socio-economic status of tribals -...

112

CHAPTER IV

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF TRIBALS

Sr. No. Unit Page No.

4.1 Introduction 113

4.2 Social Status 113

4.2.1 Housing Pattern 113

4.2.2 Ownership of House 114

4.2.3 Material Used for Construction 115

4.2.4 Transport and Communication Pattern 119

4.2.4.1 Transport 119

4.2.4.2 Communication Facilities 123

4.2.5 Literacy and Educational Attainment 124

4.2.5.1 Literacy 125

4.2.5.2 Educational Attainment 135

4.3 Economic Status 139

4.3.1 Occupation Structure 139

4.3.2 Occupation Pattern of Tribal Families 140

4.3.3 Agriculture 143

4.3.3.1 Landholding 144

4.3.3.2 Proportion of Irrigated Land 146

4.3.4 Fathers Occupation 148

4.3.5 Mothers Occupation 150

4.3.6 Annual Income of Family 151

4.3.7 Working Population 153

4.3.8 Work Participation Rate 159

4.4 Resume 160

113

CHAPTER IV

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF TRIBALS

4.1. Introduction:

The standard of living and lifestyle of a person is directly related to the income,

so the person’s diet and other living conditions depend upon his economic status.

In this study, the sample were from rural areas and tribal families which

constitute nearly forty four percent of thisrural population.Factors like family

income, father’s occupation, mother’s occupation, landholdings, type of house

construction and \ownership status become important. The other factors related

to life style are also important in view of nutritional status. Tribhuvan, Robin

(2004) has stated that the health problem of any community is influenced by

various factors such as social, cultural, ecological, economic and political.1

4.2. Social Status:

In social status of tribals, housing condition, transport and communication facilities

and literate and educational attainment were considered.

4.2.1. Housing Pattern:

According to 1971 census, House has been defined as a building or part of a

building having separate main entrance from road or common courtyard or

staircase etc. used or recognized as a separate unit. It may be inhabited or vacant.

It may be used for a residential or non residential purpose or both. Type of house

is considered as an important indicator of social and economic development of

any society.2 Qureshi and Mathur (1988) have stated that interrelations of

parameter like size of settlement can be used for geo economic evaluation.3

House is not a mere place for resting after work but it plays vital role in

determining wellbeing and health of family members and more precisely of

children. Mishra,H.N. (1987) has advocated that shelter is basic prerequisite

because it satisfies the physical, biological psychological, social and aesthetic

want of people, it distinguishes human from animals.4 Unavailability of proper

shelter breeds diseases and discontent among people and brutalizes human being

114

and kills finer instinct of man. The World Health Organization (WHO) has

rightly declared that health begins at home. But housing conditions are so poor in

most of the part of world.Poor ventilation and inadequate light, incomplete

disposal, darkness, dampness, and overcrowding make most horrible condition.It

has been observed thast poor sanitary condition of house leads to communicable

diseases, high infant mortality, juvenile delinquency, tuberculosis, accidents and

fire hazard.For this it is immencely important to study housing condition in study

area for this purpose ownership of house, material used for walls and roof were

studid in this study area of tribal settlements found in remote and inaccessible

area.Generally in forested area,hill foots ,riverine and hilltop locations were

selected for settlement.Seetlement in tribal area have very small number of

houses,which is locally called pada vasi or vasti.According to Gare,G.M.(1999)

the settlement of tribals are scattered over the area and most of the villages

havepopulation of less than 500 person.In addition to this he has stated most of

tribal settlements are isolated and lack accessibility.5

4.2.2. Ownership of House:

There are certain factors which determine standard of living of any family,

structure and condition of house is one of them. Quality of one’s life is greatly

influenced by his home environment.

Graph.No.4.1: Ownership of House

Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.

115

Not surprisingly 80 to 90 percent of all diseases and illness in developing world

can be directly linked to deficiencies and shortcomings of home environment

viz.poor structure, lack of cleanness,presence of domestic animals,poor

ventilation, unsafe cooking facilities and contaminated water.On the basis of

ownership it was obeservd that majority of families have their own house.About

368(98.13 percent) tribal families dwell in their own house,whereas only 7(1.87

percent)families do not have their own house. Isolation from mass, In tribal area

it is marked that inspite of poor economic condition and maximum people have

their own houses.Very few families were lived in other house or rental house.It

has been observed that many tribal families reside in small houses with one or

two rooms.On they contrary very few tribal families lived in large houses with

two or more rooms.Ample natural resources, available in surrounding

environment, were utilized to build maximum houses.

4.2.3. Material Used for Construction:

Isolation from mass, vicinity of nature and conservation of natural

resources are characteristics of this tribe. Therefore tribals use natural material

which is abundantly available in natural periphery, such as grass, bamboos,

woods, mud, row material of crops and cow dung. Quality of housing structure is

important from health and hygienic point of view. Leaking roofs, cracked walls

and earthen floors can result in dampness and provide conduciveatmosphere for

insects and rodents. Cracked walls provide excellent nesting and breeding places

for arthropods vectors. Earthen floors may also house diseases causing organisms

like hookworms and tapeworms. Tikone, P.R.(2001)has stated that generally

Thakar were live in forests, foothills and valleys in small hamlets. The wall of

houses are made from Karvi (Local name of Strabillanithes callosus ) and it is

polished or plastered by mud and cow dung. Roof of houses made by Kaul

(Manglori tiles) and sometime thatched.6

Generally tribal families live in separate

hamlets, Their houses are detached from one another. The small huts were

thatched with roots and walls were made from Karvi sticks on which mud and

cow dung smeared from both sides. In this region inner wall of houses were

116

smeared by white clay (Pandhari Mati) Poorer among them have small huts

having single room. Generally repairing of houses was done before monsoon.

In study region majority of tribal people used natural elements for

building construction. Material used for construction is one important criterion of

standard of living in economic point of view. In case of wall material of building

(44.87 percent) families live in houses, which were made from mud bricks.

Family member or labourers make a raw block from mud and dry it in sunshine.

After dring it well it is used for construction of wall. It is the most economic

mode of constructing durable house for tribals. 17.33 percent houses were built

with grassmud.

Grass mud is another popular method of tribals in this area, they tie

wooden sticks combinely in a line and smear it with cow dung and mud. 25.60

percent houses were built from stones. Whereas only 12.27 percent houses were

constructed from bricks. The building material used for wall is closely associated

with income. Poor income families used mud, grass mud and stones for wall,

while families with high income used bricks.

Table No.4.1: Building Material Used by Tribals (Wall)

Sr.No. Building aterial for Wall No. of Families Percentage of Families

1. Mud / Mud Bricks 168 44.87

2. Mudgrass 65 17.33

3. Stones 96 25.60

4. Bricks 46 12.27


Building material used for roof is also considered in this study. Majority

of tribals used manglori tiles (Kaul) for roof. It is also important to note that

material used for roof is closely associated with climate and income. Climate is

primate factor which decides type of houses where as income of family is

secondary factor.

117

Table No.4.2: Building Material Used by Tribals (Roof)

Sr.No. Building material for

Roof

No. of Families Percentage of

Families

1. Manglori Tiles (Kaul) 270

72.00

2. Asbestos Sheets 61

16.27

3. Thatched Roof 37

9.87

4. Marbal Tiles 3

0.80

5. Mud with Wood 2

0.53

6. RCC 2

0.53


Akole tehsil receives highest rainfall in district. Ghatghar is the wettest

station of Ahmednagar district which receives 4500 mm average annual rainfall

on the altitude of 1200mt from mean sea level. For this reason maximum 270

(72.00 percent) families used Manglori tiles on roof and gave steep slope to roof

so that rainwater flows away.

been observed during survey that maximum tribal houses floorings were

prepared with cow dung and white mud.Whereas very rare 3(0.80 percent) roofs

were prepared with Marble tile, Mud with woods and RCC slabs. Generally

Marbal tiles, Mud with wood and RCC slab are expensive material of roof

Therefore it is observed in rare scale.

Generally refined and processed material is used for pucca house and

unprocessed,natural and raw material is used for kutcha house.On the basis of

material of building there are two major types of houses, Kutcha House and

Pucca House.

118

Photo Plate 4.1: Pre Monsoonal Repairing of Houses

Photo Plate 4.2: Manglori Tile (Kaul) Roof of Houses

In this area 61 (16.27 percent) families were using asbestos sheets for

roof, while 37 (9.87 percent) families used thatched roof. Different grasses,

sugarcane straws, Staple crops straws, Karvi, Nirgudi were used for roof. It has

119

According to MSPI (2011) Pucca house had walls which are made by

burnt bricks, stones, cement concrete timber and ekra etc and roof were made by

tiles, galvanized sheets, Asbestos sheets and RCC. Whereas Kutcha House is a

house which is made by unburnt bricks, bamboos, mud, reeds, thatch and loosely

packed stones.7 In tribal area Akole tehsil it is found that on the basis of walls of

houses there are 233(62.13 percent) families were living in kutcha houses and

only 142 (37.86 percent) families living in pucca house. On the basis of roof only

39(10.4 percent) families were living in kuctha house and 305 (89.60percent)

households were living in pucca house. In tribal area near about 270 (72.0

percent) families were using manglori tiles for roof and tiles were included in

pucca house category.

4.2.4.Transport and Communication Pattern:

4.2.4.1. Transport:

The word transport is commonly used to carry passengers or goods from one place to

another. Transport is one of the basic requirements for progress and development of

any region, Therefore transport routes are considered as the basic economic arteries

of the country. Transport system in any area provides an important connection

between production and consumption. Road connectivity shows road development.

Transport and economic development always walk hand in hand. Development in

transport network shows greatest number of interactions, which provide a suitable

environment for development of region. Therefore transport network is considered as

one of the best indicator of socio-economic development of region. Deshpande

Sadhana (2007) have discussed that road network and socioeconomic development

are closely inter related and interdependent to measure the socio economic

development.8

Development of transport depends upon physical, cultural and political

factors. Accessibility of region is largely determined by physical factors, deep

rivervalleys, forested land and high hill ranges of Sahyadri have made obstacles in

road network of Akole tehsil. Tripathi, S.N. (1999) has rightly observed that barriers

pose by mountains in field of human mobility and transportation, lack of irrigation

120

potential, scarcity of cultivable land and extreme climatic conditions have served to

isolate.9

Mukhopadhyay, S.C. (2002) has stated that due to their hilltop locations most

of the settlements, have poor means of transport and communications facilities,

which in turns discourages socioeconomic development in tribal tracts.10

In Akole tehsil roadways is available network in lowland area. Road network

can be categorized in to State highways, District highways and tehsil or village roads

.Eastern part of tehsil is hosted by non tribals which is well connected with roads,

while tribal areas in western part of tehsil have low connectivity.i.e .Phofsandi village

has only two ways one from Kotul and another from Otur in Pune district.

After roadways, waterways in the form of ferry are available in certain places

of tehsil. Ferry service plays dominant role in connecting tribal region of tehsil.

Aijazuddin, Ahmed (2008) has observed that the physical features of the terrain-

rivers, hill ranges and the plateaus spurs or escarpment sometime imposed natural

limit on their movement.11

Inside Akole tehsil there are three major rivers Pravara, Mula and Adhala and

four big water reservoirs like Wilson Dam (Bhandardara),Nilvande Dam, Ambit

Dam and Devthan Dam. This situation is conducive for water transport, Hence

even today there are certain ferry services available in these water bodies.

Waterways are cheapest mode and suitable for bulky and heavy material. Some

waterways are predominant in tehsil. They are Murshet to Ratanwadi in Wilson

Dam, Rajur to Digmbar from Pravara river and Rajur to Pimparkane from

Pravara river were observed during fieldwork.

In certain remote area animate energy is utilized for agricultural work and local

transport purpose. Even today in this remote and inaccessible area,where roads

are not proper in such region horse buffalo cart and ponies were used as

transportation purpose. In this region where high rainfall received he buffalos

were used for agricultural work.

121

Map.No.4.3 Transport Road Network

122

Photo Plate 4.4: Modes of Transportation (Pimparkane)

Photo Plate 4.4: Use of Animate Energy for Transportation. (Ghatghar)

123

4.2.4.2. Communication Facilities:

Communication means movement of message from one place to another by

various means. Transportation and communication are always conducive to

economic development. In Akole tehsil communication facilities are weaker than

transportation connectivity. Traditional system of communication like post office

was found scanty according to accessibility. In study area 233(62.13 percent)

families used mobile of various networks, on the other hand 142 (37.87 percent)

families are not connected by any network.

About number of cell phones in family it was found that 203 (54.73 percent) have

only one mobile in family whereas 29 (7.73 percent) have 2cell phones in their

families .3(0.80percent) families have three mobiles. Only 1(0.27Percent) family

used 4 mobiles. During fieldwork it was observed that big villages like Akole,

Brahmanwada, Rajur, Kotul and some villages along state highway were served by

various mobile networks but most of villages are not connected with mobile network.

Western part of tehsil (Murshet, Panzare, Shiganwade, Udadavane, Shiganvade,

Ghatghar, Samrad, Ratangad, Mutkhel) which is predominantly tribal have not

enough mobile range, where as Southwestern part of tehsil (Manikozar, Maveshi,

Wanjulshet, Khadki, Waghdari, Kothale, Lavhaliotur, Pachnai) get very poor signal

of mobile network.

Graph.4.2: Means of Communication


62% 8% 3%

23%

4%

Means of Communication

Mobile

Radio

News paper

T.V.

Internet

124

To find out about to means of communication 375 families were put under

observation. It is revealed from that exercise 239 (63.73 percent) families used

mobiles for communication purpose. It is marked that majority of population use cell

phones for communicating with others. 27 (7.27 percent) families depend upon radio

for news and current affairs.10 (2.67 percent) families rely on newspapers to know

about outside world surrounding them, Whereas 84 (22.40 percent) families

entertaining themselves by television. On the other hand only 15 (4 percent) families

use internet in this region.

4.2.5. Literacy and Educational Attainment:

Education is one of the supreme tools for human resource development. Education

has a great significance in human asset improvement since long. Education

provides new ideas, healthyl habits and positive attitude towards life which shape

responsible citizens. Hasina, V. A.and Mohammad, P. A. (2014) have observed that

education does not merely produced well balanced individual but also keeps

children away from social evils.But main problem in schools is the stagnation and

dropout phenomena in tribal children.11

It is not necessary that a literate person,

should have received any formal education or should have passed any minimum

educational standard. As per the latest census definition a person aged seven and

above who can read and write with understanding in any language is treated as

literate. In case of Ahmednagar district census 2001 results indicate that the

district has registered 75.30 percent growth in literacy as against 76.90 percent in

the state.In 2011 census average literacy of district grows up to 80.20

percent.Literacy, both among males and females, has increased considerably.

According to 2011 census 88.80 percent males and 71.15 percent females in the

district are literate. Whereas, 2001 census has recorded 85.70 percent literacy in

males and 64.35 percent in females.Still there is a wide gap between male and

female literacy rates.According to report No.543 NSS 66th

round 2009-10 literacy

among persons of age 5 and above total literacy is 72.8 percent and 64.0 for female

and 81.1 percent for males. For the same period literacy status of tribals is

worst.Total literacy in tribals is 63.1 percent, 54.4 percent for female and 71.7

percent for males.

125

4.2.5.1. Literacy:

Definition of literacy is given by census of India, and it covers vast number of

individuals from highly educated to one who can just identify alphabets.

According to Census of India (1971) Literates means one who can both read and

write with an understanding in any language.12

In this way census has provided a

liberal definition of literacy which can include huge mass from different levels.

Aparts from this literacy is considered as powerful tool of social change.Mankari

(2011) has stated that literacy and educational attainment is most potent weapon

of social change without which no society can break shackels of backwardness.13

It is also reliable index of socio-economic development and an important

precondition for rural development. On Indian subcontinent inculcating education

is old tradition but in British rule it was transformed in other ways. After

independence large masses were brought in main stream of education. This

education brought process of economic development in non-tribal society. Even

up to last decade tribals were far away from education and literacy. The tribal

leaders realized importance of education and literacy. They are acquainted with

the fact that level of literacy is undoubtedly one of the most important indicators

of social and cultural development among tribal community. Sharma, Supriya

(2012) stated that Former Speaker of Parliament Hon. P.A. Sangama in Adivasi

Mahasabha at Raipur stated that why bow and arrows? This is era of missiles we

think, we can fight with bow and arrow? Bow is not enough.Whether you like it or not

education is our only way out.14

Education is a sure way of progress for any group of population.

According to Sharma, Shrikamal (1987) among various indicators of quality,

literacy is most important. Though there is not clear cut cause-effect relationship

between literacy and development, lack of literacy and education retards

development. Education is basic input for development of human being. It is very

hard to develop without education. Generally overall literacy rate of scheduled

tribe is very low throughout country except North east States. In Maharashtra

literacy status in tribals is weak. The basic impact of education on tribals,

particularly women, will have bearing on increasing the standard of living of

126

households, reduction of birth rate and improvement in health and nutritional

status at household level.

Total Literacy in Tehsil:

Total literacy of tehsil for 2001 census has been presented in map.no 4.6. It

is very clear that being tribal tehsil total literacy rate is low. According to 2001

census literacy rate for tehsil is 58.61 percent. Literacy of tehsil varies from 14

percent (Pachnai) to 76.96 percent (Navalewadi). On the basis of literacy rate,

villages of tehsil have been classified in to five groups

1. Very low literacy group (Literacy below 32 percent) total 10 villages belong to

this classwhere Pachnai (14.05 percent) village show lowest literacy.

2. Low literacy group 33 villages are seen where literacy ranges between 33 and

47 percent.

3. Moderate literacy group there are 61 villages are found where literacy is

between 48 and 57 percent.

4. High literacy group 40 villages are found where kliteracy is between 58 to 65

percent.

5. Very high literacy group, literacy ranges between 66 to 77 percent and 31

villages were covered in this class.Navalewadi (76.96 percent) is the village

show highest literacy

Total literacy of tehsil for 2011 census has been presented in

Map.no 4.7.According to 2011 census literacy rate for tehsil was 65.92 percent.

According to 2011 census literacy of tehsil varies from 23.24 percent (Kumshet)

to 79.85 percent (Dhumalwadi). On the basis of literacy rate villages of tehsil has

been classified in to five groups.

1.Very low literacy group, literacy observed below 42 percent. Total 8 villages

were included in this class where Kumshet (23.54 percent) village show lowest

literacy.

2. Low literacy group 41 villages were included, here literacy ranges between 43

and 56 percent.

3. Moderate literacy group 63 villages were take in where literacy is between

57to 65 percent.

127

4. High literacy group 78 villages were encompassing where literacy is between

62 to 72 percent.

5. Very high literacy group, ranges between 73 to 85 percent and 16 villages

were covered in this class. Dhumalwadi village (79.85 percent) show high

literacy rate in tehsil.

Change in Literacy Rate 2001 to 2011

Change in volume of literacy has been obtained for last decade from 2001

to 2011.On the basis of literacy rate three classes was prepared.

1 .Low change group 23 villages were covered where change in literacy is

obtained from -14 to 0 percent. Negative change has been detected in these

villages.

2. Moderate change group 108 villages are detected, where change in literacy is

obtained 1 to 10 percent (positive change)

3. High change group 59 villages are there. In thisgroup in literacy has from 10

to 25 percent.

Literacy rate for male in 2001 census for Akole tehsil 68.60 percent. The

highest literacy rate for males in Akole tehsil were recorded in Navalewadi

(82.69 percent) and lowest literacy for male were recorded in Pachnai (22.03

percent).The literacy rate for male in 2011census for Akole tehsil was73.62

percent. The highest literacy rate was recorded in Bholewadi (89.36 percent) and

lowest literacy for male were recorded in Kumshet (30.24 percent)Literacy rate

for female in 2001 census for Akole tehsil 48.35 percent. The highest literacy

rate for females in Akole tehsil were recorded in Navalewadi (70.96 percent) and

lowest literacy for female were recorded in Pachnai (7.19 percent).The literacy

rate for female in 2011census for Akole tehsil was73.62 percent. The highest

literacy rate was recorded in Bholewadi (91.12 percent) and lowest literacy for

female were recorded in Kumshet (16.82 percent)

128

Map.No.4.2

Map.No.4.3

129

Map.No.4.4

Map.No.4.5

130

Map.No.4.6

Map.No.4.7

Map.No.4.8

131

Map.No.4.9

132

Map.No.4.10

Percentage of Male Literate in Total Literate:

Percentage of Male literacy in tehsil for 2001 census has been presented in

fig.no . In case of percentage of male literacy in tribal environment, proportion

of male literacy is always greater than female literacy. In Akole tehsil percentage

of male literacy is higher than female literacy. According to 2001 percentage

male literacy in tehsil was 59.29 percent. Literacy of tehsil varies from 42

percent (Paithan) to 73.25 percent (Lavhali Otur).

On the basis of percentage of male literate villages of tehsil have been

classified in to four groups.

1. Low literate group, proportion of male literate observed between 0 to 57

percent. Total 35 villages were involved in this class where Paithan

(42.60percent) village show lowest male literates in tehsil.

2. Moderately low literate group 61 villages were includes where male literate

ranges between 58 and 61 percent.

133

3. Moderately high literate group 56 villages were taking where male literate is


4. High literate group 19 villages were included where male literate is between

67 and 74 percent. Lavhali Otur (73.45 percent) village show highest proporttion

of male literates in tehsil.

Male literates of tehsil for 2011 census have been presented in

Map.No.4.14 . According to 2011 census percentage male literate for tehsil was

56.57 percent. According to 2011 census male literate of tehsil varies from 42

percent (Paithan) to 71.96 percent (Agar). On the basis of male literate in villages

of tehsil, have been classified in to four groups.

1. Low literate group, male literates were observed between 1 to 55 percent, total

35 villages were included in this class where Paithan (42 percent) village shows

percentage of lowest male literates.

2. Moderate low literate group 109 villages were contain where male literates

ranges between 43 and 56 percent.

3. Moderate high literates group, 29 villages were taken in where male literates is


4. High literate group show18 villages were encompass where literacy is between

63 and 72 percent. In Agar (71.96 percent) village male were literate.

Change in Male Literates 2001 to 2011

Change in volume of male literates has been obtained for last decade from

2001 to 2011 Census.On the basis of male literate three classes were prepared.

1. Low change group 143 villages were covered where change in literacy is from

-14 to 0 percent. Negative change has been detected in this villages.In many

villages percentage of male literate is decreasing in comparision to total literates.

2. Moderate change group 41 villages were detected, where change in male

literates were obtained from 0 to 5 percent positive change.

134

3. High change group 07 villages was observed, In this group growth in male

literates has from 5 and 10 percent.

Percentage of Female Literate in Total Literate:

Percentage of female literate in tehsil for 2001 census has been presented in

fig.no . In Akole tehsil percentage of female literate is found higher than

proportion of females literate. According to 2001Census percentage of female

literate in tehsil was recorded 40.71 percent. Literacy of tehsil varies from 26.68

percent (Panzare) to 57.14 percent (Paithan).

According to 2001census data, female literate grouped in to four groups.

1. Low literate group, proportion of female literate observed in 0 to 35 percent.

Total 45 villages were included.

2. Moderate low literate group 81 villages were included where percentage of

literate female observed ranges between 36 to 40 percent.

3. Moderately high literate group 64 villages were containing where female

literate ranges between41 to 44 percent.

4. High literate group 1 village was encompasses where female literate is

between 55 to 57 percent. Paithan (57.14 percent) was including in high female

literacy rate in tehsil.

According to 2011census data, female literate were grouped in to four groups

1. Low literate group 35 villages were observed where female literate between 0

to 39 percent.

2. Moderate low literate group 95 villages were included where percentage of

literate female observed between 40 to 43 percent.

3. Moderately high literate group 59villages were contain where female literate

ranges between 44to 48 percent.

135

4. High literate group 2 villages were include where female literate is between 49

to 58 percent.

Change In Female Literates 2001 To 2011

Change in volume of female literates has been obtained for last decade

from 2001 to 2011 Census.On the basis of female literate three classes were

prepared.

1. Low change group 47 villages were covered where change in literacy was

obtained from -9 to 0 percent. Negative change has been detected in these

villages. In many villages percentage of female literate is decreasing in total

literates.

2. Moderate change group 131 villages were included, where change in female

literates were obtained 0 to 8 percent.

3. High change group 13 villages were observed, in this group growth in female

literates was from 9 to 17 percent.Dash C.R. (1999) has stated that literacy rate of

tribals in Orrisa increased both in percentage and absolute numbers but consistent

inequality in literacy rate persisting throughout the decade comparatively from

other social group.

4.2.5.2. Educational Attainment among Tribals:

Table No 4.3 Shows educational attainment among tribal parents in study area.

Educational status of tribal is very poor compared to non tribal group.Level of

education attained by the tribes in sample villages shows that educational

attainment among father is comparatively better than educational attainment in

mothers.55 (15.15 percent) were illiterate or uneducated and they have not attain

any formal education. Here 15.15 percent fathers were illiterate. 7 (1.87 percent)

fathers have not attained any school education. They can read but cannot write,

13 (3.47 percent) father were educated up to pre primary level. Some of the

father 80 (21.33 percent) had attained their education up to primary level. In

study area 163(43.47 percent) fathers were educated up to secondary level.

136

22 (5.87 percent) fathers were educated up to Jr. College (+12 level). It was

found in fieldwork only 1 (0.30 percent) father had completed I T I or technical

education, whereas 30 (9.09 percent) fathers had completed their education up to

graduation level. Literacy and Educational attainment among tribals found at

unsatisfactory level, Poverty, high dropout rate, inaccessibility of ashram

schools, migration of parents,some of the causes.

Graph.No.4.3


A socio- economic standard of any community depends upon educational

standard of people.Educational standard generally is an indicator of economic

development. Mangat (1994) has stated that female literacy has an important

bearing on socio economic conditions of society. Unless women are educated,

there is little scope for socio-economic transformation of society.Educational

attainment of tribal mothers was undertaken inthis study. According to Cochrane S.H.

(1979) in developing countries formal education beyond primary level may directly

affect the age of marriage because, after marriage woman are found reluctant to get

enrolled in schools. Education may indirectly delay marriage by increasing women’s

ability to regulate fertility and offset the attractiveness of early marriage by increasing

access to better jobs. The data shows more than one fourth (27.47 percent) tribal

mothers in tribal region were illiterate. It is observed that mother literacy is

comparatively lower than father literacy. Generally preference was given to boys

education as they are considered assets by parents where as education to girl child was

considered as wastage of time and money. Poverty is another important cause for low

0

20

40

60

Pe

rc

en

ta

ge

of

Pa

re

nt

s

Educational Level

Educational Attainment of

Parents

Father Percentage

Mother Percentage

137

female literacy in India. Accessibility of schools in rural and tribal region is major

reason for this. Tribal areas have lack of accessibility so parents are not willing to send

their girls to far off schools. In tribal areas 8 (2.13 percent) mothers could read but not

write, so they are treated as semi literate category. Only 7 (1.87 percent) mothers were

educated up to pre primary level. It is found that highest percentage of illiterates were

in tribal community.

Table No.4.3: Educational Attainment of Tribal Parents

Education

Level

Tribal Father Tribal Mother

Actual No. Percentage Actual No. Percentage

Illiterate 55 15.15 103 27.47

Semi Literate 07 1.87 8 2.13

Pre-Primary 13 3.47 7 1.87

Primary 80 21.33 93 24.80

Secondary 163 43.47 148 39.47

High. Secondary 22 5.87 14 3.73

ITI / D.ed. 1 0.27 0 0

Graduation 34 9.07 2 0.53

Total 375 100.0 375 100


93 (24.80 percent) mothers in sample villages in tribal areas were educated up to

primary level. The highest proportion of tribal mothers 148 (39.47percent) were found

to be educated up to secondary level. Only 14 (3.73 percent) tribal mothers were

educated up to higher secondary level. In case of technical education no mother was

seen in technical education. It is really pathetic that educational attainment in mothers

is very low only 2 (0.53 percent) mothers were took higher education.

It is concluded that work participation rate of female in tribal area is quite higher than

non tribal women. Therefore at young age tribal girls help their mother’s with

household work and agriculture work.This is the main reason this droping of school.

Tribal parents marry their daughter at an early age. It was observed that average age at

marriage of girl is 17.6 years. It is very unfortunate even though girls have free and

138

compulsory education up to secondary level due to low accessibility of schools and

ashramshala drop out rate is significantly high among tribal girls.

Table No.4.4: Educational Attainment of Tribal Mothers and Malnutrition.

Educational

Attainment

Grades Of Malnutrition

Total SAM

(-3SD)

MAM

(-2SD)

MIM

(-1SD)

NORM

(Med)

MIO

(1SD)

Illiterate 11 21 14 8 0 54

Semi Literate 2 6 4 0 0 12

Pre- Primary 8 17 4 1 1 31

Primary 14 21 15 7 1 58

Secondary 4 80 33 17 1 135

Higher Secondary 1 24 26 1 1 53

D.ED 1 0 4 0 0 5

Graduation 5 14 4 4 0 27

Grand Total 46 183 104 38 4 375


It is noticed that education accomplishment in mothers and malnutrition level of

children were closely associated to each other. In tribal area educational

attainment among girls is low; it becomes prove by the data of educational

attainment among tribal mothers. School dropout rate is high in girls. It is noted

that in tribal area 55 (14.66 percent) tribal mothers were illiterate and in this

group 11 (20.37 percent) children were observed in Severe Acute Malnutrition

(SAM) grade.

The relationship between mother’s education and malnutrition level of

children are linked closely, in mothers who learnt up to primary level. Data

shows that 58 mothers were educated up to primary level in that 14 (24.13

percent) children were falls in Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) grade. And

mother who accomplished education up to higher secondary level among them

only 1 (1.88 percent) child were observed malnourished. In case of mother who

obtained higher education up to graduation level among them 5 (18.21percent)

children were observed malnourished.

Therefore it is very clear that there is positive relationship between

education of mother and level of malnutrition among children. But unfortunately

educational attainment in tribal area is not observed satisfactory. There are very

139

few ashram schools in tehsil and maximum ashram schools were residential and

tribal parents don’t want to send their girls to schools therefore sudden change

were detected in mothers education after secondary level. To keep children away

from malnutrition and various ailments, education attainment among mothers

could be a powerful tool. Education attainment in mothers not only gives good

health care for baby but also keep family healthy by several hygienic habits.

Photo Plate 4.5: Government Ashramshala (Pimparkane)

4.3Economic Status:

In economic status of tribals, occupation structure, landholdings, irrigated area,annual

income and work participation rate were considered.

4.3.1Occupation Structure:

It was observed that majority of the tribals in study area were engaged in primary

occupation. Most of them depend upon agriculture. Tribal people do not solely

depending on single occupation but they were but they turn to other subsidiary

activities as wel as for understanding economy of different tribes and regional

pattern of occupation one should know to analyze economic structure. This can

give deeper insight in to the regional economic differentiation in area. Several

140

tribal households are busy in agrarian activities but simultaneously they are also

engaged in forest product gathering, hunting, fishing etc. It is found that 306

(81.60 Percent) families are engaged in single occupation. These households are

engaged in only one occupation like agriculture, animal raring, forest product

gathering etc. Whereas 60 (16.06 percent) families were depend on two

occupations for their subsistence. In study area only 9 (2.42 percent) families

were engaged in three occupations for their livelihood.

Table No.4.5.Families Engaged in No. Occupations

Sr.No. Occupation No. of Families Percentage of Families

1 Only One Occupation 306 81.60

2 Two Occupation 60 16.00

3 Three Occupation 09 02.40


4.3.2. Occupation Pattern of Tribal Families:

Economic status of Mahadevkoli and Thakars depends upon the activities,

they perform to satisfy their daily needs. Occupational structure mainly consists

in traditional economic activities. These tribes have accommodated and adjusted

themselves to natural environment, Therefore occupation greatly varies and

mostly depends on surrounding environment. Recently some tribals have

modified themselves to non traditional activities such as service and jobs in small

scale industries, but this is to a very limited degree. It was noticed during

investigation that certain factors like deforestation, rehabilitation; right on forest

and water bodies and various schemes of employment for tribals, reservations in

services, increasing literacy and Government policies have enabled tribals to shift

to non tribal activities. Major proportions of tribes were engaged in agricultural

activities.273 (72.80 Percentage) families depend on only agriculture.23 (6.13

percent) families in study area worked as agricultural workers.

141

Table No.4.6.Occupations of Tribals

Sr.

No.

Occupation No. of Families

Engaged

Percentage of

Families

1 Only Agriculture 273 72.80

2 Agricultural Labour 23 06.13

3 Milking /Dairy 04 01.06

4 Service 22 05.87 5 Small Scale Industry 02 0.53

6 Forest Product Gathering 25 06.67

7 Farm Wages 22 05.87

8 Other 04 01.07 Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.

4 (1.07 Percent) households were engaged in milking and animal rearing.

It was noticed during investigation in tribal area only 22 (5.87 Percent)

households were depends upon service for their livelihood. Only 2 (0.53)

Families depends upon small scale industries and this is very negligible.

In tribal area forest product gathering is the occupation done by large

tribal population. Next to agriculture forest product gathering is second largest

occupation in tribal region, 25 (6.67 Percent) families were engaged in forest

product collection.

In this way collection and sale of minor forest products also forms major

activity for livelihood for majority of the tribals. It is commonly noticed that

minor forest products are gum, hirda, behada, lac, spices, oilseeds, tamarind,

honey etc. There are several medicinal plants and herbal medicines available in

this region. Hirda (Balhirada), Karvand, Ambhle and raw mangos are major

components in minor forest product.

Ugale Vilas (2006) has stated that forest resources support the life of

community in various ways the quantity and value of the forest resources used by

tribal people.15

Hirda collection is an important activity in tribal zone. 22 (5.87

percent) families depend on daily wages for their bread and butter. Whereas 4

(1.07 percent) households depend upon other activity.

142

Photo Plate 4.6: Collection of Hirada.(Ghatghar and Wanjulshet)

Photo Plate 4.7: Sun drying of Hirada (Bari and Khadki)

143

Graph No.4.4: Occupation Structure of Tribals


4.3.3. Agriculture:

Agriculture is important occupation since immemorial time. It becomes

main cause of permanent settlement. Favorable sites for agriculture support large

number of settlements and these areas flourish as human civilization. It is always

said agriculture is backbone of Indian economy. Green revolution accelerates

agricultural production rapidly. India has achieved self sufficiency in food grain

production. From 1950-51 to 2006-07 production of food grain increased at the

annual rate of 2.5 percent compared to the growth of population which averaged

2.1 percent during these year.It has been shown in Economic survey (2009).The

agricultural scenario of tribal region is not satisfactory. Tribal reside and practice

farming in remote and forested places on foothills or hilltops. Maximum tribals

use land of forest department for agricultural practice. In Tribal region 348

(92.80 percent) families were engaged in agricultural activities. It is generally

observed that most of the tribals are practicing traditional farming. Agriculture is

main source of livelihood for these people. It is well known fact that tribal

74%

6% 1%

6% 1%

6% 5%

1%

Occupation Structure Of Tribal Families

Agriculture

Farm &Farmwages

Animal Milching

Service

Small Scale Industry

Forest wages

Farmwages

Others

144

agriculture is mostly subsistence in nature. There are diverse difficulties in

agricultural practices. Tribal farmers mostly faces problems like inadequate

credit facilities, high prices of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, weak marketing

strategy, illiteracy, plundering by money lenders in economic concerns. In study

area 27 (07.20 percent) families were landless.Landless are deprived from basic

resources of livelihood. These landless people work as agricultural laboures for

year on scanty returns. Many landlords particularly grapes, banana and

pomegranate producers exploit them as yearly worker (salkari) for many years.

Some of them turn to collection of minor forest products also.

4.3.3.1. Land Holding:

Agriculture plays dominant role in Indian agriculture and it contributes to

socio economic development of farmers. It is the landholding which gives

confidence and strengthens survival of farmers. The size of farms is a point of

great significance for success in agriculture and application of modern farm

technology is essential for higher production in agriculture, but Small

landholding and scattered nature of farms hinders mechanization, which reduce

agricultural production. Size of landholding, dispersion of agricultural land and

ownership pattern plays significant role in development of agriculture.There are

four main types of farmers can be divided in to four main types. On the basis of

landholding hilly and forested area of Akole tehsil gives birth to typical

landholding and ownership pattern. Tribals in this area are characterized by small

land holding.

In this aspect Das (1973) in an economic geographical study, advocated

joint farming including all peasants families of village, the smallest unit of

agricultural planning, to get rid of constraints put by poor economic condition

and unequal size of landholdings.16

Agricultural census has published the data for

number and area of operational landholdings in twelve size classes, viz. < 0.5,

0.5 to 1,1 to2,2-3, 3to 4,4 to 5,5 to10, 10 to 20, 20 to30,30 to 40and >50 ha.

These classes have been grouped in to five categories marginal, small, semi

145

medium, medium and largely. Naidu (1975) in his study, distribution of

operational landholdings in rural India.17

Baghel,Anusaya (2012) have pointed out that as per 2001 agriculture

census out of total 119.89 million land holdinging country, marginal holding

accounted for (62.9 percent), followed by small (18.90 percent), semi-medium

(11.70 percent), medium (5.50percent) and large (1.0 percent).18

Table No.4.7.Landholding of Tribals

Sr.No. Classes (Land holdings) No. of

Families

Percentage of

Family

1 Marginal (Less than 1 ha.) 210 60.34

2 Small (1 to 2 ha.) 92 26.45

3 Semi Medium (2 to 4 ha.) 34 9.77

4 Medium (4 to 10 ha.) 12 3.44

5 Large (More than 10 ha.) Nil 0.00


In Akole tehsil most of the agricultural land is available in relatively plain

area and riverarine tract mainly towards East. This Eastern part of tehsil was

acquired by non tribal population, whereas Western part of Akole tehsil was

characterized by dense forests and undulating physiography. This inaccessible

and remote area encourages tribal occupancy therefore maximum tribes were

living forests and foothills where land resource is very limited. Therefore land

holding in tribal area is low.A significant proportion 27 (7.20 percent) of tribals

were landless. Out of total land holding in tehsil Maximum 210 (60.34 percent)

Families were categorized in marginal.It is notable that more than half of the total

tribals have marginal land holding. From the agricultural productivity point of

view marginal land holding gives less return. Next to marginal, 92 (26.43

percent) families belong to small land holdings class. It has been observed that

marginal and small land holdings constituted about 302 (86.77 percent) families

in tribal area. Generally there is great disparity in landholding everywhere

families with small landholding are high while families with large landholding

146

are less in number. Gupta, H.S. (1986) has pointed out that small farmers are not

able to adopt to agricultural innovation. Marginal and small farmers cannot

afford new and modern techniques in agriculture.19

So cultivation becomes more

intensive with decreasing size of landholding, but below certain level the yield

rates also declines So too small size of land holding does not permit good returns.

Similarly it is seen too big size of farm remains beyond cultivating capacity of

farmer.

In tribal area 34 (9.77 percent) families belong to semi medium land

holding between2 to 4 ha. There are only12 (3.44 percent) families in medium

land holding group. It is surprisingly true that none of family from study area

belongs to large land holding group where land size is more than 10 ha. It was

observed during investigation that barren land, rocky surface, dense forests,

sterile soil and steep slope were main reasons for small landholding. It was

observed during field survey that semi medium and medium land holders who

belong s2 to 10 ha. Larg size of land was characterized by barren and non

productive in nature. Majority of medium land holders do agricultural practice on

small land piece because land preparation, seeds, fertilizer, animate energy,

harvesting, threshing such overall cost become more expensive than returns.

4.3.3.2 Proportion of Irrigated Land:

Area under irrigation is an index of agricultural development. According to

Ahmednagar District Socio-Economic Abstract (D.S.A.) (2009-10) Bhandardara,

Nilvande, Ambit and Devthan are four major irrigation projects,3 Medium

irrigation projects and 3 small irrigation projects in tehsil and 114 percolation

tanks, 20 Kolhapur type wares,207store tanks, 725 open wells strengthened

irrigation.20

Net sown area of Akole tehsil is 95343 ha.out of that 10320

ha.(10.82 percent) land is irrigated. According to D.S.A. (2009-10) area under

irrigation increased to downward tehsils where canal irrigation is prominent

These projects are primarily prepared for drinking water and irrigation purpose. It

was noticed during investigation that in tribal region irrigation facility is very

inadequate.

147

Graph No.4.5. Irrigated and Non Irrigated Area


Availability of irrigation is reflected through the percentage of irrigated area to

net sown area.Out of 375 families 142 (37.87 percent) families watered their

farms from various sources whereas 233 (62.13 percent) families have no

irrigation facilities. It is exclusively true that maximum agriculture in tribal

region is rain fed. It is very paradoxical that Akole tehsil receives highest rainfall

in district and it is homeland of 4 major,3 medium and 3 small irrigation project

therefore it is popularly known as ‘Tehsil of lake and tanks’. This reservoir

satisfy thirst of north Ahmednagar district through canals, but in case of Akole

tehsil proportion of irrigated land is very scanty as compared to Rahata,

Sangamner and Shrirampur tehsil. Even though Akole is tehsil bestowed with

huge water resources, several tribal villages experience acute shortage of

drinking water during summer. It is noticed relatively plain area in east were

adequately irrigated while, western parts of tehsil had insufficient irrigations

facilities.

0

50

100

150

200

250

Irrigated Land Non Irrigated

Land

No

.o

f F

am

il

ies

Irrigation status of Farms

No. Tribal of

Families

148

Table No. 4.8. Irrigated and Non Irrigated land and Malnutrition

Irrigation

Status

Grades Of Malnutrition

Total SAM

(-3SD)

MAM

(-2SD)

MIM

(-1SD)

NORM

(Med)

MIO

(1SD)

Yes 15 54 32 19 2 122

No 31 129 72 19 2 253

Total 46 183 104 38 4 375


There is always meaningful correlation between irrigated land and

Malnutrition because irrigated land produces ample food and this food

availability directly affects to malnutrition level of children. In Sample villages it

has been found that 15 (12.29 percent) children from irrigated land holders were

found in Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and near about same amount of

malnutrition 31 (12.25 percent) children from non irrigated land holders were

found in Severe Acute Malnutrition.

4.3.4. Father’s Occupation:

Father’s occupation is major determinant of economic status of family.

Sharma (1971) in his paper discussess the agricultural pattern among the tribal

group of Madhya Pradesh.21

Regionalization has basis of agronomic practices,

size of holdings, farming implement and extent of shifting cultivation. In tribal

area majority of fathers are related with agricultural activities. It is observed that

233 (62.13 percent) tribal fathers were engaged only in agriculture. Even though,

there were several occupations performed by tribes, agricultural is mainstay of

these people in Akole tehsil. Aphale, A.B. (1990) has stated that traditional

occupation of tribals in Maharashtra is agriculture and agricultural laboure, about

90 percent of them depend upon agriculture.Besides agriculture, they are

involved in other small scale crafts such as preparation of Bamboo-made articles

etc.22

Therefore besides education, there was the need of modern agricultural

methods. Agricultural labour is second most important occupation performed by

tribes in tehsil.79 (21.07 percent) families directly depend on agricultural laboure

for their livelihood.

149

These tribes work on daily wages and yearly wages. Many tribal couples migrate

to nearby irrigated area, accept work of annual labourers (Salkari) at grapes,

onion, banana, pomegranate producer farmers.

Table No.4.9.Fathers Occupation

Sr.No. Type of Occupation No. of Father Percentage of

Father

1 Only Farming 233 62.13

2 Agricultural Labourers 79 21.07

3 Basket and Mat making 2 0.57

4 Fishing &Hunting 3 0.80

5 Service 38 10.13

6 Animal Husbandry 15 4.00

7 Other 5 1.00


These annual laboureres are heavily exploited by nontribal landlords.

Some occupation on minor scale of basket and mat making is observed and is

executed by 2 (0.53 percent) families in this region. Many tribes were bestowed

by traditional skills and folk arts. Mahadev koli and Thakar make mat and basket

from bamboo. Some items of daily use like ladders, sticks, show piece and

articles were prepared and sold in local weekly markets. Small number of tribals

was engaged in fishing and hunting 3 (0.80 percent) activities, these people use

very traditional methods and old toolslike galol and tir kaman to catch their prey.

They catch various birds, small animal like rabbit, wild pig etc. While collecting

some minor forest product in jungle, tribals do hunting and fishing. Fishing is

done with old traditional ways in various sources like, nalas, rivers and lakes.

These kinds of operations are purely subsistence in nature. It was also observed

that in study area in spite of low level of educational attainment 38 (10.13

percent) father worked in private, semi government and government

sector.Though this proportion of service is low it is hopeful picture for

tomorrow. Animal rearing is one of the vital occupations performed by 15 (04.0

percent) fathers in study area.

150

4.3.5. Mother’s Occupation:

Occupation of Mother is very closely associated with hygienic, nutritional and

health condition of family. Mother’s occupation is associated with skills and

education which they have acquired during childhood. Nature of work done by

mother remains important in terms of economic, social and cultural point of

view. Many occupations in rural area are on daily wages basis and contractual

basis, which consume more or less time.Mother’s occupation is indirectly related

to nutritional status of her children. Mother’s occupation plays significant role in

upbringing of children. Many fulltime occupations consume a lot of time and she

does not get enough time to feed and look after her children. Tribal mothers are

engaged mainly in housekeeping and agricultural practices.

Table No.4.10.Mother’s Occupation

Sr.No. Type of Occupation No. of Mother Percentage of Mother

1 Housewife 219 58.40

2 Farm and Housewife 134 35.73

3 Basket Making 5 01.33

4 Mat Making 1 0.27

5 Tailoring 3 0.80

6 Fishing 2 0.53

7 Animal Husbandry 4 01.06

8 Daily wages 7 01.87


It was found during investigation 219 (58.40 percent) mothers were fully busy in

domestic work. These mothers get enough time to look after their offsprings.

Next to housewives a large number of mothers were engaged in farm working

and domestic work. Total 134 (35.73 percent) women worked in both farm and

home. 353 (94.13 percent) families tribal mothers were engaged in either

household activities and farming activities.So that is is obsrerved tribal mothers

proportion of literacy is low hence more than half of them were engaged in

domestic work. Generally maternal occupation is dominant in nurturing children,

151

In study area Basket and mat making, fishing and animal raring are primary

activities carried out by small proportion of mothers. Only 4 percent mothers

were engaged in same activity. Whereas 5 (1.51 percent) females were engaged

in daily wages.

4.3.6. Annual Income of Family:

Economic productivity is an important aspect of human development.

Human development is not possible without economic gain. In order to know

standard of living and economic status of family annual income of family, is

reliable criterion. Annual income is most crucial factor which influences and

determines the dietary habits of people. During investigation 375 tribal families

were surveyed and grouped according to their annual income. This data has been

shown in Table No.4.11.

Table No. 4.11. Annual Income of Tribal Family

Sr.No. BPL Status Annual Income

(In Thousand Rs)

No. of

Families

Percentage

of Families

1

Below

Poverty

Line

Below 10000 6 1.60

2 10000 to 15000 121 32.27

3 16000 to 20000 138 36.80

4 21000 to 27000 65 17.33

5

Above

Poverty

Line

27000 to 50000 32 8.53

6 50000 to 100000 3 0.80

7 100000 to 200000 3 0.80

8 More Than 200000 7 1.87

9 Total 375 100


It has been observed that 330 (88 percent) families in study area were below

poverty line, only 45 (12 percent) tribal families were above poverty line.

Generally poverty is reflected in all stratum of life. Poverty represents poor

quality of life, malnutrition, hunger, illiteracy, deprivation and all other aspects.6

(1.60 percent) Families in tribal area have annual income below ten thousand

rupees. These families are very poor and lie at the bottom of poverty. These

families were more susceptible to malnutrition and child mortality. Most of them

are migratory workers.121 (32.27) families in tribal area earn ten to fifteen

thousand rupees annually. Peasants and workers are in this group .This is the

152

second largest group according to annual income in tribal area. In tribal area 138

(36.80 percent) families were earning annual income between sixteen and twenty

thousand. Maximum tribal families lie in this group. This is really pathetic that

only 65 (17.25 percent) families were earned 21 to 27 thousand rupees per anum.

There were 32 (8.53percent) families earning from 28 to 50 thousand rupees per

year. In study area only 3 (0.80 percent) families get fifty thousand to one lakh

per year. Same number of families’ earning observed between one and two lakh

per year. In study area 7 (1.87 percent) families were earning more than 2 lakh

rupees per year.

Even though a small percentage of tribal population earns sufficient

annual income to satisfy their daily needs, but most of tribal area suffers from

chronic poverty for generations. These people reside in forests, which are very

poor in agricultural activities. Therefore tribals get very scanty production from

farming. To fulfill their needs, people depend upon the several activities at same

time. In this tehsil poverty rate is surprisingly very high. In Akole tehsil poverty

among tribal people was very high. Out of 375 tribal families 330 (88 percent)

household lived below poverty line. Only 45 (12 percent) were lived above

B.P.L. This proportion of poverty is much higher than national and state level

poverty. According to Planning Commission Report, Poverty ratio of

Maharashtra state is 30.7 percent in 2004-05. Maharashtra state (3.17Crore)

ranks third place after Uttar Pradesh (5.90 Crore) and Bihar (3.69 Crore) in BPL

list. The national poverty ratio was 27.50 percent at same time.23

Annual income of tribal families and malnutrition level among tribal

children were assessed in sample villages. The annual income and malnutrition in

tribal children is presented in Table No.4.12. It has been observed that income

level and malnutrition is closely associated. The 375 tribal families were grouped

in 7 groups on the basis of annual income.

153

Table No. 4.12. Annual Income and Malnutrition in Tribal Children.

BPL

Status

Income

(In

Thousands)

Grades of Malnutrition

Total SAM

(-3SD)

MAM

(-2SD)

MIM

(-1SD)

NORM

(Med)

MIO

(1SD)

Below

Poverty

Line

<10 2 25 15 3 0 45 (12 percent)

10 to20 30 107 54 11 3 (55 Percent) 205

21 to 27 9 31 22 17 1 (21 percent) 80

Above

Poverty

Line

27 to 50 2 13 10 6 0 (8 percent) 31

50 to 100 0 2 0 1 0 (1 percent) 4

100 to 200 1 1 1 0 0 (1 percent) 3

200< 2 4 1 0 0 (2 percent) 7

Grand Total 46 183 103 38 4 (100 percent) 375


Out of 375 tribal children 330 (88 percent) were from below poverty line

families where annual income was below 27 thousand rupees per year and only

45(12 percent) children were from above poverty line families. It has been

noticed that in tribal area164 (49.69 percent) children were found in Severe

Acute Malnutrition (SAM) to Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) group and

166 (50.30 percent) children were normal to mild range.

In case families above poverty level 25 (55.55 perrcent) children were

found in Acute Malnutrition (SAM) to Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM)

group and 20 (44.45 percent) children were normal to mild range. Generally there

is positive relationship between income of family and malnutrition level but in

this area such relationship were not observed strongly.

4.3.7. Working Population in Akole Tehsil:

According to 1971 Census of India (1971) all persons are divided in to

two main categories workers and non-workers.Worker is considered as

participation of a person in any economically productive activity with or without

compensation, wedges or profit.24

A person who performs such works is known

as worker. Work should be intellectual or physical in nature. This work also

includes actual work, supervision and effective guidance. There are two broad

types of workers like main workers and marginal workers. Main workers who

work for the major part of period or one who works for more than six month

154

before enumeration. Marginal worker means, who can not work for major part of

period or one who works for less than six month is called marginal worker.On

the other hand person who does not engage in economically productive activity is

called non-worker.

Table No.4.13 represents working force of Akole tehsil.According to 2011

Census in tribal zone 53.0 percent workers were observed.Out of them 46.61

percent were main workers and 6.39 percent were marginal workers, Whereas 47

percent people are non-workers. It is generally observed that tribal worker is

well conversant and fulfilled with number of skills. Generally he does not depend

solely on single occupation but he is engaged in hunting, fishing, collection from

forests, domestic arts, woodwork, basketry etc. This picture depicts that

dependant population in study area is very close to working force population. In

tribal region significant proportion of population is cultivators and agricultural

laborers.

Table No. 4.13. Worker in Akole Tehsil

Region Main

Worker

Percent Marginal

Worker

Percent Non

Worker

Percent

Tribal 71708 46.61 9835 6.39 72280 46.98

Non Tribal 66047 47.81 6545 4.73 65535 47.44

Tehsil Total 137755 47.18 16380 5.61 137815 47.20

Source: 2011 Census.

In case of Non tribal’s 52.54 percent population was working populations

in which 47.81 percent were main workers and 4.73 percent were marginal

workers. 47.44 percent population in non tribal was of non-workers. Dependency

ratio in non tribals is quite high than tribals. It was observed during investigation

tribal women take part in many agricultural activities as compared to non tribal

females. It is also obsereved that in non tribal area proportion of marginal

workers is slightly lower compared to tribal marginal workers. Overall tehsil

shows 52.79 percent working population in which 47.18 percent were main

workers and 5.61 percent were marginal workers. In tehsil 47.20 percent

population is non workers.

155

Map.No.4.11

Map.No.4.12

156

Map.No.4.13

Map.No.4.14

157

Map.No.4.15

Map.No.4.16

158

It is observed that majority population of tehsil is worker. In case of total worker,

villages of tehsil were classified in to three classes as low workers Medium

workers and high workers.

Map No.4.14 presents that worker population of Akole tehsil.

1. There are 21 villages of tehsil categorized in low worker class where working

population observed below 45 percent. Rajur (31 percent) were observed with

lowest working population according to 2001 census.

2. Medium worker group, worker population ranges from 46 to 65 percent

worker.149 villages were observed in this class.

3. 21 villages found in high working population class where working population

observed more than 65 percent. Ladgaon with 80 percent working population

become first in this class.

Map No.4.15 show working population of Akole tehsil in 2011 census.

1. According to 2011 Census data 17 villages were observed in low worker class,

Village Khadki remain first with lowest 31.70 percent working population.

2.151 villages were included in medium workers group.

3.23 villages recorded workers population above 65 percent .

Map No.4.16 indicates volume of change among working

population of tehsil.

1. It has been observed that the 83 villages were in negative growth. (Below 0

percent) Villages like Pimpri (-23.29 percent) shows Negative change in workers

population.

2. 80 villages in tehsil experiences positive growth in worker population


3. There are 28 villages experienced positive growth in working population

more than 10 percent. Village Rajur shows 35 percent growth in workers

population.

Map No.4.17 shows non worker population of Akole tehsil. Most of

the non worker population is concentrated in non tribal area. Yellow colour in

map shows non working population which is mostly concentrated in eastern part

of tehsil. Total nonworking population of tehsil is according to 2001 census is

159

48.16 percent which declined in 2011 census up to 47.21 percent. Map No.4.18

presents non working population of tehsil of 2011 census. Map No.4.19

presented Volume of change in non working population of tehsil during last

decade. Total tehsil has experienced -0.96 percent growth in non working

population of tehsil. It has been observed that 111 villages in tehsil show

negative growth below 0 percent.63 villages experience 0 to 10 percent growth

and 17 villages experiences more than 10 percent growth.

4.3.8. Work Participation Rate:

Work participation rate (WPR) is defined as the percentage of total workers to

total population. This kind of work participation rate becomes useful to discover

working force of region. Work participation rate for any region gives us clear

idea about proportion of working population and dependent population in that

area. This can be useful tool to find out work force of any area. This can be a

computed by following formula.

T W (Main+ Marginal)

Work Participation Rate (WPR) = ----------------------------------- X 100

T P

Where,

TW= Total Workers (Main+ Marginal)

TP=Total Population.

Table No.4.14.Work Participation Rate in Akole Tehsil

Region Total Workers

(Main +Marginal)

Total

Population

Work Participation

Rate (W.P.R.)

2001 2011 2001 2011 2001 2011

Tribal 76891 81543 147167 153823 52.24 53.01

Non- Tribal 61322 75592 119471 138127 51.32 52.55

Tehsil Total 138213 154135 266638 291950 51.83 52.79

Source: 2011 Census.

According to 2011 census, the work participation rate in Akole Tehsil is 52.79

percent which was 51.83 in last decade. Slight growth has been observed in work

participation rate during last decade. Census data of 2001 shows huge number of

160

non-workers (near 48 percent in tehsil), Which figure decreases up to 47.21

percent in 2011 census.Large percentage of non-working population depends

upon half of the workforce of tehsil. According to2001 census work participation

rate of India is only 39.1 which was 37.5 percent in 1991 census. Interesting

interpretation of work participation rate was noticed in case of Maharashtra. Even

though participation rate of Maharashtra state was much higher than national

average it has experienced minor decrease. In 2001 census participation rate 43.0

percent was which decreased to 42.50 percent in 2011 census.

Workforce of any region is product of economic, social, cultural and

demographic structure. Work participation rate is low because of higher number

of children and high birth rate, old age population and partly exclusion from

females in workforce. Overall tribal in Akole tehsil population displays

insignificant different pattern in work participation rate. In 2001 census

participation rate for tribal area in Akole tehsil was recorded 52.24 percent,

which rose up to 53.01 percent in 2011 census. This is because high female

participation in workforce and high rate of illiteracy .The child participation in

workforce is detected in tribal area which is also responsible for these changes. In

countryside unskilled and illiterate populations entersworkforce and become part

of early age and consist of work force.

Table No.4.13 depicts that nontribal work participation rate in Akole tehsil

which much lower than tribals. Even though participation rate of non-tribals is

more than state and national average, it is lower than tribal society. In 2001, work

participation rate of non-tribal was 51.32 percent which increases up to 52.55

percent in 2011 census.

4.4. Resume:

This chapter gives social and economic condition of tribal society. In this chapter

information and data is mostly from primary survey and up to some extent

secondary data has been used. In social; aspect of tribes house type, material used

for wall and roof, communication and transport facilities, literacy of tribals and

education attainment among parents were assessed during study.Economic status

of tribal people was evaluated by certain parameters. occupation structure of

161

tribals, Agriculture, Size of land holdings, status of irrigated land, annual income

of family, Occupation of Mother and father, working participation rate of tribals

and type of workers were calculated efficiently. This chapter gives more attention

towards social and economic attributes of tribal society.

162

References:

1. Tribhuvan, Robin (2004).Health of Primitive Tribes.New Delhi:

Discovery Publishing House. P 17.

2. Census of India (1971).Series 1, Part II-A (i) General Population Tables,

Delhi. P 20.

3. Mathur, H.S. and Qureshi (1988).The Blasphemy of Recourse

Development. Crisis of Development in Environmental Resources, Jaipur:

RBSA Publication, Jaipur. P 67.

4. Mishra, H.N. (1987).Habitat and Health in Indian Villages.Contribution to

Indian Geography, Vol.9.P 192.

5. Gare, G.M. (1999).Planning of Tribal Area: A Growth Centre Approach

Tribal Research Bulletin, TRTI, Pune.P 22 - 23.

6. Tikone, P.R. (Sept.2001).Social and Economic Status of Thakar: A

Overview. Tribal Research Bulletin, Vol. XXIV.P 37.

7. MPSI (2011).Report Writing: Purpose Retrived, Octomber 2014, From

http://www.mospi.nic.in/Mospi_New/upload/statistical_year_book_2011/

SECTOR-4-.

8. Deshpande, Sadhana (2007).Road Connectivity and Road Development in

Vidarbha Region, Maharashtra State.The Deccan Geographer.Vol.45 No.1.P

37-45.

9. Tripathi, S.N. (1999).Tribal economy: A Regional Study. New Delhi:

Discovery Publication House.P 64.

10. Mukhopadhyay, S.C. (2002).Landscape Pattern and Tribal Population in

Manipur. New Delhi: Concept Publication House.P 29.

11. Hasina, V. A. and Mohammad, P. A. (2014).Scope of Education and

Dropout among Tribal Student in Kerala-A Study Scheduled Tribes in

Attappady. International Journal of Science and Publication.Vol.4.P 2.

12. Census of India (1971).Series 1, Part II-A (i) General Population Tables,

Delhi. P 20.

163

13. Mankari, M.P., Rathod, H.B. Kulkarni, M.J. and Kankure, K.B. (2011):

Demographic Overview of Latur District in Maharashtra.Maharashtra

Bhugolshatra Sanshodhan Patrika, Vol.XXVIII.P 78.

14. Sharma, Supriya. (2012).Adivasi Predicament in Chhattisgarh.Economic and

Political Weekly. Samiksha Trust Publication, Vol.XIVII. Vol.2. P 21.

15. Ugale, Vilas (2006).Problems and Prospects of Socio Economic

Development of Mahadev Koli in Ambegaon Tehsil Dist. Pune

(Maharashtra).Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation,University of Pune.

Maharashtra.P 246.

16. Das D. (1972).Tribal Population in Guwahati. North Eastern Geographer,

Vol. 3 and 4.P 19-27.

17. Naidu I.J. (1975). All India Report on Agricultural Census, 1970-

71.Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. New

Delhi.

18. Baghel, Anusaya, Rajput, T. and Viswakarma, P. (2012).Distribution of

Operational Landholdings in Rural India.The Deccan Geographer.

Vol.50, No.1.P 63-74.

19. Gupta, H.S. (1986).Distributional Pattern of Landholdings in Madhya

Pradesh.The Deccan Geographer.Vol.XXIV.No.1and 2.P 29-38.

20. DSA (2009-10):Ahmednagar District Socio Economic Abstract-2009-10,

21. Sharma, Shrikamal (1971).Location of Desirable Growth and Service

Centres in Sidhi District (M.P).Geographical Outlook, Vol. IX.P 37-46.

22. Aphale, A.B. (1990).Socio-economic Condition of Tribals in Maharashtra.

Socio Cultural Dynamics of Tribal Development. Edited by Negi R.S. and

Gaikwad J, TRTI, Pune.P 66-71.

23. Planning Commission Report (2010).The Daily News Paper Hindu, Dated

24 March 2010.

24. Census of India (1971).Series 1, Part II-A (i), General Population Tables,

Delhi.P 52.

socio-economic status of tribals -...

Documents