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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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
between 62 and 66 percent.
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
between 60 and 62 percent.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
Source: Field Survey Data Compiled by Researcher.
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
between 0 and 10 percent.
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
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