socio-economic conditions of women, scheduled...

__________________________Socio-Economic Conditions - A Case Study of Karnataka State

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SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF WOMEN, SCHEDULED

CASTES AND SCHEDULED TRIBES

- A CASE STUDY OF KARNATAKA STATE

This chapter deals with a case study of Karnataka state with reference to

socio-economic conditions and the implementation of protective discrimination

clause to women and Scheduled Castes, scheduled tribes.

History of Karnataka starts from the period of Banavasi, Gangas of

Talakad, Chalukya of Badami ,Rastrakutas of Malked, Chalukyas of Kalyana,

Sevunas of Devagiri ,Hoysalas of Dwarsamudra, Vijayanagara Empire,

Bahamani kingdom, Adilshahis of Bijapura, Mysore rulers and british rule.

During the British rule there were many Kannada speaking regions

outside the Mysore princely states which were then became the languages

capital. The British rulers had split the Kannada speaking regions into 20

administrative units including princely state the territory of Kodagu, and some

districts in the Madras presidency the Bombay presidency and the Hyderabad

state.

After independence the Kannada speaking areas were grouped under

only five administrative units the Madras and Bombay provinces, Kodagu, and

princely states of Mysore and Hyderabad, In 1947, Akila Karnataka Ekikarana

parishat which held its meeting at Kasaragud, demanded for formation of

linguistic states. Eventually the states reorganization commissions report came

out in favour of the unification of all Kannada speaking territories under one

state. This state which came into being on November 1, 1956 was called

Mysore.

The erstwhile Mysore state has been renamed as ‘Karnataka’ on

November 1, 1973. It is situated in the southern part of India and 74’to 78’ east

longitude. The total area of the state is 1,91,791 sq kms .It has a population of

5,28,50,562 of which 2,68,98,918 are males 2,59,51,644 are females, among

these population, 85,63,930 are Scheduled Castes and 34,63,986 are scheduled

tribes. For the purpose of administrative convenience the state has been divided


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into four divisions with head quarters at Bangalore, Belagum, Gulbarga and

Mysore. Further the entire state is divided into 29 districts and 175 taluks.

For the purpose of studying socio-economic conditions and to find out

how far constitutional benefits are reaching the weaker sections. i.e., women,

the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes four districts of Karnataka state have

been selected such as Bijapur, Chamarajanagar, Kolar and Raichur. For

empirical study .800 respondents including women, Scheduled Castes and

Scheduled Tribes have been selected on random basis from the above four

districts.

Besides 340 women, 340 Scheduled Castes, 120 scheduled tribe

respondents 40 SC/STs officers, 40 Dalit leaders’ women and 20 Scheduled

Castes, Scheduled Tribes political representatives including MLA’s, MP’s have

been selected on random basis for extracting various information relating to the

problems of women, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe. In order to get

information from all the respondents, interview schedules and questionnaires

were prepared and administered to them individually. Sincere attempts have

been made to meet Dalit leaders, officers and MLA’s and MP’s to obtain

relevant information on the socio-economic conditions of the women,

Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. In addition to this, important

government departments like, Directorate of women and child development

department, Bangalore, social welfare department, Directorate of scheduled

tribe welfare department, Ambedkar Development Corporation, Department of

Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sericulture, Zillapanchayat

officers of Bangalore, Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajanagar have been consulted

for obtaining information about the socio-economic development programmes

made for the benefit of the women, Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes.


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6.1 Programmes for women under the state government

Following are the different development progrmmes launched by the

Karnataka Government for the upliftment of women.

6.1.2 Directorate of Women and Child Development Department

a. Stree Shakthi Scheme: The main aim of this scheme is to make the rural

women self-dependent through organizing the women into one lakh self help

groups. This project has been initiated exclusively for the women. In Karnataka

state by for the development of the self help groups of women to make use of

the development services available in various departments and such

information would be provided through these departments. Financing

institutions are introduced and action would be taken to provide loans. To

encourage Stree Shakti Groups which have shown exceptional performance in

terms of savings government has announced a novel scheme to give additional

incentive of 1Rs 15,000 to Stree Shakti Groups which have saved more than Rs

75,000 and Rs 20,000 to those groups who have saved more than Rs one lakh.

b. Comfort (shantwana) Scheme: Under this scheme if a woman, is subjected

to rape and atrocities, the government provides the economic and legal

assistance. Aggrieved women can use free telephone no 1091 from 8:00 AM to

evening 8: 00 PM and can receive the calls. In Karnataka all the 27 district

centres and 11 important taluk centres 39 self service institutions, help lines

can be used. Suppose any woman is in danger she can be protected through the

assistance of police. In order to assist the women in litigations, government

provides Rs 2000 to the advocate along the Court Fee. The primary object of

this scheme is to help the women to face the litigations in the law courts for

getting justice.

In case any woman is subjected to dies then the Govt. could deposit Rs

10,000 in the name of the children of the deceased women in the nationalized

Bank for their educational purpose.

c. Training Programmes to Women: To enable the backward women under

self employment scheme, the government provides training programmes in


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various fields like, T.V Repair, Radio repair, Watch repair, training in

typewriting and stenography, fashion and clothing technology, vehicle driving,

cell phone repair etc. During the period of training, government provides the

economic assistance to the women to lead the independent life.

d. Economic assistance to the girls to run the hostels in rural areas: In

order to encourage the girls education in rural areas and avoid the dropouts of

girls in school the government through the departments and self service centre

runs the hostels. At present 24 hostels are running in rural areas in the

Karnataka state. Pre- metric and post-matric rural area girl students can get the

benefit under this scheme.

e. Training Programme for Women Law Graduates: To encourage and to

assist the unemployed women law graduates, the government through the

department provides advocacy training to them. The training programme will

be given for a period of four years during which they are provided a sum of

Rs.1000 per month as a stipend. The government also provides Rs 460 to enroll

the name and Rs 500 for the purchase of required law books. This training for

women law graduates is to facilitate them to have independent profession and

earn their livelihood.

f. Widow Pension Scheme: The government provides the widow pension to

the widows under this scheme. Once a woman losses her husband it is very

difficult to lead the life with out any sources. Under this scheme government

provides the social security to the widow. For the purpose of geting the widow

pension, she must have attained the age of 18 years. She must be in difficult

condition and financially needy person. Her annual income should not exceed

more than 8,000. She should be residing in Karnataka state not less than three

years. She should not obtain any other pension from the government under the

scheme of widow, until she goes for remarriage or till her death, would be

entitled to get widow pension of Rs 400 every month.

g. Karnataka Women Development Planning: In order to avoid the gender

discrimination and to bring the women to the main stream of the development

this scheme was implemented since 1996. Karnataka state is the first state in


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India which started this women development scheme. Under this scheme the

Karnataka government reserves the 1/3rd resources to women and more than

200 schemes are being implemented through 25 departments.

h. Women Reservation in Employment: Karnataka government has reserved

30% of the posts in direct recruitment. At present there are about 96

departments and 75 Corporations and Boards are functioning in the state’s

which are also providing reservation women under various schemes. Till this

day large numbers of women are recruited under the reservation policy.

i. Special Unit for Eradication of Social Evils: Special unit are established

which are working in various districts. Their duty is to create the awareness

about the social evils like, Dowry, Devadasi, Child marriage and other social

evils. These special units conduct various awareness programmes in the

districts to educate the women folk. In order to strengthen the women,

economically and socially these units chalkaout various schemes for

conducting workshops and conferences in different districts to create the

awareness in the mind of women.

j. Kittur Rani Chennamma Award: the Government of Karnataka has

established Kittur Rani chennamma Award and giving the award every year for

those women who have involved in the following work;

1. Women who have been working in field of women development.

2. Women who have involved in the rehabilitation programmes for those

who are facing many social problems and deserted women.

3. Voluntary service organizations and social workers which are rendering

social service to the women folk.

Besides good social and individuals a sum ofRs 25.000 and 10.000 would be

given every year. Since 2000-01, awards are also being given to those women

who have contributed more in the field of Art, Literature, Education and

Sports. Veera mahile award is also given to one woman every year for the

development of valanur.

k. Assistance to the Widow and Devadasis Marriage: The poor widow and

Devadasis to lead the dignified life in the society, the government provides Rs


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10.000 financial assistance for their marriages. In order to avail thus benefit a

poor widow should be the age group between of 18 to 35 years. She should be

residing in Karnataka since more than 5 years. As marriage expenses a sum of

Rs 5.000 would be given to the couple and the remaining amount of Rs 5.000

will give to a woman through national savings certificate. If the bride is

devadasi she gets Rs 10.000.

l. Bhagya Laxmi Scheme: This scheme is implemented in the year of 2006, in

order to improve the conditions of the girl child in a family where is is below

poverty line. In order to give moral courage to such families (i.e., below

poverty line family) this scheme is essential. Under this scheme if two girls are

born in a below poverty line (B.P.L) they are only eligible to get Rs 10.000.

The government would deposit the amount in the name of the girl child. After

attaining 18 years of age, they are eligible to get back the amount with interest.

m. Compensation for the death of Anganawadi worker and Anganawadi

assistant: Anganwadi workers and assistants are working in state anganawadi

centers on the basis of honorary amount. They are from poor family and

depend upon the honorary amount. If they die death their family losses the

security. On the humanitarian ground the government provides a sum of Rs

20.000 for the death a Anganawadi and a sum of Rs 10.000 for the death of

Anganawadi assistant. For the purpose of claiming the compensation they must

work for minimum one year andmust produce death certificate and service

certificate.

6.2 Programes for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe

Social welfare department programmes for SCs & STs: In

Karnataka, the department of social welfare and the Scheduled Tribes welfare

department are implementing various programmes for the development of the

conditions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The several amelioration

programmes are being implemented for the educational, social and economic

advancement of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. They are as follows:

a) Educational development programme.


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b) Economic development programme.

c) Social development programme.

d) Scheduled Castes and Scheuled tribes sub plan programmes.

6.2.1 Educational development programme: For the purpose of innovating

the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students, the above department has

undertaken the following programmes.

i) Cash prize: For the purpose of developing the competitive sill and mind

as well as to inspire the scheduled caste and schedule tribe students to

obtain maximum marks in their examinations compared to the other

students, both the departments are providing the following cash prize to

them, who secure first class with distinction in first attempt in the

following examination.

Details of the examination & cash prizes

a) S.S.L.C Rs. 500.00

b) P.U.C Rs. 750.00

c) Degree Rs. 1000.00

d) Post graduates Rs. 1250.00

e) Medical & Engineering degree Rs. 1500.00

In addition to the above prizes, the social and tribal welfare departments

provide a cash prize of Rs.5000 to those scheduled caste and scheduled tribe

students who obtain rank in the above mentioned examinations.

ii) Pre-metric Hostels: Among the various developmental programmes,

educational development programme plays an important role. For the

educational development of rural scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students

as well as those students who are not able to study in the urban areas outside

their homes, both the departments providing the hostel facilities. The following

table shows the expenditure, which is being incurred for each pre-metric

students who is staying in the hostels.


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Details of the facilities given for one year:

Sl.

No Details Amount

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Food (Meals expenditure)

Cloths (two pairs school uniforms)

Books

Hair cutting

New paper (for every hostel)

Medical expenses (for every hostel)

Electricity & water charges (for every hostel)

Bed and Blanket (for every student)

Utensils

Sport & equipment (for every hostel)

Miscellaneous

450.00

350.00

250.00

60.00

1000.00

1000.00

1000.00

350.00

600.00

1000.00

40.00

Source: Hand book published by the department of social welfare, government of Karnataka.

In addition to the above facilities the both departments have been

providing scholarship to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe rural students,

who are below poverty line, to continue their education. The both departments

provides financial assistances to those scheduled caste and scheduled tribe

hostels run by private individuals. Besides, many residential schools have been

established in rural areas to inspire the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe

children to join the schools. These children provided with food, uniform,

books, pencils, pens and other basic amenities free of cost by the government.

In Karnataka state there are 1202 residential schools for Scheduled Castes and

375 residential schools for scheduled tribes. In addition to this 75,476

scheduled caste students and 32,626 scheduled tribe students are utilizing the

benefits provided by the government.

iii) Study Tour expenses: The social and tribal welfare departments are also

provides financial assistance to the students belonging to Scheduled Castes and


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Scheduled Tribes who are required to go for education excursion if it is made

as a part of college curriculum. For this purpose, a sum of Rs.1000 is provided

to each of the student, who are studying in various institutions.

iv) Book Bank facilities : The both the above department are also established

the book bank scheme in Medical, technical, veterinary, Agricultural and job

oriented courses and post graduates courses etc, to assist scheduled caste and

scheduled tribe students who are unable to purchase the prescribed texts.

Sl.

No Details Amount

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Medical, Homeopathy, Allopathic and Ayurveda

Technical

Veterinary science

Agriculture

Other job oriented courses for each college, post

graduates courses

Medical, technical, veterinary science, Post

graduates course (for each college)

L.L.B (3 year) L.L.M 2 (years) (for each college)

Charted accountant. M.B.A./ Bio science (for

each college)

Almyrahs to keep books (for each college)

Rs. 7500.00

Rs. 7500.00

Rs. 7500.00

Rs. 5000.00

Rs. 4500.00

Rs. 2400.00

Rs. 5000.00

Rs. 5000.00

Rs. 2000.00

For this purpose, the department every year collects the list of required

books from the above colleges and purchase the books. Having purchased, the

same would be sent directly to those colleges for the benefit of scheduled caste

and Scheduled Tribes students one set of books will be given to every 3 SCs

and STs Students. The following table shows the amount earmarked for the

purchase of required books and furniture.

IV) Government of India Post-metric scholarships:

With a view to assist scheduled caste and schedule tribe students who

are studying in various colleges, the government of India provides post –metric

scholarships at the following rates. Besides, this for the purpose of encouraging

the scheduled caste and schedule tribe students studying in various courses the

state government also provides scholarships as per the following rates.


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Scholarship for hostel students and non-hostel students

(Per month in Rupees)

Sl.

No Details

Hostel

students

Non-

Hostel

Students

Group – A

Medical, agriculture/veterinary/ fisheries/

homeopathy.

740.00 330.00

1 Group – B

Diploma courses: technical/Medical/ fisheries

/agriculture / other graduate courses

510.00 330.00

2 Group – C

Certificate courses, technical/ medical/

fisheries/ agriculture/ other post graduate

courses

510.00 330.00

3 Group – D

General degree courses: B.A/ M.A/ M.Sc./

M.com/ M.B.A. / Law etc

355.00 185.00

4 Group – E

P.U.C and other general courses 235.00 140.00

For the purpose of encouraging and inspiring those scheduled caste and

scheduled tribe students who are doing research work in various universities,

the social and tribal welfare departments provides ‘student fellowship’ to the

extent of Rs.8000 for M. Phil students and 10.000 for Ph. D. students. This

assistance is provided to meet the expenditure relating to collection of data,

purchase of important books and completion of research work.

In addition to this, the department also provides engineering equipments

including calculators, T-squares, drawing boards to the scheduled caste and

scheduled tribe students who are studying in various engineering colleges and

polytechnics free of cost.

VI. Pre Examination training centre: To facilitate scheduled caste and

scheduled tribe candidate appearing for IAS, IPS and Railway examinations,

Bank examinations, other competitive examinations a separate pre-

examinations training centre is started in Bangalore.


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VII Assistance to SC/ ST girl students: The female literacy has greater

impact on the educational, social and other development aspects of the

community. Therefore, considering the payment of Rs. 100 as pre-metric

scholarship to the students in 8th

to 10th

standard is insufficient, Rs 500 is also

given to encourage girl students of SCs/STs to continue their school studies.

This programme has also been extended to 6th

and 7th

standard students with

Rs.250 per annum per student, along with Rs.75 as regular scholarship.

6.2.2 Economic Development Programmes:

In order to encourage the members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes and to develop them economically, the social and tribal welfare

departments have been launched the various programme such as,

i. Woman’s Tailoring training centres: The above departments are

established the tailoring training centers to the unemployed scheduled caste and

scheduled tribe women. Under this scheme amount Rs 250 allowance will be

provided to the trainees in tailoring training centre per month. Free tailoring

machines will be supplied to the successful trainees. This training object is to

start tailoring profession and there by to earn their livelihood.

ii. Training programme for Law Graduates: To encourage and to assist the

unemployed scheduled caste and scheduled tribe law graduates, the

departments of social and tribal welfare provides advocacy training to them.

For this purpose, every year law graduates would be selected and sent for

training in the courts identified by the candidates. The training programme

given will be for a period of four years during which they are provided a sum

of Rs.1000 per month as a stipend. The department also provides a sum of

Rs.5000 to each selected candidate for the purchase of required books and

journals, which are useful for legal profession. These enable the scheduled


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caste and scheduled tribe unemployed law graduates to start their independent

profession and earn their livelihood.

iii. Self-Employment training programme : Under this programme the social

and tribal welfare departments provides training to the unemployed young

scheduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates in various fields like,

Autorickshaw driving, light and heavy vehicle driving. The training will be

give for a period of one month, during which a sum of Rs.300 will be given as

a stipend to each selected candidates. Those who successfully complete their

training will be provided with licenses. The main object of this programme is to

help the unemployed young scheduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates to

take up independent jobs for their livelihood.

iv. Navachetana programme: under this scheme, educated SC/STs youths are

being given occupational training such as, computer training, D.T.P, light

vehicle driving training, air hostess, pilot training, fashion designing,

beautician, automobile and electrical repair, multimedia technology and heavy

vehicle driving training etc. This will also help them to start their own

enterprises to improve their standard living. Under this scheme, unemployed

scheduled caste and scheduled tribe youths are selected and deputed to various

public enterprises to undergo training in different professions for a period of

one year. During this period the trainees will be given stipends and

accommodation. Besides, the department will bear the entire expenditure

incurred on this training programme.

Following are the important public enterprises identified by the

department for providing training to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe

candidates.

a) C-DAC training institute

b) Saint Johan’s Medical college

c) Karnataka Land Army Corporation


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d) Karnataka state Tourism Development corporation

e) Karnataka soap and detergent corporation

f) Karnataka power corporation

g) Karnataka electricity Board

v. Nursery and women welfare centers: The social and tribal welfare

departments have been set up 140 nursery cum women welfare centre for the

children of scheduled caste and 28 women welfare centers for the scheduled

tribe in Karnataka state. These departments provide many facilities to look after

the children who join these centers. The main object of this programme is to

make the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe rural children between the age

group of 3 to 5 to cultivate the habit of going to schools for learning. In each

centre 50 (boys and girls) will be admitted. In each centre one welfare

organizer and one conductress will look after the care of the children. In

addition to this, the conductress and organizer will teach the lesson in text

books, songs, moral stories and other activities. At present 7450 scheduled

caste children and 1400 Scheduled Tribes children are getting the benefit.

Details of facilities provided

Sl.

No. Facilities

Amount (in

Rupees)

1 Mid day meal (for each child) per day Rs. 1.00

2 Two pair of uniform (for each child) per year Rs. 51.00

3 For maintenance of cleanliness in the centre

(for one centre) per year Rs.150.00

Source: Handbook published by the Social Welfare Department, Karnataka

6.2.3. Social Development Programmes:

For the purpose of eradicate social evils like, untouchability, caste system the

department of social welfare has launched the following programmes;

i. Incentive amount for the spouses of Inter-caste marriage: To encourage

the inter-caste marriage and to eradicate the social evil like, untouchabiltiy

from the Hindu society, the department of social welfare provides incentive

amount to the spouses of inter caste marriages. A sum of Rs. 50.000 (Fifty


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thousand only) will be given to the spouses for their social security. Out of

this amount, Rs 25.000 is given in the form of national saving certificates

and remaining amount of Rs. 25.000 is given in the form of cash. To avail

this facility, either of the spouses of inter-caste marriage shall be registered

in the sub-registrar’s office in accordance with the government regulations.

ii. Financial assistance to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who are

subjected to atrocities: Keeping in view of various atrocities committed

against member of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by the upper

caste or the non-Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes, the department of

social welfare provides compensatory amount to the aggrieved families

ranging from Rs.25.000 to Rs 1.00.000 following are the attractive

recognized under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (prevention of

atrocities) Act 1989 and the range of compensatory amount provided by the

department.

iii. For temporary handicap: If a member of scheduled caste or scheduled

tribe is temporary handicapped by the member of other castes, such person

will be given a compensatory amount of Rs. 2.500. If he is permanently

handicapped, then a sum of Rs.15,000 will be given to such aggrieved

person by the social welfare department. In addition to this amount he will

also be given a monthly pension of Rs.1000.

iv. Destruction of property: If any member of Scheduled Castes and

Scheduled Tribes whose property or house is destroyed by the members of

the upper castes, the aggrieved member will be given compensatory amount

ranging from Rs 10.000 to Rs 20.000 or he will be provided with a site or a

house or one acre of cultivating land to ameliorate his economic conditions.

v. Rape: If a woman, belonging to scheduled caste or scheduled tribe, is

subjected to rape, she will be paid a sum of Rs.50.000 as a compensatory

amount.


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vi. Death due to atrocities: Under special circumstances, the government

provides employment to any one of the family members of the deceased

person, whose death occurred due to the atrocities, committed against him

by the caste Hindus or upper castes. Besides the government also provide

free education to the children of the deceased person.

vii. Untouchability removal programme: The main object of this programme

is to remove social evil like ‘Untouchability’ from the Hindu society and to

promote the feeling of oneness for this purpose, the government selects one

village in each legislative constituency and spends a sum of Rs. 10.000 for

conducting various programmes like seminars, workshops and camps to the

members of the Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. Through these

programmes awareness is created on various facilities and benefits

conferred by the government as well as on the constitutional rights and

privileges for securing justice and equality. Besides, through these

programmes, the members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are

informed to utilize the facilities provided to them by the department of

social welfare.

viii. Legal aid programme: In order to assist the members of Scheduled Castes

and scheduled tribes, who are unable to approach the law courts, as they

cannot afford to pay court fees and lawyaer fees, the government has

established ‘legal aid cell’ in each district to provide legal assistance in

civil, criminal and land acquisition cases, the entire court fee and other

expenditure will be borne by the government. The primary object of this

programme is to help the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to face

the litigations in the law courts for getting justice.


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6.2.4 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Sub Plan Programmes:

Following are the department through which different facilities are

provided to the members of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes.

i) Agriculture: Agriculture department is implementing the various

programmes for the development of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes.

Such as Supply of seeds, plants protection equipments, fertilizer etc. Processing

of agricultural produces and marketing facilities is also provided to scheduled

caste and scheduled tribes’ beneficiaries. It also provided financial assistance to

purchase diesel pump sets for lifting water from the tanks. For the purpose of

storing water, financial assistance is also given to the scheduled caste and

scheduled tribe farmers to construct concrete tanks.

ii) Department of Horticulture: The department of horticulture provides

intensive training in horticulture to the selected candidates who belong to

scheduled caste and scheduled tribes. The duration of the training programme

will be for a period of 10 months. During this period, the trainees will be paid a

sum of Rs, 350 as monthly stipend along with required uniforms, plates,

glasses and blankets. Besides the department provides financial assistance to

the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to develop coconut trees and fruit

gardens, if they have half acre and one acre land respectively. The financial

assistance provided to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes rural youths

varies in its range from Rs. 1000 to 2000 every year. National Bank for

agriculture and rural development (NABARD) has also come forward to

provide 50% of financial assistance to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes who raise loan for the development of horticulture department for the

development of coconut, almond, cardamom, pepper, beetle leaves, grapes,

mango, guava, pomegranate, pineapple, ginger, rose etc.

iii) Department of sericulture: The department of sericulture provides

financial assistance to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who take up

sericulture. Nearly four thousand scheduled caste and scheduled tribe families


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are depending on this sericulture for their livelihood. For the purpose of

assisting the members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and to develop

the sericulture, the department has launched various programmes. Such as,

Community development centres: The department has setup many centres in

each taluk to provide silkworm eggs to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe

formers free of cost. The centre also provides technical advice to the farmers to

develop silkworms on a scientific basis. Each beneficiary would be given basic

facility for the improvement of silkworm eggs.

Financial Assistance: Department provides financial assistance to the

scheduled caste and scheduled tribe formers for the construction of houses for

silkworm rearing. As silkworms are very delicate and often react to the

fluctuation atmosphere, they are kept in a proper atmosphere. Besides financial

assistance to the extent of 60% would be provided for growing mulberry leaves

as well as to dig bore wells in their land to use this water for sericulture. The

department also provides basic facilities like baskets, fertilizers and required

equipments with free of cost. Both the state government as well as central

government provides financial assistance under ‘Special Aid Scheme’. All

these benefits are provided to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe formers

to enable them to improve their economic conditions.

iv) Department of Animal Husbandry: The department of animal husbandary

has launched various programmes in accordance with the NABARD’S

regulations for the development of hybrid cows, buffaloes, sheep and pigs. The

important programmes are as follows.

Supply of hybrid cows: Under this scheme, the department spends a sum Rs

25.000 for each beneficiary, out of this amount, 60% of the amount is given in

the form of loan. The amount covers one pair of cow, construction of a

cowshed, cattle feed and fodder for the cows. Every year, more than 500

beneficiaries are benefited from this scheme. The main object of this scheme is


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to assist the unemployed scheduled caste and scheduled tribe youths to take up

self employment and to earn their livelihood.

Supply of good breed buffaloes: Under this scheme, the Karnataka milk

federation provides to each scheduled caste and scheduled tribe beneficiary a

pair of buffalo and a shed. The department of animal husbandry also provides a

sum of Rs 20.000 to each beneficiary, which includes maintenance

expenditure, fodder for the buffaloes, and construction of a shed and purchase

of one pair buffaloes. The department also conducts a training programme to

the beneficiaries to know more about the rearing of buffaloes.

Supply of sheep: The animal husbandry department provides 20 female sheep

and one male sheep to each scheduled caste and scheduled tribe beneficiary. A

sum of Rs.10,000 is given to each beneficiary, which includes insurance,

maintenance, fodder, construction of a shed, purchase of sheep and rearing.

This scheme enables the beneficiaries to improve their economic conditions.

Development of milking cows: The Karnataka milk production unit has

established nearly 12,000 co-operative milk centers all over the state. The

object of these units is to provide milking cows to rural people in general and

scheduled caste and scheduled tribe in particular on loan basis. Each unit

provides 60% financial assistance to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe

formers to purchase one pair of milking cows. This amount covers construction

of shed, fodder, for the cows, maintenance and insurance. Besides, the

department of animal husbandry also provides financial assistance to scheduled

caste and scheduled tribe formers as well as the unemployed youth to purchase

milking cows. This enables them to start their own profession and to earn

money by selling milk. In due course, they can improve their economic

condition.

Department of women and child development: The department of women and

child development provides nutritious food to the scheduled caste and

scheduled tribe pregnant women as well as to the children, below the age of 3

years through Anganawadi centers. The main object of this programme is to

provide nutritious food to the pregnant women to protect their health. This is


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because, many pregnant women, who belong to Scheduled Castes and

scheduled tribes, do not take nutritious food during pregnancy period due to

poverty and ignorance. Consequently, when a child is born, it suffers from

many handicaps.

The forest department: The forest department, to the Scheduled Castes and

Scheduled Tribes provides social security plantations are taken up where in the

beneficiary will be assisted to raise special security plantation for a period of

two years, Rs 2750 per beneficiary for half hector. The entire yield from the

social security plantation will be given to the beneficiaries. In addition to this,

supply of bamboos, cane, and housing materials are also provided by the forest

department. Besides, the forest department also provides financial assistance is

Rs. 10,000 to construct the house to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe

members.

Department of village and small scale industries: The department of village

and small scale industries, in order to improve the economic conditions of the

Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes, imparting the various training

programme like, blacksmith, carpentry, bee-keeping cane and bamboo crafts

etc., during the training period provide Rs 150 to 350 per month per trainee.

After training they will be given free tool kit worth Rs 2,500 to take up self

employment. The programmes main object is to establish their own industry in

which they are trained. Marketing facilities for the products are provided by the

department.

The rural development and panchayat raj Department: Under integrated rural

development programme various schemes like, S JGSY, SGRY, grants to

grama panchayat, grants to panchayat raj institutions, development grants and

rural energy programme etc., certain funds are being earmarked for Scheduled

Castes and scheduled tribes. The main object of these programme is to provide

economic support, employment and better standard living through productive

programmes.

Housing schemes: For the purpose of providing houses to the poor and

houseless scheduled caste and scheduled tribes. The department of Zilla


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Panchayath, constructs houses under various schemes like., Ashraya Yojana,

Ambedkar Yojana, Indira Awaj Yojana and integrated tribal development

yojana under ‘Ashrya Yojana Scheme’ the department constructs houses in

20X30 dimension. Out of the total constructed houses, 30% houses will be

provided to the poor scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes free of cost. Where

as, the houses constructed under ‘Ambedkar Yojana scheme, 100% houses

would be provided only to the poor scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes free

of cost. Likewise 66% of houses will be provided to the poor scheduled caste

and Scheduled Tribes under Indira Awaj Yojana, where as 100% houses would

be provided to poor scheuduled tribes free of cost. Under ‘Integrated Tribal

Development Yojana’, the total cost of each houses constructed under these

schemes would be Rs. 20.000. It is observed that from these schemes, many

poor and homeless Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been benefited

to a greater extent.

6.3 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation ltd.,

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation is corporation wholly

owned by Government of Karnataka. This corporation is implementing various

schemes for target group for their economic development in the state. Even

earlier to Independence the erst while Mysore state had initiated a number of

welfare schemes to ameliorate the poverty among the Scheduled Castes and

Scheduled Tribes in the state. However, in the year 1975 the state government

headed by late Sri. Devaraj Urs established the Karnataka Scheduled Castes

and Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation to assist the scheduled caste

and Scheduled Tribes families in the state for their economic development. On

16-08-2005 this corporation was renamed as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development

Corporation Limited. This Corporation has been implementing various

schemes for Scheduled Castes only. As Karnataka State Scheduled Tribes

Corporation has been working separately since 2007-08. This corporation helps

Scheduled Castes beneficiaries for improving economic condition and brings

them to the main stream of the society.


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Following are the various economic development programmes for the

benefit of Scheduled Castes. Among them, important are as follows:

I. SELF-EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME:

1. Self Employment Scheme

2. Improvement Small Business (ISB) Scheme

3. Direct Loan Scheme

4. Training Programme

5. Micro Credit Scheme

6. Micro Credit Finance Scheme

7. Mahila Kisan Yojana

8. Mahila Samrvudhi Yojana

II. LAND PURCHASE SCHEME

III. GANGA KALYANA SCHEME

1. Community irrigation

2. Individual Irrigation Borewell

3. Lift Irrigation

IV. SAFAI KARMACHARI REHABILITATION PROGRAMME:

6.3.1 Self Employment Programme:

1. Self Employment Scheme:

Under this scheme, the corporation provides financial assistance to the

unemployed scheduled caste youths, to establish their own self employment.

Financial assistance to the extent of Rs. 50,000 would be provided to the

selected candidates for petty shop, vegetable vending, Cycle shop, dairy,

bullock cart, etc., through their service area bank. The corporation is releasing

subsidy at 50% of the unit cost or Maximum Rs. 10,000 which ever less is and

remaining will be bank loan with reference to unit cost.

2. Improvement Small Business (ISB) scheme:

Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to start a small scale

Industry, to purchase passenger goods vehicle, tractor, etc., the project cost

under this scheme is Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 7.00 lakh. The scheme consists of 20%

Margin money at 4% inerest per anum, 5% promoter’s contribution and the


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remaining is Bank loan. Applicant is also eligible for maximum of Rs. 10,000

subsidy up to the unit cost of Rs. 1.00 lakh provided he is in the below poverty

line list. To avail assistance under this scheme, his family annual income

should not exceed Rs. 50,000 in urban areas and Rs. 40,000 in rural areas.

Under this scheme, most of proposals are being received for vehicles. Based on

demand, availability of raw materials, Marketing facility, profitability in the

district, the schemes like, Mini Dairy, power loom, Footwear, silk Twisting,

Bricks Manufacturing, poultry, piggery, coir products, growing of Grapes,

Floriculture are to be identified and recommended to bank.

3. Direct loan scheme:

The Direct Loan Scheme is started implementing since 1992-93. The

Maximum Unit Cost fixed is Rs. 7.00 lakhs. The term loan is obtained from

(National scheduled caste Finance Development Corporation) NSCFDC,

Margin Money loan and subsidy will be given by the corporation. Under this

scheme, there is 20% Margin money Maximum of Rs. 1.00 lakh at 4% interest

per annum, 5% is promoters contribution and the balance is term loan from the

NSCFDC. Loans up to Rs. 5.00 lakhs is charged 6% interest per annum and

loans above Rs. 5.00 lakhs interest will be charged at 8% per annum. To avail

the benefit under this scheme, his family annual income should not exceed Rs.

55.000 in urban areas and Rs. 40,000 in rural areas. If Applicant is below

poverty line can give the 10,000 subsidy.

4. Training Programme :

The corporation conducts training programme for the Scheduled Castes

in the field of fashion and clothing technology, fashion Knitwear and

production technology, plastic processing technology, plastic mould design

with auto cad. Call center and B.P.O training, cell phone repair, vehicles

driving, Heavy and light vehicles Auto rickshaw training, masonry, Bar

bending, Leather works.

The corporation is proposed the other job oriented training prorammes

like, Hotel Management, House keeping, swimming coach, Gardner, Interior


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flower Decorated for the Scheduled Castes, Those who are studied up to SSLC,

SSLC and above, PUC and Degree courses, training will be conducted

separately. The training will be given in Government institutions wherever

possible and available and other training will be given through Tender System.

5. Micro credit scheme:

This scheme is implemented for the Scheduled Castes in co-ordination

with National Scheduled caste Finance Development Corporation Limited,

New Delhi. To avail these scheme assistance beneficiaries should be below the

poverty line. The scheme is implemented by obtaining subsidy from taluk

panchayat, Zilla panchayat, social welfare department and Rural Development

and Panchayat Raj Departments. Loan facilities are provided to the individual

and self help groups below the poverty line and also to the well functioning self

help groups, sthree Shakthi groups of women and Child Welfare Department

Verifying their seniority, savings and aptitude to serve.

As per the new guidelines issued by National Scheduled Castes Finance

and Development Corporation, Maximum Unit Cost is Rs. 25000 out of which

Rs. 15000 will be term loan from NSFDC at 5% interest. And the remaining

amount of Rs. 10,000 is the subsidy obtainable from Zilla Panchayat, urban

Development department, Social welfare department and other Department

where subsidy is available to start small economic activities.

6. Micro Credit Finance Scheme:

The Government of Karnataka has announced a scheme called Micro

Credit Finance Scheme for the development of the economically weaker

sections of the society, particularly Scheduled Castes. This scheme for the

development of SC’s belonging to semi urban or urban areas people who are

skilled or unskilled can start their own petty Business activities. By organizing

the self help group of beneficiaries, with the help of other Government

department and nongovernmental organizations, a scheme has to be worked out


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and implemented. Under the Micro credit scheme for the self Employment

scheme, 50% of the society, subject to a Maximum of Rs. 2500 has to be

sanctioned in the name of each beneficiary and the remaining Rs. 2500 loan is

to be given to self help groups. A bank account has to be opened and the

account payee cheques issued for the purpose should be credited to the bank

account. Self help groups must give loans to the beneficiaries at 5% interest.

These self help groups organizations must return the loan amount along with

4% interest to the corporation. 1% of the interest can be kept by the self help

groups as service free and they can use this amount for their activities. The loan

amount has to be repaid in quarterly installments, (Jan 30th

, Sept, 30th

, Dec, 31st

and March 31st). A grace period of 6 days can be given to self help group

organizations to repay the loan to the corporation. If they fail to repay loans

and become defaulter, penal interest at 5% will be charged.

7. Mahila Kisan Yojana:

National Scheduled Caste Finance Development Corporation and Dr.

B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation jointly started a new scheme called

Mahila Kisan Yojana for small and Marginal scheduled caste women farmers

to start agriculture and mixed farming related economic activity at concessional

rate of interest having income less than Rs. 40,000. To avail this benefit the

beneficiaries should be scheduled caste women from rural areas. Her annual

income should be les than Rs. 40,000. She should be a small or marginal

farmer. The total unit cost is Rs. 50,000 of which 50% is subsidy, maximum of

Rs. 10,000. The rate of interest is 5% per annum. The beneficiaries have to

repay the loan in 40 quarterly installments.

8. Mahila Samvrudhi Yojana :

Under this scheme unit cost is Rs. 25,000 of which Rs. 15,000 is term

loan and Rs. 10,000 is subsidy. The term loan is obtained from NSCFDC and

subsidy is obtained from social welfare Departments. Urban Development

Department, Rural Development and panchayat Raj Department. It is


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exclusively for women beneficiaries to start small economic activities. The

term loan interest is 4% per annum. The scheme is implemented through self

help Groups. The repayment is 30 quarterly installments. The concerned self

help group is responsible for repayment.

6.3.2 Land Purchase Scheme:

Under Land Purchase Scheme, financial assistance in the form of loan

and subsidy is provided to land less agricultural labourers belonging to

Scheduled Castes to purchase a Minimum 2 acre of dry land or 1.acre of

wetland. Under this scheme, 50% will be subsidy and 50% will be term loan.

Term loan will be obtained from National Scheduled Caste Finance

Development Corporation. The loan carries 6% interest per annum which has

to be repaid in 10 annual equal installments. The cost of the land is fixed by the

committee headed by the Deputy Commissioners of the Districts.

The main object of this scheme is to identify those scheduled caste

farmers who have no land for cultivation and improve their economic status

and to earn independently. The lands which are suitable for cultivation should

be selected. The land to be purchased must be with in radius of 5 KM from the

residence of the beneficiaries, preference should be given to taluks where the

target was not achieved earlier. The women beneficiaries are to be selected

only in the Grama Sabha conducted by the Zilla panchayat in every half year.

After completion of the loan amount, the beneficiary will become the owner of

the land.

6.3.3 Ganga Kalyana Scheme:

Under this scheme, the corporation provides irrigation facilities to the

Scheduled Castes small farmers who have block land, the irrigation facility

include, tube well, pumpsets, electricity, pump house and pipe line. Under this

scheme, there are three sub-schemes.

a. Individual Irrigation Borewell

b. Community Irrigation Borewell

c. Lift Irrigation Scheme.


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a. Individual Irrigation Bore well Scheme:

Under this scheme, small and Marginal farmers, whoever owning

Minimum 2 acres and Maximum 5 acres, were identified as beneficiaries. Bore

wells drilled, pumpsets, fixing pipes and other accessories also taken care. The

unit cost is Rs. 1.00 lakh in which Rs. 86,000 is the subsidy. Met by the state

Government Rs. 14,000 is the loan component, raised on small and marginal

farmers. The object of this scheme is to enable the small and poor farmers to

cultivate their land grow more and more, so that they can achieve economic

stability.

b. Community Irrigation Scheme:

Under this scheme, the scheduled caste small and Marginal farmers who

owns agricultural land contiguously adjourning to the next neighbour with

minimum 8 acres, maximum 15 acres such blocks identified as one unit under

community irrigation, borewells were drilled. In this the corporation providing

pumpset, laying pipelines, digging trenches, extending power facility is also

included. It is a farmers benefit oriented and included community participation.

In this scheme, incurred expenditure with minimum Rs. 2.53 lakhs, maximum

Rs. 3.59 lakhs. The entire amount is subsidy.

c. Lift Irrigation Scheme:

Under this scheme, the corporation provides irrigation facilities to the

scheduled caste small and marginal farmers. Wherever perennial water sources

like lake, river, cannel etc., were identified for implementation of the scheme.

In this scheme water facilities includes, pumping through locomotive system,

passing through pipelines and also with small trenches. In this scheme,

corporation has incurred minimum Rs. 2.53 lakhs, maximum Rs. 3.59 lakhs per

unit. Entire amount incurred treated as subsidy.


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6.3.4 Safai Karamachari Rehabilitation Programme

This programme has been renamed by the Government of India and

named as self employment Scheme for Manual Scanvengers are identified, they

have been rehabilitated by availing financial assistance from Government of

India. For the purpose of rehabilitate to the safai karmacharis various loan

facilities are extended to the activities like, sanitary mart, provision store,

leather work, Automobile workshop, piggery, STD Booth, piggery, Ready

made cloth shop, orchestra, video-graph, auto-rickshaw, taxi, concrete mixer

etc., for hiring purpose.

Financial assistance availed from NSKFDC and extended to the

beneficiaries as term loan and also subsidy, subsidy ceiling maximum Rs.

12,500. In this scheme, state share is also included and treated as Margin loan

and subsidy. Dependents of Manual Scavengers were also included and

extended benefits under this scheme. Women group were also included to

empower them under Mahila Samvrudhi Yojane. Financial assistance extended

starting with a Minimum of Rs. 1.00 lakh to Maximum Rs. 2.00 lakhs. In this

subsidy component is 10%.

The corporation also provides training to these safai karmacharies in the

different fields to take up self employment for their livelihood. NSKFDC has

released grant for giving 6 month training in Advanced Diploma in Software

Technology who have passed PUC and 3 months training in PC Hardware and

Networking diploma for those who have passed SSLC for 525 candidates for

each course. The training will be given by the institute in places where more

number of candidates or in places where the institute has training centeres. A

stipend of Rs. 500 will be given to those who have been selected for training.

Wide publicity should be given where there are more number of Safai

karanachari candidates should be identified and the list should be sent to the

Head Office.


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6.4 Karnataka STs Development Corporation:

The Karnataka Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, which is

exclusively meant for the economic development of scheduled Tribes. This

corporation was established in 2006, with an object of providing financial

assistance to the members of Scheduled Tribes for their all-round development.

The corporation is functioning since 22.02.2007. The Main objective of the

corporation is the economic development of the Scheduled Tribes by the

implementing the schemes. The corporation has launched the various

programmes, they are under.

1. SELF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME:

a. Self Employment Scheme

b. Enerpreneur Development Programme

c. Direct Loan

d. MICRO credit ( small) loan

e. Training Programme

2. LAND PURCHASE SCHEME:

3. GANGA KALYANA SCHEME

a. Lift Irrigation Scheme

b. Individual Irrigation Borewells Scheme.

6.4.1. Self Employment Programme:

a. Self Employment Scheme:

Under this scheme unemployed Scheduled Tribes are eligible to get

assistance to start small business activities like petty shop, vegetable vending,

cycle shop, dairy, bullock cart etc., through their service area bank. The

corporation is releasing subsidy at 50% of the unit cost or maximum Rs. 10,000


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which ever is less and remaining will be the bank loan with reference to unit

cast.

b. Entrepreneur Development Programme:

Under this programme finanancial assistance will be provided to start

small scale industries, to purchase passenger or goods transport vehicles,

Tractor etc. The project cost of the scheme ranges from Rs. 50.000 to Rs. 10,00

lakhs. The means of the finance of the programme is promoter contribution is

5% Margin Money is Rs. 20% subject to Maximum of Rs. 1.00 lakh, Bank

Loan is 75%. The Maximum Subsidy of Rs. 10,000 will be paid in respect of

unit cost is Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1.00 lakh.

c. Direct Loan.

Under this scheme, the project cost ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 10.00

lakhs and Rs. 10,000 of subsidy will be released for the unit cost with in Rs.

1.00 lakh. The project cost comprises of 5% promoters contribution, 20%

margin money subject to maximum of Rs. 1.00 lakh and remaining portion will

be the term loan.

d. Micro Credit Finance (Small) loan:

Under this scheme financial assistance will be extended to the rural,

semi urban and urban areas skilled and unskilled beneficiaries. The project cost

is Rs. 5,000 sanctioned to each beneficiary, of which subsidy is 50% subject

the maximum of Rs. 2500 and 50% Margin money subject to maximum Rs.

2500 as loan at the rate of 4% interest sanctioned by the corporation.

e. Training Programme :

Under this scheme financial assistance will be given for land less

agricultural labourers by purchasing 2 acres of dry land or 1 acre of wet land

and registration will be done in the name of women beneficiary. He unit cost

comprise of subsidy and term loan in the ratio 50:50. For the term loan interest

will be charged at the rate of 6%. The term loan portion is being availed from

National Scheduled Tribes finance and development corporation.


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6.4.2 Land Purchase Scheme:

Under Land Purchase Scheme, financial assistance in the form of loan

and subsidy is provided to land less agricultural labourers belonging to

Scheduled Tribes to purchase a Minimum 2 acre of dry land or 1.acre of

wetland. Under this scheme, 50% will be subsidy and 50% will be term loan.

Term loan will be obtained from National Scheduled Tribes Finance

Development Corporation. The loan carries 6% interest per annum which has

to be repaid in 10 annual equal installments. The cost of the land is fixed by the

committee headed by the Deputy Commissioners of the Districts.

The main object of this scheme is to identify those scheduled tribe

farmers who have no land for cultivation and improve their economic status

and to earn independently. The lands which are suitable for cultivation should

be selected. The land to be purchased must be with in radius of 5 KM from the

residence of the beneficiaries, preference should be given to taluks where the

target was not achieved earlier. The women beneficiaries are to be selected

only in the Grama Sabha conducted by the Zilla panchayat in every half year.

After completion of the loan amount, the beneficiary will become the owner of

the land.

6.4. 3 Ganga Kalyana Scheme:

a. Lift Irrigation Scheme:

Under this scheme, beneficiaries are having dry land of 8 to 15 acres

near river or natural water sources available are covered for irrigation. An

amount Rs. 2.53 lakh is fixed for 8 acres and Rs. 3.59 lakh fixed for 15 acres of

land. The unit cost includes providing pipe line, pump set and energisation

works. This scheme object is to enable the small and poor scheduled tribe

farmers to cultivate their land and grow more and more, so that they can

achieve economic stability.

b. Individual Irrigation Borewell Scheme:

Individual Irrigation Borewell scheme along with pumpset will be

provided to individual beneficiaries. The unit cost under the scheme is Rs. 1.00


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lakh, out of which Rs. 86,000 will be subsidy and remaining Rs. 14,000 will be

the loan.

6.5 DETAILS OF THE CONDITIONS OF THE WOMEN,

SCs/STs RESPONDENTS:

The following tables reveal the various responses given by the women,

SCs/STs respondents, who belong to four districts of Karnataka State, i.e.,

Bijapur, Chamarajanagar, Kolar and Raichur, in respect of their Socio-

economic conditions. The total number women, SCs/STs respondents selected

from the above four districts for empirical study are eight hundred.

Table – 1

Types of Respondents

Sl.

No. Particulars Number Percentage

1

2

3

Women

Scheduled Castes

Scheduled Tribes

340

340

120

42.5%

42.5%

15.0%

Total 800 100%

As seen from the above table 1, it is evident that there are three classes

of respondents namely, a. Women b. Scheduled Castes c. Scheduled Tribes.

Altogether, they constitute 800 respondents. Out of the 800 respondents, 340

respondents belong to the woman that is 42.5%., 340 respondents belong to

Scheduled Castes, that constitutes 42.5% and remaining 120 respondents

belong to Scheduled Tribes i.e., constituting 15.0%.

In the below table 2 below that 25.50% of revels the respondents i.e.,

204 respondents belong to the age group of 41-50 years, 20.38% of he

respondents i.e., 163 respondents belong to the age group between 31-40 years,

20.25% of the respondents i.e., 162 respondents are in the age group of 51-60

years and 17.12% of the respondents i.e., 137 respondents, 16.75% of the

respondents belong to the age group of 20-30 years i.e., 134 respondents.


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Table – 2

Age of the respondents

Sl.

No. Age Group Number Percentage

1

2

3

4

5

20-30 years

31-40 years

41-50 years

51-60 years

60 years & above

134

163

204

162

137

16.75%

20.38%

25.50 %

20.25%

17.12 %

Total 800 100%

Table – 3

Occupation of the Respondents

Sl.

No. Occupation Number Percentage

1

2

3

4

5

Agriculture Labourers

Cultivation ( Own land)

Small business men

Services

Agriculture

380

165

105

65

85

47.50%

20.63%

13.12%

8.13%

10.62%

Total 800 100%

The above table 3 shows that, 47.50% of the respondents i.e., 380

respondents are working as agricultural labourers, 20.63% of the respondents

i.e., 165 respondents are cultivating own land, 13.12% of the respondents i.e.,

105 respondents, belong to small business group and 10.62% of the

respondents, i.e., 85 respondents are the agriculturists and cultivators. Lastly,

the salaried class i.e., service ( Including Government and Private Employees)

constitute 8.13 % i.e., 65 respondents.


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Table - 4

Income Position of the Respondents

Sl.

No. Income level ( Annual) Number Percentage

1

2

3

4

5

6

Less than 5,000

Rs. 5001 to Rs. 10,000

Rs. 10,001 to Rs. 15,000

Rs. 15,001 to 20,000

Rs. 20,001 to 30,000

Rs. 30,000 and above

280

180

120

102

78

40

35.00%

22.50%

15.00%

12.75%

9.75%

5.00%

Total 800 100%

The above table 4 indicates that, 35% of the respondents i.e., 280

respondents earn less than Rs. 5,000 per annum, where as 22.50% respondents

i.e., 180 respondents are coming in the income between Rs. 5,001 and Rs.

10,000. 15% of the respondents i.e., 120 respondents belong to the income

between Rs. 10,001 and Rs. 15,000. As many as 102 respondents i.e., 12.75%

belong to the income category of Rs. 15,001 to 20,000. 9.75% respondents i.e.,

78 respondents are belong to the income between Rs. 20,001 to Rs. 30,000,

only 5% of the respondents, i.e., 40 respondents are earn more than Rs. 30,000

in a year. From these facts, it is evident that only 40 respondents out of the 800

are able to earn more than Rs. 30.000 in year. Besides the Majority of the

respondents earn Rs. 5000 in a year, which is inadequate for their family

maintenance. Therefore, they are considered as weaker sections and

economically backward to meet their basic needs like food, clothing and

shelter.

The below table 5 shows that, Majority of the respondents, i.e., 42.25%

are illiterates. Out of the 800 respondents, only 188 respondents, i.e., 23.50%

respondents have passed the primary school education, whereas, 140

respondents, i.e., 17.50% have passed Middle school education, 85

respondents, i.e., 10.63% have passed Metric examination only 2.12% i.e., 25

respondents have passed degree and above education.


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Table – 5

Education Level of the Respondents

Sl.

No. Educational Level Number Percentage

1

2

3

4

5

Illiterate

Primary (I-IV Std)

Middle School ( V-VII std.)

Metric ( VIII-X Std)

Degree and above

362

188

140

85

25

42.25%

23.50%

17.50%

10.63%

2.12%

Total 800 100%

It is evident from these facts that, the educational level of women,

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is very low as they are suffering from

various disabilities like, poverty, discrimination, inequality in their villages.

Besides, lack of inspiration from their parents and poor families background

are also responsible for the low level of education of the respondents.

Table – 6

Assets owned by the respondents

Sl.

No. Land ( both wet & Dry) Number Percentage

1

2

3

4

Land less

Less than 2 Acres

Between 2 acres to 5 acres

Above 5 acres

351

247

152

50

43.88%

30.87%

19.00%

6.25%

Total 800 100%

As seen from table. 6, it indicates that, the land holding status of the

respondents. Only 50 respondents, i.e., 6.25% respondents’ posses above 5

acres of land (both wet and dry), 19%. i.e., 152 respondents have possessed

land between 2 acres to 5 acres and 30.87% respondents, i.e., 247 respondents

have got land less than 2 acres. Besides, 351 respondent’s i.e, 43.88% of the

respondents have no land to cultivate. These facts show that, majority of them

are landless labourers who work in the agricultural land belonging to others. It


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is observed that, those who have land less than 2 acres are also suffering from

economic constraints, as their income is inadequate to maintain their families.

Table – 7

Assets (moveable) of the respondents

Sl.

No. Number possessed Number Percentage

1

2

3

4

Cows : One pair

Two Pairs

More than two pairs

No Cows

209

91

85

415

26.13%

13.37%

10.63%

51.87%

Total 800 100%

The above table 7 indicates that, majority of the respondents i.e.,

51.87% have no cows for their use, only 209 respondents, i.e., 26.13% have

one pair of cows and 91 respondents, i.e., 13.37% have two pair cows. Only

10.63% i.e., 85 respondents have got more than two pairs cows. As in the

villages, women, SCs and STs respondents are predominantly agricultural

labouerers having little land, they naturally depend on the rearing of cattle’s not

only for agricultural purposes but also for milk production. Even though, the

government provides financial assistance to purchase cows, they have no place

to rear them. Therefore, the majority of the respondents i.e., 415 out of 800

respondents have no cows at their disposal. It is observed that, the upper castes

in the majority villages do not allow the Scheduled Castes and Tribes to collect

the fodder to their cows in their land. Suppose the members of Scheduled

Castes and Tribes cut the grass in the upper caste land, the members of upper

castes, punish the Scheduled Castes and Tribes. Due to fear and lack of enough

place to rear cows, majority of Scheduled Castes and Tribes do not posses

them. In some villages, in order to avoid the atrocities, the members of the

Scheduled Castes and Tribes instead of rear the cows, sell their cows for the

lesser amount. Consequently their income is affected.


_______________________________ 245

Table – 8

Assets (Moveable) of the Respondents

Sl.

No. Number Possessed Number Percentage

1

2

3

4

Sheep : One pair

More than 5 less than 10

More than 10 sheep

No sheep

96

154

177

373

12.00%

19.25%

22.13%

46.62%

Total 800 100%

The table 8 shows that, 46.62% i.e., 373 respondents have no sheep at

their disposal, but 22.13% i.e., 177 respondents have more than 10 sheep. As

19.25% of the respondents, i.e., 154 have more than 5 less than 10 sheep. 96

respondents i.e., 12.00% respondents have only two sheep. These informatins

shows that more Scheduled Castes respondents have no sheep, due to lack of

enough place to rear them. It is also observed that, rearing the sheep is easier

than cattle rearing. Many respondents derive more income through the sale of

sheep as each sheep costs more than Rs. 1000.

Table – 9

Assets (Moveable) of the respondents

Sl.

No. Number possessed Number Percentage

1

2

3

4

Bullocks : one pair

Two pairs

More than two pairs

No Bullocks

175

119

55

451

21.88%

14.87%

6.88%

56.37%

Total 800 100%

As seen from the table 9, it is evident, that majority of the respondents,

451 out of 800, i.e., 56.37% have no bullocks, as they are unable to buy them.

Whereas, 175 out of 800 respondents, i.e., 21.88% possessed one pair of

bullocks. 199 out of 800 respondents, i.e., 14.87% respondents have possessed

two pairs of bullocks and only 6.88%, i.e., 55 respondents have more than two

pairs of bullocks.


_______________________________ 246

These facts shows that, only less number of respondents, i.e., 6.88% are

able to possess more than 2 pairs of bullocks for cultivating their land., as they

are, to some extent, economically sound to purchase bullocks. Those who do

not have bullocks are required to hire them for cultivation. The majority of the

respondents given their reasons that, economically poor people cannot purchase

the bullocks, because each pair costs more than, Rs. 15,000 even if purchase,

there is no place to keep them in the houses.

Table – 10.

Crops Grown by the Respondents:

Sl.

No. Do you grow ?

Positive

response Percentage

1

2

3

4

Paddy/Ragi

Jowar

Sunflower

Ground nut

270

342

186

70

33.75%

42.75%

23.25%

8.75%

Total 800 100%

The above table 10 indicates the varius crops grown by the respondents

in their lands. Majority of the respondents, i.e., 342 out of 800 ( 42.75%) grow

Jowar in their land. 33.75%, i.e., 270 respondents grow paddy in their land as

they have irrigation facilities. 23.25%, i.e., 186 respondents grow sunflower

crop in their dry land in rainy season. Only 8.75% of the respondents i.e., 70

respondents, grow the ground nut in their land. It is observed that, few

respondents have wet land ranging from one acre to four acres in which they

grow paddy two times in a year. In one acre of wet land, approximately, they

grow paddy to the extent of 60 to 65 bags.

As many 342 respondents grow the jowar in their land, each of these

respondents possesses dry land ranging from one acre to four acres. In one acre

dry land, they grow 15 to 18 bag Jowar. The land cultivation depend upon rain.

186 respondents grow the sunflower in their land. In each acre of land,

they grow sunflower ranging from 10 to 12 bags. It is observed that, some of


_______________________________ 247

these respondents have borewell in their land, and some of them have to

depend on rain.

Only 70 respondents grow groundnuts in their land. It is observed that

all these respondents are depending on rain to grow ground nut. In each acre of

land, they grow groundnut ranging from 15 to 20 bags.

6.5.1 Economic Disabilities:

The table 11 shows the living standard of women, Scheduled Castes and

scheduled tribes. Majority of the respondents are living below the poverty line.

561 out of 800, i.e., 70.12% respondents are living below the poverty line,

among these respondents majority are Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes.

Table 11

Economic condition of women, SCs & STs

Sl.

No. Do you remain?

Positive

response Percentage

1

2

3

Below poverty line

Semi starved

Adequately fed

561

165

74

70.12%

20.63%

9.25%

Total 800 100%

They are not getting one square meal a day which shows their utter

poverty. It is observed that, these respondents are living in small tiled houses or

in huts in northern Karnataka parts. 20.63% respondents, i. e., 165 respondents

are living in semi-starved condition, where they get two meals a day. But only

74 out of 800 i.e., 9.25% respondents, are getting adequate food. These facts

show that, majority of the respondents economic status is very poor, as they

have no adequate assets. Naturally their health also deteriorates as they cannot

take nutritious food as well as required medical facilities.


_______________________________ 248

Table 12

Occupational structure of the respondents

Sl.

No.

Means of Subsistenance of the

Respondents

Positive

response Percentage

1

2

3

4

5

Working as landless labourers

Cultivating own land

Small business ( Petty shops, Tea

shops, tailoring clothes etc.,)

Services

Agriculture Labourers cultivation

own land

380

165

105

65

85

47.50%

20.63%

13.12%

8.13%

10.62%

Total 800 100%

The table 12 indicates that, 380 out of 800 i.e., 47.50% respondents are

required to work as agricultural labourers in others land for their subsistence,

whereas 20.63% respondents, i.e., 165 out of 800 work in their own land for

their subsistenance. Whatever little acres of land they have, they cultivate for

their livelihood. As many as 105 respondents i.e., 13.12% are depending on

their small business for subsistenance. Out of the amount they earn from their

business which includes petty shops, tea shops, Tailoring etc., they lead their

life. As they have no land of their own, their subsistenance depends on their

earning from the business. 85 respondents out of 800 i.e., 10.62% are working

as agriculture labourers and cultivation of own land for their livelihood. Only

65 respondents out of 800, i.e., 8.13% are in service either in Government

institutions or private and getting salary. They have no land for cultivation but

they are completely depending on their jobs for subsistenance.

The below table 13 shows the loan position of the respondents. One

common factor observed that, all category of respondents raise loan from

different sources. Majority of the respondents are agriculturists, 665 out of 800

respondents, i.e., 83.13% who raise loan for their agriculture work.


_______________________________ 249

Table – 13

Loan position of the Respondents:

Sl.

No. Do you raise loan?

Positive

response Percentage

1

2

3

Agriculturists

Employees ( Govt. /

Private)

Business men

665

50

85

83.13%

6.25%

10.62%

Total 800 100%

As they have no other sources, they have to depend on loan for this

purpose. 10.62%, i.e., 85 respondents are small businessmen who do not have

land to earn money. They have to depend on their own business for their

livelihood. As business requires capital, they are required to raise loan to carry

on their business as well as look after their family. 6.25% respondents, i.e., 50

respondents are who are in different services are also interested to raise loans,

as their income from salary is very less to maintain their families. It is observed

that in each family, there are more than 5 members which only one person

work. As they are required to depend solely on the salary, often they raise loan

in Banks and other financial institutions.

From the above table 14, shows that different respondents raise loan

from different institutions. 53.63%, i.e., 429 out of 800 seek loan from village

money lenders. These respondents are of opinion that getting loan from village

money lenders is easier than seeking loan from financial institutions.


_______________________________ 250

Table - 14

Respondents of Loan raising from different sectors

Sl.

No.

From whom do you raise

loan?

Positive

response Percentage

1

2

3

4

Village money lenders.

Co-operative societies

Agricultural Banks

Nationalized Banks

429

103

207

61

53.63%

12.88%

25.87%

7.62%

Total 800 100%

From the above table 14, shows that different respondents raise loan

from different institutions. 53.63%, i.e., 429 out of 800 seek loan from village

money lenders. These respondents are of opinion that getting loan from village

money lenders is easier than seeking loan from financial institutions. Because,

no formalities are essential to seek loan from them. As 207 respondents, i.e.,

25.87% of the respondents are raise the loan from the Agricultural Banks.

Where as, 12.88% i.e., 103 respondents are seek loan from Co-operative

societies. Only 7.62% i.e., 61 respondents are seek the loan from Nationalized

Banks. It is observed that, raising the loan from village money lenders is more

convenient and easy. Besides, simple terms of borrowing, easy accessibility,

immediate payment and accommodative nature of the village money lenders at

the time of repayment have influenced the women, Scheduled Castes and

Scheduled Tribes respondents to raise loan from them. But what hurts them is

the high rate of interest charged by money lenders. The respondents who seek

loan from various financial institutions are often subject to many hardships by

the Bank authorities. Because, normally financial institutions compel the loan

seekers to pledge assets either moveable or immovable as security for lending

loan. But it is unfortunate that, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

have little assets to pledge.


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Table - 15

Rate of interest paid by the Respondents

Sl.

No. Monthly wise Response Percentage

1

2

3

4

1 % to 2 %

3% to 4%

5% to 10%

Above 10%

94

269

437

0

11.75%

33.63%

54.62%

0%

Total 800 100%

The table 15 indicates different rates of interests paid by different

respondents for their loan. 54.62% i.e., 437 respondents pay the interest

towards their loan from 5% to 10%. Majority of the respondents belonging to

this category pay more interest to the village money lenders as they get loan

easily from them. As many as 269 respondents, i.e., 33.63% pay the interest

towards their loan amount ranging from 3% to 4%.where as, only 11.75 %

respondents, i.e., 94 respondents out of 600, pay interest to their loan amount

from 1% to 2%. Most of the respondents are those who seek loan from various

financial institutions like co-operative societies, Agricultural Banks and

Nationalized Banks, because the rate of interest charged by the village money

lenders. From the above table it is observed that, none of the respondents is

paying interest above 10%. This is because of the respondents, utter poverty

and their inability to pay over and above 10% interest to the loan amount.

The below table 16 shows that 356 out of 800, i.e., 44.50% respondents

are of the opinion that, they raise loan for the purpose of cultivation of paddy,

Jowar and sunflower. 148 out of 800 i.e., 18.50% respondents are of the

opinion that, they seek loan for conducting marriages and other ceremonies in

the village, whereas 16.50% i.e., 132 respondents seek loan for celebrating

village festivals. But 131 respondents out of 800, i.e., 16.37% seek the loan for

consumption purpose.


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Table – 16

Sl.

No. Purpose for which loan is raised Response Percentage

1

2

3

4

5

Consumption

Agricultural Development

Festivals

Marriage / Death Ceremonies

Personal use

131

356

132

148

33

16.37%

44.50%

16.50%

18.50%

4.13%

Total 800 100%

Only 4.13% i.e., 33 respondents seek the loan for their personal

enjoyment. In this table it is observed that, only 44.50% respondents actually

utilize their loan amount for cultivation purpose. But the rest, use the loan

amount for other purposes including celebration of village festivals, conducting

their son’s or daughter’s marriage, for personal enjoyment, many times the loan

raised for agricultural development from various financial institutions is used

for their social purposes. This is the one of the reasons why the majority of the

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are still economically very poor.

6.5.2 Social Problems of Women

The table 17 below shows that, 55.59%, i.e., 189 women respondents

out of 340 are of the opinion that, killing of Infanticide is against the nature and

it is a crime. To overcome the problem of dowry and marriage expenses,

commission of Infanticide is occurring in society. Majority of the respondents

opined that economic backwardness, importance of the Male children and

religious faith like “Absence of a son means no place in heaven” are the main

reasons for commission of infanticide. Majority of the respondents are not

aware of the P N D T Act.

As 29.41% i.e., 100 out of 340 respondents are opinion that, the dowry

system is “curse” for many young brides. Girls from low-income families are

greatly affected by this system and their parents are ruined economically


_______________________________ 253

because of this practice. The dowry practice is custom, it has corrupted the

people to such an extent that arranging marriages has become a bargaining

market. It is observed that, majority of the respondents are aware about the

dowry prohibition Act. Even though, dowry practice still exists in the society.

Where as, 8.82% i.e., 30 respondents out of 340 are of the view that the

practice of Devadasis, the system is still prevalent in the Hindu society. When

they were interviewed the devadasis opined that, due to the poverty their

parents could not perform their marriage process. As a result it was found that

they were used for Sexual gratification by the upper castes and were assure that

they would be looked after in future.

Table – 17

Dowry practice, killing infanticide etc.,

Sl.

No. Social Problems Positive response Percentage

1

2

3

4

Dowry Practice

Widowood

Killing of Infanticide

Devadasi system

100

21

189

30

29.41%

6.18%

55.59%

8.82%

Total 340 100%

Because of their innocence or ignorance upper castes people are

exploiting them sexually. Even to day they are working as agricultural labouers

in the villages. The system of devadasi is practice only in northern Karnataka,

especially in Gulbarga and Belggum divisions. As, 6.18%, i.e., 21 respondents

of widows expressed their view that, widowhood is very difficult as widows

are not permitted to attend the marriages and other social functions. Hindu

society has imposed so many restrictions on them. It was also found that there

is no respect for widows once a woman loses her husband and consequently

she loses, she loses her social status. Majority of the widows have expressed

their helplessness in live in the society.


_______________________________ 254

Table - 18

Awareness of Constitutional and Legal Rights

Sl.

No. Are you aware of?

Positive

Response Percentage

1

2

3

4

Constitutional Rights

Legal Rights

Government Programmes

Government facilities

35

82

131

92

10.29%

24.12%

38.53%

27.01%

Total 340 100%

The above table 18 indicates that, 38.53%, i.e., 131 women respondents

out of 340 are aware about the Government programmes, like, Stree Shakti

Yojana, Baghylaxmi Yojana, Eradication of trafficking in women and children,

construction of commercial shops and Brave awards. Where as, 27.01% i.e., 92

women respondents are aware of the Government facilities, like, widow

pension scheme, old age pension scheme, Maternity facilities, providing health

facilities to women etc., As many as 24.12% i.e., 82 respondents are aware of

various legal provisions, like, the dowry prohibition Act, 1961, prevention of

Devadasi system Act, 1982, prevention of child marriage Act, etc., only

10.29% i.e., 35 respondents are aware of the constitutional provisions. It is

observed that, in the villages women are very aware about the Sreeshakti

Yojana and getting Government funds and facilities through stree Shakti

groups, this scheme helps some extent to the women community.

6.5.3 Social disabilities of the SCs and STs:

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are still facing the many

social disabilities in their villages. This has been observed during the empirical

study in the four districts, i.e., Bijapur, Chamarajnagar, Kolar and Raichur.


_______________________________ 255

Table – 19

Discrimination of Wage, Loan etc.

Sl.

No. Are you discriminated in respect of ?

Positive

Response Percentage

1

2

3

4

Wage rate

Interest rate

Providing loan

Providing employment in agricultural land

113

67

78

202

24.57%

14.56%

16.96%

43.91%

Total 460 100%

The above table shows that, the discrimination of the upper caste over

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in respect of wage rate, interest rate,

when providing the loan and employment in agricultural land. 43.91% i.e., 202

respondents out of 460 are of the opinion that, while providing the employment

they are discriminated by the landlords of the upper castes. Where as 24.57%

i.e., 113 respondents out of 460 are discriminated in respect of wage rate by

upper caste land lords. Landlords forcibly taken the labour from the Scheduled

Castes and paid the less wages 67 respondents i.e., 14.56 % of the respondents

are discriminated by the money lenders, they are collected high rate of interest

by the Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. 16.96%, i.e., 78 respondents out

of 460 are opined that the money lenders provide more loan to their own caste,

to the less interest, than Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. These facts

show that, both the land lords and money lenders follow the discrimination

towards the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Villages.

The table 20 indicates that, Majority of the scheduled caste and

scheduled tribes, 45.00% i.e., 210 respondents out of 460 are bring drinking

water from the village tube well of their own street, because it is very near to

them to fetch water. As many as, 23.91%, i.e., 110 respondents are bring their

drinking water from near by river, as they are prevented from taking water

from village tube well.


_______________________________ 256

Table – 20

Means of Drinking Water Facilities

Sl.

No.

From where do you bring

drinking water ?

Positive

Response Percentage

1

2

3

4

Village Public Tank

Village Public Borewells

Tube well of your own street

River

87

56

210

110

18.91%

12.17%

45.00%

23.91%

Total 460 100%

As many as 87 out of 460 i.e., 18.91% respondents are bring the water

from village public tank. Only 53 out of 460 respondents, i.e., 12.17% are

allowed to take water from village public borewells. It is observed that there

would be frequent quarrel between Scheduled Castes and upper castes over the

drinking water issue. But the upper castes not allowed the Scheduled Castes to

take the water from the bore well belonging to their streets. It is observed that,

even to day, in many villages, Scheduled Castes are being discriminated and

prevented from taking water from the tube wells and village public wells.

The table 21 below indicates that, Upper castes are not allowed the

Scheduled Castes to the village temple belonging to the upper castes. Those

scheduled caste and scheduled tribe in case who are officers or ministers or

very clean and close with the upper castes, they are allowed to the temples.

Majority of temples in villages are maintained by the upper castes, the upper

castes think that, if the Scheduled Castes are allowed, the temples would be

polluted. 133 out of the 460 i.e., 28.91% of the respondents enjoy equal status

with the upper castes in worshiping gods in various villages. But the rest of

them are prevented from entering in to the village temples from worshipping

god.

As many as, more than 62% respondents are not allowed taking tea or

coffee from the village tea shops maintained by the upper castes. That means

only 172 out of 460 respondents. i.e., 37.39% are enjoying equal status with the


_______________________________ 257

upper castes in taking tea, coffee or snacks from the shops maintained by the

upper castes.

Table – 21

Social status of SCs and STs

Sl.

No. Do you enjoy equal status in

Positive

Response Number Percentage

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Worship in village temples

Taking tea/coffee/snacks from the

village Tea shops

Serving food in the common plates

and glass

Village meeting and its decision

making process

Village community feasts

Marriage with non SCs

Schools

Barber service

Priest service (in marriage)

death/festive occasional

Getting groceries from grocery

shops

133

172

180

135

184

0

121

112

37

326

460

460

460

460

460

460

460

460

460

460

28.91%

37.39%

39.13%

29.35%

40.00%

0%

26.30%

24.35%

8.04%

70.87%

In many village hotels, separate glasses and plates kept exclusively for

Scheduled Castes to use when they visit hotels for taking food. It is observed

that, these respondents are served with coffee, tea or food outside the hotels,

because many shop keepers and hoteliers still believe in caste system and

practice of untouchability. Only 180 respondents out of 460 i.e., 39.13% taking

food in the common plates and glasses, rest of them i.e., 70.87% are do not

served the food in common plates and glasses. These respondents are required

to bring their own plates and glasses to take food, coffee or tea from the hotels.

In village meetings, majority village affairs are managed by the upper

castes through informal panchayat. Several times they are not invited the


_______________________________ 258

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to take part in the decision making

process. Whenever they are invited, they are required sit at a distance, but not

allowed to take part in the informal panchayat. Only 29.35% i.e., 135

respondents out of 460 enjoy equal status in the village meeting and decision

making process with the upper castes.

In many villages, whenever village feasts are arranged the upper castes

served the food to the scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes at distance in the

village streets. It is observed that, 184 out of the 460 i.e., 40% respondents are

enjoy equal status in village feasts along with the upper castes. Whereas, the

rest of the respondents i.e., 60% are not allowed to enjoy equal status in village

feasts like, Gram devathe festival, Marriage, etc.

In relation to the inter caste marriage, it is observed that, none of the

respondents enjoys equal status with the upper castes. Suppose a scheduled

caste boy loves a upper caste girl, he will be boycotted from the village or he

will be beaten. Some times the upper castes attempt to murder the scheduled

caste boy. Incase, the scheduled caste boy marry with upper caste girl he will

be ran away from the village, but never returned to their village with the

apprehension that they would be beaten or may murder by the upper castes.

As many as 121 out of 460 i.e., 26.30% of the respondents are of

opinion that, their children in schools enjoy equal status with the other children

who belong to upper castes. But majority of the respondents express their view

that, frequently their children are subject to discrimination, humiliation and ill-

treatment, either by the other children or by the upper caste school teachers. It

is observed that, even today in many village schools, scheduled caste children

are not allowed to drink water from the tumbler kept for upper castes children.

If the scheduled caste boy or girl drink water from the tumbler, he/she would

be severally punished. The children of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe are

asked to sit in the back benches who are often neglected by the teachers.

Several times they are treated harshly and looked down upon.

In respect of barber services, 24.35 % i.e., 112 out of 460 respondents

enjoy equal status in the villages. But the remaining respondents are


_______________________________ 259

discriminated while they approach a barber for hair cutting and shaving. In

several villages, scheduled caste are kept out side the barbers shops and their

hair is cut. The members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are

discriminated in barber’s service also. Some times the Scheduled Castes try to

find out barbers from their own castes or own relatives.

Another aspect is discrimination is found in the villages in priestly

services. Only 37 respondents, i.e., 8.4% are allowed to utilize priestly services

for marriages and other ceremonies. The remaining 92% of the respondents do

not enjoy equal status in priestly services with the upper castes. Priestly

services normally provided by the upper castes. Majority of the Scheduled

Castes are deprived of this service. Therefore, whenever the Scheduled Castes

celebrate marriage ceremony or any other ceremony, they have to find out a

priest from their own community.

So far as grocery shops are concerned, more than 70% i.e., 326

respondents enjoy equal status with the upper castes while purchasing grocery

from village shops. The remaining 30% i.e., 134 respondents are discriminated

by the village shop keepers, while selling many house hold things. It is

observed that, whenever both the scheduled caste and an upper caste person

visit a shop, the scheduled caste must make way for the upper caste to purchase

first. In many villages, the shop keepers themselves insist the scheduled caste

to allow first the upper caste to buy the groceries, and then only, they are

allowed to purchase groceries.

These facts clearly show that, even in village grocery shops, scheduled

caste and scheduled tribe are discriminated. Further it is observed that, majority

of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are depending upon upper castes

for loan and employment individually they cannot protest against them when

they are discriminated. Besides, their social and economic disabilities like, low

status, poverty, and illiteracy prevent them from protesting against the upper

castes.


_______________________________ 260

Table – 22

Measures for eradiation of Social Disabilities

Sl.

No.

What steps do you take to

remove social disabilities

Positive

Response Percentage

1

2

3

4

5

Complain to police station

Law courts

Village Panchayat

Associations/organizations

Political Representatives

18

0

182

142

118

3.91%

0%

39.56%

30.87%

25.65%

Total 460 100%

The above table 22 indicates that, various steps taken by the respondents

to over come from their social problems or disabilities. 18 out of 460

respondents, i.e., 3.91% are of the opinion that, whenever they are confronted

with any social disabilities in their village, they give complaint to the police

station, where as, 25.65% i.e., 118 out of 460 respondents approach their

political representatives and ask them to solve their problems. As many as

30.87% i.e., 142, out of 40 respondents are neither interested to meet their

political representatives nor village panchayat but they approach association to

rectify their social problems. They are opined that they do not believe them, as

they give false assurances and promises. 39.56%, i.e., 182 out of 460

respondents approach village panchayat to get their social problems solved.

They think that village panchayat is represented by the number of people where

they need not spend money for solving their problems. They express their view

that, it is more convenient for them to bring their social problems before the

village panchayat, as its members are easily accessible in the village. But all

the village panchayatt are dominated by the upper castes. Where as none of he

respondents approach the law courts for removal of their social disabilities.

Only negligible percent of respondents, i.e., 3.91%, approach police station for

solving their social problems. But remaining respondents i.e., 97% do not


_______________________________ 261

approach police as it is expensive and they have no faith in police Authorities.

It is also observed that, whenever they are socially discriminated, humiliated or

fortuned by the upper castes, it is futile to give complaint against them, as the

police do not take action against them. But even to day, majority of the

respondents are the opinion that, the social problems like untouchalibity,

atrocities, grabbing of land, burning the houses, destroy the properties are still

continue.

The table 23 evident that the respondents undertake various steps to

protest against their social problems. 100 out of 460 respondents, i.e., 21.74%

are of the opinion that, whenever they are socially discriminated, humiliated

and treated unequally they conduct hunger srike against such people for the

removal of their problems. For this purpose, the respondents ask the assistance

from social activists who belong to various associations. 101 out of 460

respondents, i.e., 21.96% hold public meeting with the assistance of Dalit

associations, in order to protest against the upper castes.

Table – 23.

Form for Protest

Sl.

No.

What form of protest would you adopt

to remove your social problems

Positive

Response Percentage

1

2

3

4

Hunger strike

Public meeting

Holding peaceful March

No protest

100

101

49

210

21.74%

21.96%

10.65%

45.65%

Total 460 100%

Only 49 respondents out of 460, i.e., 10.65% hold peaceful March

protesting against the attitude of the upper caste. But the majority of the

respondents, i.e., 210 out of 460, i.e., 45.65% are of opinion that they do not

conduct any of these methods. Because these methods would not solve the


_______________________________ 262

problems of the respondents rather it aggravates the communal hatred between

them and the upper castes. The above table clears that, the Scheduled Castes

and Scheduled Tribes have little awareness of their rights and privileges. But

prevented them from claiming equal status and other benefits is their poverty,

illiteracy, in security in the villages and depend upon the upper castes for their

jobs and loans.

Table – 24

Awareness of PCR, SC and ST Acts

Sl.

No. Are you aware of ?

Positive


1

2.

Protection of civil Rights Act,

1976.

SC/ST (Prevention of

Atrocities) Act, 1989

47

47

460

460

10.22

10.22

The above table 24 shows that, only 47 out of 460 respondents, i.e.,

10.22% are aware of the protection of civil Rights Act, 1976 and SC/ST

(Prevention of Atrocities) Act respectively, majority of the respondents, i.e.,

90.78% have no awareness about these Acts, which protect the interests of the

Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. Illiteracy, poor educational family back

ground and innocence, inadequate opportunities are the main reasons for their

ignorance about these enactments. Besides these respondents have no

awareness about the practice of untouchability, it is still exist in villages.


_______________________________ 263

Table – 25

Awareness of Reservation in Education, Public Service etc.

Sl.

No. Reservation

Positive


1 Do you know that there is

reservation for SCs/STs in

legislature, public service

& public education

196 460 42.61

The above table 25 reveals that, when the respondents were interviewed,

196 out of 460 respondents, i.e., 42.61%, expressed their views positively. But

the remaining 58.39% respondents are not aware of reservation policies as

guaranteed under the constitution of India. They have no knowledge about

reservation relating to public education and public employment. It is observed

that, due to lack of knowledge about the reservation they do not claim these

benefits.

The below table 26 indicates that, the respondents awareness on various

Government programmes for their socio-economic developments. 19.35% i.e.,

89 out of 460 respondents expressed their view that, they have some

knowledge about the Swarna Jayanthi Rojagar Yojana. Where as rest of the

respondents have no knowledge about this yojana. In relation to SGRY 77 out

of 460, i.e., 16.74% respondents are aware of this programme. Remaining

respondents are unaware of this programme. As many as 163 out of 460

respondents i.e., 35.43% are aware of the Ashraya Scheme. Under this scheme,

many of the respondents have received the benefits of houses. The remaining

respondents are not received the benefit, some of them lived in the old tile

houses and sheds.


_______________________________ 264

Table – 26

Awareness of Government Programmes

Sl.

No.

Are you aware of the

following Government

Programmes ?

Positive


1

2

3

4

5

6

Swarna Jayanthi Rojgar

Yojana

SGRY

AShraya Scheme

Bhagya Jyothi Scheme

Ambedkar Vasati Scheme

Employment Guarantee

scheme

89

77

163

111

171

187

460

460

460

460

460

460

19.35

16.74

35.43

24.13

37.17

40.65

As many as 111 out of 460 respondents, i.e., 24.13% respondents are

paying the nominal electricity charges. But 171 out of 460 i.e., 37.17%

respondents, are of the opinion that, they are aware of ‘Ambedkar vasati

Scheme’, which provides houses to scheduled caste and scheduled tribes.

Under this scheme many of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have

received the benefits. 187 out of 460 respondents, i.e., 40.65% are aware about

the employment Guarantee scheme. Because scheduled caste and scheduled

Tribes, especially in village areas, they are working as agriculture labourers.

Only in season they are doing their work rest of the time they have no

any work, under these circumstances, Government provides the work like, road

construction, tank cleaning, building construction, etc., It is observed that,

Majority of the respondents are not aware of all the developmental programmes

launched by the Government. Unless, give the information about the various

schemes, they have no knowledge of them.


_______________________________ 265

Table – 27

Various Developmental Programmes of the Government

Sl.

No.

Whether various developmental

programmes of the Government

are being?

Positive

Responses Percentage

1

2

3

Benefited

Party Benefited

Not Benefited

84

166

210

10.26%

36.09%

45.65%

Total 460 100%

The above table 27 shows that 84 out of 460, i.e., 10.26 % respondents

are of opinion that, they have fully benefited by the various developmental

programmes launched by the government. Where as, the 36.09%, i.e., 166 out

of 460 are of the opinion that, they have been partly benefited. The reasons

given by them are, due to the middlemen, they are not able to get full benefits

of the schemes, all the respondents are not able to get full benefits of the

schemes, all the respondents are not aware of many programmes launched by

the Government. The another reason is the impose of various restrictions by the

Government, restrict them from utilizing the benefits fully.

But, as many as 210 out of 460 respondents, i.e., 45.65% are of the

opinion that, they have not been benefited from any of the government

programmes, because, many times due to the investment of middlemen, as well

as the attitude of the banks and other authorities they do not get benefits.

Further they are opinioned that, these schemes launched by the Government are

useful only to those who are having influence knowledge and money.

For the purpose of obtaining first hand information on the government

development programmes and their actual implementation, 40 scheduled caste

and scheduled tribe officers, 40 Dalit leaders and 20 scheduled caste and

scheduled tribe MLA’s & MP’s have been interviewed. They have expressed

their own opinion on various programmes of the government and their use

fullness. The following table shown their different responses and opinions.


_______________________________ 266

Table – 28 Implementation of PCR and SC/ST Acts

Sl.

No.

Do you Do you think that PCR Act & SC/ST

(Prevention of Atrocities) Act are

strictly being implemented?

Positive


1

2

3

SC/ST Officers

SC/ST Dalit leaders

SC/ST MLA & MPs

09

08

12

40

40

20

22.50%

20.50%

30.00%

The above table 28 it is evident that, 9 officers out of 40, i.e., 22.50%

are of the opinion that the enactments like protection of civil rights act and

SC/ST (prevention of Atrocities) Act are strictly being implemented by the

Government where as, 8 out of 40 Dalit leaders, i.e., 20.00% say that

Government is implementing the above legislations for the protection of

Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. But the rest of the respondents, i.e.,

80% say that there is no actual implementation on these enactments. They said

most of the enforcement officers are upper castes who are not interested to

implement them seriously. 12 respondents (MLA’s & MP’s) out of 20, i.e.,

30.00% express their view that these legislations are being implemented by the

Government for the purpose of protecting the interest of Scheduled Castes and

scheduled Tribes. These facts clearly shows that, except the opinion of MLA’s

and MP are the majority of the other respondents are of the view that this

legislation is not being properly implemented by the enforcement agencies. It is

observed that, whenever a scheduled caste or a schedule tribe member gives a

complaint to a police station against atrocities done by the upper castes, the

police officers would not accept the complaints. Therefore many scheduled

caste and scheduled tribe members think that it is futile to approach the police

station. The police officers never enforce the provision of PCR Act & SC / ST

(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, against the wrong doers.


_______________________________ 267

Table – 29

Government Welfare Programmes

Sl.

No.

Whether adequate welfare

programmes are being

launched by the Government

Positive


1

2

3

SC/ST Officers

SC/ST Dalit leaders

SC/ST MLA’s & MP’s

19

16

09

40

40

20

47.5%

40.00%

45.00%

The above table 29 indicates that 19 out of 40 officers, i.e., 47.5%

expressed their view that, Governments Welfare Programs to Scheduled Castes

and Scheduled Tribes are useful for their development, where as, rest of the

officers, i.e., 53.95% of the officers, say that the various development programs

launched by the Government are insufficient for them. The scheduled caste,

scheduled tribe MLA’s and MP’s, i.e., 9 out of 20 i.e., 45.00% are of opinion

that, the Government launches fruitful and enough development programmes

for the scheduled caste and scheduled tribes. They are express their regret that,

at the implementation level many social and economic development

programmes are at failure.

But, 40% i.e., 16 out of 40 Dalit leaders are of the view, that,

Government Sincerely undertakes many programmes for the upliftment of

Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. Majority of the leaders, i.e., 60% said

that fruitful and enough programmes are not being launched. Only few

programems will be actually implemented by the Government, many officers

who are in charge of these programmes are not interested to implement them

full for the benefit of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. Because of the

indifferent attitude, and caste ridden mind of the officers are not implement the

various programmes, It is observed that in several departments the ‘fund’

reserved for welfare programmes are not being fully utilized by he officers. As

well as the financial year is completed the same fund would be returned to the

Government along with a report saying that the fund has not been utilized by

the Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. Majority of the respondents in all


_______________________________ 268

the three categories ( i.e., officers, Dalit leaders, and MLA’s & MP’s) are of the

opinion that Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes reserved fund is

sometimes diverted to some other programmes to defeat the interest of the

Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes.

Table – 30

Implementation of Reservation Policy

Sl.

No.

Do you think that

‘Reservation Policy’ is strictly

implemented in public services

& public education

Positive


1

2

3

SC/ST Officers

SC/ST Dalit leaders

SC/ST MLA’s MP’s

10

08

09

40

40

20

25.00%

20.00%

45.00%

The above table 30 shows the actual implementation of Reservation

Policy in public services and public education. In relation to this, the officers,

leaders and MLA’s & MP’s have expressed their different opinions. 10 out of

40 officers, i.e., 25% are of the opinion that there is a strict implementation of

‘reservation policy’ in all levels including public service and public education.

But the majority of the officers, i.e., 75% say that there is no actual

implementation of reservation policy in public services and public education.

The reserved post still vacant as the concerned officers does not send the report

for appointment. Instead of send the proper report they are send the false report

saying that, suitable candidates are not available for the vacant reserved posts.

As many as 45.00% of the MLA’s and MP’s i.e., 9 out of the 20

(respondents) express their opinion that, ‘reservation policy’ is strictly

implemented in public services and public education. Because of the

reservation policy to day there are many class I & Class II officers working in

various services. In many departments important positions are held by the

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes because of reservation policy provided


_______________________________ 269

in the constitution of India. According to them there are only 50% of the posts

are filled another 50% posts are unfilled in various departments the government

is not showing the interest to fill these posts since 60 years of independence.

Only 20% of the Dalit leaders (i.e., 8 out of 40) express their opinion

that Government is implementing ‘reservation policy’ both in public education

and public services. But majority of them i.e., 80% leaders are opinion that,

there is no actual implementation of ‘reservation policy’ in public service and

public education.

The below table 31 indicates the different responses provided by the

officers, Dalit leaders and MLA’s & MP’s regarding the reasons for not fully

implementing the ‘reservation policy’. As many as 70% i.e., 70 out of 100

respondents are of the opinion that the negligent attitude of the concerned

officers is the sole reason for non-implementation of ‘reservation policy’ in

various fields.

Where as 21% i.e., 21 out of 100 respondents are opined that, due to the

interference from politicians and officers who are in charge of various

development programmes, the reservation policy is not properly being

implemented. As many as 20 respondents out of 100, i.e., 20% of the

respondents are of opinion that many scheduled caste and scheduled tribe

beneficiaries are not utilizing the benefits, because many of the officers and

middle men are misusing the benefits. Only 16% i.e., 16 out 100 respondents

are opinion that, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are not fully utilizing

the reservation benefits.


_______________________________ 270

Table – 31

Implementation the Reservation Policy by the Government

Sl.

No.

What reasons do you attribute

for not fully implementing the

reservation policy by the

Government? ( Multiple reasons

from all three categories of

respondents)

Positive


1

2

3

4

Negligence of the Government

officers

Interference

Misuse of Funds

Non Utilizations by the SC/STs.

70

21

20

16

100

100

100

100

70%

21%

20%

16%

It is observed that, majority of scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes working

as agricultural labouers, working in the upper castes land, they never bother

about the various developmental programmes launched by the Government.

They are under the notion that, such developmental programmes are meant

only for rich people within their caste. As they can easily manipulate the

officers and get benefits from these programmes. Therefore several schemes

are left without being implemented by the Government.

The table 32 shows the reasons why even after 60 years of Independence

Socio-economic disabilities of SC/STs have not been removed completely. 55

out of 100 i.e., 55% of respondents are opinion that, due to lack of Government

interest, the socio-economic disabilities of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes have not been fully removed. As many as 75 out of 100 i.e., 75%

respondents say that, various Government programmes, which provide benefits

to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are not properly reaching them.

It is observed that, the really needy people are deprived of these benefits as

their benefits are snatched away by the rich people among the Scheduled

Castes and scheduled tribes.


_______________________________ 271

Table – 32

Socio-Economic Disabilities of SCs/STs

Sl.

No.

Even after 60 years of

Independence Socio-economic

disabilities of SCs/STs have not

been fully removed. What reasons

do you attribute to this? (Multiple

response from all the three

categories)

Positive


1

2

3

4

5

Lack of interest from the Government

Government benefits are not reaching

the needy.

Beneficiaries are not utilizing the

benefits properly.

Majority of the SC/STs are still

ignorant of developmental

programems.

Middlemen are misusing the benefits

before the reach the needy.

55

75

30

60

42

100

100

100

100

100

55

75

30

60

42

30 respondents out of 100 i.e., 30% are of the view that, whatever the

benefits provided by the Government to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes are not properly utilized by them. These respondents observed that,

when loan is sanctioned to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes many of

them use the amount for other purposes. Therefore, they are still suffering from

socio-economic disabilities. Besides 60 out of 100 i.e., 60% of the respondents

say that, due to illiteracy and ignorance of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled

Tribes many developmental programes are not being properly utilized by them.

These people are not aware of various programmes launched by the

Government for their development. 42 respondents out of 100, i.e., 42% are of

the opinion that, due to the interference of middle men the Scheduled Castes

and Scheduled Tribes do not get benefits provided by the Government through

various programmes.


_______________________________ 272

The table 33 shows the various steps proposed by scheduled caste and

scheduled tribe officers, Dalit leaders and MLA’s & MP’s for complete

removal of the disabilities of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. 20% of

the respondents, i.e, 20 out of 100 are opinion that, while providing reservation

benefits to Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes, the Government should

consider income criterion.

Table – 33

Removal of Various Disabilities of SCs/STs

Sl.

No.

What steps do you

propose to remove various

disabilities of SC/STs

completely?

Positive


1

2

3

4

Income Criterion

Employment criterion

One time reservation

criterion

Accountability criterion

20

30

40

10

100

100

100

100

20%

30%

40%

10%

Those Scheduled Castes and scheduled Tribes, whose income is more

than 1.50.000, shall not be provided the benefit. 30 respondents out of 100, i.e.,

30% are opinion that, if a member of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe is in

class one post either in central service or in state service, his children shall not

be provided any reservation benefit. As many as 40%, i.e., 40 out of 100

respondents are opinion that, if Government fixes ‘one time reservation

criterion’ then the reservation benefit will be percolate down to the needy and

the real targeted people and thereby remove any disabilities of the scheduled

caste and scheduled tribes. Only 10 out of 100 i.e., 10% of the respondents

propose that, once a benefit is obtained by any Scheduled Castes and scheduled

tribe they should utilize the benefit, if they misuse it for the other purpose, they

shall be made accountable to the Government. From the above facts it is

evident that, all the respondents are strictly adhered to the above mentioned


_______________________________ 273

criterion, and then only with in a short period the disabilities of Scheduled

Castes and Scheduled Tribes can be removed completely.

6.6 Conclusion:

This empirical study reveals that even today majority of the Scheduled

Castes and Scheduled Tribes in villages suffering from utter poverty, illiteracy

and ignorant of various programmes launched by the Government for their

development. Many of them are economically dependent on the upper castes.

From the study of socio-economic conditions of the Scheduled Castes and

Scheduled Tribes in villages they are working as a land less agricultural

labourers while working in the upper castes land they are discriminated by the

upper castes. In relation to the wage, loan and other issues. This empirical

study also reveals the discriminatory treatment in respect of temple entry,

barber shop entry, village community feasts and Marriages etc., Under this

empirical study, many of the scheduled caste officers, Dalit leaders, and SCs /

STs MP’s & MLA’s expressed their view that Government launched the

various developmental programs, but they are not properly implemented to

reach the targeted people. Majority of the scheduled caste and Scheduled

Tribes notion that constitutional benefits are available only those who give the

bribe to the officials and those who have political support of the people.

Compare to the Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribe the women who

are having better economic status and political consciousness. In many villages

majority of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes expressed their

helplessness about the socio-economic conditions. The SCs and STs are even to

day very innocents and Ignorant about the legal and constitutional provisions.

They have no any hope upon the police authorities and courts because these

authorities not enforce the law properly. There are number of programmes

launched by the Government, but they are not being properly implemented to

reach the needy persons majority of the SCs/STs have no confidence on the

constitutional benefits.


_______________________________ 274

So far as women programmes are concerned, majority of the women are

aware about the Government programmes through their Stree Shakti group they

are getting the constitutional benefits and utilizing properly. Even though

numbers of women are depend upon the male members to lead their life.

Compare to the women the SCs/STs are the worst sufferers in socially,

economically. In order to protect and uplift them the state should make various

strategies, polices and procedures.

socio-economic conditions of women, scheduled...

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