet Dalit leaders, officers and MLA’s and MP’s to obtain
relevant information on the socio-economic conditions of the women,
Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. In addition to this, important
government departments like, Directorate of women and child development
department, Bangalore, social welfare department, Directorate of scheduled
tribe welfare department, Ambedkar Development Corporation, Department of
Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sericulture, Zillapanchayat
officers of Bangalore, Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajanagar have been consulted
for obtaining information about the socio-economic development programmes
made for the benefit of the women, Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes.
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6.1 Programmes for women under the state government
Following are the different development progrmmes launched by the
Karnataka Government for the upliftment of women.
6.1.2 Directorate of Women and Child Development Department
a. Stree Shakthi Scheme: The main aim of this scheme is to make the rural
women self-dependent through organizing the women into one lakh self help
groups. This project has been initiated exclusively for the women. In Karnataka
state by for the development of the self help groups of women to make use of
the development services available in various departments and such
information would be provided through these departments. Financing
institutions are introduced and action would be taken to provide loans. To
encourage Stree Shakti Groups which have shown exceptional performance in
terms of savings government has announced a novel scheme to give additional
incentive of 1Rs 15,000 to Stree Shakti Groups which have saved more than Rs
75,000 and Rs 20,000 to those groups who have saved more than Rs one lakh.
b. Comfort (shantwana) Scheme: Under this scheme if a woman, is subjected
to rape and atrocities, the government provides the economic and legal
assistance. Aggrieved women can use free telephone no 1091 from 8:00 AM to
evening 8: 00 PM and can receive the calls. In Karnataka all the 27 district
centres and 11 important taluk centres 39 self service institutions, help lines
can be used. Suppose any woman is in danger she can be protected through the
assistance of police. In order to assist the women in litigations, government
provides Rs 2000 to the advocate along the Court Fee. The primary object of
this scheme is to help the women to face the litigations in the law courts for
getting justice.
In case any woman is subjected to dies then the Govt. could deposit Rs
10,000 in the name of the children of the deceased women in the nationalized
Bank for their educational purpose.
c. Training Programmes to Women: To enable the backward women under
self employment scheme, the government provides training programmes in
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various fields like, T.V Repair, Radio repair, Watch repair, training in
typewriting and stenography, fashion and clothing technology, vehicle driving,
cell phone repair etc. During the period of training, government provides the
economic assistance to the women to lead the independent life.
d. Economic assistance to the girls to run the hostels in rural areas: In
order to encourage the girls education in rural areas and avoid the dropouts of
girls in school the government through the departments and self service centre
runs the hostels. At present 24 hostels are running in rural areas in the
Karnataka state. Pre- metric and post-matric rural area girl students can get the
benefit under this scheme.
e. Training Programme for Women Law Graduates: To encourage and to
assist the unemployed women law graduates, the government through the
department provides advocacy training to them. The training programme will
be given for a period of four years during which they are provided a sum of
Rs.1000 per month as a stipend. The government also provides Rs 460 to enroll
the name and Rs 500 for the purchase of required law books. This training for
women law graduates is to facilitate them to have independent profession and
earn their livelihood.
f. Widow Pension Scheme: The government provides the widow pension to
the widows under this scheme. Once a woman losses her husband it is very
difficult to lead the life with out any sources. Under this scheme government
provides the social security to the widow. For the purpose of geting the widow
pension, she must have attained the age of 18 years. She must be in difficult
condition and financially needy person. Her annual income should not exceed
more than 8,000. She should be residing in Karnataka state not less than three
years. She should not obtain any other pension from the government under the
scheme of widow, until she goes for remarriage or till her death, would be
entitled to get widow pension of Rs 400 every month.
g. Karnataka Women Development Planning: In order to avoid the gender
discrimination and to bring the women to the main stream of the development
this scheme was implemented since 1996. Karnataka state is the first state in
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India which started this women development scheme. Under this scheme the
Karnataka government reserves the 1/3rd resources to women and more than
200 schemes are being implemented through 25 departments.
h. Women Reservation in Employment: Karnataka government has reserved
30% of the posts in direct recruitment. At present there are about 96
departments and 75 Corporations and Boards are functioning in the state’s
which are also providing reservation women under various schemes. Till this
day large numbers of women are recruited under the reservation policy.
i. Special Unit for Eradication of Social Evils: Special unit are established
which are working in various districts. Their duty is to create the awareness
about the social evils like, Dowry, Devadasi, Child marriage and other social
evils. These special units conduct various awareness programmes in the
districts to educate the women folk. In order to strengthen the women,
economically and socially these units chalkaout various schemes for
conducting workshops and conferences in different districts to create the
awareness in the mind of women.
j. Kittur Rani Chennamma Award: the Government of Karnataka has
established Kittur Rani chennamma Award and giving the award every year for
those women who have involved in the following work;
1. Women who have been working in field of women development.
2. Women who have involved in the rehabilitation programmes for those
who are facing many social problems and deserted women.
3. Voluntary service organizations and social workers which are rendering
social service to the women folk.
Besides good social and individuals a sum ofRs 25.000 and 10.000 would be
given every year. Since 2000-01, awards are also being given to those women
who have contributed more in the field of Art, Literature, Education and
Sports. Veera mahile award is also given to one woman every year for the
development of valanur.
k. Assistance to the Widow and Devadasis Marriage: The poor widow and
Devadasis to lead the dignified life in the society, the government provides Rs
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10.000 financial assistance for their marriages. In order to avail thus benefit a
poor widow should be the age group between of 18 to 35 years. She should be
residing in Karnataka since more than 5 years. As marriage expenses a sum of
Rs 5.000 would be given to the couple and the remaining amount of Rs 5.000
will give to a woman through national savings certificate. If the bride is
devadasi she gets Rs 10.000.
l. Bhagya Laxmi Scheme: This scheme is implemented in the year of 2006, in
order to improve the conditions of the girl child in a family where is is below
poverty line. In order to give moral courage to such families (i.e., below
poverty line family) this scheme is essential. Under this scheme if two girls are
born in a below poverty line (B.P.L) they are only eligible to get Rs 10.000.
The government would deposit the amount in the name of the girl child. After
attaining 18 years of age, they are eligible to get back the amount with interest.
m. Compensation for the death of Anganawadi worker and Anganawadi
assistant: Anganwadi workers and assistants are working in state anganawadi
centers on the basis of honorary amount. They are from poor family and
depend upon the honorary amount. If they die death their family losses the
security. On the humanitarian ground the government provides a sum of Rs
20.000 for the death a Anganawadi and a sum of Rs 10.000 for the death of
Anganawadi assistant. For the purpose of claiming the compensation they must
work for minimum one year andmust produce death certificate and service
certificate.
6.2 Programes for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe
Social welfare department programmes for SCs & STs: In
Karnataka, the department of social welfare and the Scheduled Tribes welfare
department are implementing various programmes for the development of the
conditions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The several amelioration
programmes are being implemented for the educational, social and economic
advancement of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. They are as follows:
a) Educational development programme.
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b) Economic development programme.
c) Social development programme.
d) Scheduled Castes and Scheuled tribes sub plan programmes.
6.2.1 Educational development programme: For the purpose of innovating
the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students, the above department has
undertaken the following programmes.
i) Cash prize: For the purpose of developing the competitive sill and mind
as well as to inspire the scheduled caste and schedule tribe students to
obtain maximum marks in their examinations compared to the other
students, both the departments are providing the following cash prize to
them, who secure first class with distinction in first attempt in the
following examination.
Details of the examination & cash prizes
a) S.S.L.C Rs. 500.00
b) P.U.C Rs. 750.00
c) Degree Rs. 1000.00
d) Post graduates Rs. 1250.00
e) Medical & Engineering degree Rs. 1500.00
In addition to the above prizes, the social and tribal welfare departments
provide a cash prize of Rs.5000 to those scheduled caste and scheduled tribe
students who obtain rank in the above mentioned examinations.
ii) Pre-metric Hostels: Among the various developmental programmes,
educational development programme plays an important role. For the
educational development of rural scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students
as well as those students who are not able to study in the urban areas outside
their homes, both the departments providing the hostel facilities. The following
table shows the expenditure, which is being incurred for each pre-metric
students who is staying in the hostels.
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Details of the facilities given for one year:
Sl.
No Details Amount
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Food (Meals expenditure)
Cloths (two pairs school uniforms)
Books
Hair cutting
New paper (for every hostel)
Medical expenses (for every hostel)
Electricity & water charges (for every hostel)
Bed and Blanket (for every student)
Utensils
Sport & equipment (for every hostel)
Miscellaneous
450.00
350.00
250.00
60.00
1000.00
1000.00
1000.00
350.00
600.00
1000.00
40.00
Source: Hand book published by the department of social welfare, government of Karnataka.
In addition to the above facilities the both departments have been
providing scholarship to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe rural students,
who are below poverty line, to continue their education. The both departments
provides financial assistances to those scheduled caste and scheduled tribe
hostels run by private individuals. Besides, many residential schools have been
established in rural areas to inspire the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe
children to join the schools. These children provided with food, uniform,
books, pencils, pens and other basic amenities free of cost by the government.
In Karnataka state there are 1202 residential schools for Scheduled Castes and
375 residential schools for scheduled tribes. In addition to this 75,476
scheduled caste students and 32,626 scheduled tribe students are utilizing the
benefits provided by the government.
iii) Study Tour expenses: The social and tribal welfare departments are also
provides financial assistance to the students belonging to Scheduled Castes and
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Scheduled Tribes who are required to go for education excursion if it is made
as a part of college curriculum. For this purpose, a sum of Rs.1000 is provided
to each of the student, who are studying in various institutions.
iv) Book Bank facilities : The both the above department are also established
the book bank scheme in Medical, technical, veterinary, Agricultural and job
oriented courses and post graduates courses etc, to assist scheduled caste and
scheduled tribe students who are unable to purchase the prescribed texts.
Sl.
No Details Amount
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Medical, Homeopathy, Allopathic and Ayurveda
Technical
Veterinary science
Agriculture
Other job oriented courses for each college, post
graduates courses
Medical, technical, veterinary science, Post
graduates course (for each college)
L.L.B (3 year) L.L.M 2 (years) (for each college)
Charted accountant. M.B.A./ Bio science (for
each college)
Almyrahs to keep books (for each college)
Rs. 7500.00
Rs. 7500.00
Rs. 7500.00
Rs. 5000.00
Rs. 4500.00
Rs. 2400.00
Rs. 5000.00
Rs. 5000.00
Rs. 2000.00
For this purpose, the department every year collects the list of required
books from the above colleges and purchase the books. Having purchased, the
same would be sent directly to those colleges for the benefit of scheduled caste
and Scheduled Tribes students one set of books will be given to every 3 SCs
and STs Students. The following table shows the amount earmarked for the
purchase of required books and furniture.
IV) Government of India Post-metric scholarships:
With a view to assist scheduled caste and schedule tribe students who
are studying in various colleges, the government of India provides post –metric
scholarships at the following rates. Besides, this for the purpose of encouraging
the scheduled caste and schedule tribe students studying in various courses the
state government also provides scholarships as per the following rates.
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Scholarship for hostel students and non-hostel students
(Per month in Rupees)
Sl.
No Details
Hostel
students
Non-
Hostel
Students
Group – A
Medical, agriculture/veterinary/ fisheries/
homeopathy.
740.00 330.00
1 Group – B
Diploma courses: technical/Medical/ fisheries
/agriculture / other graduate courses
510.00 330.00
2 Group – C
Certificate courses, technical/ medical/
fisheries/ agriculture/ other post graduate
courses
510.00 330.00
3 Group – D
General degree courses: B.A/ M.A/ M.Sc./
M.com/ M.B.A. / Law etc
355.00 185.00
4 Group – E
P.U.C and other general courses 235.00 140.00
For the purpose of encouraging and inspiring those scheduled caste and
scheduled tribe students who are doing research work in various universities,
the social and tribal welfare departments provides ‘student fellowship’ to the
extent of Rs.8000 for M. Phil students and 10.000 for Ph. D. students. This
assistance is provided to meet the expenditure relating to collection of data,
purchase of important books and completion of research work.
In addition to this, the department also provides engineering equipments
including calculators, T-squares, drawing boards to the scheduled caste and
scheduled tribe students who are studying in various engineering colleges and
polytechnics free of cost.
VI. Pre Examination training centre: To facilitate scheduled caste and
scheduled tribe candidate appearing for IAS, IPS and Railway examinations,
Bank examinations, other competitive examinations a separate pre-
examinations training centre is started in Bangalore.
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VII Assistance to SC/ ST girl students: The female literacy has greater
impact on the educational, social and other development aspects of the
community. Therefore, considering the payment of Rs. 100 as pre-metric
scholarship to the students in 8th
to 10th
standard is insufficient, Rs 500 is also
given to encourage girl students of SCs/STs to continue their school studies.
This programme has also been extended to 6th
and 7th
standard students with
Rs.250 per annum per student, along with Rs.75 as regular scholarship.
6.2.2 Economic Development Programmes:
In order to encourage the members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes and to develop them economically, the social and tribal welfare
departments have been launched the various programme such as,
i. Woman’s Tailoring training centres: The above departments are
established the tailoring training centers to the unemployed scheduled caste and
scheduled tribe women. Under this scheme amount Rs 250 allowance will be
provided to the trainees in tailoring training centre per month. Free tailoring
machines will be supplied to the successful trainees. This training object is to
start tailoring profession and there by to earn their livelihood.
ii. Training programme for Law Graduates: To encourage and to assist the
unemployed scheduled caste and scheduled tribe law graduates, the
departments of social and tribal welfare provides advocacy training to them.
For this purpose, every year law graduates would be selected and sent for
training in the courts identified by the candidates. The training programme
given will be for a period of four years during which they are provided a sum
of Rs.1000 per month as a stipend. The department also provides a sum of
Rs.5000 to each selected candidate for the purchase of required books and
journals, which are useful for legal profession. These enable the scheduled
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caste and scheduled tribe unemployed law graduates to start their independent
profession and earn their livelihood.
iii. Self-Employment training programme : Under this programme the social
and tribal welfare departments provides training to the unemployed young
scheduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates in various fields like,
Autorickshaw driving, light and heavy vehicle driving. The training will be
give for a period of one month, during which a sum of Rs.300 will be given as
a stipend to each selected candidates. Those who successfully complete their
training will be provided with licenses. The main object of this programme is to
help the unemployed young scheduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates to
take up independent jobs for their livelihood.
iv. Navachetana programme: under this scheme, educated SC/STs youths are
being given occupational training such as, computer training, D.T.P, light
vehicle driving training, air hostess, pilot training, fashion designing,
beautician, automobile and electrical repair, multimedia technology and heavy
vehicle driving training etc. This will also help them to start their own
enterprises to improve their standard living. Under this scheme, unemployed
scheduled caste and scheduled tribe youths are selected and deputed to various
public enterprises to undergo training in different professions for a period of
one year. During this period the trainees will be given stipends and
accommodation. Besides, the department will bear the entire expenditure
incurred on this training programme.
Following are the important public enterprises identified by the
department for providing training to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe
candidates.
a) C-DAC training institute
b) Saint Johan’s Medical college
c) Karnataka Land Army Corporation
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d) Karnataka state Tourism Development corporation
e) Karnataka soap and detergent corporation
f) Karnataka power corporation
g) Karnataka electricity Board
v. Nursery and women welfare centers: The social and tribal welfare
departments have been set up 140 nursery cum women welfare centre for the
children of scheduled caste and 28 women welfare centers for the scheduled
tribe in Karnataka state. These departments provide many facilities to look after
the children who join these centers. The main object of this programme is to
make the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe rural children between the age
group of 3 to 5 to cultivate the habit of going to schools for learning. In each
centre 50 (boys and girls) will be admitted. In each centre one welfare
organizer and one conductress will look after the care of the children. In
addition to this, the conductress and organizer will teach the lesson in text
books, songs, moral stories and other activities. At present 7450 scheduled
caste children and 1400 Scheduled Tribes children are getting the benefit.
Details of facilities provided
Sl.
No. Facilities
Amount (in
Rupees)
1 Mid day meal (for each child) per day Rs. 1.00
2 Two pair of uniform (for each child) per year Rs. 51.00
3 For maintenance of cleanliness in the centre
(for one centre) per year Rs.150.00
Source: Handbook published by the Social Welfare Department, Karnataka
6.2.3. Social Development Programmes:
For the purpose of eradicate social evils like, untouchability, caste system the
department of social welfare has launched the following programmes;
i. Incentive amount for the spouses of Inter-caste marriage: To encourage
the inter-caste marriage and to eradicate the social evil like, untouchabiltiy
from the Hindu society, the department of social welfare provides incentive
amount to the spouses of inter caste marriages. A sum of Rs. 50.000 (Fifty
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thousand only) will be given to the spouses for their social security. Out of
this amount, Rs 25.000 is given in the form of national saving certificates
and remaining amount of Rs. 25.000 is given in the form of cash. To avail
this facility, either of the spouses of inter-caste marriage shall be registered
in the sub-registrar’s office in accordance with the government regulations.
ii. Financial assistance to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who are
subjected to atrocities: Keeping in view of various atrocities committed
against member of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by the upper
caste or the non-Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes, the department of
social welfare provides compensatory amount to the aggrieved families
ranging from Rs.25.000 to Rs 1.00.000 following are the attractive
recognized under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (prevention of
atrocities) Act 1989 and the range of compensatory amount provided by the
department.
iii. For temporary handicap: If a member of scheduled caste or scheduled
tribe is temporary handicapped by the member of other castes, such person
will be given a compensatory amount of Rs. 2.500. If he is permanently
handicapped, then a sum of Rs.15,000 will be given to such aggrieved
person by the social welfare department. In addition to this amount he will
also be given a monthly pension of Rs.1000.
iv. Destruction of property: If any member of Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes whose property or house is destroyed by the members of
the upper castes, the aggrieved member will be given compensatory amount
ranging from Rs 10.000 to Rs 20.000 or he will be provided with a site or a
house or one acre of cultivating land to ameliorate his economic conditions.
v. Rape: If a woman, belonging to scheduled caste or scheduled tribe, is
subjected to rape, she will be paid a sum of Rs.50.000 as a compensatory
amount.
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vi. Death due to atrocities: Under special circumstances, the government
provides employment to any one of the family members of the deceased
person, whose death occurred due to the atrocities, committed against him
by the caste Hindus or upper castes. Besides the government also provide
free education to the children of the deceased person.
vii. Untouchability removal programme: The main object of this programme
is to remove social evil like ‘Untouchability’ from the Hindu society and to
promote the feeling of oneness for this purpose, the government selects one
village in each legislative constituency and spends a sum of Rs. 10.000 for
conducting various programmes like seminars, workshops and camps to the
members of the Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. Through these
programmes awareness is created on various facilities and benefits
conferred by the government as well as on the constitutional rights and
privileges for securing justice and equality. Besides, through these
programmes, the members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are
informed to utilize the facilities provided to them by the department of
social welfare.
viii. Legal aid programme: In order to assist the members of Scheduled Castes
and scheduled tribes, who are unable to approach the law courts, as they
cannot afford to pay court fees and lawyaer fees, the government has
established ‘legal aid cell’ in each district to provide legal assistance in
civil, criminal and land acquisition cases, the entire court fee and other
expenditure will be borne by the government. The primary object of this
programme is to help the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to face
the litigations in the law courts for getting justice.
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6.2.4 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Sub Plan Programmes:
Following are the department through which different facilities are
provided to the members of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes.
i) Agriculture: Agriculture department is implementing the various
programmes for the development of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes.
Such as Supply of seeds, plants protection equipments, fertilizer etc. Processing
of agricultural produces and marketing facilities is also provided to scheduled
caste and scheduled tribes’ beneficiaries. It also provided financial assistance to
purchase diesel pump sets for lifting water from the tanks. For the purpose of
storing water, financial assistance is also given to the scheduled caste and
scheduled tribe farmers to construct concrete tanks.
ii) Department of Horticulture: The department of horticulture provides
intensive training in horticulture to the selected candidates who belong to
scheduled caste and scheduled tribes. The duration of the training programme
will be for a period of 10 months. During this period, the trainees will be paid a
sum of Rs, 350 as monthly stipend along with required uniforms, plates,
glasses and blankets. Besides the department provides financial assistance to
the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to develop coconut trees and fruit
gardens, if they have half acre and one acre land respectively. The financial
assistance provided to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes rural youths
varies in its range from Rs. 1000 to 2000 every year. National Bank for
agriculture and rural development (NABARD) has also come forward to
provide 50% of financial assistance to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes who raise loan for the development of horticulture department for the
development of coconut, almond, cardamom, pepper, beetle leaves, grapes,
mango, guava, pomegranate, pineapple, ginger, rose etc.
iii) Department of sericulture: The department of sericulture provides
financial assistance to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who take up
sericulture. Nearly four thousand scheduled caste and scheduled tribe families
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are depending on this sericulture for their livelihood. For the purpose of
assisting the members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and to develop
the sericulture, the department has launched various programmes. Such as,
Community development centres: The department has setup many centres in
each taluk to provide silkworm eggs to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe
formers free of cost. The centre also provides technical advice to the farmers to
develop silkworms on a scientific basis. Each beneficiary would be given basic
facility for the improvement of silkworm eggs.
Financial Assistance: Department provides financial assistance to the
scheduled caste and scheduled tribe formers for the construction of houses for
silkworm rearing. As silkworms are very delicate and often react to the
fluctuation atmosphere, they are kept in a proper atmosphere. Besides financial
assistance to the extent of 60% would be provided for growing mulberry leaves
as well as to dig bore wells in their land to use this water for sericulture. The
department also provides basic facilities like baskets, fertilizers and required
equipments with free of cost. Both the state government as well as central
government provides financial assistance under ‘Special Aid Scheme’. All
these benefits are provided to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe formers
to enable them to improve their economic conditions.
iv) Department of Animal Husbandry: The department of animal husbandary
has launched various programmes in accordance with the NABARD’S
regulations for the development of hybrid cows, buffaloes, sheep and pigs. The
important programmes are as follows.
Supply of hybrid cows: Under this scheme, the department spends a sum Rs
25.000 for each beneficiary, out of this amount, 60% of the amount is given in
the form of loan. The amount covers one pair of cow, construction of a
cowshed, cattle feed and fodder for the cows. Every year, more than 500
beneficiaries are benefited from this scheme. The main object of this scheme is
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to assist the unemployed scheduled caste and scheduled tribe youths to take up
self employment and to earn their livelihood.
Supply of good breed buffaloes: Under this scheme, the Karnataka milk
federation provides to each scheduled caste and scheduled tribe beneficiary a
pair of buffalo and a shed. The department of animal husbandry also provides a
sum of Rs 20.000 to each beneficiary, which includes maintenance
expenditure, fodder for the buffaloes, and construction of a shed and purchase
of one pair buffaloes. The department also conducts a training programme to
the beneficiaries to know more about the rearing of buffaloes.
Supply of sheep: The animal husbandry department provides 20 female sheep
and one male sheep to each scheduled caste and scheduled tribe beneficiary. A
sum of Rs.10,000 is given to each beneficiary, which includes insurance,
maintenance, fodder, construction of a shed, purchase of sheep and rearing.
This scheme enables the beneficiaries to improve their economic conditions.
Development of milking cows: The Karnataka milk production unit has
established nearly 12,000 co-operative milk centers all over the state. The
object of these units is to provide milking cows to rural people in general and
scheduled caste and scheduled tribe in particular on loan basis. Each unit
provides 60% financial assistance to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe
formers to purchase one pair of milking cows. This amount covers construction
of shed, fodder, for the cows, maintenance and insurance. Besides, the
department of animal husbandry also provides financial assistance to scheduled
caste and scheduled tribe formers as well as the unemployed youth to purchase
milking cows. This enables them to start their own profession and to earn
money by selling milk. In due course, they can improve their economic
condition.
Department of women and child development: The department of women and
child development provides nutritious food to the scheduled caste and
scheduled tribe pregnant women as well as to the children, below the age of 3
years through Anganawadi centers. The main object of this programme is to
provide nutritious food to the pregnant women to protect their health. This is
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because, many pregnant women, who belong to Scheduled Castes and
scheduled tribes, do not take nutritious food during pregnancy period due to
poverty and ignorance. Consequently, when a child is born, it suffers from
many handicaps.
The forest department: The forest department, to the Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes provides social security plantations are taken up where in the
beneficiary will be assisted to raise special security plantation for a period of
two years, Rs 2750 per beneficiary for half hector. The entire yield from the
social security plantation will be given to the beneficiaries. In addition to this,
supply of bamboos, cane, and housing materials are also provided by the forest
department. Besides, the forest department also provides financial assistance is
Rs. 10,000 to construct the house to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe
members.
Department of village and small scale industries: The department of village
and small scale industries, in order to improve the economic conditions of the
Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes, imparting the various training
programme like, blacksmith, carpentry, bee-keeping cane and bamboo crafts
etc., during the training period provide Rs 150 to 350 per month per trainee.
After training they will be given free tool kit worth Rs 2,500 to take up self
employment. The programmes main object is to establish their own industry in
which they are trained. Marketing facilities for the products are provided by the
department.
The rural development and panchayat raj Department: Under integrated rural
development programme various schemes like, S JGSY, SGRY, grants to
grama panchayat, grants to panchayat raj institutions, development grants and
rural energy programme etc., certain funds are being earmarked for Scheduled
Castes and scheduled tribes. The main object of these programme is to provide
economic support, employment and better standard living through productive
programmes.
Housing schemes: For the purpose of providing houses to the poor and
houseless scheduled caste and scheduled tribes. The department of Zilla
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Panchayath, constructs houses under various schemes like., Ashraya Yojana,
Ambedkar Yojana, Indira Awaj Yojana and integrated tribal development
yojana under ‘Ashrya Yojana Scheme’ the department constructs houses in
20X30 dimension. Out of the total constructed houses, 30% houses will be
provided to the poor scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes free of cost. Where
as, the houses constructed under ‘Ambedkar Yojana scheme, 100% houses
would be provided only to the poor scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes free
of cost. Likewise 66% of houses will be provided to the poor scheduled caste
and Scheduled Tribes under Indira Awaj Yojana, where as 100% houses would
be provided to poor scheuduled tribes free of cost. Under ‘Integrated Tribal
Development Yojana’, the total cost of each houses constructed under these
schemes would be Rs. 20.000. It is observed that from these schemes, many
poor and homeless Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been benefited
to a greater extent.
6.3 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation ltd.,
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation is corporation wholly
owned by Government of Karnataka. This corporation is implementing various
schemes for target group for their economic development in the state. Even
earlier to Independence the erst while Mysore state had initiated a number of
welfare schemes to ameliorate the poverty among the Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes in the state. However, in the year 1975 the state government
headed by late Sri. Devaraj Urs established the Karnataka Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation to assist the scheduled caste
and Scheduled Tribes families in the state for their economic development. On
16-08-2005 this corporation was renamed as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development
Corporation Limited. This Corporation has been implementing various
schemes for Scheduled Castes only. As Karnataka State Scheduled Tribes
Corporation has been working separately since 2007-08. This corporation helps
Scheduled Castes beneficiaries for improving economic condition and brings
them to the main stream of the society.
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Following are the various economic development programmes for the
benefit of Scheduled Castes. Among them, important are as follows:
I. SELF-EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME:
1. Self Employment Scheme
2. Improvement Small Business (ISB) Scheme
3. Direct Loan Scheme
4. Training Programme
5. Micro Credit Scheme
6. Micro Credit Finance Scheme
7. Mahila Kisan Yojana
8. Mahila Samrvudhi Yojana
II. LAND PURCHASE SCHEME
III. GANGA KALYANA SCHEME
1. Community irrigation
2. Individual Irrigation Borewell
3. Lift Irrigation
IV. SAFAI KARMACHARI REHABILITATION PROGRAMME:
6.3.1 Self Employment Programme:
1. Self Employment Scheme:
Under this scheme, the corporation provides financial assistance to the
unemployed scheduled caste youths, to establish their own self employment.
Financial assistance to the extent of Rs. 50,000 would be provided to the
selected candidates for petty shop, vegetable vending, Cycle shop, dairy,
bullock cart, etc., through their service area bank. The corporation is releasing
subsidy at 50% of the unit cost or Maximum Rs. 10,000 which ever less is and
remaining will be bank loan with reference to unit cost.
2. Improvement Small Business (ISB) scheme:
Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to start a small scale
Industry, to purchase passenger goods vehicle, tractor, etc., the project cost
under this scheme is Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 7.00 lakh. The scheme consists of 20%
Margin money at 4% inerest per anum, 5% promoter’s contribution and the
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remaining is Bank loan. Applicant is also eligible for maximum of Rs. 10,000
subsidy up to the unit cost of Rs. 1.00 lakh provided he is in the below poverty
line list. To avail assistance under this scheme, his family annual income
should not exceed Rs. 50,000 in urban areas and Rs. 40,000 in rural areas.
Under this scheme, most of proposals are being received for vehicles. Based on
demand, availability of raw materials, Marketing facility, profitability in the
district, the schemes like, Mini Dairy, power loom, Footwear, silk Twisting,
Bricks Manufacturing, poultry, piggery, coir products, growing of Grapes,
Floriculture are to be identified and recommended to bank.
3. Direct loan scheme:
The Direct Loan Scheme is started implementing since 1992-93. The
Maximum Unit Cost fixed is Rs. 7.00 lakhs. The term loan is obtained from
(National scheduled caste Finance Development Corporation) NSCFDC,
Margin Money loan and subsidy will be given by the corporation. Under this
scheme, there is 20% Margin money Maximum of Rs. 1.00 lakh at 4% interest
per annum, 5% is promoters contribution and the balance is term loan from the
NSCFDC. Loans up to Rs. 5.00 lakhs is charged 6% interest per annum and
loans above Rs. 5.00 lakhs interest will be charged at 8% per annum. To avail
the benefit under this scheme, his family annual income should not exceed Rs.
55.000 in urban areas and Rs. 40,000 in rural areas. If Applicant is below
poverty line can give the 10,000 subsidy.
4. Training Programme :
The corporation conducts training programme for the Scheduled Castes
in the field of fashion and clothing technology, fashion Knitwear and
production technology, plastic processing technology, plastic mould design
with auto cad. Call center and B.P.O training, cell phone repair, vehicles
driving, Heavy and light vehicles Auto rickshaw training, masonry, Bar
bending, Leather works.
The corporation is proposed the other job oriented training prorammes
like, Hotel Management, House keeping, swimming coach, Gardner, Interior
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flower Decorated for the Scheduled Castes, Those who are studied up to SSLC,
SSLC and above, PUC and Degree courses, training will be conducted
separately. The training will be given in Government institutions wherever
possible and available and other training will be given through Tender System.
5. Micro credit scheme:
This scheme is implemented for the Scheduled Castes in co-ordination
with National Scheduled caste Finance Development Corporation Limited,
New Delhi. To avail these scheme assistance beneficiaries should be below the
poverty line. The scheme is implemented by obtaining subsidy from taluk
panchayat, Zilla panchayat, social welfare department and Rural Development
and Panchayat Raj Departments. Loan facilities are provided to the individual
and self help groups below the poverty line and also to the well functioning self
help groups, sthree Shakthi groups of women and Child Welfare Department
Verifying their seniority, savings and aptitude to serve.
As per the new guidelines issued by National Scheduled Castes Finance
and Development Corporation, Maximum Unit Cost is Rs. 25000 out of which
Rs. 15000 will be term loan from NSFDC at 5% interest. And the remaining
amount of Rs. 10,000 is the subsidy obtainable from Zilla Panchayat, urban
Development department, Social welfare department and other Department
where subsidy is available to start small economic activities.
6. Micro Credit Finance Scheme:
The Government of Karnataka has announced a scheme called Micro
Credit Finance Scheme for the development of the economically weaker
sections of the society, particularly Scheduled Castes. This scheme for the
development of SC’s belonging to semi urban or urban areas people who are
skilled or unskilled can start their own petty Business activities. By organizing
the self help group of beneficiaries, with the help of other Government
department and nongovernmental organizations, a scheme has to be worked out
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and implemented. Under the Micro credit scheme for the self Employment
scheme, 50% of the society, subject to a Maximum of Rs. 2500 has to be
sanctioned in the name of each beneficiary and the remaining Rs. 2500 loan is
to be given to self help groups. A bank account has to be opened and the
account payee cheques issued for the purpose should be credited to the bank
account. Self help groups must give loans to the beneficiaries at 5% interest.
These self help groups organizations must return the loan amount along with
4% interest to the corporation. 1% of the interest can be kept by the self help
groups as service free and they can use this amount for their activities. The loan
amount has to be repaid in quarterly installments, (Jan 30th
, Sept, 30th
, Dec, 31st
and March 31st). A grace period of 6 days can be given to self help group
organizations to repay the loan to the corporation. If they fail to repay loans
and become defaulter, penal interest at 5% will be charged.
7. Mahila Kisan Yojana:
National Scheduled Caste Finance Development Corporation and Dr.
B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation jointly started a new scheme called
Mahila Kisan Yojana for small and Marginal scheduled caste women farmers
to start agriculture and mixed farming related economic activity at concessional
rate of interest having income less than Rs. 40,000. To avail this benefit the
beneficiaries should be scheduled caste women from rural areas. Her annual
income should be les than Rs. 40,000. She should be a small or marginal
farmer. The total unit cost is Rs. 50,000 of which 50% is subsidy, maximum of
Rs. 10,000. The rate of interest is 5% per annum. The beneficiaries have to
repay the loan in 40 quarterly installments.
8. Mahila Samvrudhi Yojana :
Under this scheme unit cost is Rs. 25,000 of which Rs. 15,000 is term
loan and Rs. 10,000 is subsidy. The term loan is obtained from NSCFDC and
subsidy is obtained from social welfare Departments. Urban Development
Department, Rural Development and panchayat Raj Department. It is
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exclusively for women beneficiaries to start small economic activities. The
term loan interest is 4% per annum. The scheme is implemented through self
help Groups. The repayment is 30 quarterly installments. The concerned self
help group is responsible for repayment.
6.3.2 Land Purchase Scheme:
Under Land Purchase Scheme, financial assistance in the form of loan
and subsidy is provided to land less agricultural labourers belonging to
Scheduled Castes to purchase a Minimum 2 acre of dry land or 1.acre of
wetland. Under this scheme, 50% will be subsidy and 50% will be term loan.
Term loan will be obtained from National Scheduled Caste Finance
Development Corporation. The loan carries 6% interest per annum which has
to be repaid in 10 annual equal installments. The cost of the land is fixed by the
committee headed by the Deputy Commissioners of the Districts.
The main object of this scheme is to identify those scheduled caste
farmers who have no land for cultivation and improve their economic status
and to earn independently. The lands which are suitable for cultivation should
be selected. The land to be purchased must be with in radius of 5 KM from the
residence of the beneficiaries, preference should be given to taluks where the
target was not achieved earlier. The women beneficiaries are to be selected
only in the Grama Sabha conducted by the Zilla panchayat in every half year.
After completion of the loan amount, the beneficiary will become the owner of
the land.
6.3.3 Ganga Kalyana Scheme:
Under this scheme, the corporation provides irrigation facilities to the
Scheduled Castes small farmers who have block land, the irrigation facility
include, tube well, pumpsets, electricity, pump house and pipe line. Under this
scheme, there are three sub-schemes.
a. Individual Irrigation Borewell
b. Community Irrigation Borewell
c. Lift Irrigation Scheme.
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a. Individual Irrigation Bore well Scheme:
Under this scheme, small and Marginal farmers, whoever owning
Minimum 2 acres and Maximum 5 acres, were identified as beneficiaries. Bore
wells drilled, pumpsets, fixing pipes and other accessories also taken care. The
unit cost is Rs. 1.00 lakh in which Rs. 86,000 is the subsidy. Met by the state
Government Rs. 14,000 is the loan component, raised on small and marginal
farmers. The object of this scheme is to enable the small and poor farmers to
cultivate their land grow more and more, so that they can achieve economic
stability.
b. Community Irrigation Scheme:
Under this scheme, the scheduled caste small and Marginal farmers who
owns agricultural land contiguously adjourning to the next neighbour with
minimum 8 acres, maximum 15 acres such blocks identified as one unit under
community irrigation, borewells were drilled. In this the corporation providing
pumpset, laying pipelines, digging trenches, extending power facility is also
included. It is a farmers benefit oriented and included community participation.
In this scheme, incurred expenditure with minimum Rs. 2.53 lakhs, maximum
Rs. 3.59 lakhs. The entire amount is subsidy.
c. Lift Irrigation Scheme:
Under this scheme, the corporation provides irrigation facilities to the
scheduled caste small and marginal farmers. Wherever perennial water sources
like lake, river, cannel etc., were identified for implementation of the scheme.
In this scheme water facilities includes, pumping through locomotive system,
passing through pipelines and also with small trenches. In this scheme,
corporation has incurred minimum Rs. 2.53 lakhs, maximum Rs. 3.59 lakhs per
unit. Entire amount incurred treated as subsidy.
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6.3.4 Safai Karamachari Rehabilitation Programme
This programme has been renamed by the Government of India and
named as self employment Scheme for Manual Scanvengers are identified, they
have been rehabilitated by availing financial assistance from Government of
India. For the purpose of rehabilitate to the safai karmacharis various loan
facilities are extended to the activities like, sanitary mart, provision store,
leather work, Automobile workshop, piggery, STD Booth, piggery, Ready
made cloth shop, orchestra, video-graph, auto-rickshaw, taxi, concrete mixer
etc., for hiring purpose.
Financial assistance availed from NSKFDC and extended to the
beneficiaries as term loan and also subsidy, subsidy ceiling maximum Rs.
12,500. In this scheme, state share is also included and treated as Margin loan
and subsidy. Dependents of Manual Scavengers were also included and
extended benefits under this scheme. Women group were also included to
empower them under Mahila Samvrudhi Yojane. Financial assistance extended
starting with a Minimum of Rs. 1.00 lakh to Maximum Rs. 2.00 lakhs. In this
subsidy component is 10%.
The corporation also provides training to these safai karmacharies in the
different fields to take up self employment for their livelihood. NSKFDC has
released grant for giving 6 month training in Advanced Diploma in Software
Technology who have passed PUC and 3 months training in PC Hardware and
Networking diploma for those who have passed SSLC for 525 candidates for
each course. The training will be given by the institute in places where more
number of candidates or in places where the institute has training centeres. A
stipend of Rs. 500 will be given to those who have been selected for training.
Wide publicity should be given where there are more number of Safai
karanachari candidates should be identified and the list should be sent to the
Head Office.
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6.4 Karnataka STs Development Corporation:
The Karnataka Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, which is
exclusively meant for the economic development of scheduled Tribes. This
corporation was established in 2006, with an object of providing financial
assistance to the members of Scheduled Tribes for their all-round development.
The corporation is functioning since 22.02.2007. The Main objective of the
corporation is the economic development of the Scheduled Tribes by the
implementing the schemes. The corporation has launched the various
programmes, they are under.
1. SELF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME:
a. Self Employment Scheme
b. Enerpreneur Development Programme
c. Direct Loan
d. MICRO credit ( small) loan
e. Training Programme
2. LAND PURCHASE SCHEME:
3. GANGA KALYANA SCHEME
a. Lift Irrigation Scheme
b. Individual Irrigation Borewells Scheme.
6.4.1. Self Employment Programme:
a. Self Employment Scheme:
Under this scheme unemployed Scheduled Tribes are eligible to get
assistance to start small business activities like petty shop, vegetable vending,
cycle shop, dairy, bullock cart etc., through their service area bank. The
corporation is releasing subsidy at 50% of the unit cost or maximum Rs. 10,000
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which ever is less and remaining will be the bank loan with reference to unit
cast.
b. Entrepreneur Development Programme:
Under this programme finanancial assistance will be provided to start
small scale industries, to purchase passenger or goods transport vehicles,
Tractor etc. The project cost of the scheme ranges from Rs. 50.000 to Rs. 10,00
lakhs. The means of the finance of the programme is promoter contribution is
5% Margin Money is Rs. 20% subject to Maximum of Rs. 1.00 lakh, Bank
Loan is 75%. The Maximum Subsidy of Rs. 10,000 will be paid in respect of
unit cost is Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1.00 lakh.
c. Direct Loan.
Under this scheme, the project cost ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 10.00
lakhs and Rs. 10,000 of subsidy will be released for the unit cost with in Rs.
1.00 lakh. The project cost comprises of 5% promoters contribution, 20%
margin money subject to maximum of Rs. 1.00 lakh and remaining portion will
be the term loan.
d. Micro Credit Finance (Small) loan:
Under this scheme financial assistance will be extended to the rural,
semi urban and urban areas skilled and unskilled beneficiaries. The project cost
is Rs. 5,000 sanctioned to each beneficiary, of which subsidy is 50% subject
the maximum of Rs. 2500 and 50% Margin money subject to maximum Rs.
2500 as loan at the rate of 4% interest sanctioned by the corporation.
e. Training Programme :
Under this scheme financial assistance will be given for land less
agricultural labourers by purchasing 2 acres of dry land or 1 acre of wet land
and registration will be done in the name of women beneficiary. He unit cost
comprise of subsidy and term loan in the ratio 50:50. For the term loan interest
will be charged at the rate of 6%. The term loan portion is being availed from
National Scheduled Tribes finance and development corporation.
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6.4.2 Land Purchase Scheme:
Under Land Purchase Scheme, financial assistance in the form of loan
and subsidy is provided to land less agricultural labourers belonging to
Scheduled Tribes to purchase a Minimum 2 acre of dry land or 1.acre of
wetland. Under this scheme, 50% will be subsidy and 50% will be term loan.
Term loan will be obtained from National Scheduled Tribes Finance
Development Corporation. The loan carries 6% interest per annum which has
to be repaid in 10 annual equal installments. The cost of the land is fixed by the
committee headed by the Deputy Commissioners of the Districts.
The main object of this scheme is to identify those scheduled tribe
farmers who have no land for cultivation and improve their economic status
and to earn independently. The lands which are suitable for cultivation should
be selected. The land to be purchased must be with in radius of 5 KM from the
residence of the beneficiaries, preference should be given to taluks where the
target was not achieved earlier. The women beneficiaries are to be selected
only in the Grama Sabha conducted by the Zilla panchayat in every half year.
After completion of the loan amount, the beneficiary will become the owner of
the land.
6.4. 3 Ganga Kalyana Scheme:
a. Lift Irrigation Scheme:
Under this scheme, beneficiaries are having dry land of 8 to 15 acres
near river or natural water sources available are covered for irrigation. An
amount Rs. 2.53 lakh is fixed for 8 acres and Rs. 3.59 lakh fixed for 15 acres of
land. The unit cost includes providing pipe line, pump set and energisation
works. This scheme object is to enable the small and poor scheduled tribe
farmers to cultivate their land and grow more and more, so that they can
achieve economic stability.
b. Individual Irrigation Borewell Scheme:
Individual Irrigation Borewell scheme along with pumpset will be
provided to individual beneficiaries. The unit cost under the scheme is Rs. 1.00
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lakh, out of which Rs. 86,000 will be subsidy and remaining Rs. 14,000 will be
the loan.
6.5 DETAILS OF THE CONDITIONS OF THE WOMEN,
SCs/STs RESPONDENTS:
The following tables reveal the various responses given by the women,
SCs/STs respondents, who belong to four districts of Karnataka State, i.e.,
Bijapur, Chamarajanagar, Kolar and Raichur, in respect of their Socio-
economic conditions. The total number women, SCs/STs respondents selected
from the above four districts for empirical study are eight hundred.
Table – 1
Types of Respondents
Sl.
No. Particulars Number Percentage
1
2
3
Women
Scheduled Castes
Scheduled Tribes
340
340
120
42.5%
42.5%
15.0%
Total 800 100%
As seen from the above table 1, it is evident that there are three classes
of respondents namely, a. Women b. Scheduled Castes c. Scheduled Tribes.
Altogether, they constitute 800 respondents. Out of the 800 respondents, 340
respondents belong to the woman that is 42.5%., 340 respondents belong to
Scheduled Castes, that constitutes 42.5% and remaining 120 respondents
belong to Scheduled Tribes i.e., constituting 15.0%.
In the below table 2 below that 25.50% of revels the respondents i.e.,
204 respondents belong to the age group of 41-50 years, 20.38% of he
respondents i.e., 163 respondents belong to the age group between 31-40 years,
20.25% of the respondents i.e., 162 respondents are in the age group of 51-60
years and 17.12% of the respondents i.e., 137 respondents, 16.75% of the
respondents belong to the age group of 20-30 years i.e., 134 respondents.
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Table – 2
Age of the respondents
Sl.
No. Age Group Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
5
20-30 years
31-40 years
41-50 years
51-60 years
60 years & above
134
163
204
162
137
16.75%
20.38%
25.50 %
20.25%
17.12 %
Total 800 100%
Table – 3
Occupation of the Respondents
Sl.
No. Occupation Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
5
Agriculture Labourers
Cultivation ( Own land)
Small business men
Services
Agriculture
380
165
105
65
85
47.50%
20.63%
13.12%
8.13%
10.62%
Total 800 100%
The above table 3 shows that, 47.50% of the respondents i.e., 380
respondents are working as agricultural labourers, 20.63% of the respondents
i.e., 165 respondents are cultivating own land, 13.12% of the respondents i.e.,
105 respondents, belong to small business group and 10.62% of the
respondents, i.e., 85 respondents are the agriculturists and cultivators. Lastly,
the salaried class i.e., service ( Including Government and Private Employees)
constitute 8.13 % i.e., 65 respondents.
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Table - 4
Income Position of the Respondents
Sl.
No. Income level ( Annual) Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
5
6
Less than 5,000
Rs. 5001 to Rs. 10,000
Rs. 10,001 to Rs. 15,000
Rs. 15,001 to 20,000
Rs. 20,001 to 30,000
Rs. 30,000 and above
280
180
120
102
78
40
35.00%
22.50%
15.00%
12.75%
9.75%
5.00%
Total 800 100%
The above table 4 indicates that, 35% of the respondents i.e., 280
respondents earn less than Rs. 5,000 per annum, where as 22.50% respondents
i.e., 180 respondents are coming in the income between Rs. 5,001 and Rs.
10,000. 15% of the respondents i.e., 120 respondents belong to the income
between Rs. 10,001 and Rs. 15,000. As many as 102 respondents i.e., 12.75%
belong to the income category of Rs. 15,001 to 20,000. 9.75% respondents i.e.,
78 respondents are belong to the income between Rs. 20,001 to Rs. 30,000,
only 5% of the respondents, i.e., 40 respondents are earn more than Rs. 30,000
in a year. From these facts, it is evident that only 40 respondents out of the 800
are able to earn more than Rs. 30.000 in year. Besides the Majority of the
respondents earn Rs. 5000 in a year, which is inadequate for their family
maintenance. Therefore, they are considered as weaker sections and
economically backward to meet their basic needs like food, clothing and
shelter.
The below table 5 shows that, Majority of the respondents, i.e., 42.25%
are illiterates. Out of the 800 respondents, only 188 respondents, i.e., 23.50%
respondents have passed the primary school education, whereas, 140
respondents, i.e., 17.50% have passed Middle school education, 85
respondents, i.e., 10.63% have passed Metric examination only 2.12% i.e., 25
respondents have passed degree and above education.
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Table – 5
Education Level of the Respondents
Sl.
No. Educational Level Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
5
Illiterate
Primary (I-IV Std)
Middle School ( V-VII std.)
Metric ( VIII-X Std)
Degree and above
362
188
140
85
25
42.25%
23.50%
17.50%
10.63%
2.12%
Total 800 100%
It is evident from these facts that, the educational level of women,
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is very low as they are suffering from
various disabilities like, poverty, discrimination, inequality in their villages.
Besides, lack of inspiration from their parents and poor families background
are also responsible for the low level of education of the respondents.
Table – 6
Assets owned by the respondents
Sl.
No. Land ( both wet & Dry) Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
Land less
Less than 2 Acres
Between 2 acres to 5 acres
Above 5 acres
351
247
152
50
43.88%
30.87%
19.00%
6.25%
Total 800 100%
As seen from table. 6, it indicates that, the land holding status of the
respondents. Only 50 respondents, i.e., 6.25% respondents’ posses above 5
acres of land (both wet and dry), 19%. i.e., 152 respondents have possessed
land between 2 acres to 5 acres and 30.87% respondents, i.e., 247 respondents
have got land less than 2 acres. Besides, 351 respondent’s i.e, 43.88% of the
respondents have no land to cultivate. These facts show that, majority of them
are landless labourers who work in the agricultural land belonging to others. It
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is observed that, those who have land less than 2 acres are also suffering from
economic constraints, as their income is inadequate to maintain their families.
Table – 7
Assets (moveable) of the respondents
Sl.
No. Number possessed Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
Cows : One pair
Two Pairs
More than two pairs
No Cows
209
91
85
415
26.13%
13.37%
10.63%
51.87%
Total 800 100%
The above table 7 indicates that, majority of the respondents i.e.,
51.87% have no cows for their use, only 209 respondents, i.e., 26.13% have
one pair of cows and 91 respondents, i.e., 13.37% have two pair cows. Only
10.63% i.e., 85 respondents have got more than two pairs cows. As in the
villages, women, SCs and STs respondents are predominantly agricultural
labouerers having little land, they naturally depend on the rearing of cattle’s not
only for agricultural purposes but also for milk production. Even though, the
government provides financial assistance to purchase cows, they have no place
to rear them. Therefore, the majority of the respondents i.e., 415 out of 800
respondents have no cows at their disposal. It is observed that, the upper castes
in the majority villages do not allow the Scheduled Castes and Tribes to collect
the fodder to their cows in their land. Suppose the members of Scheduled
Castes and Tribes cut the grass in the upper caste land, the members of upper
castes, punish the Scheduled Castes and Tribes. Due to fear and lack of enough
place to rear cows, majority of Scheduled Castes and Tribes do not posses
them. In some villages, in order to avoid the atrocities, the members of the
Scheduled Castes and Tribes instead of rear the cows, sell their cows for the
lesser amount. Consequently their income is affected.
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Table – 8
Assets (Moveable) of the Respondents
Sl.
No. Number Possessed Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
Sheep : One pair
More than 5 less than 10
More than 10 sheep
No sheep
96
154
177
373
12.00%
19.25%
22.13%
46.62%
Total 800 100%
The table 8 shows that, 46.62% i.e., 373 respondents have no sheep at
their disposal, but 22.13% i.e., 177 respondents have more than 10 sheep. As
19.25% of the respondents, i.e., 154 have more than 5 less than 10 sheep. 96
respondents i.e., 12.00% respondents have only two sheep. These informatins
shows that more Scheduled Castes respondents have no sheep, due to lack of
enough place to rear them. It is also observed that, rearing the sheep is easier
than cattle rearing. Many respondents derive more income through the sale of
sheep as each sheep costs more than Rs. 1000.
Table – 9
Assets (Moveable) of the respondents
Sl.
No. Number possessed Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
Bullocks : one pair
Two pairs
More than two pairs
No Bullocks
175
119
55
451
21.88%
14.87%
6.88%
56.37%
Total 800 100%
As seen from the table 9, it is evident, that majority of the respondents,
451 out of 800, i.e., 56.37% have no bullocks, as they are unable to buy them.
Whereas, 175 out of 800 respondents, i.e., 21.88% possessed one pair of
bullocks. 199 out of 800 respondents, i.e., 14.87% respondents have possessed
two pairs of bullocks and only 6.88%, i.e., 55 respondents have more than two
pairs of bullocks.
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These facts shows that, only less number of respondents, i.e., 6.88% are
able to possess more than 2 pairs of bullocks for cultivating their land., as they
are, to some extent, economically sound to purchase bullocks. Those who do
not have bullocks are required to hire them for cultivation. The majority of the
respondents given their reasons that, economically poor people cannot purchase
the bullocks, because each pair costs more than, Rs. 15,000 even if purchase,
there is no place to keep them in the houses.
Table – 10.
Crops Grown by the Respondents:
Sl.
No. Do you grow ?
Positive
response Percentage
1
2
3
4
Paddy/Ragi
Jowar
Sunflower
Ground nut
270
342
186
70
33.75%
42.75%
23.25%
8.75%
Total 800 100%
The above table 10 indicates the varius crops grown by the respondents
in their lands. Majority of the respondents, i.e., 342 out of 800 ( 42.75%) grow
Jowar in their land. 33.75%, i.e., 270 respondents grow paddy in their land as
they have irrigation facilities. 23.25%, i.e., 186 respondents grow sunflower
crop in their dry land in rainy season. Only 8.75% of the respondents i.e., 70
respondents, grow the ground nut in their land. It is observed that, few
respondents have wet land ranging from one acre to four acres in which they
grow paddy two times in a year. In one acre of wet land, approximately, they
grow paddy to the extent of 60 to 65 bags.
As many 342 respondents grow the jowar in their land, each of these
respondents possesses dry land ranging from one acre to four acres. In one acre
dry land, they grow 15 to 18 bag Jowar. The land cultivation depend upon rain.
186 respondents grow the sunflower in their land. In each acre of land,
they grow sunflower ranging from 10 to 12 bags. It is observed that, some of
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these respondents have borewell in their land, and some of them have to
depend on rain.
Only 70 respondents grow groundnuts in their land. It is observed that
all these respondents are depending on rain to grow ground nut. In each acre of
land, they grow groundnut ranging from 15 to 20 bags.
6.5.1 Economic Disabilities:
The table 11 shows the living standard of women, Scheduled Castes and
scheduled tribes. Majority of the respondents are living below the poverty line.
561 out of 800, i.e., 70.12% respondents are living below the poverty line,
among these respondents majority are Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes.
Table 11
Economic condition of women, SCs & STs
Sl.
No. Do you remain?
Positive
response Percentage
1
2
3
Below poverty line
Semi starved
Adequately fed
561
165
74
70.12%
20.63%
9.25%
Total 800 100%
They are not getting one square meal a day which shows their utter
poverty. It is observed that, these respondents are living in small tiled houses or
in huts in northern Karnataka parts. 20.63% respondents, i. e., 165 respondents
are living in semi-starved condition, where they get two meals a day. But only
74 out of 800 i.e., 9.25% respondents, are getting adequate food. These facts
show that, majority of the respondents economic status is very poor, as they
have no adequate assets. Naturally their health also deteriorates as they cannot
take nutritious food as well as required medical facilities.
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Table 12
Occupational structure of the respondents
Sl.
No.
Means of Subsistenance of the
Respondents
Positive
response Percentage
1
2
3
4
5
Working as landless labourers
Cultivating own land
Small business ( Petty shops, Tea
shops, tailoring clothes etc.,)
Services
Agriculture Labourers cultivation
own land
380
165
105
65
85
47.50%
20.63%
13.12%
8.13%
10.62%
Total 800 100%
The table 12 indicates that, 380 out of 800 i.e., 47.50% respondents are
required to work as agricultural labourers in others land for their subsistence,
whereas 20.63% respondents, i.e., 165 out of 800 work in their own land for
their subsistenance. Whatever little acres of land they have, they cultivate for
their livelihood. As many as 105 respondents i.e., 13.12% are depending on
their small business for subsistenance. Out of the amount they earn from their
business which includes petty shops, tea shops, Tailoring etc., they lead their
life. As they have no land of their own, their subsistenance depends on their
earning from the business. 85 respondents out of 800 i.e., 10.62% are working
as agriculture labourers and cultivation of own land for their livelihood. Only
65 respondents out of 800, i.e., 8.13% are in service either in Government
institutions or private and getting salary. They have no land for cultivation but
they are completely depending on their jobs for subsistenance.
The below table 13 shows the loan position of the respondents. One
common factor observed that, all category of respondents raise loan from
different sources. Majority of the respondents are agriculturists, 665 out of 800
respondents, i.e., 83.13% who raise loan for their agriculture work.
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Table – 13
Loan position of the Respondents:
Sl.
No. Do you raise loan?
Positive
response Percentage
1
2
3
Agriculturists
Employees ( Govt. /
Private)
Business men
665
50
85
83.13%
6.25%
10.62%
Total 800 100%
As they have no other sources, they have to depend on loan for this
purpose. 10.62%, i.e., 85 respondents are small businessmen who do not have
land to earn money. They have to depend on their own business for their
livelihood. As business requires capital, they are required to raise loan to carry
on their business as well as look after their family. 6.25% respondents, i.e., 50
respondents are who are in different services are also interested to raise loans,
as their income from salary is very less to maintain their families. It is observed
that in each family, there are more than 5 members which only one person
work. As they are required to depend solely on the salary, often they raise loan
in Banks and other financial institutions.
From the above table 14, shows that different respondents raise loan
from different institutions. 53.63%, i.e., 429 out of 800 seek loan from village
money lenders. These respondents are of opinion that getting loan from village
money lenders is easier than seeking loan from financial institutions.
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Table - 14
Respondents of Loan raising from different sectors
Sl.
No.
From whom do you raise
loan?
Positive
response Percentage
1
2
3
4
Village money lenders.
Co-operative societies
Agricultural Banks
Nationalized Banks
429
103
207
61
53.63%
12.88%
25.87%
7.62%
Total 800 100%
From the above table 14, shows that different respondents raise loan
from different institutions. 53.63%, i.e., 429 out of 800 seek loan from village
money lenders. These respondents are of opinion that getting loan from village
money lenders is easier than seeking loan from financial institutions. Because,
no formalities are essential to seek loan from them. As 207 respondents, i.e.,
25.87% of the respondents are raise the loan from the Agricultural Banks.
Where as, 12.88% i.e., 103 respondents are seek loan from Co-operative
societies. Only 7.62% i.e., 61 respondents are seek the loan from Nationalized
Banks. It is observed that, raising the loan from village money lenders is more
convenient and easy. Besides, simple terms of borrowing, easy accessibility,
immediate payment and accommodative nature of the village money lenders at
the time of repayment have influenced the women, Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes respondents to raise loan from them. But what hurts them is
the high rate of interest charged by money lenders. The respondents who seek
loan from various financial institutions are often subject to many hardships by
the Bank authorities. Because, normally financial institutions compel the loan
seekers to pledge assets either moveable or immovable as security for lending
loan. But it is unfortunate that, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
have little assets to pledge.
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Table - 15
Rate of interest paid by the Respondents
Sl.
No. Monthly wise Response Percentage
1
2
3
4
1 % to 2 %
3% to 4%
5% to 10%
Above 10%
94
269
437
0
11.75%
33.63%
54.62%
0%
Total 800 100%
The table 15 indicates different rates of interests paid by different
respondents for their loan. 54.62% i.e., 437 respondents pay the interest
towards their loan from 5% to 10%. Majority of the respondents belonging to
this category pay more interest to the village money lenders as they get loan
easily from them. As many as 269 respondents, i.e., 33.63% pay the interest
towards their loan amount ranging from 3% to 4%.where as, only 11.75 %
respondents, i.e., 94 respondents out of 600, pay interest to their loan amount
from 1% to 2%. Most of the respondents are those who seek loan from various
financial institutions like co-operative societies, Agricultural Banks and
Nationalized Banks, because the rate of interest charged by the village money
lenders. From the above table it is observed that, none of the respondents is
paying interest above 10%. This is because of the respondents, utter poverty
and their inability to pay over and above 10% interest to the loan amount.
The below table 16 shows that 356 out of 800, i.e., 44.50% respondents
are of the opinion that, they raise loan for the purpose of cultivation of paddy,
Jowar and sunflower. 148 out of 800 i.e., 18.50% respondents are of the
opinion that, they seek loan for conducting marriages and other ceremonies in
the village, whereas 16.50% i.e., 132 respondents seek loan for celebrating
village festivals. But 131 respondents out of 800, i.e., 16.37% seek the loan for
consumption purpose.
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Table – 16
Sl.
No. Purpose for which loan is raised Response Percentage
1
2
3
4
5
Consumption
Agricultural Development
Festivals
Marriage / Death Ceremonies
Personal use
131
356
132
148
33
16.37%
44.50%
16.50%
18.50%
4.13%
Total 800 100%
Only 4.13% i.e., 33 respondents seek the loan for their personal
enjoyment. In this table it is observed that, only 44.50% respondents actually
utilize their loan amount for cultivation purpose. But the rest, use the loan
amount for other purposes including celebration of village festivals, conducting
their son’s or daughter’s marriage, for personal enjoyment, many times the loan
raised for agricultural development from various financial institutions is used
for their social purposes. This is the one of the reasons why the majority of the
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are still economically very poor.
6.5.2 Social Problems of Women
The table 17 below shows that, 55.59%, i.e., 189 women respondents
out of 340 are of the opinion that, killing of Infanticide is against the nature and
it is a crime. To overcome the problem of dowry and marriage expenses,
commission of Infanticide is occurring in society. Majority of the respondents
opined that economic backwardness, importance of the Male children and
religious faith like “Absence of a son means no place in heaven” are the main
reasons for commission of infanticide. Majority of the respondents are not
aware of the P N D T Act.
As 29.41% i.e., 100 out of 340 respondents are opinion that, the dowry
system is “curse” for many young brides. Girls from low-income families are
greatly affected by this system and their parents are ruined economically
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_______________________________ 253
because of this practice. The dowry practice is custom, it has corrupted the
people to such an extent that arranging marriages has become a bargaining
market. It is observed that, majority of the respondents are aware about the
dowry prohibition Act. Even though, dowry practice still exists in the society.
Where as, 8.82% i.e., 30 respondents out of 340 are of the view that the
practice of Devadasis, the system is still prevalent in the Hindu society. When
they were interviewed the devadasis opined that, due to the poverty their
parents could not perform their marriage process. As a result it was found that
they were used for Sexual gratification by the upper castes and were assure that
they would be looked after in future.
Table – 17
Dowry practice, killing infanticide etc.,
Sl.
No. Social Problems Positive response Percentage
1
2
3
4
Dowry Practice
Widowood
Killing of Infanticide
Devadasi system
100
21
189
30
29.41%
6.18%
55.59%
8.82%
Total 340 100%
Because of their innocence or ignorance upper castes people are
exploiting them sexually. Even to day they are working as agricultural labouers
in the villages. The system of devadasi is practice only in northern Karnataka,
especially in Gulbarga and Belggum divisions. As, 6.18%, i.e., 21 respondents
of widows expressed their view that, widowhood is very difficult as widows
are not permitted to attend the marriages and other social functions. Hindu
society has imposed so many restrictions on them. It was also found that there
is no respect for widows once a woman loses her husband and consequently
she loses, she loses her social status. Majority of the widows have expressed
their helplessness in live in the society.
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Table - 18
Awareness of Constitutional and Legal Rights
Sl.
No. Are you aware of?
Positive
Response Percentage
1
2
3
4
Constitutional Rights
Legal Rights
Government Programmes
Government facilities
35
82
131
92
10.29%
24.12%
38.53%
27.01%
Total 340 100%
The above table 18 indicates that, 38.53%, i.e., 131 women respondents
out of 340 are aware about the Government programmes, like, Stree Shakti
Yojana, Baghylaxmi Yojana, Eradication of trafficking in women and children,
construction of commercial shops and Brave awards. Where as, 27.01% i.e., 92
women respondents are aware of the Government facilities, like, widow
pension scheme, old age pension scheme, Maternity facilities, providing health
facilities to women etc., As many as 24.12% i.e., 82 respondents are aware of
various legal provisions, like, the dowry prohibition Act, 1961, prevention of
Devadasi system Act, 1982, prevention of child marriage Act, etc., only
10.29% i.e., 35 respondents are aware of the constitutional provisions. It is
observed that, in the villages women are very aware about the Sreeshakti
Yojana and getting Government funds and facilities through stree Shakti
groups, this scheme helps some extent to the women community.
6.5.3 Social disabilities of the SCs and STs:
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are still facing the many
social disabilities in their villages. This has been observed during the empirical
study in the four districts, i.e., Bijapur, Chamarajnagar, Kolar and Raichur.
__________________________Socio-Economic Conditions - A Case Study of Karnataka State
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Table – 19
Discrimination of Wage, Loan etc.
Sl.
No. Are you discriminated in respect of ?
Positive
Response Percentage
1
2
3
4
Wage rate
Interest rate
Providing loan
Providing employment in agricultural land
113
67
78
202
24.57%
14.56%
16.96%
43.91%
Total 460 100%
The above table shows that, the discrimination of the upper caste over
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in respect of wage rate, interest rate,
when providing the loan and employment in agricultural land. 43.91% i.e., 202
respondents out of 460 are of the opinion that, while providing the employment
they are discriminated by the landlords of the upper castes. Where as 24.57%
i.e., 113 respondents out of 460 are discriminated in respect of wage rate by
upper caste land lords. Landlords forcibly taken the labour from the Scheduled
Castes and paid the less wages 67 respondents i.e., 14.56 % of the respondents
are discriminated by the money lenders, they are collected high rate of interest
by the Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. 16.96%, i.e., 78 respondents out
of 460 are opined that the money lenders provide more loan to their own caste,
to the less interest, than Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. These facts
show that, both the land lords and money lenders follow the discrimination
towards the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Villages.
The table 20 indicates that, Majority of the scheduled caste and
scheduled tribes, 45.00% i.e., 210 respondents out of 460 are bring drinking
water from the village tube well of their own street, because it is very near to
them to fetch water. As many as, 23.91%, i.e., 110 respondents are bring their
drinking water from near by river, as they are prevented from taking water
from village tube well.
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Table – 20
Means of Drinking Water Facilities
Sl.
No.
From where do you bring
drinking water ?
Positive
Response Percentage
1
2
3
4
Village Public Tank
Village Public Borewells
Tube well of your own street
River
87
56
210
110
18.91%
12.17%
45.00%
23.91%
Total 460 100%
As many as 87 out of 460 i.e., 18.91% respondents are bring the water
from village public tank. Only 53 out of 460 respondents, i.e., 12.17% are
allowed to take water from village public borewells. It is observed that there
would be frequent quarrel between Scheduled Castes and upper castes over the
drinking water issue. But the upper castes not allowed the Scheduled Castes to
take the water from the bore well belonging to their streets. It is observed that,
even to day, in many villages, Scheduled Castes are being discriminated and
prevented from taking water from the tube wells and village public wells.
The table 21 below indicates that, Upper castes are not allowed the
Scheduled Castes to the village temple belonging to the upper castes. Those
scheduled caste and scheduled tribe in case who are officers or ministers or
very clean and close with the upper castes, they are allowed to the temples.
Majority of temples in villages are maintained by the upper castes, the upper
castes think that, if the Scheduled Castes are allowed, the temples would be
polluted. 133 out of the 460 i.e., 28.91% of the respondents enjoy equal status
with the upper castes in worshiping gods in various villages. But the rest of
them are prevented from entering in to the village temples from worshipping
god.
As many as, more than 62% respondents are not allowed taking tea or
coffee from the village tea shops maintained by the upper castes. That means
only 172 out of 460 respondents. i.e., 37.39% are enjoying equal status with the
__________________________Socio-Economic Conditions - A Case Study of Karnataka State
_______________________________ 257
upper castes in taking tea, coffee or snacks from the shops maintained by the
upper castes.
Table – 21
Social status of SCs and STs
Sl.
No. Do you enjoy equal status in
Positive
Response Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Worship in village temples
Taking tea/coffee/snacks from the
village Tea shops
Serving food in the common plates
and glass
Village meeting and its decision
making process
Village community feasts
Marriage with non SCs
Schools
Barber service
Priest service (in marriage)
death/festive occasional
Getting groceries from grocery
shops
133
172
180
135
184
0
121
112
37
326
460
460
460
460
460
460
460
460
460
460
28.91%
37.39%
39.13%
29.35%
40.00%
0%
26.30%
24.35%
8.04%
70.87%
In many village hotels, separate glasses and plates kept exclusively for
Scheduled Castes to use when they visit hotels for taking food. It is observed
that, these respondents are served with coffee, tea or food outside the hotels,
because many shop keepers and hoteliers still believe in caste system and
practice of untouchability. Only 180 respondents out of 460 i.e., 39.13% taking
food in the common plates and glasses, rest of them i.e., 70.87% are do not
served the food in common plates and glasses. These respondents are required
to bring their own plates and glasses to take food, coffee or tea from the hotels.
In village meetings, majority village affairs are managed by the upper
castes through informal panchayat. Several times they are not invited the
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Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to take part in the decision making
process. Whenever they are invited, they are required sit at a distance, but not
allowed to take part in the informal panchayat. Only 29.35% i.e., 135
respondents out of 460 enjoy equal status in the village meeting and decision
making process with the upper castes.
In many villages, whenever village feasts are arranged the upper castes
served the food to the scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes at distance in the
village streets. It is observed that, 184 out of the 460 i.e., 40% respondents are
enjoy equal status in village feasts along with the upper castes. Whereas, the
rest of the respondents i.e., 60% are not allowed to enjoy equal status in village
feasts like, Gram devathe festival, Marriage, etc.
In relation to the inter caste marriage, it is observed that, none of the
respondents enjoys equal status with the upper castes. Suppose a scheduled
caste boy loves a upper caste girl, he will be boycotted from the village or he
will be beaten. Some times the upper castes attempt to murder the scheduled
caste boy. Incase, the scheduled caste boy marry with upper caste girl he will
be ran away from the village, but never returned to their village with the
apprehension that they would be beaten or may murder by the upper castes.
As many as 121 out of 460 i.e., 26.30% of the respondents are of
opinion that, their children in schools enjoy equal status with the other children
who belong to upper castes. But majority of the respondents express their view
that, frequently their children are subject to discrimination, humiliation and ill-
treatment, either by the other children or by the upper caste school teachers. It
is observed that, even today in many village schools, scheduled caste children
are not allowed to drink water from the tumbler kept for upper castes children.
If the scheduled caste boy or girl drink water from the tumbler, he/she would
be severally punished. The children of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe are
asked to sit in the back benches who are often neglected by the teachers.
Several times they are treated harshly and looked down upon.
In respect of barber services, 24.35 % i.e., 112 out of 460 respondents
enjoy equal status in the villages. But the remaining respondents are
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_______________________________ 259
discriminated while they approach a barber for hair cutting and shaving. In
several villages, scheduled caste are kept out side the barbers shops and their
hair is cut. The members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are
discriminated in barber’s service also. Some times the Scheduled Castes try to
find out barbers from their own castes or own relatives.
Another aspect is discrimination is found in the villages in priestly
services. Only 37 respondents, i.e., 8.4% are allowed to utilize priestly services
for marriages and other ceremonies. The remaining 92% of the respondents do
not enjoy equal status in priestly services with the upper castes. Priestly
services normally provided by the upper castes. Majority of the Scheduled
Castes are deprived of this service. Therefore, whenever the Scheduled Castes
celebrate marriage ceremony or any other ceremony, they have to find out a
priest from their own community.
So far as grocery shops are concerned, more than 70% i.e., 326
respondents enjoy equal status with the upper castes while purchasing grocery
from village shops. The remaining 30% i.e., 134 respondents are discriminated
by the village shop keepers, while selling many house hold things. It is
observed that, whenever both the scheduled caste and an upper caste person
visit a shop, the scheduled caste must make way for the upper caste to purchase
first. In many villages, the shop keepers themselves insist the scheduled caste
to allow first the upper caste to buy the groceries, and then only, they are
allowed to purchase groceries.
These facts clearly show that, even in village grocery shops, scheduled
caste and scheduled tribe are discriminated. Further it is observed that, majority
of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are depending upon upper castes
for loan and employment individually they cannot protest against them when
they are discriminated. Besides, their social and economic disabilities like, low
status, poverty, and illiteracy prevent them from protesting against the upper
castes.
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Table – 22
Measures for eradiation of Social Disabilities
Sl.
No.
What steps do you take to
remove social disabilities
Positive
Response Percentage
1
2
3
4
5
Complain to police station
Law courts
Village Panchayat
Associations/organizations
Political Representatives
18
0
182
142
118
3.91%
0%
39.56%
30.87%
25.65%
Total 460 100%
The above table 22 indicates that, various steps taken by the respondents
to over come from their social problems or disabilities. 18 out of 460
respondents, i.e., 3.91% are of the opinion that, whenever they are confronted
with any social disabilities in their village, they give complaint to the police
station, where as, 25.65% i.e., 118 out of 460 respondents approach their
political representatives and ask them to solve their problems. As many as
30.87% i.e., 142, out of 40 respondents are neither interested to meet their
political representatives nor village panchayat but they approach association to
rectify their social problems. They are opined that they do not believe them, as
they give false assurances and promises. 39.56%, i.e., 182 out of 460
respondents approach village panchayat to get their social problems solved.
They think that village panchayat is represented by the number of people where
they need not spend money for solving their problems. They express their view
that, it is more convenient for them to bring their social problems before the
village panchayat, as its members are easily accessible in the village. But all
the village panchayatt are dominated by the upper castes. Where as none of he
respondents approach the law courts for removal of their social disabilities.
Only negligible percent of respondents, i.e., 3.91%, approach police station for
solving their social problems. But remaining respondents i.e., 97% do not
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approach police as it is expensive and they have no faith in police Authorities.
It is also observed that, whenever they are socially discriminated, humiliated or
fortuned by the upper castes, it is futile to give complaint against them, as the
police do not take action against them. But even to day, majority of the
respondents are the opinion that, the social problems like untouchalibity,
atrocities, grabbing of land, burning the houses, destroy the properties are still
continue.
The table 23 evident that the respondents undertake various steps to
protest against their social problems. 100 out of 460 respondents, i.e., 21.74%
are of the opinion that, whenever they are socially discriminated, humiliated
and treated unequally they conduct hunger srike against such people for the
removal of their problems. For this purpose, the respondents ask the assistance
from social activists who belong to various associations. 101 out of 460
respondents, i.e., 21.96% hold public meeting with the assistance of Dalit
associations, in order to protest against the upper castes.
Table – 23.
Form for Protest
Sl.
No.
What form of protest would you adopt
to remove your social problems
Positive
Response Percentage
1
2
3
4
Hunger strike
Public meeting
Holding peaceful March
No protest
100
101
49
210
21.74%
21.96%
10.65%
45.65%
Total 460 100%
Only 49 respondents out of 460, i.e., 10.65% hold peaceful March
protesting against the attitude of the upper caste. But the majority of the
respondents, i.e., 210 out of 460, i.e., 45.65% are of opinion that they do not
conduct any of these methods. Because these methods would not solve the
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problems of the respondents rather it aggravates the communal hatred between
them and the upper castes. The above table clears that, the Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes have little awareness of their rights and privileges. But
prevented them from claiming equal status and other benefits is their poverty,
illiteracy, in security in the villages and depend upon the upper castes for their
jobs and loans.
Table – 24
Awareness of PCR, SC and ST Acts
Sl.
No. Are you aware of ?
Positive
Response Number Percentage
1
2.
Protection of civil Rights Act,
1976.
SC/ST (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act, 1989
47
47
460
460
10.22
10.22
The above table 24 shows that, only 47 out of 460 respondents, i.e.,
10.22% are aware of the protection of civil Rights Act, 1976 and SC/ST
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act respectively, majority of the respondents, i.e.,
90.78% have no awareness about these Acts, which protect the interests of the
Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. Illiteracy, poor educational family back
ground and innocence, inadequate opportunities are the main reasons for their
ignorance about these enactments. Besides these respondents have no
awareness about the practice of untouchability, it is still exist in villages.
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Table – 25
Awareness of Reservation in Education, Public Service etc.
Sl.
No. Reservation
Positive
Response Number Percentage
1 Do you know that there is
reservation for SCs/STs in
legislature, public service
& public education
196 460 42.61
The above table 25 reveals that, when the respondents were interviewed,
196 out of 460 respondents, i.e., 42.61%, expressed their views positively. But
the remaining 58.39% respondents are not aware of reservation policies as
guaranteed under the constitution of India. They have no knowledge about
reservation relating to public education and public employment. It is observed
that, due to lack of knowledge about the reservation they do not claim these
benefits.
The below table 26 indicates that, the respondents awareness on various
Government programmes for their socio-economic developments. 19.35% i.e.,
89 out of 460 respondents expressed their view that, they have some
knowledge about the Swarna Jayanthi Rojagar Yojana. Where as rest of the
respondents have no knowledge about this yojana. In relation to SGRY 77 out
of 460, i.e., 16.74% respondents are aware of this programme. Remaining
respondents are unaware of this programme. As many as 163 out of 460
respondents i.e., 35.43% are aware of the Ashraya Scheme. Under this scheme,
many of the respondents have received the benefits of houses. The remaining
respondents are not received the benefit, some of them lived in the old tile
houses and sheds.
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Table – 26
Awareness of Government Programmes
Sl.
No.
Are you aware of the
following Government
Programmes ?
Positive
Response Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
5
6
Swarna Jayanthi Rojgar
Yojana
SGRY
AShraya Scheme
Bhagya Jyothi Scheme
Ambedkar Vasati Scheme
Employment Guarantee
scheme
89
77
163
111
171
187
460
460
460
460
460
460
19.35
16.74
35.43
24.13
37.17
40.65
As many as 111 out of 460 respondents, i.e., 24.13% respondents are
paying the nominal electricity charges. But 171 out of 460 i.e., 37.17%
respondents, are of the opinion that, they are aware of ‘Ambedkar vasati
Scheme’, which provides houses to scheduled caste and scheduled tribes.
Under this scheme many of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have
received the benefits. 187 out of 460 respondents, i.e., 40.65% are aware about
the employment Guarantee scheme. Because scheduled caste and scheduled
Tribes, especially in village areas, they are working as agriculture labourers.
Only in season they are doing their work rest of the time they have no
any work, under these circumstances, Government provides the work like, road
construction, tank cleaning, building construction, etc., It is observed that,
Majority of the respondents are not aware of all the developmental programmes
launched by the Government. Unless, give the information about the various
schemes, they have no knowledge of them.
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Table – 27
Various Developmental Programmes of the Government
Sl.
No.
Whether various developmental
programmes of the Government
are being?
Positive
Responses Percentage
1
2
3
Benefited
Party Benefited
Not Benefited
84
166
210
10.26%
36.09%
45.65%
Total 460 100%
The above table 27 shows that 84 out of 460, i.e., 10.26 % respondents
are of opinion that, they have fully benefited by the various developmental
programmes launched by the government. Where as, the 36.09%, i.e., 166 out
of 460 are of the opinion that, they have been partly benefited. The reasons
given by them are, due to the middlemen, they are not able to get full benefits
of the schemes, all the respondents are not able to get full benefits of the
schemes, all the respondents are not aware of many programmes launched by
the Government. The another reason is the impose of various restrictions by the
Government, restrict them from utilizing the benefits fully.
But, as many as 210 out of 460 respondents, i.e., 45.65% are of the
opinion that, they have not been benefited from any of the government
programmes, because, many times due to the investment of middlemen, as well
as the attitude of the banks and other authorities they do not get benefits.
Further they are opinioned that, these schemes launched by the Government are
useful only to those who are having influence knowledge and money.
For the purpose of obtaining first hand information on the government
development programmes and their actual implementation, 40 scheduled caste
and scheduled tribe officers, 40 Dalit leaders and 20 scheduled caste and
scheduled tribe MLA’s & MP’s have been interviewed. They have expressed
their own opinion on various programmes of the government and their use
fullness. The following table shown their different responses and opinions.
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Table – 28 Implementation of PCR and SC/ST Acts
Sl.
No.
Do you Do you think that PCR Act & SC/ST
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act are
strictly being implemented?
Positive
Response Number Percentage
1
2
3
SC/ST Officers
SC/ST Dalit leaders
SC/ST MLA & MPs
09
08
12
40
40
20
22.50%
20.50%
30.00%
The above table 28 it is evident that, 9 officers out of 40, i.e., 22.50%
are of the opinion that the enactments like protection of civil rights act and
SC/ST (prevention of Atrocities) Act are strictly being implemented by the
Government where as, 8 out of 40 Dalit leaders, i.e., 20.00% say that
Government is implementing the above legislations for the protection of
Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. But the rest of the respondents, i.e.,
80% say that there is no actual implementation on these enactments. They said
most of the enforcement officers are upper castes who are not interested to
implement them seriously. 12 respondents (MLA’s & MP’s) out of 20, i.e.,
30.00% express their view that these legislations are being implemented by the
Government for the purpose of protecting the interest of Scheduled Castes and
scheduled Tribes. These facts clearly shows that, except the opinion of MLA’s
and MP are the majority of the other respondents are of the view that this
legislation is not being properly implemented by the enforcement agencies. It is
observed that, whenever a scheduled caste or a schedule tribe member gives a
complaint to a police station against atrocities done by the upper castes, the
police officers would not accept the complaints. Therefore many scheduled
caste and scheduled tribe members think that it is futile to approach the police
station. The police officers never enforce the provision of PCR Act & SC / ST
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, against the wrong doers.
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Table – 29
Government Welfare Programmes
Sl.
No.
Whether adequate welfare
programmes are being
launched by the Government
Positive
Response Number Percentage
1
2
3
SC/ST Officers
SC/ST Dalit leaders
SC/ST MLA’s & MP’s
19
16
09
40
40
20
47.5%
40.00%
45.00%
The above table 29 indicates that 19 out of 40 officers, i.e., 47.5%
expressed their view that, Governments Welfare Programs to Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes are useful for their development, where as, rest of the
officers, i.e., 53.95% of the officers, say that the various development programs
launched by the Government are insufficient for them. The scheduled caste,
scheduled tribe MLA’s and MP’s, i.e., 9 out of 20 i.e., 45.00% are of opinion
that, the Government launches fruitful and enough development programmes
for the scheduled caste and scheduled tribes. They are express their regret that,
at the implementation level many social and economic development
programmes are at failure.
But, 40% i.e., 16 out of 40 Dalit leaders are of the view, that,
Government Sincerely undertakes many programmes for the upliftment of
Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. Majority of the leaders, i.e., 60% said
that fruitful and enough programmes are not being launched. Only few
programems will be actually implemented by the Government, many officers
who are in charge of these programmes are not interested to implement them
full for the benefit of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. Because of the
indifferent attitude, and caste ridden mind of the officers are not implement the
various programmes, It is observed that in several departments the ‘fund’
reserved for welfare programmes are not being fully utilized by he officers. As
well as the financial year is completed the same fund would be returned to the
Government along with a report saying that the fund has not been utilized by
the Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. Majority of the respondents in all
__________________________Socio-Economic Conditions - A Case Study of Karnataka State
_______________________________ 268
the three categories ( i.e., officers, Dalit leaders, and MLA’s & MP’s) are of the
opinion that Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes reserved fund is
sometimes diverted to some other programmes to defeat the interest of the
Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes.
Table – 30
Implementation of Reservation Policy
Sl.
No.
Do you think that
‘Reservation Policy’ is strictly
implemented in public services
& public education
Positive
Response Number Percentage
1
2
3
SC/ST Officers
SC/ST Dalit leaders
SC/ST MLA’s MP’s
10
08
09
40
40
20
25.00%
20.00%
45.00%
The above table 30 shows the actual implementation of Reservation
Policy in public services and public education. In relation to this, the officers,
leaders and MLA’s & MP’s have expressed their different opinions. 10 out of
40 officers, i.e., 25% are of the opinion that there is a strict implementation of
‘reservation policy’ in all levels including public service and public education.
But the majority of the officers, i.e., 75% say that there is no actual
implementation of reservation policy in public services and public education.
The reserved post still vacant as the concerned officers does not send the report
for appointment. Instead of send the proper report they are send the false report
saying that, suitable candidates are not available for the vacant reserved posts.
As many as 45.00% of the MLA’s and MP’s i.e., 9 out of the 20
(respondents) express their opinion that, ‘reservation policy’ is strictly
implemented in public services and public education. Because of the
reservation policy to day there are many class I & Class II officers working in
various services. In many departments important positions are held by the
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes because of reservation policy provided
__________________________Socio-Economic Conditions - A Case Study of Karnataka State
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in the constitution of India. According to them there are only 50% of the posts
are filled another 50% posts are unfilled in various departments the government
is not showing the interest to fill these posts since 60 years of independence.
Only 20% of the Dalit leaders (i.e., 8 out of 40) express their opinion
that Government is implementing ‘reservation policy’ both in public education
and public services. But majority of them i.e., 80% leaders are opinion that,
there is no actual implementation of ‘reservation policy’ in public service and
public education.
The below table 31 indicates the different responses provided by the
officers, Dalit leaders and MLA’s & MP’s regarding the reasons for not fully
implementing the ‘reservation policy’. As many as 70% i.e., 70 out of 100
respondents are of the opinion that the negligent attitude of the concerned
officers is the sole reason for non-implementation of ‘reservation policy’ in
various fields.
Where as 21% i.e., 21 out of 100 respondents are opined that, due to the
interference from politicians and officers who are in charge of various
development programmes, the reservation policy is not properly being
implemented. As many as 20 respondents out of 100, i.e., 20% of the
respondents are of opinion that many scheduled caste and scheduled tribe
beneficiaries are not utilizing the benefits, because many of the officers and
middle men are misusing the benefits. Only 16% i.e., 16 out 100 respondents
are opinion that, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are not fully utilizing
the reservation benefits.
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Table – 31
Implementation the Reservation Policy by the Government
Sl.
No.
What reasons do you attribute
for not fully implementing the
reservation policy by the
Government? ( Multiple reasons
from all three categories of
respondents)
Positive
Response Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
Negligence of the Government
officers
Interference
Misuse of Funds
Non Utilizations by the SC/STs.
70
21
20
16
100
100
100
100
70%
21%
20%
16%
It is observed that, majority of scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes working
as agricultural labouers, working in the upper castes land, they never bother
about the various developmental programmes launched by the Government.
They are under the notion that, such developmental programmes are meant
only for rich people within their caste. As they can easily manipulate the
officers and get benefits from these programmes. Therefore several schemes
are left without being implemented by the Government.
The table 32 shows the reasons why even after 60 years of Independence
Socio-economic disabilities of SC/STs have not been removed completely. 55
out of 100 i.e., 55% of respondents are opinion that, due to lack of Government
interest, the socio-economic disabilities of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes have not been fully removed. As many as 75 out of 100 i.e., 75%
respondents say that, various Government programmes, which provide benefits
to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are not properly reaching them.
It is observed that, the really needy people are deprived of these benefits as
their benefits are snatched away by the rich people among the Scheduled
Castes and scheduled tribes.
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Table – 32
Socio-Economic Disabilities of SCs/STs
Sl.
No.
Even after 60 years of
Independence Socio-economic
disabilities of SCs/STs have not
been fully removed. What reasons
do you attribute to this? (Multiple
response from all the three
categories)
Positive
Response Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
5
Lack of interest from the Government
Government benefits are not reaching
the needy.
Beneficiaries are not utilizing the
benefits properly.
Majority of the SC/STs are still
ignorant of developmental
programems.
Middlemen are misusing the benefits
before the reach the needy.
55
75
30
60
42
100
100
100
100
100
55
75
30
60
42
30 respondents out of 100 i.e., 30% are of the view that, whatever the
benefits provided by the Government to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes are not properly utilized by them. These respondents observed that,
when loan is sanctioned to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes many of
them use the amount for other purposes. Therefore, they are still suffering from
socio-economic disabilities. Besides 60 out of 100 i.e., 60% of the respondents
say that, due to illiteracy and ignorance of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes many developmental programes are not being properly utilized by them.
These people are not aware of various programmes launched by the
Government for their development. 42 respondents out of 100, i.e., 42% are of
the opinion that, due to the interference of middle men the Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes do not get benefits provided by the Government through
various programmes.
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The table 33 shows the various steps proposed by scheduled caste and
scheduled tribe officers, Dalit leaders and MLA’s & MP’s for complete
removal of the disabilities of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. 20% of
the respondents, i.e, 20 out of 100 are opinion that, while providing reservation
benefits to Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes, the Government should
consider income criterion.
Table – 33
Removal of Various Disabilities of SCs/STs
Sl.
No.
What steps do you
propose to remove various
disabilities of SC/STs
completely?
Positive
Response Number Percentage
1
2
3
4
Income Criterion
Employment criterion
One time reservation
criterion
Accountability criterion
20
30
40
10
100
100
100
100
20%
30%
40%
10%
Those Scheduled Castes and scheduled Tribes, whose income is more
than 1.50.000, shall not be provided the benefit. 30 respondents out of 100, i.e.,
30% are opinion that, if a member of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe is in
class one post either in central service or in state service, his children shall not
be provided any reservation benefit. As many as 40%, i.e., 40 out of 100
respondents are opinion that, if Government fixes ‘one time reservation
criterion’ then the reservation benefit will be percolate down to the needy and
the real targeted people and thereby remove any disabilities of the scheduled
caste and scheduled tribes. Only 10 out of 100 i.e., 10% of the respondents
propose that, once a benefit is obtained by any Scheduled Castes and scheduled
tribe they should utilize the benefit, if they misuse it for the other purpose, they
shall be made accountable to the Government. From the above facts it is
evident that, all the respondents are strictly adhered to the above mentioned
__________________________Socio-Economic Conditions - A Case Study of Karnataka State
_______________________________ 273
criterion, and then only with in a short period the disabilities of Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes can be removed completely.
6.6 Conclusion:
This empirical study reveals that even today majority of the Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes in villages suffering from utter poverty, illiteracy
and ignorant of various programmes launched by the Government for their
development. Many of them are economically dependent on the upper castes.
From the study of socio-economic conditions of the Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes in villages they are working as a land less agricultural
labourers while working in the upper castes land they are discriminated by the
upper castes. In relation to the wage, loan and other issues. This empirical
study also reveals the discriminatory treatment in respect of temple entry,
barber shop entry, village community feasts and Marriages etc., Under this
empirical study, many of the scheduled caste officers, Dalit leaders, and SCs /
STs MP’s & MLA’s expressed their view that Government launched the
various developmental programs, but they are not properly implemented to
reach the targeted people. Majority of the scheduled caste and Scheduled
Tribes notion that constitutional benefits are available only those who give the
bribe to the officials and those who have political support of the people.
Compare to the Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribe the women who
are having better economic status and political consciousness. In many villages
majority of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes expressed their
helplessness about the socio-economic conditions. The SCs and STs are even to
day very innocents and Ignorant about the legal and constitutional provisions.
They have no any hope upon the police authorities and courts because these
authorities not enforce the law properly. There are number of programmes
launched by the Government, but they are not being properly implemented to
reach the needy persons majority of the SCs/STs have no confidence on the
constitutional benefits.
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So far as women programmes are concerned, majority of the women are
aware about the Government programmes through their Stree Shakti group they
are getting the constitutional benefits and utilizing properly. Even though
numbers of women are depend upon the male members to lead their life.
Compare to the women the SCs/STs are the worst sufferers in socially,
economically. In order to protect and uplift them the state should make various
strategies, polices and procedures.