AP Cast Info

Chapter IV

SCHEDULED CASTES IN ANDHRA

PRADESH

125

4.0 Introduction

The present Chapter analyzes the profile of Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh. In

Andhra Pradesh, the Scheduled Castes (SCs) form a sizeable part of the States population.

Andhra Pradesh occupies fourth position in India in terms of Scheduled Caste population

among 32 States/UTs having Scheduled Castes population. The SC population of the State

constitutes 7.4 per cent of the countrys SC population. The Scheduled Caste constitutes 16.19

per cent of the total population of Andhra Pradesh in 2001 with more than 82.82 per cent of

the Scheduled Castes living in rural areas.

4.1 Caste in Andhra Pradesh

The castes in Andhra Pradesh can be divided into two distinct categories. Brahmin,

Komati, Raju, Reddy, Kamma, Velama, Kapu, Nayudu, Relli, Mala, Madiga, Yeraka, Yanadi

etc., castes are based on their tribal, cultural and religious differences, while the castes like

Chakali (washerman), Kummari (potter), Kammari (smith), Kamsali (goldsmith), Mangali

(barber) etc. are based on their duties. After British rule, the Indian Constitution defined the

tribes/castes. At present, all the castes in Andhra Pradesh are categorized into four groups,

viz., Other Communities (OC), Backward Communities (BC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and

Scheduled Tribes (ST).

The Brahmans, who are forward communities, constitute about 23 per cent of the

States population. The Komatis, who are also forward communities, and claim Vysya status,

and engaged in trade, constitute 23 per cent of the population. Rajus, who are also forward

communities and who claim Kshatriya status, constitute less than 1 per cent of the States

population. The non-Brahman caste groups, such as the Reddis, Kammas, Kapus and

Velamas, whose main occupation has been cultivation, are the most important social groups

in the State in terms of numerical strength, land control and access to political power.

Kammas, Reddis and Velamas belong to indigenous and immigrant agricultural communities

126

and ruling class who are now classified as forward classes (FC). The Reddis represent about

810 per cent of the States population, followed by Kammas, about 45 per cent, Velamas,

12 per cent and Kapu, 1012 per cent.

There are various caste groups by the names of traditional hereditary occupations,

who constitute a large proportion of the population in Andhra Pradesh and are known as

backward castes (BCs) and represent about 44 per cent of the State population. Andhra

Pradesh incorporates about 33 scheduled tribes, which form about 7 per cent of the States

population. Koya, Banjara/Lambada, Konda reddi, Gond, Chenchu, Yerukala, Yanadi,

Savara, and Jatavu are the major ones.

4.2 Scheduled Castes

Scheduled Castes are known by different names in different parts of the State and

comprise many sub-castes and communities. At present, there are 59 Scheduled Castes in

Andhra Pradesh. List of Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh is given in Table 4.1. Out of

59 sub-castes, Madigas and Malas are the two prominent ones. Mala, Madiga, Adi Dravida

and Adi Andhra together constitute 93.6 per cent of the SC population of the State. Madiga

are numerically the largest SCs with a population of 60,74,250, constituting 49.2 per cent of

the State SC population. They are followed by Mala having a population of 51,39,305 (41.6

per cent), Adi Dravida with a population of 1,94,806 (1.6 per cent) and Adi Andhra (1.2 per

cent). Nineteen SCs have returned a population below one thousand each in 2001 census.

Among the numerically major SCs, Adi Dravida has the highest (88.7 per cent) rural

population, followed by Madiga (85.1 per cent), Mala (81.9 per cent) and Adi Andhra (76.8

per cent). During 1991-2001, Mala have recorded the highest growth rate of 29.7 per cent

followed by Madiga (25.5 per cent). On the other hand, Adi Andhra caste, the fourth largest

in the State has recorded a negative growth (-80.5 per cent). Adi Dravida has also recorded a

low growth rate of 4 per cent.

127

Scheduled Castes and their areas of enumeration in Andhra Pradesh are presented in

Table 4.2. It is observed from the table that 4 Scheduled Castes out of 59 Scheduled

Castes, namely, (1). Chalavadi, (2). Chamar, Mochi or Muchi, (3). Madiga and (4). Mala

were enumerated throughout the State, while 27 Scheduled Castes, namely, Adi Andhra, Adi

Dravida, Arundhatiya, Bariki, Bavuri, Byagara, Chandala, Dandasi, Ghasi, Haddi or Relli

Chachandi, Godagali, Godari, Gosangi, Jaggali, Jambuvulu, Madasi Kuruva or Madari

Karuva, Madiga Dasu and Mashteen, Mala Dasu, Matangi, Mundala, Paky or Moti, Thoti,

Pambada or Pambanda, Pamidi, Panchama or Pariah, Relli, Samban, Sapru and Dom,

Dombara, Paidi or Pano were enumerated throughout the State except Hyderabad,

Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda districts. It is also noticed from the table that of the 59 SCs, 28 SCs, namely,

Ellamalwar (Yellammalawandlu), Anamuk, Aray (Mala), Arwa Mala, Beda (Budga) Jangam,

and Sindhollu (Chindoilu) were enumerated in the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar

Bindla, Byagara, Chambhar, Dakkal (Dokkalwar), Dhor, Holeya, Holeya Dasari,

Kolupulvandlu, Mahar, Mala Dasari, Mala Hannai , Malajangam, Mala Masti, Mala Sale

(Netkani), Mala Sanyasi, Mang, Mang Garodi, Manne, Mashti, Mehtar, Mitha Ayyalvar,

Samagara, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda

only.

128

Table 4.1

LIST OF SCHEDULED CASTES IN ANDHRA PRADESH

Name of the Scheduled Caste Name of the Scheduled Caste

1. Adi Andhra 31. Madasi Kuruva, Madari Kuruva

2. Adi Dravida 32. Madiga

3. Anamuk 33. Madiga Dasu, Mashteen

4. Aray Mala 34. Mahar

5. Arundhatiya 35. Mala

6. Arwa Mala 36. Mala Dasari

7. Bariki 37. Mala Dasu

8. Bavuri 38. Mala Hannai

9. Beda Jangam, Budga jangam 39. Malajangam

10. Bindla 40. Mala Masti

11. Byagara 41. Mala Sale, Nethani

12. Chachati 42. Mala Sanyasi

13. Chalavadi 43. Mang

14. Chamar, Mochi, Muchi 44. Mang Garodi

15. Chambhar 45. Manne

16. Chandala 46. Mashti

17. Dakkal, Dokkalwar 47. Matangi

18. Dandasi 48. Mehtar

19. Dhor 49. Mitha Ayyalvar

20. Dom, Dombara, Paidi, Pano 50. Mundala

21. Ellamalawar, Yellammalawandlu 51. Paky, Moti, Thoti

22. Ghasi, Haddi, Relli, Chanchandi 52. Pambada, Pambanda

23. Godagali 53. Pamidi

24. Godari 54. Panchama, Pariah

25. Gosangi 55. Relli

26. Holeya 56. Samagara

27. Holeya Dasari 57. Samban

28. Jaggali 58. Sapru

29. Jambuvulu 59. Sindhollu, Chindollu

30. Kolupulvandlu

Source: (1). Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 (Part III - Rules

and Orders under the Constitution)

(2). Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment)

Act, 1956

129

Table 4.2

SCHEDULED CASTES AND THEIR AREAS OF ENUMERATION IN ANDHRA

PRADESH

Sl.

No.

Name of the Scheduled

Castes

Areas of enumeration

1. Adi Andhra Throughout the state except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,

Khammam and Nalgonda districts

2. Adi Dravida "

3. Anamuk In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda.

4. Aray (Mala) "

5. Arundhatiya Throughout the state except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,


6. Arwa Mala In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda.

7. Bariki Throughout the state except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,


8. Bavuri "

9. Beda (Budga) Jangam In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda.

10. Bindla "

11. Byagara "

12. Byagara Throughout the state except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,


13. Chalavadi Throughout the State

14. Chamar, Mochi or Muchi Throughout the State

15. Chambhar In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda.

16. Chandala Throughout the state except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,


130

Sl.

No.


Castes


17. Dakkal (Dokkalwar) In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda.

18. Dandasi Throughout the state except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,


19. Dhor In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda

20. Dom, Dombara, Paidi or Pano

Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Nizamabad,

Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda

districts

21. Ellamalwar (Yellammalawandlu)

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimanagar, Warangal, Khammam

and Nalgonda

22. Ghasi, Haddi or Relli Chachandi

Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,


23. Godagali "

24. Godari "

25. Gosangi "

26. Holeya In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda

27. Holeya Dasari "

28. Jaggali Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,


29. Jambuvulu "

30. Kolupulvandlu In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Karimnagar,

Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda

31. Madasi Kuruva or Madari Karuva

Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,


32. Madiga Throughout the State

33. Madiga Dasu and Mashteen Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,


131

Sl.

No.


Castes


34. Mahar In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda

35. Mala Throughout the State

36. Mala Dasari In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda

37. Mala Dasu Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,

Khammam and Nalgonda

38. Mala Hannai In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda

39. Malajangam "

40. Mala Masti "

41. Mala Sale (Netkani) "

42. Mala Sanyasi "

43. Mang "

44. Mang Garodi "

45. Manne "

46. Mashti In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda

47. Matangi Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,


48. Mehtar In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda

49. Mitha Ayyalvar "

50. Mundala Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,


51. Paky or Moti, Thoti "

52. Pambada or Pambanda "

132

Sl.

No.


Castes


53. Pamidi "

54. Panchama or Pariah "

55. Relli "

56. Samagara In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda

57. Samban Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,


58. Sapru "

59. Sindhollu (Chindoilu) In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda

Source: Kamble, N.D., (1978), Socio-economic and Political Profiles of Scheduled Castes, Ph.D. Thesis, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka.

133

4.3 Demographic features

The total population of Andhra Pradesh, as per the 2001 Census is 7,62,10,007. Of

this, 1,23,39,496 (16.2 per cent) are Scheduled Castes (SCs), of which 62,28,011 (50.47 per

cent) are males and the rest 61,11,485 (49.53 per cent) are females. Out of the total SC

population, 82.82 per cent are residing in rural areas and the rest 17.18 per cent are residing

in urban areas. The share of the rural population has been declining from Census to Census,

except during 1991-2001, where a slight increase is recorded.

The data on Scheduled Castes population and general population from 1961 to 2001 is

presented in Table 4.3. The population of Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh has

increased from 49.73 lakhs in 1961 to 123.39 lakhs in 2001, registering an increase of 148.09

per cent as compared to an increase of 158.5 per cent in the SC population at the national

level. The share of the Scheduled Castes population in the total population, which was 13.82

per cent in 1961, declined to 13.27 per cent in 1971, then increased to 14.85 per cent in 1981

and to 15.93 per cent in 1991, and thereafter increased to 16.19 per cent in 2001. The share

of the Scheduled caste population to the total population of India in 2001 is 16.23, which is

almost nearest to that of Andhra Pradesh (16.19 per cent).

In terms of decadal growth, there was a growth of 16.10 per cent in the SC population

during 1961-1971, followed by 37.88 per cent increase in the next decade (1971-1981). It

fell to 33.04 per cent in the following decade, 1981-1991. It further fell to 16.50 per cent

during 1991-2001. The highest growth rate was recorded during 1971-1981.

134

Table 4.3

SCHEDULED CASTES AND GENERAL POPULATION IN ANDHRA PRADESH

FROM 1961 TO 2001 CENSUS

Census

Year

Scheduled Castes Total population

Male Female Total Male Female Total

Popu-

lation

%

Growth

rate

Popu-

lation

%

Growth

rate

Popu-

lation

%

Growth

rate

Popu-

lation

%

Growth

rate

Popu-

lation

%

Growth

rate

Popu-

lation

%

Growth

rate

1961 2512325

(13.83)

-

2461291

(13.81)

-

4973616

(13.82)

- 18161671 - 17821776 - 35983447 -

1971 2927416

(13.30)

16.52

2847132

(13.25)

15.68

5774548

(13.27)

16.10 22008663 21.18 21494045 20.61 43502708 20.90

1981 4039242

(14.90)

37.98

3922488

(14.84)

37.77

7961730

(14.87)

37.88 27108922 23.17 26440751 23.01 53549673 23.10

1991 5379654

(15.95)

33.18

5212412

(15.90)

32.89

10592066

(15.93)

33.04 33724581 24.40 32783427 23.99 66508008 24.20

2001 6228011

(16.17)

15.77

6111485

(16.22)

17.25

12339496

(16.19)

16.50 38527413 14.24 37682594 14.94 76210007 14.59

Note: Figures in the parenthesis represent percentage to the total population.

Source: Directorate of Census Operations, Government of India.

135

Table 4.4

COMPOSITION OF SCHEDULED CASTES IN ANDHRA PRADESH BY

RESIDENCE FROM 1961 TO 2001

Census

Year

RURAL URBAN

Male Female Total

Percentage of

Rural

Population

to Total

population

Decadal

Growth

Rate

Male Female Total

Percentage

of

Urban

Population

To

Total

Population

Decadal

Growth

Rate

1961 2233224 2188304 4421528 88.9 - 279101 272987 552088 11.1 -

1971 2580275 2511855 5092130 88.18 15.17 347141 335277 682418 11.8 23.61

1981 3419221 3333147 6752368 84.81 32.6 620021 589341 1209362 15.2 77.22

1991 4451782 4306859 8758641 82.69 29.71 927872 905553 1833425 17.3 51.6

2001 5164491 5054918 10219409 82.82 16.68 1063520 1056567 2120087 17.2 15.64


136

Table 4.4 presents the population of the Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh as per

2001 Census. As per 2001 Census, among the numerically major SCs, Adi Dravida has the

highest (88.7 per cent) rural population, followed by Madiga (85.1 per cent), Mala (81.9 per

cent) and Adi Andhra (76.8 per cent). Among the districts, East Godavari district has the

highest Scheduled Caste population in the State (8,81,650) followed by Guntur district

(8,18,005) and Krishna district (7,46,832). Districts with the lowest SC population are

Srikakulam (2,29,609), Vizianagaram (2,38,023) and Visakhapatnam (2,91,219).

In terms of the percentage of the Scheduled Caste population to the total population of

a district, Nellore (22 per cent) takes first place, followed by Prakasam (21.29 per cent) and

West Godavari (19.17 per cent). The lowest percentage is in Visakhapatnam district (7.60

per cent), followed by Hyderabad (8.02 per cent) and Srikakulam (9.05 per cent).

137

Table 4.5

SCHEDULED CASTE POPULATION IN ANDHRA PRADESH - 2001

Sl. No. District Males Females Total

Percentage to

Total

Population

1 Adilabad 231793 229421 461214 18.54

2 Nizamabad 170201 177957 348158 14.84

3 Karimnagar 325829 324417 650246 18.62

4 Medak 235715 233777 469492 17.58

5 Hyderabad 154759 152489 307248 8.02

6 Ranga Reddy 263576 256469 520045 14.55

7 Mahbubnagar 304628 296299 600927 17.10

8 Nalgonda 291960 283828 575788 17.73

9 Warangal 279917 271468 551385 16.99

10 Khammam 216747 209945 426692 16.55

11 Srikakulam 113730 115879 229609 9.05

12 Vizianagaram 119116 118907 238023 10.58

13 Visakhapatnam 146813 144406 291219 7.60

14 East Godavari 442325 439325 881650 17.99

15 West Godavari 367155 361808 728963 19.17

16 Krishna 378329 368503 746832 17.83

17 Guntur 414712 403293 818005 18.32

18 Prakasam 330531 320967 651498 21.29

19 Nellore 295649 291508 587157 22.00

20 Kadapa 207302 202190 409492 15.74

21 Kurnool 320496 308141 628637 17.81

22 Anantapur 263291 251605 514896 14.14

23 Chittoor 353437 348883 702320 18.75

Andhra Pradesh 6228011 6111485 12339496 16.19


138

4.3.1 District-wise Scheduled Castes Population

District-wise (largest three) Scheduled Castes population is presented in Table 4.6.

It is observed from the table that there are three largest Scheduled Castes in each of the

districts. Madiga and Mala communities population occupy lion share in the total Scheduled

Castes population of the each district. As per the 2001 Census, out of the total Scheduled

Castes population of the State, Madiga community constitutes 49.23 per cent, followed by

Mala community 41.65 per cent. Scheduled Castes like Mala sale, Gosangi, Beda Jangam,

Relli, Adi Andhra, Mala Dasu, Arundhaitya, Mala Dasari and other generic castes also

prevailed in the State in some of the districts as larger castes after Madiga and Mala

communities. In Adilabad, Karimnagar and Khamma districts, Madiga, Mala and Mala sale

are the largest three Scheduled Castes. Madiga, Mala and Gosangi are the major Scheduled

Castes in Nizamabad district. Madiga, Mala and Bea Jangam are the largest three Scheduled

Castes in Medak and Nalgonda districxts. In Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Mahbubnagar,

Warangal and Anantapur districts, Madiga, Mala and Generic Castes are the largest three

Scheduled Castes. Madiga, Mala and Relli are the largest three Scheduled Castes in

Srikakulam, Vizinagaram, Visakhapatnam and Krishna districts. Madiga, Mala and Adi

Andhra are the major Scheduled Castes in East Godavari, West Godavari, Prakasam, Kadapa

and Chittoor districts. Madiga, Mala and Mala Dasu are the largest three Scheduled Castes in

Guntur district. In Nellore district, Madiga, Mala and Arundhatiya are the three largest

Scheduled Castes. Madiga, Mala and Mala dasari are the three major Scheduled Castes in

Kurnool district.

It is also noted from the table that Madiga population is highest in Anantapur (84.63

per cent), Mahbubnagar (77.14 per cent), Warangal (73.78 per cent), Nalgonda (73.02 per

139

cent), Kurnool (64.42 per cent), Ranga Reddy (64.05 per cent), Karimnagar (60.99 per cent),

Medak (57.77 per cent), Khammam (57.16 per cent), Prakasam (52.68 per cent), Krishna

(51.90 per cent), Guntur (49.38 per cent), Hyderabad (48.94 per cent), Nizamabad (48.32 per

cent) and Kadapa (45.44 per cent) districts. As against this, Mala population is highest in

Srikakulam (68.25 per cent), East Godavari (68.10 per cent), Nellore (63.57 per cent),

Visakhapatnam (58.26 per cent), West Godavari (57.12 per cent), Vizianagaram (53.16 per

cent), Kadapa (51.93 per cent), Guntur (48.79 per cent), Chittoor (46.94 per cent), Prakasam

(45.86 per cent), Krishna (45.63 per cent) and Nizamabad (45.15 per cent) districts.

4.4 Sex ratio

The overall sex ratio of the SC population of Andhra Pradesh is 981 females per 1000

males, which is higher than 978 for SC population of the state in 2001. The sex ratio of SC

population has registered an increase over 969 reported at 1991 Census. Among the districts,

the highest sex ratio (1046) is recorded in Nizamabad and the lowest in Anantapur (956).

Sex ratio of the SC population in urban areas (993) is better than that of the rural areas (979).

The overall as well as the child sex ratio (0-6) among SC population of Andhra

Pradesh are significantly higher than the corresponding sex ratios aggregated for SC

population at national level. Similar pattern is existed in respect of all the major SCs.

140

Table 4.6

DISTRICT-WISE (LARGEST THREE) SCHEDULED CASTES POPULATION IN

ANDHRA PRADESH (2001 CENSUS)

District Madiga Mala Mala

Sale

Gosa-

ngi

Beda

Jangam

Generic

Castes Relli

Adi

Andhra

Mala

Dasu

Arun-

dhatiya

Mala

Dasari Others Total

Adilabad 154470

(33.49)

147883

(32.06)

73083

(15.85)

- - - - - - - - 85778

(18.60)

461214

(100.00)

Nizama-

Bad

168229

(48.32)

157187

(45.15)

- 9760

(2.80)

- - - - - - - 12982

(3.73)

348158

(100.00)

Karim-

Nagar

396594

(60.99)

193030

(29.69)

25595

(3.94)

- - - - - - - - 35027

(5.39)

650246

(100.00)

Medak 271203

(57.77)

172595

(36.76)

- - 7704

(1.64)

- - - - - - 17990

(3.83)

469492

(100.00)

Hydera-

Bad

150377

(48.94)

108135

(35.19)

- - - 31460

(10.24)

- - - - - 17276

(5.62)

307248

(100.00)

Ranga

Reddy

333075

(64.05)

152645

(29.35)

- - - 10322

(1.98)

- - - - - 24003

(4.62)

520045

(100.00)

Mahbub-

Nagar

463547

(77.14)

106122

(17.66)

- - - 15072

(2.51)

- - - - - 16186

(2.69)

600927

(100.00)

Nalgonda 420451

(73.02)

135577

(23.55)

- - 8268

(1.44)

- - - - - - 11492

(2.00)

575788

(100.00)

Warangal 406829

(73.78)

100126

(18.16)

- - - 13069

(2.37)

- - - - - 31361

(5.69)

551385

(100.00)

Khammam 243899

(57.16)

166895

(39.11)

5417

(1.27)

- - - - - - - - 10481

(2.46)

426692

(100.00)

Srikakulam 28114

(12.24)

156710

(68.25)

- - - - 21520

(9.37)

- - - - 23265

(10.13)

229609

(100.00)

Vizia-

nagaram

51983

(21.84)

126530

(53.16)

- - - - 25403

(10.67)

- - - - 34107

(14.33)

238023

(100.00)

Visakha-

patnam

65244

(22.40)

169650

(58.26)

- - - - 41791

(14.35)

- - - - 14534

(4.99)

291219

(100.00)

East

Godavari

187000

(21.21)

600422

(68.10)

- - - - - 49596

(5.63)

- - - 44632

(5.06)

881650

(100.00)

West

Godavari

259811

(35.64)

416361

(57.12)

- - - - - 35768

(4.91)

- - - 17023

(2.34)

728963

(100.00)

Krishna 387577

(51.90)

340811

(45.63)

- - - - 7386

(0.99)

- - - - 11058

(1.48)

746832

(100.00)

Guntur 403908

(49.38)

399100

(48.79)

- - - - - - 5004

(0.61)

- - 9993

(1.22)

818005

(100.00)

Prakasam 343177

(52.68)

298782

(45.86)

- - - - - 4632

(0.71)

- - - 4907

(0.75)

651498

(100.00)

Nellore 167434

(28.52)

373253

(63.57)

- - - - - - - 31042

(5.29)

- 15428

(2.63)

587157

(100.00)

Kadapa 186070

(45.44)

212639

(51.93)

- - - - - 7475

(1.83)

- - - 3308

(0.81)

409492

(100.00)

Kurnool 404992

(64.42)

210457

(33.48)

- - - - - - - - 4114

(0.65)

9074

(1.44)

628637

(100.00)

Anantapur 435746

(84.63)

64747

(12.57)

- - - 8038

(1.56)

- - - - - 6365

(1.24)

514896

(100.00)

Chittoor 144520

(20.58)

329648

(46.94)

- - - - - 192121

(27.36)

- - - 36031

(5.13)

702320

(100.00)

Andhra

Pradesh

6074250

(49.23)

5139305

(41.65)

104095

(0.84)

9760

(0.08)

15972

(0.13)

77961

(0.63)

96100

(0.78)

289592

(2.35)

5004

(0.04)

31042

(0.25)

4114

(0.03)

492301

(3.99)

12339496

(100.00)

Note: Figures in the parentheses represent percentage to the total SC population of the district/State as the case may be.

Source: Census 2001, Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, Ministry of

Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi,

141

4.5 Literacy and educational level

Literacy and level of education are two basic indicators of the level of development

achieved by a group/society. The literacy results in awareness, besides contributing to the

overall improvement of health, hygiene and other social conditions. A person is considered

literate if she/he is able to read and write with understanding in any language. One who can

merely read but cannot write is not considered literate. However, to qualify as a literate it is

not necessary that a person should have received any formal education.

According to 2001 Census, percentage of SC literates, (who can read and write with

understanding) aged 7 years and above is 53.5 per cent, which is lower than 60.5 per cent

reported for the state population as a whole, which is also lower than 54.7 per cent recorded

at the national level. The literacy data show that the SC population of the state has made a

significant improvement during the decade 1991- 2001. The literacy rate, which was 31.6 per

cent in 1991, has increased by 21.9 percentage points in 2001. Among the major SCs, Adi

Andhra have been reported the highest literacy rate of 69.6 per cent, followed by Adi Dravida

(65.4 per cent) and Mala (60 per cent). More than half of Madigas are illiterate with literacy

rate of 47.5 per cent. The female literacy rate of 43.3 per cent among SC population is lower

compared to the total females of the state (50.4 per cent) as well their male counterparts (63.5

per cent). The highest and lowest female literacy rate of 63 per cent and 36.9 per cent have

been recorded among Adi Andhra and Madiga. Educational levels attained by the Scheduled

Castes is given in Table 4.7.

Out of total literates, 34.9 per cent are literates having attained educational level

below the Primary level. The literates, who have attained education up to Primary and Middle

levels, constitute 32 per cent and 10.6 per cent respectively. 17.8 per cent are having

142

Table 4.7

EDUCATIONAL LEVELS ATTAINED BY THE SCHEDULED CASTES IN

ANDHRA PRADESH (2001 CENSUS)

Name of

SC

Literate

without

educational

level

Below

Primary Primary Middle

Metric/

Secondary/

Higher

Secondary

Intermediate

etc.

Technical

& Non-

technical

diploma

Graduate

& above

All SCs 4.6 30.3 32.0 10.6 17.8 1.0 3.7

Madiga 5.1 34.3 31.7 9.8 15.7 0.7 2.7

Mala 4.2 26.9 32.2 11.3 19.6 1.2 4.6

Adi

Dravida

4.7 24.6 37.3 12.7 17.5 0.8 2.4

Adi

Andhra

3.2 25.0 32.2 11.9 19.9 1.5 6.3


143

educational level up to Matric/Higher Secondary etc. levels, implying that every 6th

SC

literate is a Matriculate. Literates with educational level of Graduation and above are 3.7 per

cent. Individually, Adi Andhra (6.3 per cent) have highest percentage of Graduation and

above educational levels. The table also shows that the drop out is conspicuous after the

Primarily level and again after Metric/Secondary levels. This pattern is consistent among all

the major SCs. Population in the age group 5-14 years are the potential students. 72.8 per

cent of the SC children of Andhra Pradesh in this age group have been attending various

educational institutions. At the individual caste level, Adi Dravida, Adi Andhra and Mala

have more percentage of school going children than the overall state SC population.

4.5.1 Decadal growth in Literacy Rate Scheduled Castes Vs. General

The data on decadal growth rate in literacy rate of the Scheduled Castes and general

population from 1961 to 2001 is presented in Table 4.8. It is evident from the data that the

Scheduled Castes literacy is 8.47 per cent in 1961 against the general literacy rate of 21.19

per cent. The SC literacy rate was increased to 10.65 in 1971, while the general literacy rate

was 24.57. It is increased to 17.65 in 1981, whereas general literacy rate is 29.94. Thus,

there is a little percentage increase in SC population literacy

144

Table 4.8

LITERACY RATE OF SCHEDULED CASTES AND GENERAL POPULATION IN

ANDHRA PRADESH FROM 1961 TO 2001 CENSUS

Census

Year

Scheduled Castes General Population

1961 Male 13.43 30.19

Female 3.4 12.03

Total 8.47 21.19

1971 Male 15.9 33.18

Female 5.3 15.75

Total 10.65 24.57

1981 Male 24.8 24.59

Female 10.25 20.39

Total 17.65 29.94

1991 Male 41.88 55.13

Female 20.92 32.72

Total 31.59 44.09

2001 Male 63.51 70.32

Female 43.35 50.43

Total 53.52 60.47


145

rate in 1981. In 1991, SC literacy rate is 31.59, whereas general literacy rate is 44.09. Thus,

there is a considerable increase in SC literacy rate from 17.65 per cent in 1981 to 31.59 per

cent in 1991. There is further significant increase in the SC literacy rate during 1991-2001

decade. By 2001, SC literate rate stands at 53.52, while general literacy rate stands at 60.47.

Therefore, it is inferred from the data that during the past four decades, the literacy rate of

Scheduled Castes is steadily increased. Comparatively, it seems that there is a faster growth

in literacy rate among SCs than general population.

4.6 Workforce

Workforce is one of the significant parts of development. Government has made

attempts to create productive employment opportunities to increase the income levels of

living of the masses. Work may be defined as participation in any economically productive

activity. Such participation may be physical or mental in nature. Work involves not only

actual work but also effective supervision and direction of work.

A vast majority of the Scheduled Castes families eke out their livelihoods from

Agriculture - mostly as agricultural labourers and some from farming operations. Allied

occupations eg. Dairy, Piggery, Sheep & Goat Rearing, Poultry etc., also provide livelihood

to a substantial number of SCs. Many landless SCs have migrated to urban and semi-urban

areas finding jobs as construction labourers and in the tertiary sector.

Distribution of Scheduled Castes by workforce is given in Table 4.9. It is observed

from the table that 49.48 per cent of the Scheduled Castes population are non-workers and the

rest are workers. It is seen from the table that among urban population, 66.71 per cent are

non-workers. As against this, among rural population only 45.91 per cent are non-workers.

146

Out of the total workers, main workers constitute 79.21 and the remaining 20.79 per

cent are marginal workers. It is further observed from the table that among main workers,

agricultural labourers constitute huge percentage (64.21 per cent), followed by cultivators

(11.59 per cent), household industry workers (1.84 per cent) and other workers (22.36 per

cent). In case of urban areas, other workers constitute lion share, while in case of rural areas,

agricultural labourers constitute lion share among main workers.

It is also observed from the data that among marginal workers, agricultural labourers

constitute 83.93 per cent, followed by other workers (11.38 per cent), cultivators (2.67 per

cent) and household industry workers (2.02 per cent). Majority of the marginal workers in

rural areas are agricultural labourers, while it is other workers in case of urban areas.

At the individual caste level, Adi Dravida has recorded the highest 72.7 per cent

agricultural labourers, followed by Adi Andhra (71.4 per cent), Madiga (70.4 per cent) and

Mala (68 per cent).

147

Table 4.9

WORKFORCE OF SCHEDULED CASTES IN ANDHRA PRADESH (2001 CENSUS)

Main Workers

Type of Workers Rural Urban Total

Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total

Cultivators 390063

(15.58)

177304

(9.65)

567367

(13.07)

3200

(0.71)

1622

(1.10)

4822

(0.81)

393263

(13.32)

178926

(9.01)

572189

(11.59)

Agricultural

Labourers

1614839

(64.51)

1479011

(80.46)

3093850

(71.26)

43544

(9.70)

32989

(22.47)

76533

(12.85)

1658383

(56.17)

1512000

(76.17)

3170383

(64.21)

Household industry workers

23061 (0.92)

49827 (2.71)

72888 (1.68)

9173 (2.04)

8942 (6.09)

18115 (3.04)

32234 (1.09)

58769 (2.96)

91003 (1.84)

Other workers 475469

(18.99)

132147

(7.19)

607616

(13.99)

392865

(87.54)

103258

(70.33)

496123

(83.30)

868334

(29.41)

235405

(11.86)

1103739

(22.36)

Total Main Workers

2503432 (100.00)

1838289 (100.00)

4341721 (100.00)

448782 (100.00)

146811 (100.00)

595593 (100.00)

2952214 (100.00)

1985100 (100.00)

4937314 (100.00)

% within Total

workers

85.15 71.04 78.55 88.01 74.92 84.38 85.57 71.31 79.21

Note: Figures in the parenthesis represent percentage to total main workers except last row. Last row indicates percentage of the total main

workers to the total workers.

Marginal Workers

Type of

Workers

Rural Urban Total


Cultivators 14874 (3.41)

19144 (2.55)

34018 (2.87)

267 (0.44)

287 (0.58)

554 (0.50)

15141 (3.04)

19431 (2.43)

34572 (2.67)

Agricultural

Labourers

365402

(83.71)

682113

(91.02)

1047515

(88.33)

16570

(27.11)

23791

(48.41)

40361

(36.60)

381972

(76.76)

705904

(88.40)

1087876

(83.93)

Household industry workers

5436 (1.25)

15290 (2.04)

20726 (1.75)

2412 (3.95)

3087 (6.28)

5499 (4.99)

7848 (1.58)

18377 (2.30)

26225 (2.02)

Other workers 50810

(11.64)

32866

(4.39)

83676

(7.06)

41874

(68.51)

21981

(44.73)

63855

(57.91)

92684

(18.62)

54847

(6.87)

147531

(11.38)

Total Marginal

Workers

436522

(100.00)

749413

(100.00)

1185935

(100.00)

61123

(100.00)

49146

(100.00)

110269

(100.00)

497645

(100.00)

798559

(100.00)

1296204

(100.00)

% within Total

workers

14.85 28.96 21.45 11.99 25.08 15.62 14.43 28.69 20.79

Note: Figures in the parenthesis represent percentage to total marginal workers except last row. Last row indicates percentage of the

total marginal workers to the total workers.

Total Workers

Rural Urban Total


2939954 2587702 5527656 509905 195957 705862 3449859 2783659 6233518

Non-Workers

Non-Workers Total Population

Male Female Total Male Female Total

Rural

2224537

(43.07)

2467216

(48.81)

4691753

(45.91)

5164491

(100.00)

5054918

(100.00)

10219409

(100.00)

Urban

553615 (52.05)

860610 (81.45)

1414225 (66.71)

1063520 (100.00)

1056567 (100.00)

2120087 (100.00)

Total 2778152

(44.61)

3327826

(54.45)

6105978

(49.48)

6228011

(100.00)

6111485

(100.00)

12339496

(100.00)

Note: Figures in the parenthesis represent percentage to total population.


148

4.7 Economic activity-Work Participation Rate (WPR)

The work participation rate (WPR) is the percentage of workers to the total

population. The WPR of the SC population is 50.5 per cent at 2001 Census, which is higher

than 45.8 per cent recorded for state population as a whole. The WPR of SC population

however, has declined marginally as compared to 51.8 per cent reported at 1991 Census. The

male WPR has been 54.4 per cent and female WPR 45.6 per cent at 2001 Census.

Rural/Urban wise work participation rate of Scheduled Castes is presented in Table 4.10.

It is observed from the table that work participation rate of SCs in rural areas is 42.29.

It is 48.47 in case of rural males and 36.36 in case of rural females. In urban areas, work

participation rate is 28.09. It is 42.2 in case of urban males and 13.9 in case of urban females.

Comparatively, work participation rate of SCs in rural areas is more than that of urban areas.

There is a slight difference in work participation rate of rural and urban males, while there is

a significant difference in work participation rate of rural and urban females

At individual caste level, the WPR varies from the highest 52.2 per cent among

Madiga to the lowest 45.9 per cent among Adi Andhra. Adi Andhra has also recorded the

lowest female WPR of 36.5 per cent.

149

Table 4.10

WORK PARTICIPATION RATE OF SCHEDULED CASTES IN ANDHRA

PRADESH AS PER 2001 CENSUS

RURAL/URBAN Work Participation Rate

Rural Male 48.47

Female 36.36

Total 42.49

Urban Male 42.2

Female 13.9

Total 28.09


150

4.8 Marital status

Marital status is one of the important determinants of fertility and growth of a

population. The 2001 Census data on marital status show that 46.6 per cent persons among

the SCs of Andhra Pradesh are never married. The currently married constitute 47.7 per

cent while 5.1 per cent are widowed. Only 0.6 per cent are divorced and separated.

Though a majority of girls and boys among SCs in Andhra Pradesh are getting

married after attaining the legal age of marriage, the marriages of SC girls below 18 years (3

per cent) are higher than 2.8 per cent recorded among SC population at the national level. The

incidences of marriage among boys below 21 years at 2.6 per cent are; however, lower than

3.1 per cent aggregated at the national level for SC population.

The mean number of children ever born per ever married SC women of all ages as

well as 45-49 years age group are 2.6 and 3.4 respectively, which are lower than the

corresponding figures of 3.2 and 4.2 for SC population at the national level.

4.9 Governments role for the development of Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh

Empowerment of the Socially Disadvantaged Groups, viz., the Scheduled Castes and

the Scheduled Tribes continues to be on the priority list of States developmental agenda, as

they still lag behind the rest of the society. Andhra Pradesh is pioneer in the country in

implementation of Protective as well as Development programmes for the Scheduled Castes

and Scheduled Tribes. Main emphasis is laid in improving educational infrastructure,

bringing social and economic development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes on par

with general population and protecting the interests of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes. In order to protect them from exploitation, a number of legislations are under

implementation. In case of Scheduled areas, special Regulations are also under

implementation. High priority is given for educational development by allocating about 70

151

per cent of annual budget of Social Welfare Department for this sector. Residential Schools

and Ashram Schools are being run exclusively for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

4.9.1 Social Welfare Department

The Social Welfare department in the State is dedicated to the integrated and overall

development of Scheduled Castes. The main objectives of the Social Welfare Department are

Educational advancement, Socio-Economic development, Welfare and Protection of

Scheduled Castes and implementation of programmes of Social Security like Homes for

orphan children, rehabilitation of jogins, bonded labourers and scavengers, pensions to poor

widows and house-sites to weaker sections.

The set objectives are being attended by this Department through five wings:

The Commissionerate of Social Welfare is responsible for implementation of

educational programmes through hostels and scholarships, implementation of

Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Reservation Policy and monitoring the progress

in filling up of Back Log vacancies and monitoring of Special Component Plan.

The Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Co-operative Finance Corporation is

implementing Economic Development programmes for the upliftment of Scheduled

Castes.

The Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society

manages residential educational institutions for quality education of SC girls and boys

in the state.

The Andhra Pradesh Study Circle organizes coaching programmes for competitive

examinations for both Central and State Services through pre-examination training

centres and Study Circle.

152

Protection of Civil Rights Cell is responsible for implementing, monitoring and

supervising the Protection of Civil Rights and Prevention of Atrocities in the State

against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

4.9.2 Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Co-operative Finance Corporation

Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Co-operative Finance Corporation was set up in the

year 1974 with a view to take up programs for the economic development of Scheduled Caste

families in the State. The Corporation is registered under the AP Coop Societies Act with a

share holding pattern of 51:49 per cent between the State Government and the Government of

India respectively. The Corporation has been established with the following main objectives,

namely, (1). To provide financial assistance for creation of income generating assets, (2). To

offer training programs for skill upgradation leading to self/wage employment, (3). To

empower women self-help groups for taking up economic support activity and (4) To plug

critical gaps of finance in economic support schemes. The Corporation head office

formulates policy in terms of preparing Annual Action Plans, monitors implementation of

schemes by way of conducting review meeting and securing progress reports on monthly

basis. The Corporation mobilizes resources from Government of India, State Government and

other financial institutions and in turn releases to District Societies for implementation of

schemes. The District Societies also mobilize district level resources in terms of SGSY

subsidy from DRDAs, loans from banks and 15 per cent earmarked funds from the local

bodies.

* * *

153

References

1. Biradar, R.R., Jayasheela (2007), Effects of Educational Inequality among Social Groups in Rural India, Journal of Rural Development, Vol.26, No.3, July-September, pp.379-401.

2. Census Reports, Directorate of Census Operations, Government of India, New Delhi.

3. Statistical Abstracts of the Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad.

4. Fact book on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Andhra Pradesh (2006), Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad.

5. Kamble, N.D., (1978), Socio-economic and Political Profiles of Scheduled Castes, Ph.D. Thesis, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka.

6. Srinivasulu, K., (2002), Caste, Class and Social Articulation in Andhra Pradesh: Mapping Differential Regional Trajectories, Working Paper 179, September, Overseas Development Institute, London, retrieved from

http://www.odi.org.uk/projects/00-03-livelihood-options/papers/wp179.pdf

7. Suri, K.C., (2002), Democratic Process and Electoral Politics in Andhra Pradesh, India, Working Paper 180, September, Overseas Development Institute, London, retrieved from

http://www.odi.org.uk/projects/00-03-livelihood-options/papers/wp180web.pdf

8. Report on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Andhra Pradesh 1961 to 2001, (2004), Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government of Andhra Pradesh,

Hyderabad.

9. Naidu, R.V.K., (2004), Empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Kalpaz Publications, Delhi.

10. Sanjay Paswan and Paramanshi Jaideva (2002), Encyclopaedia of Dalits in India, Kalpaz Publications, Delhi.

11. Sakshi Human Rights Watch (2000), Dalit Human Rights Monitor, 2000 Andhra Pradesh, A Report of the Sakshi Human Rights Watch, Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, retrieved from www.sakshiap.org

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Documents

AP Cast Info