KARNATAKA WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT · Karnataka Watershed Development Project-Tribal Study 3...

KARNATAKA WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

E-458VOL. 2

TRIBAL STUDY REPORT

MAY 2001

FILE COPY

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

Pub

lic D

iscl

osur

e A

utho

rized

KARNATAKA WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

TRIBAL STUDY REPORT

Table of Contents

1 The Project: Scope and Design 1

2. Tribals in Karnataka 6

3. Tribals in Legal and Welfare Context 16

4. Socio-Economic Baseline of Tribals in

Karnataka and Selected Villages 21

5. Does the project Require an IPDP ? 34

6. Vulnerable Groups (including Tribals)

Development Strategy 37

Annexure Profile of Tribes in Karnataka 44

1 THE PROJECT: SCOPE AND DESIGN

1.1 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

The Government of Karnataka (GoK) has proposed Comprehensive WatershedDevelopment Project (CWDP) in the mid 2000 with the assistance of World Bank. Theimplementing agency will be Watershed Department, GoK. For implementatonarrangements, the GoK with the help of the World Bank has proposed an elaboratearrangement by creating several organizabons responsible at various levels: State,Districts, Watersheds and Villages.

The demand driven approach is the key aspect of this project. The project proposes tocover about 77 sub-watersheds in 1,270 villages in 38 talukas in 5 districts in the state,selected based on the poverty ratio. It is estimated that about 426,969 ha of land will betreated directly benefiting 350,000 families of which 25,000 would be landless familiesincluding some tribals.

With an ultimate emphasis on alleviaton of rural poverty especially in the dry areas, theproject aims at augmenting and sustaining productivity of both arable and non-arableland, with involvement of local communities. This calls for adopting a holistic approachthrough integrated development of diversified fields viz., agriculture, horticulture, forestry,sericulture, fisheries, livestock management and income generating activities speciallydesigned for the vulnerable groups, including tribals.

1.1.1 Project Objectives

The Project aims at achieving two basic objectives as stated under:

a) Primary Objective is to achieve sustainable alleviation of poverty inpredominantly rain fed areas in Karnataka.

The Strategies to achieve this are:

*:~ Improve the productive potential of selected watersheds;*. Enhance production and livelihood systems;*. Strengthen community and institutional arrangements for natural resource

management;Participatory involvement of project stakeholders/beneficiaries with linedepartments as partners in development; and

*. Assistance to women, landless and other vulnerable groups by supportinginvestments in income generating schemes to accelerate their entry andexpand their involvement.

b) Associated Objective is to strengthen the capacity of communities in the projectvillages for participatory involvement in local level development programs with theimplementing department operating as facilitators within the framework of aconvergent watershed development plan.

1.1.2 Project Components

The project would include four key components as listed under:

Karnataka Watershed Development Project-Tribal Study 2

a) Participatory Watershed TreatmentSocial mobilization and capacity building for community, departmental staff,Panchayati Raj Institutions in selected watersheds, formation of Micro WatershedManagement Group (to prepare detailed Village Watershed Development Plans)and Participa.ory Watershed Development Committees (to integrate the villageplans into a comprehensive watershed treatment and development plan); and

*:1- Actual treatment of the watersheds.

b) Farming System IntensificationDemonstrations in appropriate farming systems such as tillage for moistureconservation, use of improved seed varieties, production of high value foddercrops, Dry land horticulture, agro-forestry and livestock development; andImproving knowledge (location-specific research) and dissemination (extension)through training of scientists and farmers, and on-farm trials (identification anddevelopment of alternative models of afforestation, silvi-pasture, agro-forestry andagro-horticulture suitable for specific agro-ecological zones)

c) Income Generating Activities for Vulnerable GroupsIdentification of specific activities to extend the project benefits to women, landless andother vulnerable groups.

d) Institutional StrengtheningTraining and technical assistance (M&E, Social Assessments, EnvironmentalAssessments, and other studies necessary during implementation); andSupport for project management and coordination.

The activities of the actual watershed treatment are given in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1: Watershed Treatment ActivitiesWatershed ActivitiesTreatment _-

Soil and Water * Erosion control - contour vegetative hedges, gully control measuresConservation * Drainage treatment Water harvesting with eco-engineering devices - check dams, dugout sunken

ponds, recharge pits, etc.. Village pond

Agriculture & allied * Conservation measures - vegetative field boundaries, reuse of harvested water, furrow contouractivities cultivation

* Production measures - organic farming, crop demonstration, rainfed crop demonstration, on farmfodder and biomass production

Dryland horticulture * Rainfed horticulture - demonstrations, marginal landand Agroforestry . Silvi-horticulture

* AgroforestryAnimal husbandry * Livestock management

Animal health care / breeding centers* Stall feeding - construction / rehabilitation of stalls* Chaff cutters for fodder feeding

Forestry Afforestation / reforestation. Silvi-pasture* Vegetative shrub barriers. Pasture land development. Production improvement

1.1.3 Vulnerable Groups (including Tribal) Development Strategy (VGDS)

As discussed earlier, the project has a strong social objective. The Project aims toimprove the quality of life of the community in general and vulnerable groups inter aliaTribals. One of the specific components of the Social Assessment is to assess whetherthe vulnerable people, particularly the tribals, will suffer adverse impact or not.There is aneed to develop a strategy to facilitate the processes for decision-making, implementation

KWDP - Regional Environmental Assessment and Social Assessment Studies


and monitoring and evaluation of proposed project activities by targeting the ScheduledTribes (STs)' and other vulnerable groups.

In other words, the VGDS should provide mechanism to ensure that the tribals and othervulnerable groups are mobilised into groups, capacitated to plan, implement and operate,and maintain the project activities/facilities. The VGDS will also provide suitablemechanism for community monitoring, sustainability monitoring and impact evaluation.

The specific objectives of the vulnerablegroups including tribal development strategy are:

To provide mechanism for mobilization of such groups;;To capacitate them to plan, implement, operate and maintain the projectactivities/facilities;To foster and improve grassroots tribal institutions;To provide a suitable mechanism for monitoring of the process of empowerment,sustainability of the services and impact of the interventions by the community;and

-*e To develop a framework for their participation, especially women, in developmentactivities.

1.2 Methodology Adopted For the Study

The study was conducted with complete participation of potental beneficiaries in the 63project villages. The process followed is described below.

a) Consultation Process

The study was carried out through series of consultations with the local community (maybe called as Primary Stakeholders) at the project villages. The various stages involved instudy were as under:

Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) of Selected Villages

As the first step, a pilot field visit was made to all 63 villages. Using RRAtechnique, a quick assessment was made on each village. This RRA also helpedto workout the methodology, tools and techniques for comprehensive field surveyto be undertaken further. Through Rapport Building Exercise, importantpersonalites in each village were met and solicited their perceptions, opinions andideas about the existing situation and the proposed project. The objectives of theproposed project were also explained to them.

*: Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Studies In Selected Villages

PRA was a principal tool used to facilitate information sharing, analysis and actionamongst stakeholders. Village communities were involved actively in thediscussions and the whole exercise was participatory.

The purpose of the PRA was: identification of key issues; assessment of inter-relationships among the stakeholders; identification of priorites, problems andprospects; state of natural resources including common property resources;ascertainment of people's perceptions; understanding of institutional structure;observation of livelihood systems; examination of the existing cost-sharing

As per Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India (Part X, Fifth Schedule that provides protection to theScheduled Tribes on account of their disadvantages)



mechanism; analysis of existing O&M; and evaluation of existing IncomeGenerating Activities.

PRA included social mapping, resource mapping, time-line analysis, stakeholderanalysis, beneficiary assessment, etc. With the help of the PRA, social status ofthe village was assessed and the needs of the village community weredetermined.

Three levels of consultation was carried out: (a) Meeting with all local communityin a common place; (b) Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with selected groupsincluding men groups, women groups and landless; and (c) Household levelinterview.

The key objective of FGD and in-depth interviews was to ascertain their views andperceptions on possible impact of the proposed watershed components,prioritization of environmental issues of the villages, proposed activities,willingness to cost-sharing on the proposed watershed interventions, trainingneeds, future income generating activities etc. Opinion leaders and village elderswere also met for information on the life patterns in the past and changes thathave taken place over the years, especially in the area of natural resourcemanagement. They were also queried on the possible impact of the project.Checklists were used for facilitating discussions with target groups such aswomen. landless and Scheduled Castes & Tribes. These groups were metseparately for frank and free discussions.

In the case of Household Survey, 15% of the total households were interviewed ineach of the selected villages.

Transect Walk

As a third level of field survey, a village transact walk was undertaken in eachvillage. Transects were taken around the village area to have first handinformation on the status of natural resources and to ascertain the kind ofinterventions required. Villagers, officers from the District Watershed Departmentand members of the Gram Panchayat were actively involved in the exercise.

During transact, many other details regarding each component was discussedwith the community. This has helped in deciding a suitable location/area amongstmany choices for proposed project activity. The other issues discussed includecost-benefit analysis of each of the project intervention, willingness to cost sharingarrangements, level of participation in implementation and operation andmaintenance.

1.3 THE REPORT

The purpose of this Report is to understand and appreciate the existing situation ofTribals in Karnataka in general and in the Project districts and villages surveyed inparticular. It is also expected to suggest suitable strategies for facilitating the participationof all the vulnerable groups in the project. The Report is organized into 5 sections:Section 2: presents the distribution of tribals in the state and project districts by group;Section 3: discusses the tribals in Karnataka in the legal and welfare context; Section 4presents the socio-economic baseline of tribals in the project districts; Section 5


Karnataka Watershed Development Project-Tribal Studv 5

discusses the need for an IPDP; and Section 6 outlines the vulnerable groups (includingtribal) developrment strategy.



2 TRIBALS IN KARNATAKA

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This Chapter presents the distribution of tribal groups in Karnataka in general and fiveproject districts in particular. The Chapter also presents briefly salient characteristics ofeach of the tribal groups in Karnataka including the language and culture and so forth.

2.2 STATE LEVEL SCENARIO

2.2.1 Geographical Distribution of Tribal Population

In all, Karnataka State had a tribal populaton of 1.9 million (as per 1991 Census),accounting for 4.25 per cent of the total populaton (Table 2.1). The distribution of STpopulabon across the districts indicates that the share is higher than the district averagein about 11 districts.

Table 2.1 Tribal Population in KarnatakaDistricts Tol Population TST Population |% ST to Dist. Total % ST to Total State ST

Districts otal Popuation ST opulationPopulation Population

Bagaikote 1394654 22175 1.59 1.16

Bangalore (U) 4831622 53631 1.11 2.80Bangalore (R) 1671356 49305 2.95 2.57

Belgaum 3580862 83076 2.32 4.34

Bellary 1656092 147889 8.93 (H) 7.72

Bidar 1255602 104215 8.30 (H) 5.44Bijapur 1538053 17380 1.13 0.91

Chamarajanagar 883630 38703 4.38 (H) 2.02Chikmaglur 1016628 26534 2.61 1.39

Chitradra I 112687 222763 16.97 (H) 11.63Dakshina Kannada 1632734 64493 3.95 3.37Devanegere 1559118 155600 9.98 (H) 8.12

Dharwad 1376235 23396 1.70 1.22

Gadag 859163 20534 2.39 1.07Gulbarga 2582971 106935 4.14 5.58

Hassan 1564245 16581 1.06 0.87

Haveri 1274354 61169 4.80 (H) 3.19

Kodagu 488630 40312 8.25 (H) 2.10

Kolar 2217667 153019 6.90 (H) 7.99

Koppal 958782 59828 6.24 (H) 3.12

Mandya 1635068 11936 0.73 0.62

Mysore 2280540 63399 2.78 3.31

Raichur 1351785 120444 8.91 (H) 6.29Shimoga 3264581 74106 2.27 3.87

Tumkur 2305805 167632 7.27 (H) 8.75

Udupi 1060204 41666 3.93 2.17

Uttar Kannada 1225060 10168 0.83 0.53

STATE Total 44969272 1915691 4.26 100.00


Karnataka Watershed Development Project- Tribal Study 7

Source: Census of India, 1991Among all, Chitradurga district has the highest share of STs(over 11 %) followed by Tumkur (8.7%) and Davanagere (8.1 %). Chitradurga also ranksfirst in the share of STs to the total population of the district populaton.

2.2.2 Distribution by Tribals Groups

The state government of Karnataka has specified nearly 49 communities as ScheduledTribes as per Constitltion of India2. Table 2.2 presents all 49 tribal communities (groups)in the state and table 2.3 gives the share of population by each community to the total STpopulaton in the State. It is evident that Nayaka Group constitutes the highest share with69% followed by Kadu Kuruba with 11.5%. The other larger tribals of the state includesGond, Koli Dhor and Jenu Kuruba, each account over 2% of the total ST populaton of theState.

Table 2.2: Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka1. Adiyan 26. Koya, Bhine Khoya2. Barda 27. KudiYa Melakudi3. Bavacha, Bamcha 28. Kuruba (In Coorg District)4. Bhil, Bhil Garasia 29. Kurumans5. Chenchu, Chenchwar 30. Maha Malasar6. Chodhara 31. Malaikudi7. Dubla, Talavia, Halpati 32. Malasar8. Gamit, Gamta 33. Malayekandi9. Gond, Naikpod 34. Maleru10. Gowdalu 35. Maratha(In Coorg District)11. Hakkipikki 36. Marati (In South KanaraDistrict)12. Hasaralu 37. Meda13. Irular 38. Naikda, Nayaka, Cholivala Nayaka, Kapadia Nayaka, Mota

Nayaka, Nana Nayaka14. Iruliga _ 39. Palliyan15. Jenu Kuruba 40. Paniyan16. Kadu Kuruba 41. Pardhi17. Kaniyan, Kanyan 42. Patelia18. Kammara 43. Rathawa19. Kattunayakan 44. Sholaga20. Kathodi 45. Soligaru21. Kokna 46. Toda22. Konda Kapus 47. Varli23. Koli Dhor 48. Vitolia24. Koraga 49. Yerava25. Kota I

Source: Compiled by Consultants from secondary sourcesTable 2.3: Different Types of STs in Karnataka

TRIBAL RURAL URBAN Total %GROUPS Male Female Male Female

Nayaka 558562 545336 79754 76506 1260158 69.04Kadu Luruba 90767 87509 16373 15028 209677 11.49

2 The need to specify tribes and tribal communities as Scheduled Tribes arose only after theConstitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950. Article 342 of the Constitution provides that thePresident may with respect of any State or Union Territory specify the tribe or tribal communities or parts of orgroups within tribes or tribal communities, which shall be deemed to be Scheduled Tribes in relation to theState or Union Territory. In pursuance of this provision the President made an order in 1950, called theConstitution (Scheduled tribes) Order, 1950 in relation to the term Part A and Part B States. Subsequently,an Advisory Committee was set up for advising the Government on the revision of lists Scheduled Castes andScheduled Tribes. The Committee, which submitted its report in August 1965, suggested revised lists ofScheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This present list of STs in all States and Union Territories confirmsto the Committee's suggestions.



Gond 28799 27697 2294 1940 60730 3.33Koli Dhor 15841 15440 4048 3806 39135 2.14Jenukuruba 14916 14176 2951 2704 34747 1.90Koya 12811 12829 1115 1052 27807 1.52Yerava 9614 9234 197 216 19261 1.06Meda 3377 3254 6201 5852 18684 1.02Soligaru 8009 7684 380 317 16390 0.90Koraga 6049 5992 1552 1551 15144 0.83Hasalaru 5325 5104 115 116 10660 0.58Malaikudi 3463 3406 73 25 6967 0.38Gowdalu 2836 2540 455 392 6223 0.34Iruliga 2726 2486 160 162 5534 0.30Hakki pikki 1473 1323 299 284 3382 0.19Bhil 722 686 235 224 1867 0.10Barda 277 259 101 90 727 0.04Adiyan 26 18 182 142 368 0.02Chenchu 98 85 52 41 276 0.02Bavacha 12 15 24 28 79 0.00Others 39985 39600 3983 3819 87387 4.79TOTAL 805691 1784673 120544 114295 1825203 100

Source: Census of India, 1991.

2.2.3 Culture and Traditions of Tribals Groups

As explained earlier, though the State has 49 tribal community groups, Nayaka,KaduKurubas and Jenu Kuruba. constitute 80% of tribal population in Karnataka. A briefdiscussion on their culture and traditions of these major tribes is presented. The specificcharacteristics (cultural traits) of each of the tribal group mentioned in Annexure - I.

a) Nayaka

The term Nayaka means leader. The Nayaka community has three sub-castesnamely Valmiki, Beda and Talavara. Valmiki claim direct descent from Valmiki,the author of Ramayana. Bedas practice hunting. Talavars function asmessengers as well as village watchmen.

e.: Ancient culture and tradition: The community used to worship animistic gods,when they were living in forests. Their traditions and belief were nature-based.Ancestral worship was also predominant among them. Hunting was extensivelypracticed among the community. Caste Panchayat system was prevalent. Theyspoke dialect of Kannada. Child marriage was in vogue.Present Culture and Tradition: They speak Kannada. They have adopted localtraditions, customs and beliefs and these vary from one region to other. ATpresent, they very into main stream of development. The main stay is agriculture,wage labour and animal husbandry. Hunting is no longer practiced except for theday after Ugadi Festival (Kannada New Year - in April every year) when hunting ispracticed as ritual. Though the system of caste panchayat has diminished, theytake decisions collectively in the general community meetings.Religion & Worship: They profess Hinduism and worship some village andregional deities like Shiva and Vishnu and other gods. The Brahmin priests servethem only during marriage rituals. They celebrate Ugadi, Dasara and Shivraatri.Inter-community Relations: They share water sources and burial grounds withtheir neighbours, visit the same religious shrines and participate together in villagefestivals. They take part in all village activities and move socially with othercommunities.



Food Habits: They are non-vegetarians. Rice, Jowar and Ragi are their staplefood. Liqucr consumption is not a taboo. Smoking and tobacco chewing arecommon among them.Social Conditons: The vertically extended family is the predominant type. Maleequigeniture is the rule of inheritance and the succession of authority goes to theeldest son. There are exogamous clans in the community. Marriage to one'sfather's sister's daughter is allowed. Junior sorority is permissible. Adultmarriages are preferred and marital alliances are sought through negotiations.Monogamy is the norm and the symbols for women are the locket and toe-rings.They follow the patriarchal rule of residence. The remarriage of a widower isallowed, but a widow cannot remarry. There has been an increase in the age atmarriage among them, due to education and increased awareness. It has alsobeen observed that bride price is now giving way to dowry, as in other non-tribalcommunities.Status of women: The Nayaka women participate in agriculture and also tendcattle. They do all household chores including collection of fuel for cooking andbringing water. There are specific roles for women in social, ritual and religiousspheres.Rituals: Among them, birth pollution lasts for thirty days and the naming ceremonyfor a baby in performed on the thirtieth day. A puberty rite (hosage) is performedfor the girls. The marriage ceremony is held at the bride's residence and themarriage feast is hosted by both the bride's and the groom's families. The deadare buried or cremated. In case of cremation, the bones are immersed in water.Death pollution lasts for eleven days and ancestor worship is observed annually.

*:. Attitudes: The attitudes of the Nayaka towards formal education is favourable forthe boys and partly so for the girls. The literacy rate among the Nayaka is 18.95per cent (28.64 per cent males and 9.00 per cent females). They utilise modernmedicines and family welfare programmes. Drinking water, employmentgeneration programmes, electricity, media and communication facilities areavailable to them. Some of them are self-employed in agriculture and animalhusbandry.

b) Kadu Kuruba

They are also known as Betta Kuruba, The names "Kadu kuruba' and 'Bettakuruba' have been derived from the words kadu meaning forest and bettameaning hills. They are short statured, round headed and broad faced with a verybroad nasal profile. The women of this community can be identified by theirdistinctive way of wearing the sari.

*:. Ancient culture and tradition: They used to speak a dialect of Kannada. Formerlythe Kadu Kuruba had three divisions namely Anne, Bevina and Kali. At presentthese groups are not identifiable. The hereditary headman of their traditionalcommunity council, known as the Yajaman used to deal with intra-communitydisputes and impose cash fines on those who violated social norms. They usedmagic, sorcery, and witchcraft for the treatment of ailments. This is no longerhappening.Language: They now speak Kannada and use the Kannada script. However,many of them speak a dialect of Kannada among themselves.

*~ Religion: They are Hindus and have faith in local deities. The priest serving themis from their own community. They observe most of the Hindu festivals. They singfolksongs on the occasion of festivals.Family and marriage: The families are predominantly nuclear. Cross cousin andmaternal uncle-niece marriages are prevalent among them. They aremonogamous and prefer to marry late in life. The necklace is the symbol ofmarriage, but it need not necessarily be worn. Post-marital residence is



patriarchal. Divorce is granted if sought for reasons like adultery andmaladjustment. Remarriage of widows, widowers and divorcees is allowed.Sons share the property of a deceased person equally. Eldest son is thesuccessor of the family. The women participate in all domestic, social andeconomic activities.Rituals: Pollution caused by the birth is observed for seven days, whereas post-natal restrictions last for three to five months. The tonsure ceremony for children isobserved after one year. The puberty rite muttu, is observed for girls. The deadare buried and pollution is observed for twelve days.Social Control: There are some villages, which still have Yajaman as thehereditary headman of their traditional community council. But this council mostlyexists only for the namesake and do not exercise social control as in the past.Health Status: Of late, they have started visiting primary health centers. Familyplanning programmes are not very popular in the community, as couples prefer tohave a big family.

c) Jenu Kurubaa

This group derives their name from Jenu, meaning honey, which they used tocollect from the forests. They are concentrated in the districts of Kodagu andMysore. They inhabit a plateau area, which is characterized by moderate climate,low humidity, thin forest and medium rainfall. Like the Betta or Kadu Kuruba, theJenu Kuruba are short statured.

-.1. Ancient culture and traditions: They spoke a dialect of Kannada called Jenu Nudi.The collection of honey, herbs, roots and fruits from the forest is the traditionaloccupation. The traditional community council dealt with social and economicdisputes and was empowered to excommunicate the offenders or impose a fineon them.Present culture and traditions: They speak Kannada. Some of them still speakJenu Nudi. The traditional community council no longer wields control, as earlier.Food Habits: They are non-vegetarians and their staple food is ragi and rice.Consumption of liquor is not barred.Family and Marriaae: Patriarchal family is prominent. People are monogamous.Marriage with one's father's sister's daughter, the mother's brother's daughter andthe elder sister's daughter is practiced among them. Adult marriage is preferredand alliances are generally made through negotations. A marriage pendent(Thali) and toe-rings are the marriage symbols for their women. A newly weddedcouple may stay with the husband's parents or may establish their ownhousehold. Either spouse can seek divorce. The remarriage of widows, widowersand male or female divorcees is permissible. A widower is allowed to marry hislate wife's younger sister.Inheritance and succession: Male equigeniture is the rule of inheritance, while therule of succession demands that the eldest son should succeed his father.

*. Women Participation: Women participate in all economic activities and contributeto the family income considerably, but they are not allowed to participate in theworship of some deites.Rituals: Post-delivery pollution lasts till the twelfth day. The naming ceremony isobserved on the same day. The maternal uncle tonsures a male child. Menarchecalls for the observation of certain rites and restrictions. The marriage rituals areperformed at the bride's residence and the bride's parents arrange the marriagefeast. The dead are buried and pollution is observed for twelve days.Social Control: At present they employ priests, called Jangams, for conducting themarriage rituals.



*:1- Religion: They are Hindu by religion. They celebrate the festivals of Navaratri,Ugadi, Mahashivaratri and a few others.Attitudes: Formal education is favoured for the boys and to a certain extent forgirls. There is high rate of dropouts among the students of the community, due toeconomic reasons. By and large, the attitudes towards education of the girl-child,family planning, savings and modern progress are not very favourable.

2.3 TRIBAL GROUPS IN THE PROJECT DISTRICTS

The project area covers five districts viz., Chitradurga, Dharwad, Haveri, Kolar andTumkur. As per 1991 census, these five project districts have about 0.62 millions tribalsspread across 39 taluks covering 7395 villages. Chitradurga has relatively large share ofSTs to total district populaton (16.9 %), followed by Kolar (8.2%), Tumkur (7.8 %), Haven(5.2 %) and Dharwad (1.9 %).(It is important to note that project villages number 1270 out of the 7400 within the fivedistricts. Broad estimates indicate that tribal population concentration is about 93,000 inthe project villages).

The distribution of population by tribal community in each of the project districts is given inTables 2.4 to 2.7. The tables suggest that by and large, Nayaka is observed as thedominant tribal community in all the project districts. The principal tribal group found inthese districts is Nayaka followed by Kadu Kuruba. These tribal groups discussed insection 2.2.3 constitute almost 95% of total tribal populaton in the project villages.

2.3.1 Chitradurga District

The distribution of ST population by groups in Chitradurga (Table 2.4) reveals that over98% of the populaton is dominated by Nayaka. The district has a total of over 2.5 lakhsST population. The next largest community is Jenu Kurubaa3 .

Table 2.4: Major STs in Chitradurga DistrictRural Urban

Type of STs Male Female Male Female Total Per cent

Nayaka 112422 108400 13968 12594 247384 98.16Jenu Kurubaa 850 836 48 35 1769 0.70Kadu Kuruba 715 686 106 107 1614 0.64Meda 4 0 462 416 882 0.35Others 126 107 67 60 360 0.14Total 114117 110029 14651 13212 252009 100.00


2.3.2 Dharwad and Haveri Districts

The distribution of ST population by groups in Dharwad and Haveri districts (Table 2.5)indicates that over 54% of the populaton is dominated by Nayaka. The district has a total

3 The name is derived from jenu or honey that they used to collect from the forest. They areconcentrated in Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka. They speak a language locally called Jenu Nudi,is a dialect of Kannada. They speak Kannada and use the Kannada script. The people are monogamous.Women participate in all economic activities and contribute to the family income considerably. Thegovernment has given cultivable lands. In spite of this, a large section of them are working as daily labourers.Their traditional community council deals with social and economic disputes. They are all Hindus. There areresidential schools to impart primary education. They are covered under the government schemes andprogrammes.



of over 1.3 lakhs ST population. The next largest community is Kadu Kuruba with 37%share in the district. The other tribals living in these districts include Koli Dhor4, Korga5,Meda6 and Iruliga.

Table 2.5: Major STs in Dharwad and Haveri Districts

Rural Urban


Nayaka 32470 31039 5506 5264 74279 54.04

Iruliga 248 241 23 27 539 0.39

Jenu Kuruba 445 451 74 77 1047 0.76

Kadu Kuruba 21681 20858 4551 4256 51346 37.35

Koli Dhor 1123 1105 355 307 2890 2.10

Korga 1591 1514 492 478 4075 2.96

Meda 65 50 757 743 1615 1.17

Others 165 178 679 648 1670 1.21

Total 57788 55436 12432 11850 132461 100.0Source: Census of India, 1991.Note: Haveri is a newly formed district after 1991 from Dharwad district.

2.3.3 Kolar District

The distribution of OT population by groups in Dharwad and Haveri districts (Table 2.6)indicates that over 54% of the populabon is dominated by Nayaka. The district has a totalof over 1.13 lakhs ST population. The next largest community is Kadu Kuruba. The other

tribals living in these districts include Jenu Kuruba, Hakki Pikki and Meda.

Table 2.6: Major Scheduled Tribes in Kolar District

Rural Urban


Nayaka 51551 50204 2982 2909 107646 94.56

Hakki Pikki 244 211 8 12 475 0.42

Jenu Kuruba 382 386 122 106 996 0.87

Kadu Kuruba 1250 1123 360 319 3052 2.68

4 In Karnataka, they are distributed in the districts of Belgaum, Bijapur, Gulbarga and Bidar districts.They speak Marathi at home and use Kannada for inter-group communication. Many work as agriculturallabourers. A few also own cultivable land. They are all Hindus. They have a positive attitude towards formaleducation, modern medicine, family planning and development programmes. Generally they are monogamous.

5 They are concentrated in Dakshina Kannada District. They speak in Koraga (dialect) among

themselves and in Tulu and Kannada with others. They are non-vegetarians. Endogamy at the group leveland exogamy at the clan level are observed. Nuclear families are in vogue. Women participate in social, ritualand economic activities, including basket making and agricultural labour. Ancestors are worshipped. A few ofthem own cultivable land. Others practice basetry, work as agricultural labourers or are in government andprivate services. Children often work as wage earners. They are Hindus and worship a goddess and spirits.Folk songs are sung to the accompaniment of percussion and wind instruments. They also take part in danceperformances. The institution of Gurikara, the headman, effects social control. They have positive attitudetowards formal education, modern medicine and family welfare.

6 The name is derived from a Kannada word Bidiru, meaning bamboo. They speak Kannada, but in

Kodagu, they speak Kodagu. They are non-vegetarians. Their main occupation is basket making, but nowthey have taken up cultivation. They work as labourers on coffee plantations and in paddy fields. Adultmarriage is preferred. Male equigeniture is the rule of inheritance and the eldest son succeeds to the father'sauthority. Women participate in economic and social activities, but the ritual, political and social control affairsare managed without them. Hinduism is their religion. They educate both boys and girls.


Karnataka Watershed Development Project- Tribal Stuadv 13

Meda 44 47 258 249 598 0.53

Others 451 438 111 72 1072 0.94

Total 53922 52409 3841 3667 113839 100.00


2.3.4 Tumkur District

The distribution of ST population by groups in Dharwad and Haveri districts (Table 2.7)indicates that over 96% of the population is dominated by Nayaka. The district has a total

of over 1.4 lakhs ST population. The next largest community is Kadu Kuruba. The othertribals living in these districts include Jenu Kuruba and Meda.

Table 2.7: Major Scheduled Tribes in Tumkur District

Rural Urban


Nayaka 63640 61072 5386 5007 135105 96.42

Jenu Kuruba 555 509 389 354 1807 1.29

Kadu Kuruba 820 792 99 78 1789 1.28

Meda 43 41 85 91 260 0.19

Others 523 535 49 49 1156 0.83

Total 65581 62949 6008 5579 140117 100.00Source: Census of India, 1991.

2.4 ST POPULATION IN SELECTED VILLAGES

The 63 villages in five districts covered by this study reveal the following:Chitradurga District: The overall percentage of the population of Scheduled tribes and

Schedule Caste is nearly 48% of the total population. The STs constitute 24.4% and SCs23.8 percent. In 9 out of 13 villages the population of SCs is more than the STs. Haveri

District: 3 out of 12 villages do not have ST population. and together with the SCs thepercentage works out to 21.1 percent. However the percentage of SCs population is more

that the STs with 13.8% and 7.3%, respectively. Dharwad District: only 4 out of 12

villages do not have ST populaton. The SCs constitute 9.2% and Sts 1.2% of the total

population.Kolar District: 6 out of 11 villages do not have ST populaton at all. The percentage of

populaton of STs and SCs taken together is nearly 45 of the total population and SCs aredouble in number when compared with STs. Tumkur District: 8 out of 13 villages do not

have ST population. The STs and SCs together account for 21.7% of the total population.

Once again the Scs constitute 16.4% and are more than STs.Table 2.8: Major Scheduled Tribes in Tumkur District

%of ST to %of SC toST SC Total. Total Total

Districts Taluks Villages Population. Population Population Population. Population.

Tumkur Chikkagundagal 0 176 547 0.0 32.2

Tumkur Tirimalpalya 0 0 392 0.0 0.0

Tumkur Kempanadodderi 163 154 818 19.9 18.8

, Tumkur Hanchihalli 0 53 401 0.0 13.2EH- Sira Chengavara 273 356 2508 10.9 14.2

Sira Kamagondanahalli 10 366 2244 0.4 16.3

Sira Nadur 112 1048 5739 2.0 18.3

Sira Kavanadala 171 392 1405 12.2 27.9



Sira Bevinanalli 61 288 3485 1.8 8.3

Madhugiri Sidadaragal 70 381 1481 4.7 25.7

Madhugiri Sheebanayanapalya 36 7 303 11.9 2.3

Korategere Chikkannanahalli 29 61 449 6.5 13.6

Korategere Negatala 180 173 1238 14.5 14.0

Sub Total 1105 3455 21010 5.3 16.4

Mulbagal Kenchanahalli 0 5 110 0.0 4.5

Mulbagal pJ. Vommasandra 0 47 145 0.0 32.4

Chintamani Munthakadirenahalli 0 241 441 0.0 54.6

Chintamani Upparalahalli 183 63 406 45.1 15.5

Chintamani Bondakota 0 99 392 0.0 25.3

o Siddiaghatta Gejjiganahalli 114 229 525 21.7 43.6

Siddiaghatta Kadrinayakananahalli 90 60 719 12.5 8.3

Siddiaghatta Pindipanahalli 34 118 678 5.0 17.4

Siddiaghatta Hujaguru 0 102 423 0.0 24.1

Siddiaghatta Goramadugu 0 570 913 0.0 62.4

Siddiaghatta A. Hunasenahalli 379 63 574 66.0 11.0

Sub Total 800 1597 5326 15.0 30.0

Dharwad Baad 0 55 1523 0.0 3.6

Dharwad Mugad 67 759 4185 1.6 18.1

Dharwad Ambikoppa 0 79 727 0.0 10.9

Hubli Tanhal 0 93 1841 0.0 5.1

o Hubli Anchatagen 89 613 2871 3.1 21.4

! Hubli Devaragudihal 0 91 980 0.0 9.3

n Kalaghatagi Sangameshwara 0 106 1708 0.0 6.2

Kalaghatagi Hullambi 0 44 1293 0.0 3.4

Kalaghatagi Hulkoppa 12 46 1645 0.7 2.8

Kundagol |Devanur 0 56 2466 0.0 2.3

Kundagol IBilebal 0 146 1052 0.0 13.9

Navalagunda Bhadrapura 111 184 2756 4.0 6.7

Sub Total 279 2272 23047 1.2 9.9

Savanur Baradur 0 72 871 0.0 8.3

Savanur Kubaramallur 320 53 1173 27.3 4.5

Savanur Manangi (old) 0 126 1188 0.0 10.6

Savanur Hosaneerallag 0 50 1212 0.0 4.1

Shiggav Jakanakatti thanda 40 780 1384 2.9 56.4

> Shiggav Gangibhavi 134 127 1337 10.0 9.5I Byadagi Mutaebennur 913 714 7208 12.7 9.9

Byadagi Beedarakatti (Sidenur) 108 871 4602 2.3 18.9

Ranibennur Airani 49 449 3053 1.6 14.7

Ranibennur Magod 220 238 1887 11.7 12.6

Hirekerur Kanavisidageri 45 113 1238 3.6 9.1

Hirekerur Makari 189 217 2473 7.6 8.8

Sub Total 2018 3810 27626 7.3 13.8

Challakere Channamma Nagathi Halli 150 401 1418 10.6 28.3

m Challakere Devareddihalli 132 322 1336 9.9 24.1

Challakere Purlehalli 90 167 843 10.7 19.8

.F Chitradurga lBeeravara 161 259 727 22.1 35.6

Chitradurga bowrammanahalli 0 31 968 0.0 3.2

Chitradurga IChikkabennur 245 310 1466 16.7 21.1



Chitradurga B R Halli 0 44 174 0.0 25.3

Chitradurga Chikka Jagalur 178 0 186 95.7 0.0

Molakalmur B G Kere 867 1097 3454 25.1 31.8

Molakalmur Marammanahalli 925 123 1053 87.8 11.7

Molakalmur Mogalahalli 86 281 1176 7.3 23.9

Molakalmur Ramasagara 560 97 730 76.7 13.3

Molakalmur Chikkanhalli 51 225 574 8.9 39.2

Sub Total 3445 3357 14105 24.4 23.8

Project Villages Total 7647 14491 91114 8.4 15.9

Source: Census of India, 1991. The Project Scope and Design

2.5 CONCLUSION

As indicated in section 2.3 that the share of three tribal groups Nayakas, Kadu Kurubasand Jenu Kurubas is almost 95% in the project districts. The STs in the project villagestoo belong to these three groups. None of these three tribes exhibit any significantdistinguishable characteristics, which set them apart from the mainstream civil society.The 3 tribes speak Kanada, the majority community language, and the Nayaks (about96% of the total STs) speak no other dialect. Religious, ritualistic, custom, festivals,shared burial grounds, shared water sources do not distinguish the ST population fromthe rest.

The aspect of self-identification was also specifically explored. Since the legislationrecognizes these groups as tribals, and since the poverty alleviation programs arespecifically targeted to these groups for their upliftment they are able to use theopportunties provided under welfare schemes of the central/state governments. Otherthan this as discussed earlier they do not show any distinct socio- cultural identity fromthe non tribal population specifically the SCs.

It is well known and established that SCs in nearly all the Indian states havecharacteristics like a high percentage of poverty, limited access to resources, low levelsof literacy, limited access to education and health facilities, high unemployment rates andare therefore recognized as vulnerable people. Hence, in India Scheduled Castes areconsidered vulnerable as scheduled Tribes for the above mentioned characteristics.Moreover the findings from the sample villages indicates that the percentage of SCpopulaton is more than the STs. Therefore, it is important that equal if not higherattention is given to SCs while planning for poverty reduction, improving access toresources, increasing literacy, increasing access to education and health facilities andproviding opporlunities for employment.



3 TRIBALS IN LEGAL AND WELFARE CONTEXT

3.1 INTRODUCTION

The objectives of this Chapter is to appreciate the laws applicable to STs in Karnataka inprotecting their rights and to understand the schemes adopted by various State level lineagencies for the welfare of the ST community. Though there exits several laws thatprotect the ST rights, the chapter presents those which have direct relevance to projectcomponents of watershed development at the village level such as Forest Act, 1963, JointForest Planning and Management Program (JFPM) in Karnataka, 1993 Prohibition ofTransfer of Certain Lands Act, 1978 and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989.

3.2 STATE LAWS AND ST RIGHTS

3.2.1 The Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prohibitionof Transfer of Certain Lands) Act, 1978.

Land is the principal source of livelihood for tribals. The development of tribals, therefore,is linked with the development of their lands. Many non-tribal immigrants havefraudulently alienated large areas of tribals, who are ignorant and helpless. Personsbelonging to the affluent and powerful sections, to obtain sales or mortgages either for anominal consideration or for no consideration at all, have exploited scheduled Tribesgrantees and they have become the victims of circumstances. Therefore, alienation ofland has been a serious problem faced by the tribals in Karnataka. To fulfil the purposesof the grant, the land even if it has been alienated, should be restored to the originalgrantee or his heirs.

The state is fully aware of this problem and has taken a number of measures to checkland alienation. In 1978, the Karnataka Scheduled Cast and Scheduled Tribes(Prohibition of Transfer of Certain Lands) Act was passed by the Legislative Assembly toprohibit transfer of lands by members of ST to non-tribals and for restoration of landalienated by such members. The Act has been amended in 1984, 1985 and 1992 to giveenough teeth to the enforcement authorities. The 1984 amendment provided for disposalof the appeals from the aggrieved persons. It was further amended in 1992 to remove thelegal bottlenecks and strengthen the enforcement of the Act. It also laid down the mannerof presenting and disposal of appeals. The Act provides for an invalidation of all land-transferred transactions from STs to Non-STs. The Act is expected to address fully,issues related to land alienation of tribal lands.

The issue related to land alienation was a non-issue in the project area. The discussionsbased on the primary data in the subsequent chapter reveals that tribals have legalholding over the agriculture land.

3.2.2 The Karnataka Forest Act 1963

The Karnataka Forest Act 1963 is modelled on the lines of Indian Forest Act of 1927.Additionally, protection of wild life is through the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 formulatedby the Centre and adopted by the State. Relevant provisions of the Cattle Trespass Act of1871 in combination with the sections of State Forest Act govern cattle grazing in forests.However, cattle grazing are permitted in natural forests and the same has resulted in thedestruction of regeneration in the forests alarmingly. The regular areas of high incidence



of cattle grazing have caused run-off of rainwater and compaction of soil. Development offodder and stall-feeding are receiving the attention of the Forest Department. Theencouragement of throwing open the whole of the natural forests to grazing has resultedin a proliferation of non-productive cattle in forest rich districts, compared to the driertracts.

3.2.3 Joint Forest Management (JFM)

Following the National Forest Policy 19887, the Government of India, Ministry ofEnvironment and Forests passed a national resolution in June 1990 providing morespecific guidelines regarding the formation, functioning, rights and responsibilities ofcommunity forest management groups. It specifies sharing arrangements on which villageforest committees that "successfully protect the forests, may be given a portion of theproceeds from the sale of trees when they mature, as well as non timber forest productsfor subsistence. Since 1990 there have been sixteen states have already adopted thisconcept of Joint Forest Management. In JFM approach, there are state wise variations inoperational details and the share of control and forest produce between the ForestDepartment and rural communities.

JFM in Karnataka

People's participation is of paramount importance in the success of any forestry program.In this concept the government of Karnataka issued an order on 12.4.93 to launch a JointForest Planning and Management Program (JFPM) in the state. For easier identificationand management purposes of JFM, forests are divided into five zones:

* Zone 1 - intact and in excellent condition, these forests are to be preserved forscientific enquiry. No human interference permitted;

* Zone 2 & 3 - forests to be kept for timber extraction under the control of the ForestDepartment;

* Zone 4 - forests with a canopy cover of less than 0.25 which are to be given to ruralcommunities for JFM; and

* Zone 5 - forests under the Revenue Department and private ownership.

The government order states that the Village Forest Committees (VFCs) should beestablished and these should help the government in protection, regeneration anddevelopment of dearaded forest land with a canopy cover of 0.25 and less. Therespective Deputy Conservator of Forest will register the VCFCs under the KarnatakaSocieties Act. Ex-officio members will comprise panchayat members elected in that area,officers of government departments, the forest guard and forester and a representative ofan NGO appointed by the Deputy Conservator.

The ex-officio members of the panchayat may vote and contest the election for the post ofchairman. The formal stipulations of the order, furthermore, directs that Scheduled Castsand tribes should have two representatives, two women, one landless and one artisan.The forester will be ex-officio member secretary and be in charge of the cashbook. Thetotal proceeds derived from the sale of Forest produce at the notified (concessional)

7 Ministry of Environment and Forests passes a new National Policy in 1988 due to the success ofexperiments in participatory forest management systems. The policy envisages people's involvement inprotection, conservation and management of forests. The policy also aims to protect and enhance the yieldsof non-timber forest products in order to generate employment and income for forest and village communitiespreferentially, so that these communities are motivated to identify themselves with the development andprotection of forests. The general theme of the policy is that forest should not be looked upon as a source ofrevenue but as a national asset to be protected and enhance for the well being of the people and the nation.



prices as well as in public auction shall be shared between the government, beneficiariesand village forest committees as per the ratios given below:

* 50% to the Government;* 25% to the beneficiaries through VFC's as per rules to be framed for this purpose;

and* 25% to a special fund to be called the village forest development fund. This fund shall

be operated by the VFC's as per the rules to be framed by the government in thisregard.

Traditional rights of the STs towards minor forest products have been specificallyrecognised, and the STs have access to the Joint Forest Planning and Managementarrangements for forestry usufructs even in denser forests (comparably higher accessthan the non-ST groups).

Tree Patta Scheme

As an innovative scheme to consolidate the gains of the Joint Forest and Managementprocess the Tree Patta scheme was launched. The salient features of the scheme are togrant 'Tree Pattas' to the adjoining landholders both in urban and rural areas. If adjoininglandowners are not available or not willing, then the tree pattas will be issued to otherwilling beneficiaries of VFC. Beneficiaries are entitled for 100% unsufructs free of cost,provided they protect the trees. Nominal rent of Re.1/tree/year is charged from the treepatta holder/village Forest Committee. The final harvest shall be shared in the ratio of75:25 between the beneficiaries and the Government.

3.2.4 Non-Wood Forest Product (NWFP)

Tribals living in and around the forests traditionally depend up on hunting and NWFPcollection for the livelihood. Consequent to the nationalization of forests in 1974, huntingwas banned and NWFP collection entrusted to private contractors who employed mostlynon-tribals. This was changed after a few years and collection rights were assigned toGir#jan groups. Tribal cooperative societies were formed to take up NWFP collections.This arrangement has helped the tribals to secure attractive sale value for their products.

3.2.5 Karnataka Land Grant Rule

The Mysore Land Improvement Act, 1961

This is an act to provide for the preparation and execution of schemes relating to theconstruction of embankments and other works, the prohibition and control of grazing forthe purposes of preservation of soil, prevention of soil erosion, conservation of waterresources, reclamation of tidal lands and other matters in order thereby to protect andimprove lands including khar lands and crops in the State of Mysore (now, Karnataka)and for charging certain expenditure on the Consolidated Fund of the state.

This act provides constitution of boards for preparation of Land Improvement Schemes.The Board may direct the preparation of the land improvement scheme for any areawithin its jurisdiction. A scheme may make provision for any of the following matters,namely:i. Preservation and improvement of soilii. Prevention of soil erosioniii. Conservation of water resourcesiv. Introduction of dry farming methods



v. Improvement in the methods of cultivationvi. Reclamation of waste, saline or waterlogged land or of land from the seavii. Prohibition or control of grazing, or reservation of land for pastureviii. Planting, maintenance and control of tree growthix. Construction of each and masonry works in fields, gullies and ravinesx. Development of khar lands byxi. Such other matters not inconsistent with the object of this Act as may be

prescribed.This act facilitates the development and improvement of Watershed DevelopmentPrograms.

3.3 WELFARE SCHEMES FOR TRIBALS IN KARNATAKA

For the effective implementation of the schemes for the STs, separate Directorate wasset up in the year 1999. It is responsible to implement ST sub plans effectively at districtlevel. As per ST sub plan, all the development departments of the state government hasto reserve the 3 per cent of the annual budget for schemes exclusively for the bettermentof STs. Following are the schemes/facilities for STs under different departnent:

Department Welfare SchemesEducation * 70 nursery and women welfare center were established to promote early education for ST

children's. At present about 3288 children's benefited from the scheme. In these centers,midday meals are being given along with a stipend of Rs. 50 per children is also giventowards cloth, soap etc,.

* 91 Ashrama schools (Residential schools) for education from 15' to 4th standard. Thereare about 5725 children in these schools and are getting a stipend of Rs. 250 per monthtowards meals and others.

* 61 pre SSLC student hostel are opened and about 2835 students are getting admissionevery year. Each ST student is getting stipend of Rs. 350 per month with free hostelfacility

* 16 aided STs hostels are there in the state with about 888 students. Here also a stipendof Rs. 350 per month is being given to each student with free hostel facilities.

* Student fellowship ranging from Rs. 75 to 425 is also been provided for all the ST childrenof the poor families ( with less than Rs. 50920 annual income) in the state.

* Higher education fellowship ranging from Rs. 2400 for job orented courses to Rs. 7500for engineering and medical studies.

Agriculture Free distribution of agriculture implements worth Rs. 2800, sprayers worth Rs. 2000,storage box, etc.,

* Subsidy to the tune of 75 percent (max. Rs. 50,000) for the purchase of power tiller,improved irrigation techniques like drip, sprinkler etc-.

Horticulture Development of 'A acre coconut garden, 1 acre fruit garden and 'A acre commercialgarden for the each of the ST beneficiaries.

* A stipend Rs. 350 per acre for the first year and Rs. 650 in the second year towards themaintenance cost of the newly planted trees.

Fishery * Free training on inland fisheries along with distribution of equipments worth Rs. 3000.* Special incentives for taking up fish culture in village tanks, ponds and for women

entrepreneur's.Animal Husbandry * 75 per cent subsidy and remaining 25 per cent loan assistance to take up livestock

activity.Forestry * To maintain block plantation, Rs. 2500 for half an hectare is being given as maintenance

cost. Free distribution of bamboos, canes for the handicraft ST beneficiaries.* Supply of wood worth Rs. 10,000 for construction of houses. Distribution of 5 honey box

at the rate of Rs. 350 to encourage apiculture.Rural & Small * Job oriented training for the ST youths and distribution of equipments worth Rs. 2500 toScale Industries take up activities.

* Under 'Vishwa' scheme, financial assistance for unemployed youths to take up self-employment activities.

* To encourage household industres, subsidy (max. Rs. 25,000) for construction of 'Livingcum Workshed'.

Sericulture * Subsidy of Rs. 2000 to take up mulberry cultivation. 60 per cent subsidy (max. Rs.25,000) for construction of reeling units.

Karnataka Power * Rs. 40,000 to electrify the ST colonies. Power connection to the pump sets of STs..Transmission * Household electrification under'Bhagya Jyothi' scheme.Corporation LimitedWomen and * Student scholarship for girl students of STs in rural areas. Stipend for widows underChildren 'Navajeevana' scheme.Development * Subsidy for rehabilitation of the child labours.



Department * Special incentives for girls under 'Jagruthi' scheme.Housing * Distribution of housing plots under 'Ashraya' scheme. Construction of houses under

'Ambedkar housing' scheme.* Replacement of thatch roof by tiles under 'Neralina Bhagya' scheme. Group housing

scheme for STs.Rural Development For economic upliftment of the STs the following projects are being implemented.and Panchayat Raj 1) Swarna Jayanthi Shahari Rojgar Yojana (SJSRY),

2) Indira Awas Yojana, and3) Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS),

Health * Separate Primary Health Centre (PHCs) in the area having more STs.* Mobile health units for health check up of STs.

Health check-up of STs twice in a year under 'Yellow Card' scheme.Employment and * One month training on motor vehicles driving for unemployed ST youths at free of costTraining * Stipend of Rs. 500 to avail training on stitching, Electronics and computer. The training

fee for these courses will be borne by the government for the selected trainees.* Under 'Navachetana' scheme, job oriented skills are being given to the unemployed

educated ST youth. For the selected candidate Rs. 1000 stipend is being given duringtraining period.

Cooperative Formation and strengthening of Large Area Multipurpose Societies (LAMPS) forprocurement and distribution of minor forest products and other household products.There are 19 LAMP Societies in the state.

* Subsidy for the strengthening of marketing linkage.Other Welfare * Land owning scheme: Distribution of minimum two acre of dry land or one acre ofschemes by the irrigated land to the land less ST families. 50 percent of the cost is subsidy and remainingDirectorate of ST 50 per cent through loan at 6 per cent interest rate.

* Individual irrigation borewell scheme: 100 per cent subsidy for ST families havingminimum 2 acres of land.

* Self-Employment Scheme: Rs. 5000 grant and up to Rs. 25,000 loan to take up self-employment activities.

* Ganga Kalyana Scheme: Group irrigation in the 8 to 15 acre of land of STs.* Pump set: Distribution of free pump sets for the poor ST families.

3.4 CONCLUSVON

The existing legislation affords protection to the tribal groups against voluntary andinvoluntary land alienation. Hence, rights to land for STs are protected under the existinglaw.

The tribal groups have more liberal access to the provisions of the JFPM Act comparedwith their non-tribal counterparts, both in relation to use of forest land and the density offorest cover (better forest land) which is prescribed under JFPM Act (more than 0.25canopy cover).

Welfare schemes for the STs of the society are being implemented through a very strongmechanism.



4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASE LINE OF TRIBALSIN KARNATAKA

4.1 INTRODUCTION

The objective of this Chapter is to understand the socio-economic profile of the tribalsverses non-tribals in the project districts based on the 63 sample villages covered underthe study. This would help in identifying the level vulnerability of the Scheduled Tribepopulaton in comparison to the non-tribal population in the project area and designingappropriate strategy for their development.

4.2 DEMOGRAPHIC STATUS

The project area covers five districts viz., Chitradurga, Dharwad, Haveri, Kolar andTumkur. As per 1991 census, these five districts have about 6.3 lakhs tribals spreadacross 39 taluks covering 7395 villages. In the project area, the tribes account for 7.4

percent of the total populaton, which is much higher than the state average (4.3%). Thehighest concentration is recorder in the Chitradurga district (17 percent) and the lowest by

Dharwad (1.7 percent). The distribution of tribal population in project district is given in

Table 4.1.

Table 4.1: Concentration of Tribal Population in Project DistrictsShare of ST to Total

District Total Population ST Population Population (%)Chitradurga 1312717 222763 16.97Dharwad 1374895 23396 1.7Haveri 1269213 61169 4.8Kolar 2216889 153019 6.9Tumkur 2305819 167632 7.27

Total Project Districts 8479533 627979 7.4

STATE 44977201 1915691 4.3

4.2.1 Population Size

The distribution of ST Population in 63 villages of project districts is presented in Table

4.2). Three project villages of Chitradurga District namely Chikka Jaglur, Marammanhalli

and Ramasagara have dominance of tribal population with more than 75 percent share.A. Hunasenahalli and Upparalahali villages also have very high concentration of Tribal

populaton whereas, 22 project villages do not have any tribals. Three villages shaded in

the table 4.2 have more than 850 tribals, though their share to total village population may

not be very significant.

Table 4.2: Tribal Population in Project VillagesPopulation of Population of Total %of ST to

ST Non ST Population TotalDistrict Taluk Village M F T M F T M I F I T Population

Tumkur Chikkagundagal 0 0 0 271 276 547 271 276 547 0.0

E Tumkur Tiiimalpalya 0 0 0 200 192 392 200 192 392 0.0

Tumkur Kempanadodden 82 81 163 328 327 655 410 408 818 19.9


Karnataka WVatershed Development Project-Tribal Study 22

Population of Population of Total %of ST toST Non ST Population Total

District Taluk Village M F T M F T M F T Population

Tumkur Hanchihalli 0 0 0 204 197 401 204 197 401 0.0

Sira Chengavara 140 133 273 1188 1047 2235 1328 1180 2508 10.9

Sira Kamagondanahalli 4 6 10 1121 1113 2234 1125 1119 2244 0.4

Sra Nadur 58 54 112 2894 2733 5627 2952 2787 5739 2.0

Sira Kavanadala 87 84 171 636 598 1234 723 682 1405 12.2

Sira Bevinanalli 37 24 61 1736 1688 3424 1773 1712 3485 1.8

Madhugiri Siadaragal 35 35 70 730 681 1411 765 716 1481 4.7

Madhugiri Sheebanayanapalya 18 18 36 133 134 267 151 152 303 11.9

Korategere Chikkannanahalli 16 13 29 193 227 420 209 240 449 6.5

Korategere Negatala 97 83 180 539 519 1058 636 602 1238 14.5

Sub Total 574 531 1105 10173 9732 19905 10747 10263 21010 5.3

Mulbagal Kenchanahalli 0 0 0 58 52 110 58 52 110 0.0

Mulbagal J. Vommasandra 0 0 0 71 74 145 71 74 145 0.0

Chintamani Munthakadirenahalli 0 0 0 225 216 441 225 216 441 0.0

Chintamani Upparalahalli 88 95 183 104 119 223 192 214 406 45.1

Chintamani Bondakota 0 0 0 186 206 392 186 206 392 0.0

Siddiaghatta Gejjiganahalli 55 59 114 213 198 411 268 257 525 21.7

Siddiaghatta Kadrinayakananahalli 43 47 90 315 314 629 358 361 719 12.5

Siddiaghatta Pindipanahalli 17 17 34 308 336 644 325 353 678 5.0

Siddiaghatta Hujaguru 0 0 0 212 211 423 212 211 423 0.0

Siddiaghatta Goramadugu 0 0 0 444 469 913 444 469 913 0.0

Siddiaghatta A. Hunasenahalli 198 181 379 101 94 195 299 275 574 66.0

Sub Total 401 399 800 2237 2289 4526 2638 2688 5326 15.0

Dharwad Baad 0 0 0 790 733 1523 790 733 1523 0.0

Dharwad Mugad 34 33 67 2138 1980 4118 2172 2013 4185 1.6

Dharwad mbikoppa 0 0 0 375 352 727 375 352 727 0.0

Hubli Tanhal 0 0 0 957 884 1841 957 884 1841 0.0

Hubli Anchatagen 55 34 89 1459 1323 2782 1514 1357 2871 3.1

Hubli Devaragudihal 0 0 0 470 510 980 470 510 980 0.0

Kalaghatagi Sangameshwara 0 0 0 882 826 1708 882 826 1708 0.0

Kalaghatagi Hullambi 0 0 0 638 655 1293 638 655 1293 0.0

Kalaghatagi Hulkoppa 7 5 12 840 793 1633 847 798 1645 0.7

Kundagol Devanur 0 0 0 1303 1163 2466 1303 1163 2466 0.0

Kundagol Bilebal 0 0 0 554 498 1052 554 498 1052 0.0

Navalagunda Bhadrapura 56 55 111 1381 1264 2645 1437 1319 2756 4.0

Sub Total 152 127 279 11787 10981 22768 11939 11108 23047 1.2

Savanur Baradur 0 0 0 472 399 871 472 399 871 0.0

Savanur Kubaramallur 173 147 320 440 413 853 613 560 1173 27.3

Savanur _Manangi (old) 0 0 0 633 555 1188 633 555 1188 0.0

Savanur Hosaneerallag 0 0 0 663 549 1212 663 549 1212 0.0

Shiggav Jakanakatti thanda 25 15 40 716 628 1344 741 643 1384 2.9

Shiggav Gangibhavi 62 72 134 595 608 1203 657 680 1337 10.0

Byadagi Mutaebennur 4 4 9 3264 3031 6295 3740 3468 7208 12.7

Byadagi Beedarakatti (Sidenur) 60 48 108 2348 2146 4494 2408 2194 4602 2.3

Ranibennur Airani 26 23 49 1569 1435 3004 1595 1458 3053 1.6

Ranibennur Magod 111 109 220 851 816 1667 962 925 1887 11.7

,Hirekerur Kanavisidageri 26 19 45 631 562 1193 657 581 1238 3.6

Hirekerur Makari 103 86 189 1147 1137 2284 1250 1223 2473 7.6

Sub Total 1062 956 2018 13329 12279 25608 14391 13235 27626 7.3


Karnataka Watershed Development Project- Tribal Studv 23

Population of Population of Total %of ST toST Non ST P pulation Total

District Taluk Village M F T M F T M F T PopulationChannamma Nagathi

Challakere Halli 84 66 150 629 639 1268 713 705 1418 10.6

Challakere Devareddihalli 65 67 132 614 590 1204 679 657 1336 9.9

Challakere Purlehalli 37 53 90 392 361 753 429 414 843 10.7

Chitradurga Becravara 82 79 161 274 292 566 356 371 727 22.1

Chitradurga Gowrammanahalli 0 0 0 515 453 968 515 453 968 0.0

Chitradurga Chikkabennur 127 118 245 615 606 1221 742 724 1466 16.7

. Chitradurga B R Halli 0 0 0 81 93 174 81 93 174 0.0

C hitradurga Chikka Jagalur 88 90 178 3 5 8 91 95 186 95.7

Molakalmur B G Kere 460 407 867 1329 1258 2587 1789 1665 3454 25.1

Molakalmur Marammanahalli 488 437 925 59 69 128 547 506 1053 87.8

Molakalmur Mogalahalli 50 36 86 554 536 1090 604 572 1176 7.3

Molakalmur Ramasagara 289 271 560 79 91 170 368 362 730 76.7

Molakalmur Chikkanhalli 31 20 51 268 255 523 299 275 574 8.9

Sub Total 1801 1644 3446 5412 5248 10660 7213 6892 14105 24.4

Project Villages Total 3990 3657 7647 42938 40529 83467 46928 44186 91114 8.4

Source: Census of India, 1991

4.2.2 Gender Ratio

Gender ratio in tribal population among project villages ranged betvween 1500 females perthousand males to 600 females per thousand males, whereas among Non STs genderratio ranged between 1667 to 845. Thus, it needs to be mentioned that Gender ratiounbalance is same for both ST and Non ST Population in project villages. There is a highdegree of disparity in gender ratio for STs at village level however, number of females perthousand males is lower in the project area at district level.

Table 4.3: Gender Ratio in Project Villages (Females per thousand males)Total

Districts Taluk Village ST Non ST Population

Tumkur Chikkagundagal 1018 1018

Turnkur Tirimalpalya - 960 960

Tumkur Kempanadodderi 988 997 995

Tumkur Hanchihalli 966 966

Sira Chengavara 950 881 889

Sira Kamagondanahalli 1500 993 995

E Sira Nadur 931 944 944

Sira Kavanadala 966 940 943

Sira Bevinanalli 649 972 966

Madhugiri Sidadaragal 1000 933 936Madhugiri Sheebanayanapalya 1000 1008 1007

Korategere Chikkannanahalli 813 1176 1148

Korategere Negatala 856 963 947

Sub Total 925 957 955

Mulbagal Kenchanahalli - 897 897

Mulbagal J. Vommasandra 1042 1042

o Chintamani Munthakadirenahalli - 960 960

Chintamani Upparalahalli 1080 1144 1115Chintamani Bondakota 1108 1108



TotalDistricts Taluk Village ST Non ST Population

Siddiaghatta Gejjiganahalli 1073 930 959

Siddiaghatta Kadrinayakananahalli 1093 997 1008

Siddiaghatta Pindipanahalli 1000 1091 1086

Siddiaghatta Hujaguru 995 995

Siddiaghatta Goramadugu - 1056 1056

Siddiaghatta A Hunasenahalli 914 931 920

Sub Total 995 1023 1019

Dharwad Baad 928 928

Dharwad Mugad 971 926 927

Dharwad Ambikoppa 939 939Hubli Tanhal 924 924

V Hubli Anchatagen 618 907 896

Hubli Devaragudihal - 1085 1085

Kalaqhataai Sangameshwara 937 937

Kalaghatagi Hullambi 1027 1027

Kalaghatagi Hulkoppa 714 944 942

Kundagol Devanur _ _893 893

Kundagol Bilebal 899 899

_Navalagunda Bhadrapura 982 915 918

Sub Total _ 836 932 930

Savanur Baradur 845 845

Savanur Kubaramallur 850 939 914

Savanur Manangi (old) - 877 877

Savanur Hosaneeralla - 828 828

Shiggav Jakanakatti thanda 600 877 868

Shiggav Gangibhavi 1161 1022 1035

I Byadagi Mutaebennur 918 929 927

Byadagi Beedarakatti (Sidenur) 800 914 911

Ranibennur Airani 885 915 914

Ranibennur Magod 982 959 962

Hirekerur Kanavisidageri 731 891 884

Hirekerur Makari 835 991 978

Sub Total 900 921 920Channamma Nagathi

Challakere Halli 786 1016 989

Challakere Devareddihalli 1031 961 968

Challakere Purlehalli 1432 921 965

Chitradurga Beeravara 963 1066 1042

Ca Chitradurga Gowrammanahalli - 880 88021 Chitradurga Chikkabennur 929 985 976

T _Chitradurga B R Halli - 1148 1148

Chitradurga Chikka Jagalur 1023 1667 1044

Molakalmur B G Kere 885 947 931

Molakalmur Marammanahalli 895 1169 925

Molakalmur Mogalahalli 720 968 947

Molakalmur Ramasagara 938 1152 984

Molakalmur Chikkanhalli 645 951 920

Sub Total 913 970 955

Project Villages Total 917 944 942




4.2.3 Literacy Level

Literacy Level is found much lower among tribal population in project villages. Thevariation among project districts varies between 26 to 36 percent for ST population asagainst Non ST population, which range between 52 to 63 percent. Among all, Tumkurdistrict recorded the highest literacy rate among Non ST populaton and Haver among STpopulation. Kolar recorded lowest literacy rate for both ST and Non ST populabon (Table4.4).

With regard to literacy, female literacy is very low due to poorer accessibility and loweraffordability to education. Field observations indicate that some of the tribal groups haveto walk long distances to avail educational facilities. However, it is generally noticed thatthe tribals have considerable awareness about the importance of education and hencethe number of literates is slowly on increase.

Table 4.4: L iteracy Level in Pro ect Villages (In Plrcent)Districts Total Population ST Population Non ST Population

Chitradurga 52.30 26.58 57.56Dharawad 62.70 33.13 63.21

Haveri 56.10 36.58 57.09

Kolar 50.50 24.70 52.41Tumkur 64.50 35.75 66.75

Total Project Districts 55.20 31.35 59.49Source: Census of India, 1991

4.3 ECONOMIC STATUS

4.3.1 Occupational Structure

About 5 per cent of the tribals are classified as marginal workers and 49 per cent arecategorized as non-workers i.e., who are not involved in any economic activities in theproject area as shown in table 4.5. Working population is higher among ST populationthan the Non-ST population. Tumkur has higher share of marginal workers, which iscommon to both seztion of population.

Table 4.5 : Workforce Participation Ratio in Project Districts

Total Population (%) ST Population %) Non ST populati n(%)Main Marginal Non Main Marginal Non Main Marginal Non

Districts Workers Workers Workers Workers Workers Workers Workers Workers Workers

Chitradurga 39 4 57 49 5 46 37 4 59Dharawad 38 4 58 49 4 47 36 4 56Haveri Included in Dharwad 43 5 52 Included in DharwadKolar 40 4 57 47 4 49 39 4 58

Tumkur 4 40 8 52 43 8 49 40 8 52Total ProjectDistricts {_39 5 56 46 5 49 38 6 56


Agriculture is the major source of income to majority of the tribal families (see table 4.6).Most of them are marginal farmers and are partly engaged in agriculture. Theysupplement their incomes by working as labourers in others' farms. Nearly 70 per cent ofthe households earn their livelihood through labour. The other sources of income includedairy farming, government service and silkworm rearing. It is evident that majority of the



households are dependent on more than one occupation since the opportunities for fullemployment are not available in a single activity.

It was found during the PRA and FGDs that tribals work as labourers in the locality.When employment opportunities are not locally available, they are forced to migrate todistant places in search of work. Nearly one third of the households often migrate toplaces like Chikmagalur, Kodagu and Mangalore and work as casual labourers.

In Chitradurga district, business was carried out more by Non STs whereas working aslabour was found to be more prevalent among STs. In Dharwad, agriculture and labourwork was less adopted by STs in comparison to Non STs and shift was found towardsservice and Artisanship. There was no marked difference found between tribals and non-tribal population.

Among the STs 8% have employment in the government /public bodies, whereas lessthan 5% of the non-ST population has such (compare with the fact that STs constitute 8%of the total population). In certain districts, 8-12% of the STs has such employment,whereas only 6-7% is the ceiling for non-ST population.

Business and basket making are the other two non-farm activity in the project villages.However, there is no marked difference among the tribal and non-tribal population.Women's share in the workforce is similar for the ST and not-STs. Note that thegovernment job is the only activity among the villagers, which require certain educationand other skills. Amonig the skillful, there is a better opportunity available for the STs.

Table 4.6:Occupational Profile in Project Districts (HHs In Percent)

Tribal Population Non S Population

Occupation Chitradurga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur Chitradurga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur

Agriculture 88 55 46 91 85 78 78 54 52 67

Labour 70 57 67 93 41 46 45 54 62 38

Silk Worm Rearing 6 0 3 23 4 4 2 1 14 1

Dairy o 15 21 23 11 1 22 21 19 5

Poultry o 15 10 4 0 2 8 9 17 1

Business 2 12 15 0 7 12 13 10 5 6

Sheepary 4 0 18 13 0 4 1 4 11 9

Floriculture 0 2 0 0 4 2 9 1 1 5

Basket Making 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0

Service (Govt.) 2 12 8 0 15 7 6 8 3 6

Artisan o 15 3 0 0 6 12 6 2 5

Source: PRA & FGD, 2001

4.3.2 Assets

Possession of assets determines the economic status of the households. In the projectarea of the five districts covering 60 villages, Television and Pumpsets are two significantassets owned by tribal households (Table 4.6). In the possession of assets, Chitradurgatopped the list in respect of pump sets, Dharawad for TVs, Haveri for tractors and Kolarhas comparatively more two wheelers. Pattern of pumpset ownership is similar amongboth groups showing need of irrigation in the area. Television ownership pattern is alsoquite similar which shows that even tribal population are adopting new technologies be itworks or leisure.



Table 4.6: Asset Ownership Pattern in Project District (HHs In Percent)Tribal Population Non S Population

Assets Chitradurga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur Chitradurga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur

Tractors 0 2 3 0 0 2 7 8 2 3Pumpset 14 0 6 9 5 14 7 29 14 9Thresher 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0Telephone 0 2 0 0 0 5 11 4 5 1TV 10 17 5 16 11 22 30 13 28 16Car 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 4 0 1Scooter/MotorCycle 0 5 0 11 4 6 9 3 12 7Source: PRA & FGD, 2001

4.3.3 Land Ownership

Nearly 77 per cent of the households possess cultivable land in the project area. DuringPRA, it was observed that of these, very few households own more than 4 acres of landand the remaining households have lands ranging between half an acre to four acres.

Possessing own land is higher among STs in almost all the districts (see table 4.7).Cultivation in Tenancy land is high in Haveri and Dharwad districts for both STs and NonSTs. 14% ST households in Chitradurga district do not own land whereas 25% of thetotal population do not own land. STs constitute 24% of the total population. Therefore,among the non-STs, 28% do not have land. Landlessness among the non-STs is twice asmuch as that of the STs. In other districts, landlessness among the STs and non-STsdoes not vary significantly. (Dharawad: ST- 42% and non-ST-21% with ST populationbeing 1.2% of the total populaton; Haveri: ST-33% and non-ST-24%; Kolar: ST-20%,non-ST-21%; Tumkur: ST-26% and non-ST-27%). About tenancy, the pattern does notvary between the ST and non-ST groups in any meaningful manner.

All this shows that Tribal households follow similar pattern of Non Tribals rather arestronger in relation to land ownership owing to stringent laws of tribal land transfer.

Table 4.7: Land Ownership Pattern in Project District (HHs In Percent)Tribal Population Non ST Population

Land Ownership Chitradurga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur Chitradurga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur

Noland 14 42 33 20 26 27 21 25 21 27Own land 8b 58 67 80 74 69 58 62 71 60Cultivating onTenancy Land 2 3 13 12 8 3 11 12 7 2Irrigated Land 35 8 10 14 18 25 14 15 19 28Source: PRA & FGD, 2001

In project villages of all 5 districts, more STs own land than the total population, andconsequently much more than the non-ST population. The reason can be attributed toprotective land laws in Karnataka for STs. In all 5 districts there is dearth of irrigated land,and in 4 districts the STs have lower ownership of irrigated land compared to theaverage. STs are perhaps not the richest segment of the population, apart from inChitradurga (who corner the irrigated land).

Around 17 per cent of the households have irrigation facilities. The main sources ofirrigation are bore well, tank and canal (Table 4.8). Open well irrigation is insignificant inthe area. This is due to dwindling underground water table. The depth of bore wells



shows the deplefon of underground water table in the project districts. Lift irrigation wasreported to be non-prevalent among STs. Irrigation facility is not so favourable for tribalsin Dharwad district.

Table 4.8: Sources of Irrigation in Project District (HHs In Percent)Source of Tribal Population Non ST PopulationIrrigation Chitradurga Dharawad Haveri I Kolar ITumkur Chitradurga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur

Source of Irrigation

Canal 8 0 0 0 0 o 2 3 1 4 4Bore Well 16 3 7 11 10 10 10 8 18 15

Tank 10 5 3 3 4 0 10 1 2 12Lift irrigation 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 1

O5pen Well 0 o o o 4 2 0 1 8 5

Depth of the bore (Feet)< 100 40 0 0 1 0 11 2 2 2

100-200 8 2 1 0 4 14 7 2 1 3

200-300 2 1 3 3 2 5 9 4 7 7

>300 2 0 3 8 4 1 2 2 22 8


As regards to agriculture, tribal groups are faced with a number of problems. Theprominent ones are lack of finance (71 %), lack of irrigation and non-remunerative pricefor produce (both 66 %), variation in yield (65 %), lack of extension services (63 %), non-availability of improved seeds and lack of market facilities (both 60 %), unreliable andshortage of power (59 %), loss of soil fertility (58 %), high production costs (42 %) anduneconomic land holdings (36 %). As a result of these problems, agricultural incomes arelow.

Problems reported by ST are much higher in Tumkur district in comparison to Non STswhereas it is just the opposite in Dharwad. In other districts problems faced in agricultureare of similar level for both the groups. In Haveri, problems faced in agriculture are muchless in comparison to Tumkur district (Table 4.9).

Table 4.9: Problems faced in Agriculture in Project District (HHs In Percent)Agriculture Related Tribal Population Non ST Population

Problems Chitra- Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur Chitra- Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkurdurga durga

Non availability of 1 67 42 44 68 81 71 55 42 44 68improved seeds I

Lack irrigation | 53 55 39 100 85 46 62 45 61 63Financial problem 73 55 49 93 85 67 56 55 60 72Non availability of 67 40 26 73 85 65 53 25 40 63improved machinery |Lack of market facilities 71 42 28 79 78 65 55 26 50 66Lack of information 73 40 56 64 81 64 56 51 47 64agricultureLow price for produce 74 52 36 82 85 67 63 50 44 69Fluctuation in yield 69 47 51 79 81 65 60 52 46 64Electricity problem 53 30 44 91 79 44 47 41 49 57Low/piece land holding - 55 20 26 27 52 48 37 21 16 53Depletion in soil fertility 65 30 44 71 81 62 47 42 47 60High production cost 37 27 23 54 67 45 40 31 32 53




4.3.4 Livestock Resources

An analysis of the cattle heads owned by tribal-respondents indicates that most of themare proud of their possession for social as well as economic reasons. From socialviewpoint, the size of cattle stock enhances their standing in the society by conferringhonour and respect. In economic respect, cattle stock is a remunerative source andrewarding vocation. In the project districts, most of the households own livestock.Livestock ownership pattern of Non STs are similar to STs showing that cattle rearing isnow equally significant for Non STs (Table 4. 10).

Cow is the most preferred animal as is evident from the fact that 38 percent of thehouseholds own it. Most of the cows are local breed and milching. Dairying is ansignificant occupation in Kolar, Haveri and Dharwad district. The next preferred isbullocks, which are used for cultivaton, Chitradurga district has highest bullock ownershipwhere agriculture is the only dominant occupation. In Tumkur district Milch cattles andBullock ownership is higher among STs whereas Goats and Sheep ownership is higheramong non STs.

Chickens are favourite domestic bird to as many as 17 percent of the households. Sheeprearing is taken up by 15 per cent while goat rearing is pursued by 13 per cent of thehouseholds. A community called Nayaks mostly rears these sheep and goats. Buffaloesare owned by 14 per cent of the tribal households. Piggery is very rarely practiced. Theownership pattern of livestock is very much related to the occupational profile in theproject area.

Table 4.10: Livestock status in Project District (HHs In Percent)Tribal Population Non ST Population

Chitra- Chitra-Livestock a Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur durga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur

Buffaloes 20 10 13 14 11 24 22 23 19 19

Cows 37 20 36 66 33 30 39 32 45 10

Bullocks 71 28 41 25 15 40 47 42 14 6

Goats 18 15 23 11 0 6 9 8 18 24

Sheep 12 0 18 32 15 5 2 8 23 24

Pigs 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1

Chicken 2 20 26 37 0 5 12 21 28 5


Table 4.11 :Sources of Fodder in Project District (HHs In Percent)Tribal Population Non ST Population

Fodder durga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur durga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur

Own Field 76 33 51 48 41 58 71 69 91 51

Community Land 2 13 0 27 4 2 15 3 10 5Forests 0 30 10 9 4 2 32 5 13 7Market 12 8 8 9 4 11 14 15 13 17Source: PRA & FGD, 2001

The principal sources of fodder are own fields, neighbours' fields, community land, forestsand market (Table 4.11). Nearly 50 per cent of the households obtain fodder from theirown fields. In addition to crop residues, grazing on bunds and cultivation of fodder cropsare done. Dependence on forests for fodder is found among 11 per cent and oncommunity lands among 9 per cent of the households. During lean seasons and whenfodder is inadequate, they are forced to depend on the market. Nearly 8 per cent of thehouseholds procure fodder from the nearby market.



Trend of procurement of fodder from market is higher among Non-STs. Whereas, theavailability of community land is similar for STs and Non STs except for Kolar districtwhere it is rather higher for STs. Thus, it can be said thet access to community resourcesare similar for STs

Table 4.12: Problems faced in Procuring Fodder in Project District (HHs InPercent)

Tribal Population Non ST PopulationChitra- Chitra-

Problems durga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur durga Dharawad Haveri Kolar TumkurNon Availability in NearVicinity 8 23 38 46 11 9 33 30 43 10

Inadequate 10 28 49 48 11 8 31 33 45 17

Expensive/Unaffordable 6 25 44 66 11 10 28 23 28 16

Seasonal 16 18 31 54 0 6 20 16 30 8

No Problem 57 20 15 0 18 40 27 21 14 12Access to VeterinaryServices 29 33 33 71 18 19 54 32 47 28Source: PRA & FGD, 2001

Procurement of fodder is beset with a number of difficulties. Problem in procurement offodder is more recognised in the districts with higher livestock ownership ie Kolar, Haveriand Dharwad. For 30 per cent of the households, purchase of fodder is expensive andprohibitve. The problem of inadequacy is faced by 29 per cent and the difficulty of non-availability is encountered by 25 per cent of the households. For 24 per cent of thehouseholds the scarcity of fodder is only a seasonal problem. The fodder is not a problemfor 22 per cent.

Regarding veterinary services, 37 percent of the tribal households have an access (table4.12). Accessibility to [he veterinary services is highest in Kolar district (71 %). For rest ofthe districts accessibility is less than 33 percent. This points to the reason why animalhusbandry has not picked in these project districts. Further, it also indicates the cause oflow productivity of livestock.

In Kolar while STs are much better off than non STs, in Dharwad access to vetenaryservices is recorded lower for STs.

4.4 SOCIAL STATUS

4.4.1 Habitation

The field survey reveals that none of the Tribal Groups in the Project Districts are living inexclusive clusters as in the past. A major proportion of tribals have a nuclear familystructure. The joint family system is found in some villages for the reason of inability toown independent dwelling. Most families are patriarchal in nature. There are, however,families headed by women but males mostly direct decision-making. The family sizeranges between 6 and 9.

4.4.2 Housing Type

Housing conditions exhibit the quality of life. In the project districts under study, housingconditons are found to be relatively better. About 55 per cent of the households surveyedpossess pucca houses while the remaining 45 per cent dwell in kutcha structuresconstructed using locally available resources. In Chitradurga, 84 per cent of the tribal


Karnataka Watershed Developmenl Project-Tribal Study 31

households have the privilege of living in pucca houses, but in Tumkur a mere 26 percent of the houses were pucca (table 4.13). It is interesting to note that about 95 per centof the houses were owned which may be attributed to the implementation of severalhousing programmes in these villages. The scenario is not encouraging in regard tohousehold latrines, as only 8 per cent of the households have afforded householdlatrines.

In case of Non STs 61 percent live in kachha houses in Kolar district and around 56percent in Tumkur district. Hence, it can be said that housing status does not vary for thetribal population and is a factor of economic and locational conditions.

Table 4.13 :Housing Status in Project District (In Percent)Tribal Population Non ST Population

Chitra- Chitra- KolalHousing durga |Dharawad Haver Kolar | Tumkur durga |Dharawad| Haveri Kolar Tumkur

Construction Type

Kachha (mud) 16 42 56 32 74 20 49 47 61 56

Pucca 84 58 44 68 26 77 51 53 34 36

With Laterine 4 3 11 7 18 10 18 23 10 22

Ownership

Own 96 94 93 98 96 95 92 93 95 93

Rented 4 6 7 2 4 5 8 7 5 7


4.4.3 Access to Drinking Water

Drinking water, being a basic need, indicates the quality of life of a community. A majorityof the households are dependent up on hand pumps / mini water supply schemes of thegovernment. On the whole, 82 percent of the tribal households procure drinking waterfrom this source (table 4.14). Among the districts, the maximum dependence on handpumps is 90 percent in Chitradurga and the lowest dependence is in Haveri (82 %). Thedependence on other sources like open well, canal, tank and ponds is negligible. Houseconnections are taken by mere 13 percent of the households in the project districts takentogether. Piped water supply connection is highest in Dharwad for Non STs. Opencommunity well are also considerable source of drinking water in Kolar for non STs and inDharwad for STs.

Table 4.14: Drinking Water Availability in Project District (HHs In Percent)Tribal Population Non ST Population

Source of Drinking Chitra- Chitra-Water durga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur durga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur

House Connection(Piped) 10 5 18 16 15 22 66 38 18 18

HP/MWS 90 80 82 84 74 66 40 69 79 68

Open Well (Community 0 15 0 0 4 1 5 0 18 1

Open Well/Pump set 0 0 0 2 7 1 2 1 3 3

Canal 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Tank/Pond 0 5 0 2 0 0 10 0 4 0Average Distance tosource (mts.) 80 138 110 87 168 52 53 73 78 97


The average distance to source of water is higher for STs. It is women who fetch water.On an average they traverse a distance of about 117 meters. On the quality of water



fetched, 76 percent of the households consider it to be good, 23 percent rate assatisfactory and only one percent express reservation about the quality of water.

It is interesting to note that the tribal households use public stand-posts and hand pumps,which are open to all irrespective of caste or status.

Table 4.14 :Drinking Water Quality inPrject District (HHs In Percent)Tribal Population Non ST Population

Drinking Water Chitra- Chitra-Quality durga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur durga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur

Good 94 40 67 80 96 83 48 65 66 81

Satisfactory 6 60 28 20 0 13 50 31 33 12

Unsatisfactory 0 0 3 0 0 2 2 3 0 2


4.4.4 Access to Health and Sanitation Facilities

The status of health, hygiene and sanitation is poor. Household sanitation is negligibleand personal hygiene is the most neglected aspect. Over 92 percent of the householdsdefecate in open space. Those few who have HHL are not accustomed to use them.There is some awareness on the consequences of unhygienic practices. They do agreethat, most of the diseases they suffer from are the "gifts" of the unhygienic and unsanitaryconditions. But lack of finance, shortage of water and lack of space that are necessary forthe construction of HHL are the deterring factors. The sensitivity level is same for bothTribals and Non tribals.

Because of increased access to reasonably safe water, prevalence of water bornediseases is only marginal. Only 19 percent of the households suffered from water bornediseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, jaundice, typhoid, malaria, filarial, polio and gastro-enteritis. Among the districts, Kolar has more afflictions as compared to other districts.Tumkur and Chitradurga have been safe in this (table 4.15).

Table 4.15: Water Borne Diseases in Project District (In Percent)Diseases [ Chitradurga Dharwad Haveri Kolar Tumkur All Districts

Diarrhoea [ 6 5 10 4 5 6Cholera 1 0 2 1 0 1Jaundice 1 2 0 2 2 1Typhoid 0 8 2 0 0 2Malaria 0 0 0 0 0 0Fileria 0 0 2 0 0 0Polio 2 0 2 2 1 1Gastroenteritis 4 0 3 23 6 7None 86 85 79 68 86 81


4.4.5 Cooking Devise and Fuel Sources

An analysis of cooking devices used and fuels consumed portray the socio cultural statusof the tribal households. It is found that 90 percent of the households surveyed are usingtraditional hearths. This device is more prominently used in all the project districts (table4.16). Kerosene stoves are in vogue among 9 percent of the households. About 7 percentof the households have taken to improved chullas. The use of biogas is almost non-existent except Dharawad and Haveri where it is used by 3 percent and one per centrespectively. Use of LPGs is higher among Non STs.



Table 4.16: Cooking Devices in Project District (In Percent)Tribal Po ulation Non ST Population

Chitra- Chitra-Cooking Devices durga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur durga Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur

Traditional Hearth 94 93 92 100 89 87 96 91 94 77

Kerosene Stove 6 15 5 12 7 17 16 4 64 8

Improved Chulha 6 5 0 11 15 10 2 2 5 17

LPG 2 0 0 0 0 3 3 2 1 2

Bio Gas 0 3 1 0 ° 0 1 9 3 1 1

Electric Stove 0 O 0 0 0 0 0 0 2


In regard to the types of fuel used, firewood appears to be the principal source. Over 96per cent of the households STs as well as non STs use firewood while 41 percent takerecourse to twigs, bushes and crop residues. The use of dung cake is also significantamong STs since 25 percent of the households are dependent up on it as a source ofenergy (table 4.17). Nearly 20 per cent of the households use kerosene and a bare I percent has biogas connection. Pattern of use of kerosene is found to be similar among bothtype of communities.

Table 4.17: Cooking Devices in Project District (In Percent)

_________ Tribal Population Non ST PopulationSource of Fuel Chitra-dur aDharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur Chitra-dur a Dharawad Haveri Kolar Tumkur

Dung Cake 13 58 54 12 23 0 2 7 11 3

Firewood/ Logs 100 98 90 100 92 96 95 86 97 88Twigs/Bushes/CropResidue 23 53 56 23 48 0 72 41 0 30

Kerosene 6 30 15 45 4 17 35 1 6 25 8

Biogas 0 3 0 0 0 2 8 3 0 0

4.5 CONCLUSION

The landholding pattern in the project villages is similar across the ST and the remainingpopulaton. In some districts, the tribal population owning land is higher than the non-tribalpopulation. This means there are other non-tribal vulnerable groups in these villages whohave smaller holding, when compared to the STs.

Tribals have taken advantage of the positive discrimination of the government policiesparticularly for secured government positions. There is otherwise no significant differencein the occupational pattern between the tribals and the other groups.

Productive asset ownership (livestock) pattern has changed and is now inclined towardsbullocks, cows and buffaloes compared with the traditional ownership of sheep, goats,and poultry. This is almost similar to the type and numbers of livestock owned by thenon-tribal groups.

Problems faced in agriculture and procurement of fodder is high in the project area, whichis no different for STs from other communities.

Social amenities like drinking water, health, and Community pastureland are equallyaccessed by the tribal and other groups in the villages.



5. DOES THE PROJECT REQUIRE ANIPDP?

World Bank directives state that special action is required if the project affects the localcommunity composed partly of or entirely of indigenous, tribal, low caste or ethnicminority groups. This is particularly true where their social status restricts their capacity toassert their interests in land and other resources upon which they depend for theirlivelihood.

The argument on whether an IPDP is required has been evaluated on two key aspects inthe following sections:

5.1 CONFORMITY OF THE STATUS OF THE STs TO THAT ESTABLISHEDBY OD 4.20.

The following table highlights that the ground reality (based on Field surveys andConsultations held in 66 villages) does not indicate existence of distinct " social groups"for the ST populabon nor does the non-ST community exhibit symptoms of being the"dominant group" except (in some cases) in terms of statistical incidence. The baselinestatus of the ST populabon does not bring out any special characteristics which could setthem apart from the other vulnerable stakeholders of the project. However, the economiccharacteristics reveals that STs and the non-STs are both economically weak.

S.No Key Characteristics Key Characteristics of IP in KWDPof IP as per OD 4.20

1. The OD 4.20 defines IP None of the major tribes exhibit ant distinct characteristics, whichas "social groups" with set them apart from the mainstream civil society. The ST populationsocial and cultural identity shares all social amenities and facilities with the non-ST people.distinct from the They participate in all village activities and move socially amongst"dominant society" that other communities.makes them vulnerable tobeing disadvantaged inthe development process

2. IP have a close The ST community possessing land is higher than among STs inattachment to ancestral almost all districts. In fact landlessness among SCs is twice asterritories and to natural much as STs.resources in the area

3. Self identification and Traditionally, segregation in use of water, community resourcesidentification by others as especially wells and burial grounds set apart the STs from the non-members of a distinct STs. However, in the project areas, the IP, especially the threecultural group dominant tribal groups, all have shared religious, ritualistic, custom,

festivals, burial grounds, water resources, with the civil (non-ST)population. The apparent 'self identification' by the groups is moreof 'community behavior' exhibited by any other community (non-STtoo) rather than any attempt to preserve their ethnicity or distinctidentity. Field surveys reveal that none of the tribal groups in theproject districts are living in exclusive clusters.

4. An indigenous language The three dominant tribal groups (Nayakas, Jenu, Kudu Karubaa)often different from the do not speak different dialects. They all speak Kannada, which isnational language the official language, and the nayaks (95% of the total STs) speak

no other language.5. Presence of customary The social and political institutions prevalent in the IP is same for

social and political the non-STs.institution



6. Primary subsistence Agriculture is the main stay of majority of the tribal families. Theyoriented production also work as labourers. Other sources of income include dairy

farming, government service (8-12%) and silkworm rearing.

5.2 POSSIBILITY OF THE STs BEING SUBJECTED TO ADVERSEIMPACTS BY THE PROJECT

OD 4.20 goes on to state that an IPDP is required if there is likelihood of the IP beingsubjected to adverse impacts due to the project. The tribals being people close to natureand sustaining on natural produce, commonly forests for their sustenance, land andaccess to natural resources are the key areas, which if impacted by the project will haveadverse impact upon these people. The possibility of these likely adverse impactshappening due to the project is highlighted below. They have also been explained indetail in preceding chapters.

S.No Key Likely impacts on STs Likelihood of Impact happening due to the projectWarranting an IPDP

1. Loss of Land./Involuntary The Karnataka Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Actresettlement was passed in 1978 and amended subsequently to prohibit

transfer of land from STs to non STs and for restoration ofland alienated by such members. Thus, STs having legalholding over their agricultural land.

2. Loss of access to natural Traditional rights of the STs towards minor forest productsresources (forests, wildlife and are specifically recognized in Karnataka and the STs havewater) access to Joint Forest Planning and Management for

forestry usufructs even in denser forests. Tribal co-operatives were formed to take NWFP (Non wood forestproducts) collections. The project does not envisagealteration in this arrangement.

3. Change in legal status of Group The legal status as defined and established in the fifthschedule of the constitution shall not be undermined by anyproposed development in the project. The project does notenvisage an change in the legal status of the STs

Additionally, the Tribal Welfare Directorate for STs has many development schemes foreducation, agriculture, horticulture, fishery, animal husbandry, forestry, rural and smallscale industries, serculture, women and child development, rural development andpanchayat raj, employment and training, co operatives, and other welfare schemes.These schemes which are in various stages of implementation and have started yieldingresults and the following subsections go to state that the STs are in a state of social andeconomic upliftment.

*: None of the Tribal Groups in the Project Districts are living in exdusive clusters asin the past.

*. Religious, ritualistic, custom, festivals, shared burial grounds; shared watersources do not distinguish the ST populabon from the rest.

*: The percentage of SC population is more than the STs therefore; the populationthat belongs to vulnerable groups seems to be higher among the SCs than theSTs.

*: The tribal groups have more liberal access to the provisions of the JFPM Actcompared with their non-tribal counterparts, both in relation to use of forest landand the density of forest cover

*: Gender ratio balance is no different for STs from Non ST Population in projectvillages.



*: Although, Literacy Level is found much lower among tribal population in projectvillages awareness about the importance of education and hence the number ofliterates is slowly on increase.

*: Among the STs 8% have employment in the government /public bodies, whereasless than 5% of the non-ST population has such (compare with the fact that STsconstitute 8% of the total population). In certain districts, 8-12% of the STs havesuch employment, whereas only 6-7% is the ceiling for non-ST populabon.

*: Ownership of assets especially TV sets and hand pumps is quite similar for STsand non STs which shows that even tribal population are adopbng newtechnologies be it work or leisure.

*: In project villages of all 5 districts, more STs own land than the total population,and consequently much more than the non-ST vulnerable population.

*: Livestock ownership pattern of Non STs are similar to STs showing that cattlerearing is now equally significant for Non STs

*: Increasing number of tribals are exchanging traditional hearths for moderncooking devices

*: Productive asset ownership is now inclined towards bullocks, cows, and buffaloescompared with traditional ownership of sheep goats and poultry.

Based on the findings and conclusions, the study concludes that as STs in the projectarea are not really secluded in terms of social cultural and economic circumstances fromthe non STs. Their social and political rights are adequately represented and protectedby various legislations. The project thus is not likely to have any adverse impact on them.Therefore, there is no need for an IPDP.

However, the study, in anticipation of.a situation of differential access to project benefitsby the tribals and other vulnerable groups, proposes development of a framework, whichwill ensure their participation in the project, and sharing in the benefits emanating fromthe project. Such a Strategy shall cover all vulnerable groups (including tribals) andwould be premised on the following:

*: Strategy for identification of vulnerable people;*. Forum for consultations with the tribal groups in project planning;** Framework for participatory decision-making;** Mechanisms for review/supervision of micro-plans; and** Plans for comprehensive participatory monitoring and evaluation.

This Strategy is discussed in the following section.


Karnataka Watershed Development Project- Tiibal Study 37

6 VULNERABLE GROUP INCLUDING TRIBALDEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

The Vulnerable Groups (including tribals) Strategy would be premised on five main pillars.These are: (a) strategy for identification of tribal people; (b) forum for consultations withthe tribal groups in project planning; (c) framework for participatory decision-making; (d)mechanisms for review/supervision of micro-plans; and (e) plans for comprehensiveparticipatory monitoring and evaluation. Further discussion on each aspect is providedbelow.

6.1 OBJECTIVE 1: Identification of Vulnerable Group Members

* To ensure that al! the vulnerable group populaton is identified in an adequate andtransparent manner.

6.1.1 The Strategies And The Processes

* The Vulnerable Group Population in the Project: The following groups (andindividuals) are considered to be vulnerable, for the purpose of the project: (i)Scheduled Caste (SC) Populaton, (ii) Scheduled Tribe (ST) population, (iii) the OtherBackward Communities (OBCs), (iv) the landless families (engaged primarily asagricultural labourers) (iv) women, and (vi) economically poor or those who belong tothe Below Poverty Line as defined by GoK.

* Census at Project Villages: As part of the project, a census will be undertaken ateach of the project villages, which would be enough to identify the vulnerable grouppopulation. The census will be conducted by the NGO procured for implementation ofthe project in each of the 5 districts.

Cross-References: All these groups are covered in the various governmentprogrammes; and the SCs, the STs, the landless (agricultural) labourers, and thewomen have been enumerated by the Census of India (the recent one conducted in2001AD).

* Other Processes: The beneficiaries in the project will include, as primarystakeholders, the landowners, the landless, the big, medium, small and marginalfarmers, and the vulnerable group population among the primary stakeholders. A listof the primary stakeholders will be prepared and will be displayed at a public place (aprominent public place without control on access) in the villages. Under the same, asub-list of the vulnerable group population in the villages (for each category ofvulnerabilty) will be displayed.

6.1.2 Institutional Responsibility

The primary responsibility for identifying the vulnerable group population in the villages(within the micro-watershed) will rest with the micro-watershed management group(MWMGs). The secondary and (supervising) responsibility will be of the non-governmentorganisations (NGOs) procured for the project.

6.1.3 Contingency action for Residual issues



Updating: The government may notify an additional community to be vulnerable (asscheduled caste, scheduled tribes, or 'other backward community', etc.); or, asconsequence of or by investigation during the implementation of the project,individuals/community might additionaly be identified as vulnerable (such as theagricultural labourers, without any skill in vocations other than traditional cultivation, etc.).These groups will be included in the updated list of vulnerable group population. Theupdated list will be used in planning for the vulnerable groups, or in the MWDPs.

6.2 OBJECTIVE 2: Consultation with and Participation of the VulnerableGroup Population

To ensure that the VGP are consulted adequately, and that the perception of suchgroups are incorporated in the plans/designs of the project.

6.2.1 The Strategies and the Processes

* The consultation and the participation strategy is based on continued PRA thoughout the duration of the project. The project would start with awareness andconfidence building among the VGP, and aim at full participation of the VGPs.

- The awareness campaign undertaken during 'entry point initiatives' in a village willhave a special focus on the VGP. At every village, the community will be impressedupon that without active participation of women and the other VGP, the village will beexcluded from the project. The awareness campaign will focus on the lack ofknowledge/awareness, and will include exchange visits and demonstration thatpeople of similar background have improved their lot.

- The planning/design of the project will be through Social mobilization. The socialmobilization process will involve project information dissemination by the NGOsNVDDstaff, readying the Gram Sabha for project participation, doing a Rapid RuralAppraisal (RRA) to identify distinct groups/constituencies (including VGP), formationof SHGs/affinity groups (including VGP groups), establishing a MWMG, followed by1-2 PRAs to culminate in social and resource mapping, identification of constraintsand possible solutions, village transects, and preparation of an initial MWDP withsuggested entry point investments. The NGO will play the role of communityfacilitators and motivators during the entire period of MWDP formation andimplementation. At each stage of the social mobilization, consultation and workingwith the VGPs will be a crucial element. Consultation will continue during theimplementation of the project and subsequent O&M.

* Participation: Inclusion and prioritisation of villages in the project will depend uponthe readiness of the VGP to collaborate and participate in the project. Participation ofthe VGP in the project will be in the form of user groups (or beneficiary groups), andself help groups (SHGs).

* Participation of the VGP in the project will be as beneficiaries and as owners, throughthe beneficiary groups and SHGs. Cost sharing will be an important part of suchparticipation. The cost share will be proportionate to the size of the land that wouldbe treated, and the quantum of benefit that may accrue following treatment, and willbe dependent on whether the investment has common or private benefits. Forcommon benefits, the cost share may be about 25%, but for private benefits, it maybe more (about 35-40%). The VGP will be allowed to contribute through labour


Karnataka 'atershed Development Project- Tribal Study 39

instead of cash or assets. Cost sharing for non-farm income generating activities willbe based on the baseline economic status of the potential beneficiaries.

Institutional arrangements for effective participation of the VGP have beenformulated. At both the micro-watershed and the district levels, VGP are made part ofthe institutional arrangements.


The primary responsibility for awareness campaign will rest with the NGOs. The MWMGsalong with the WDD will be responsible for initial RRA and PRA exercises. Consultationduring planning/design and implementation stages of the project will be the responsibilityof the MWMGs, with collaboration of the NGOs. The NGOs and the SHGs will beresponsible for participatory O&M and. The overall supervision responsibility to ensureconsultation with and participation of the VGP will remain with the WDD.

6.2.3 Contingency action for Residual Issues

Given the issue of cost sharing, there might be a possibility that the vulnerable grouppopulaton might be excluded from the project citing inadequate cost sharing in theactivities, which require smaller quantities of labour8. Again, this might be a pretext toengage the vulnerable group labourers in other activities without pay.

To protect the interests of the vulnerable group population with respect to the above, theproject proposes the following additional safeguards:

( Cost of a work will be calculated consisting of the (base cost) of the material andlabour cost only. The cost of involvement of the Department Officials, NGOs, linedepartments, Panchayats, or any institution created by the project; or any overheadarising out of such institutional arrangement will not be considered as part of the costof work, as far as cost sharing by the vulnerable group population is concerned.

* The cost of labour will be calculated as per the minimum wage rate fixed by thegovernment for the district.

Further, a ceiling on the labour component will apply as follows:* In the event that the cost share component in an activity limited on a private land, is

more than the labour required for the same activity, the required labour in the activitywill be the ceiling for cost sharing. (Depending on their willingness, the vulnerablegroup individuals may use the unspent labour in any other activity on communityland).

* For an activity on community/common land, the unspent labour (equivalent to thecost sharing by the individuals/ community) will be used in activities in othercommunity/common land belonging to (or associated with) the same or anothervulnerable group.In no event, the unispent labour (as per above) will be utilized in activities on a privateland. If workers other than the owners are engaged in activities in a private land, theywill be paid as per the minimum wage rates applicable.

These above safeguards will effectively seal the possibility of exploitation of thevulnerable group labourers, during the course of the project.

6.3 OBJECTIVE 3: Conducive institutional arrangements

8 Such situations will arise as the minimum wage rate prevailing is low, the labour is cheap, and the material componentis predominant in the cost of a work.



To ensure that the institutional arrangements in the project are conducive to thesharing of the benefits accrued from the project, in an equitable manner.


* The strategies: To ensure that the VGP fully participate in the project and benefitfrom it, the project would support formation of self-help groups (SHGs) for incomegenerating activities, provide training and skills development programs, promoteawareness creation and develop close links with other gender related povertyalleviabon and social programs. Such activities would be incorporated in the MWDPsand qualified NGOs will facilitate implementation. Each MWMG9 will includerepresentatives from the vulnerable groups. The project has been formulated in ademand-driven and bottom-up approach, and the consequent decentralisedinstitutional arrangements incorporate the needs of the VGP.

* The processes include the preparation and implementabon of "vulnerable groupmicro-watershed development sub-plans (VGSs). A separate list will be prepared forthe felt needs of the VGP. If no distinction exist between the overall and the VGP 'feltneeds', a staterment will be prepared giving the perception of the vulnerable grouppopulation on the 'general' listed needs. This would ensure that the priorities of theVGP are considered in the beginning of the MWDP planning process.

- For each of the villages/micro-watersheds, a VGS will be prepared incorporating the'felt needs' (or the perceptions, and priorities) of the VGP. The sub-plan will beprepared essentially following the format and techniques of the overall MWDP,except when a deviation is required to reflect the needs of the VGP. It would bemandatory for each MWDP to completely incorporate the VGSs. To that effect, itwould be required that the VGSs are finalised prior to the finalisation of the MWDPs.

* Fund Flow: The GOK would pass on the funds to WDD and to the five district ZPs,under the advice of WDD. The transfer of funds would be made to the WDD and theZPs on a quarterly basis, through the State Treasury system. The release of funds tothe MWMGs would be based on the approved Micro-Nillage WatershedDevelopment Plan (MWDP) and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signedbetween the ZP and the MWMGs. The MWMGs will open and maintain a separateproject bank account called the 'Implementation Account'. All the project fundsreceived from the ZPs will be deposited in this account and utilized for project relatedactivities. The verification/certification process will be the joint responsibility of thefield officer of the WDD and the designated NGO. The rolling advances will ensurethat MWMGs will have a working imprest of one month's requirement to allow forprocessing time and release of the next instalment of funds. Any funding requirementfor VFCs will be met by the MWMGs. VFCs will also be required to maintain aseparate project bank account and submit detailed vouchers on a monthly basis tothe MWMGs.

* It may be noted that the MWMGs are the most important level in the entire fund flow.As the MWMGs have adequate representation of the VGP (refer the next section onthe role of the VGP in decision making), the VGP will have substantial say in themanagement of finances and about the expenditure.

9 Note that the MWMGs are the most important agencies with respect to the planning/designing, implementation,

O&M and monitoring of the project.




The WDD will be responsible to ensure that all the MWMGs are constituted andoperationalised with at least the recommended number of VGP. The MWMGs along withthe NGOs will be responsible to ensure that an adequate number of SHGs/affinity groupsare formed among the VGP. The NGOs will have the primary responsibility to ensure thata sufficient number of VGP beneficiary groups are formed.


Screening of the Felt Needs: All the 'felt needs' will be listed. At each village, adiscussion will take place (in at least one public meeting) with respect to each of the 'feltneeds'. To ensure that the land and assets of the VGP are not impacted indirectly (owingto the focus on improvement of other land parcels), a sub-list will be prepared for thefollowing:* The needs that require interventions on the village/community land/asset, but directly

or indirectly impact any private land/assets.* The needs that requires interventions on a private land/asset but impact another

private land/asset directly or indirectly.* This will include the possible cases of private land/asset requirement, as well as

fragmentation of landholding.

The list of 'felt needs' including the above mentioned sub-list will be displayed in a publicplace (with no restriction of access) in the village.

6.4 OBJECTIVE 4: Role of the Vulnerable group Population in DecisionMaking

To ensure that the vulnerable group population has a decision-making role in theplanning/design, implementation, operation and maintenance.


* Villages/micro-watershed will be the most important level in the planning/designing,implementation, operation and maintenance, and monitoring phases of the project.The interventions at the taluka, district or the state level will be minimum, and onlywhen required by a consideration not resolved by the villagers themselves.Therefore, it is important to ensure a role for the vulnerable group population in thedecision-making at the village level. (Note that at the taluka and the district level,there is a prominent decision-making role for the vulnerable groups by way of thereservations in the local body elections).

* Decision-Making Role at the Village Level: Within a village/micro-watershed, the mostcrucial decision-making body is the MWMG. The project proposes that all theplans/designs, implementation decisions, etc., for a MWDP will be undertaken at theMWMG, and a majority decision will prevail. The project builds adequate conditonswithin the MWMgs to protect the interests of the vulnerable group populatbn.

* Composition of the MWMGs: An MWMG comprises of 14 members, includingelected GP members from the village(s) and representatives from the vulnerablegroups, SHGs, user groups and affinity groups, and the local WDD staff, as the ex-officio member. It is proposed that except for the WDD staff, at least 7 of the


Karnataka Watershed Development Project- Tribal Stucdy 42

remaining MWMG members be women, and at least 6 of the remaining MWMGmembers belong to the other vulnerable communities/groups.

* Quorum in the MWMG: More important than the composition in itself, is the quorumat the MWMg meeting, where crucial decisions are take. The project proposes thatthe quorum in the MWVMG meetings shall comprise of at least 9 members, of which atleast 5 shall belong to the vulnerable group communities.

* When only 9 members are present in a MWMG meeting, the vulnerable groupmembers will constitute a majority. Given that all 14 members are present in ameeting, the vulnerable group members together constitute half of the committee,and without their support, no decision can be taken. Given also that the local WDDstaff (ex-officio, but may be a woman or of a vulnerable community) will not generallybe part of the village-level conflicts, the vulnerable group members will be in themajority.

* The above ensures that no decision in the project is possible without willingparticipation of the vulnerable group members.


The WDD will be responsible to ensure that all the MWMGs are constituted andoperationalised with at least the recommended number of VGP. The NGOs will ensurethat the VGP members of the MWMGs exercise their powers in an effective manner, andin pursuance of common good.


Dispute resolution: All disputes will normally be handled within the SHGs. As most ofthe vulnerable group population will form SHGs among themselves, it is expected that theconflicts will be minimum. All SHGs of the vulnerable group population will be encouragedto constitute a body of elderly persons among themselves (or from the same vulnerablecommunity) to help resolve difference within the members of the SHGs.

A dispute unresolved by the SHGs, or a dispute between two or more SHGs will beresolved by the MWMGs. Similarly, any dispute on CPRs will be resolved by theMWMGs. For all such arbitration, the MWMG and the GP will nominate a body of 5members, at least 3 of whom shall be women and at least 3 of them shall belong to theother vulnerable communities. This would ensure that there would be a pro-'vulnerablegroup' bias within the arbitrators. Although the interpersonal disputes are in the domain ofthe GPs, a body of arbitrators will be constituted within the GP in the same manner, if anyof the parties in the dispute is a woman, or a member of the other vulnerable groupsAt the district level, arbitration by the Watershed developrnent Department will includeNGOs, who will be responsible to ensure that the just interests of the vulnerable grouppopulaton are protected.

6.5 OBJECTIVE 5: Participation of the Vulnerable Group Population inMonitoring and Evaluation

To ensure that the VGP has a decision-making role in the monitoring andevaluation of the project.



Karnataka Watershed Development Project- Tribal Studv 43

All monitoring in the project will be participatory in nature, including development of M&Eindicators in consuitation with the project beneficiaries. In all the following monitoring,inclusion of the VGP is a dominant criterion.

* Input and output monitoring: The WDD would be responsible for input/outputmonitoring of the project at all levels through a computerized MIS. At the micro-watershed level, the NGOs would be responsible, together with MWMGs, forestablishing and maintaining an on-going monitoring system. This would be based onmonitorable quantitative indicators selected in partnership with the MWMGs fortransparency in reporting at their level. The VGP as part of the MWMGs will have ashare in the input/output monitoring.

* Process monitoring. The project would appoint an independent agency to carry outprocess monitoring. The agency would have access to, and contribute to, the projectdata gathered by the MIS, and through the use of participatory methods. There wouldbe an emphasis on monitoring the socially inclusive process and the extent to whichthe marginal and the VGP were included in the project. The processmonitoring/evaluation would be carried out with the full participation of MWMGmembers (including the minimum sub-quorum of the VGP members) and would bebased on the agreements reached during the MWDP exercises and MOUs. This willalso include Self-Assessment by beneficiaries, MWMGs, and VPGs.

- Impact assessment. This part of the M&E system would establish the net impact ofthe project on the socio-economic indicators, including poverty. The evaluation wouldfocus on the project's overarching objectives, i.e., a reduction in poverty of the smalland marginal farmers, landless, women, and indigenous peoples. In addition to theregular mid-term and end-project evaluations, thematic evaluation and monitoring(e.g. environmental, Social Accountability Analyses or Social/Institutional Audits ofthe project, etc.) would be carried out throughout the project implementation period.

- Learning. The outcome of the M&E exercise would feed into improving the projectdesign and implementation arrangements, in particular the component relating to theVGP. The TOR being developedfor the M&E exercise will focus on these aspects.


The primary responsibility of monitoring the project on behalf of the VGP will rest on theMWMG. At secondary level, the responsibility will be of the WDD.


At all levels of monitoring, there would be distinct section of the monitoring report dealingwith the implementation of the Vulnerable Group Development Strategy in the project.Each village/micro-watershed level monitoring report will be endorsed and signed by thevulnerable groupSHGs and at least 5 of the vulnerable group members of the MWMGs.

The MWMGs (or the Watershed Development Department) and the NGOs will certify thatthe Vulnerable Groups (including tribals) Strategy of the project is implemented fully at alllevels of the project.


Karnataka W1atershed Development Project-Tribal Study 44

AnnexurePROFILE OF TRIBES IN KARNATAKA

1. ADIYAN

They describe themselves as Ravuler and have a populabon of, according to the 1981census. Their name is said to have originated from an old rule that they should maintain adistance of aar (six) adi (feet) to avoid pollution. The word 'Adiyan' also connoted a slaveor a vassal attached to a person of social standing. They speak Adibhasha, which is adialect of the Kannada language. The women wear saree with a knot over the rightshoulder and bear tattoo marks on their forearms. Regarding food habits they are non-vegetarians. They drink alcoholic beverages and smoke beedies. Both sexes are fond ofchewing betel leaves. Monogamy is the norm. Residence after marriage is patrilocal.Nuclear families are common. Women have a role in economic, social and religiousactivities. They are mainly landless and their traditional occupation is agricultural labour.Plantation and daily wage labour is on increase. They are also engaged in animalhusbandry and government service. They profess Hinduism. In Karnataka, the Adiyan arenotified as a scheduled tribe.

2. BARDA

They are called because long ago they lived mostly in hilly areas, which are locally calledbarda. They speak a dialect of Marathi and use the Devanagari script. They are non-vegetarians and are used to alcoholic drinks. They practice monogamy but polygamy isalso allowed. They are patrilocal and divorce is allowed. They have joint family as well asnuclear type. The women work as casual labours and also take part in agriculturaloperations, collection of firewood and its sale. They contribute to the family income andcontrol family expenditure to some extent. They depend on wage labour and work asagricultural and casual labourers. A few of them own agricultural lands. They have theirown Panchayat, which settles dispute related to social and religious aspects. A majority ofthem profess Hinduism and have their own deities. Their attitude towards formaleducation is more favourable for boys. They avail facilities such as health care, rationsetc., provided by the government. They are mostly found on the borders betweenKarnataka and Maharashtra.

3. BAVCHA

These are predominantly urban. They are non-vegetarians. They are believers of theShakti cult. They belong to Hindu religion. The rate of literacy is now on increase. Liquoris liberally consumed. Family is patrilocal and all the sons inherit property equally andsuccession is through the eldest son. A majority of them are landless and work as groomsand labourers. The group of elders deals with social issues. They are located in theareas bordering Maharashtra.

4. BHIL

This is the second largest tribe of India, spread over a large territory in western andcentral parts of the country. It has a long history going as far back as the sixth centuryAD. They speak Bhili and are well versed in many other regional languages, dependingon the state of their residence. They have nuclear pattern of families. Nearly 96 per centof them are Hindus. They are predominantly agricultural labourers and cultivators, thoughhunting and the collection of forest produce is still a source of livelihood for some. Somefamilies have benefited from government programmes.



5. CHENCHU

This tribe has a mention in Manusmniti and is classified as Proto-Australoids. Nuclearfamilies exist and they usually practice patrilocal residence. Inheritance is through themale line. They mostly work as agricultural labourers although many of them arecultivators. They worship and believe in Hindu deities. They prefer formal education forboth boys and girls. They have availed the benefits of government programmes.

6. DUBLA, TALAVIA, HALPATI

The term Dubla in Hindi means thin or weak. Etymologically, Halpati is derived from thewords hal, meaning plough and pati meaning lord. The name Halpati was given to themby Mahatma Gandhi to remove the stigma of their bonded labour. They are basically arural based community. They claim a Rajput descent. They are monogamous. The rule ofresidence is patrilocal. Mostly, nuclear and vertically extended families are found amongthem. The rule of inheritance is male equigeniture, except the parental house, which isinherited by the youngest son. Women take part in agricultural activities and work aslabourers in addition to looking after the family. They are today agricultural labourers andcultivators and practice dairy farming too. They believe in supernatural powers andappease them through worship and blood sacrifice. Most are Hindus and worship godsand goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. They celebrate festivals. The women know the artof tattooing.

7. GAMIT

The Gamit have synonyms like Gamta, Gavit, Mavchi and Pandi. They are said to havemigrated from Goa. Gamit means a villager. They are non-vegetarians and are used toalcohol consumption. They are traditionally agriculturists. They have their own traditionalcommunity council. They know the art of floor and wall painting and the women areexperts in basketry and mat making. There are a good number of professionals from thecommunity. They are mostly Hindus. They are benefited by the governmentprogrammes. The Gamit including all the subgroups had a population of 34, as per 1981census.

8. GONDIGONDARU

The Gond is concentrated in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. They enjoy the tribalstatus as the Gond, Naikpod and Rajgond. Their ancestors are believed to have migratedfrom Andhra Pradesh. They speak Kannada and use Kannada script. The Gond womendrape a saree in a different fashion and adorn their necks with a number of long blackbead necklaces. They are non-vegetarians. Adult marriages are practiced and are settledthrough negotiation. Male equigeniture is the rule of inheritance and succession is in themale line. The women participate in activities connected with agriculture, animalhusbandry, collection of fuel, and social, ritual and religious functions. Ancestor worship isobserved. Some of the Gond possess land and are engaged in cultivation. Agriculturallabour, animal husbandry, petty business and private services are other occupationspursued. Meat weaving is a leisure-time activity. The traditional community council looksafter the internal affairs of the community. The Gond follow Hinduism worship severaldeities. Rangoli is a traditional form of art. They have favourable attitude towardseducation, modern medicine and family welfare programmes.



9. GOWDALU

The name is derived from the Kannada word Gowda, meaning a headman. Earlier, theywere called Kodigeyavaru or palanquin bearers. This practice is extinct and they are nowknown as Oora Billava. They are different from the toddy-tapping community of Billava.The men among this community suffix Gowda to their names. The Tulu Gowdalu amongthem speaks in Tulu at home while the other sub-groups speak Kannada. They are non-vegetarians and use alcoholic drinks occasionally. The gowdalu has five groups, namelyTulu Gowdalu, Namdhar Gowdalu, Male Gowdalu, Kumbri Gowdalu andKabbinamaleyavaru. Marriage between the groups is allowed. Adult marriage is thegeneral practice. Male equigeniture is the rule of inheritance and succession is by theeldest son. Many of the Gowdalu own small pieces of land and are engaged in cultivation.Wage labour and animal husbandry are the other sources of income. They have acommunity association to look after social matters. They are followers of Hinduism. Theyhave a literacy rate of around 23 per cent. They are covered under various governmentprogrammes.

10. HAKKIPIKKI

The name of the community is derived from their traditional occupation of bird catching:hakki in Kannada means a bird while pikki is an echo-formation. The community isdistributed in the districts of Mysore, Kolar, Shimoga and Hassan in Karnataka. Theyspeak Vaghriat home and Kannada outside. They are non-vegetarians and regularconsumers of alcohol. Adult marriage is the rule and monogamy is the practice. Patrilocalresidence is followed. Both nuclear and vertically extended family systems are found.Women participate in all economic, social and ritual activities and contribute to the familyincome. Ancestor worship is found. The trapping of birds and animals and collection offorest produce are the traditional occupations. Many of them lead a nomadic life andmove from village to village, selling cosmetics. A few are settled cultivators or earning alivelihood as agricultural labourers. They have a traditional community council to deal withcases of dispute. They belong to Hinduism. They have strong faith in their devate, who isthe supreme authority of their religious life. They do not generally favour formaleducation. The literacy rate is as low as 7 per cent. They are covered under variousgovernment programmes.

11. HASALARU

They derive their name from hasalu, meaning a child; in the plural this refers to theagricultural labourers attached to a landlord. They have several divisions. They aredistributed in the hilly tracts of Chikmagalur, Shimoga, Dakshina Kannada and UttaraKannada districts of Karnataka. They speak Kannada and eat non-vegetarian food.Endogamy is practiced only at the community level. Monogamy is the form of marriageand adult marriage is practiced. They follow patrilocal residence. The nuclear family ispredominant. The rule of inheritance is fast changing towards equigeniture. They weretraditionally bonded labourers, but now they are either agricultural or plantation labourers.They have a traditional headman, known as gurikara or buddhivanta, who settles disputesamong them. They participate in bhoota worship, called kola, but maintain a distancefrom caste Hindus. They have made moderate progress in the field of education. Theyare covered under goverrment programmes and are found turning progressive.

12. IRULAR, IRULIGA

They are also called Iraliga and llligaru. In some areas, they are known as Pujaris orKadu Pujaris. They are distributed in the districts of Bangalore, Kolar, Chikmagalur andChitradurga districts. They speak Kannada and use Kannada script. Agricultural wage



labour is their primary occupation followed by cultivation. Most of them profess Hinduism.They do not show favourable attitude towards formal education. They have availed someof the facilities under the government programmes.

13. JENU KURUBA, KADU KURUBA, HALU KURUBA

The name is derived from jenu or honey that they used to collect from the forest. They areconcentrated in Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka. Their speech, locally calledJenu Nudi, is a dialect of Kannada. They speak Kannada and use the Kannada script.The people are monogamous. Adult marriage is preferred. Male equigeniture is the rule ofsuccession while the rule of succession demands that the eldest son should succeed hisfather. Women participate in all economic activities and contribute to the family incomeconsiderably. The collection of honey, herbs, roots and fruits from the forest is thetraditional occupation. The government has given cultivable lands. In spite of this, a largesection of them are working as daily labourers. Their traditional community council dealswith social and economic disputes. They are all Hindus and they celebrate a number offestivals. There are residential schools to impart primary education. They are coveredunder the government schemes and programmes.

Since they live in forests, they are called Kadu Kuruba. Kadu Kurubas are found inMysore district. They speak Kannada. Cross cousin and maternal uncle-niece marriagesare prevalent. They are monogamous and prefer to marry late in life. Family is nuclearand women participation in social and economic activities is permitted. The primaryoccupations are cultivation, agricultural labour, basket making and beedi rolling. They areskilled at handling, riding and trapping elephants. Yejaman is the head of the traditionalcommunity council and he deals with intra-community disputes. They are Hindus andworship deities. They favour formal education for both boys and girls. Several welfareprogrammes cover them.

14. KAMMARA

These are found in Dakshina Kannada and Kollegal of Mysore district. Cross cousinmarriages are common. Levirate and sororate are allowed in this community. Monogamyis the common form of marriage. Nuclear family is predominant. Equigeniture is the norm.Women participate in agricultural operations and animal husbandry, in addition to theirdomestic chores. They observe certain chores. Most of them are wage labourers andpeasants. They have Kula Panchayat, which adjudicate cases pertaining to family, socialand economic matters. They profess Hinduism. They worship village goddesses andobserve festivals. Their attitude towards development is favourable.

15. KUNIYAN,KANYAN

The term Kaniyar means people who cultivate and predict. They are located in thedistricts of Bangalore, Mysore, Mandya, Hassan and Dakshina Kannada of Karnataka.However, the community is notified as a scheduled tribe under the nomenclature Kaniyanand Kanyan in Kollegal taluk. They speak Kannada. Adult marriage is the rule and matesfor marriage are acquired through negotiations. Monogamy is the general form.Residence is patrilocal. The nuclear families predominate. Parental property is dividedequally among the sons and the eldest son inherits succeeds the father. Women take partin economic activities and contribute to family income. Ancestor worship exists. Astrology,the practice of herbal medicine and exorcism are the traditional occupations. In villages,agricultural labour, silkworm rearing and silk reeling are the other occupations followed bythem. They have a community association. They are Hindus and the followers ofRamanujacharya. They celebrate festivals. They have positive attitude towards formal


Karnataka Watershed De",elopment Project-Tribal Study 48

education, modern health system and family welfare. Many boys have taken to collegeeducation and government jobs.

16. KATHODI

They are also known as Katkari or Kathodia. Their economy is based on agriculture. Anumber of them work as daily-wage labourers. Poultry farming is also pursued.Negotated marriages are the convention. Monogamy is the popular form of marriage.The mixed extended type of family is common among them. The sons inherit ancestralproperty equally and the eldest son inherits the mantle of authority of his father. Thewomen participate in agricultural activities and contribute to the family income. They takepart in socio-religious affairs. There is a traditional community council as a mitigatingbody for intercommunity disputes. They are Hindus and have a rich oral tradition. Theyare covered development programmes. The impact of education is yet to be felt amongthem.

17. KA1TUNAYAKAN

The name is derived from the words, Kadu, meaning forest, and nayakan, meaningleader or headman. They are also called as Jenu Kuruman, Ten Kuruba, Naickan andJenu Kuruba. They are believed to be the children of Hidambi and Bheema. They speakKannada. They are non-vegetarians. They prefer adult marriage and monogamy ispracticed for marriage. Nuclear and vertically extended types of families are found. Thedescent pattern is patrilineal and the eldest son is the successor. Nuclear families are onincrease. Women have a role in economic and social affairs. Food gathering, hunting,fishing and trapping of birds and animals are the traditional occupations, which a few ofthem pursue till today. A few of them are landowning peasants. A majority of them areagricultural labourers. Child labour exists. Social control is maintained through atraditional council headed by an elder. They are Hindus and worship trees, rocks, the sun,the moon, deities and ancestors. The community has oral traditions, folk-tales and folk-songs. Their attitude towards formal education is not favourable.

18. KOKNA, KOKNI, KUKNA

They are said to the immigrants from Konkan area of Maharashtra. They eat meat anddrink alcohol. They are monogamous and have nuclear families. They are patrilocal,patrilineal and patripotestal people. The rule of inheritance follows the male line. Thewomen participate in social, ritual and economic activities. They also work as agriculturallabourers and contribute to family income. They have a community council to regulatesocial and religious activities. They are Hindus and they profess the traditional form ofreligion. They worship ancestors.

19. KOLI DHOR

In Karnataka, they are distributed in the districts of Belgaum, Bijapur, Gulbarga and Bidardistricts. They speak Marathi at home and use Kannada for inter-group communication.20.07 per cent of their populabon dwell in urban areas. They are traditionally engaged inoperating ferries and they also subsist on fishing. A good number of them work asagricultural labourers. A few also cultivate land. They are all Hindus. They have apositive attitude towards formal education, modern medicine, family planning anddevelopment programmes. Generally they are monogamous.

20. KONDA KAPUS



The name Konda Kapu is derived from the words konda (hill) and kapu (watchman). Theyspeak Telagu and live in the borders of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. They are non-vegetarians and often consume indigenous alcoholic drinks. They prefer cross-cousinmarriages and both sorority and levitate are permitted. Monogamy is the usual practice.Remarriage of men and women is permitted. The traditional occupations are hunting,collection of minor forest produce, shifting cultivation and horticulture. They also work asfarm servants and daily-wage labourers. They profess Hinduism and worship severaldeities. The literacy rate is about 19 per cent.

21. KORAGA

They are concentrated in Dakshina Kannada District. They speak in Koraga (dialect)among themselves and in Tulu and Kannada with others. They are non-vegetarians andare used to alcohol. Endogamy at the group level and exogamy at the clan level areobserved. Sororate is permissible. Nuclear families are in vogue. The eldest among thesister's sons succeeds the diseased in authority. Women participate in social, ritual andeconomic activities, including basket making and agricultural labour. Ancestors areworshipped. A few of them own cultivable land. Others practice basetry, work asagricultural labourers or are in government and private services. Children often work aswage earners. They are Hindus and worship a goddess and spirits. Folk songs are sungto the accompaniment of percussion and wind instruments. They also take part in danceperformances. The institution of Gurikara, the headman, effects social control. They havepositive attitude towards formal education, modern medicine and family welfare. They arecovered under various development programmes.

22. KOTA

Kota is a small group in Karnataka. They are non-vegetarians and regular consumers ofalcohol. They practice exogamy. Monogamy is the form of marriage. Sororate and levirateare permitted. Families are nuclear or extended. Male equigeniture is the law ofinheritance. The women have roles in agricultural operations, animal husbandry,collection of fuel, fetching of potable water and other economic activities. The rule of post-marriage is patrilocal. Traditionally they are potters. At present, agriculture is the mainstay of livelihood for many of them. Animal husbandry, agricultural labour, pottery andmaking of metal objects are the other occupations. Traditional community council exists.They are Hindus. They are fairly literate. They are on the banks of mainstreamdevelopment.

23. KOYA, BHINE KOYA, RAJKOYA

These people are monogamous. Adult marriage is preferred. Families are nuclear andmale equigeniture is the rule of inheritance. The women contribute to family income andcontrol family expenditure. They play an important role in social functions, rituals and inreligious matters. They subsist by tilling land and by hunting gathering forest products.They are experts in indigenous medicines and go around selling it. They also work asagricultural labourers They play wind and percussion instruments and both men andwomen participate in dancing performances. They worship mother earth and village deity.They have positive attitude towards development and education.

24. KUDIYA, MELAKUDI

The people of this community inhabit the hill district of Kodagu. They speak Tulu,Kannada and Kodagu, They have a distinct dress system. They eat meat. They havehouse names, which are like the patrilineal clans, and are exogamous in nature. Adultmarriages are preferred and monogamy is practiced. They profess Hinduism. They


Karinataka Watershed Development Project- Tribal Study 50

worship deities and believe in spirits (Bhoota). They observe festivals. They haveaccepted traditional as well as modern systems of medicine. They have availed thebenefits under the government programmes.

25. KURUBA, KURUMAN

The Kuruba or Kuruman means one who tends sheep. They speak a dialect of Kannada.They are meat eaters. Monogamy is the general rule. The rule of residence is patrilocal.Divorce by men is permissible. Parental property is divided equally among male children.Women take part in economic activities and contribute to family income. Traditionally,they reared goats and sheep, but now they have switched over to an agriculturaleconomy. They are Hindus by religion. Social control is exercised by the traditional villagecouncil.

26. MALASAR

They practice monogamy. Diverse is allowed. Remarriage is allowed. Women take part inagricultural operations, the collection of fuel and social functions. They derive theirlivelihood by collecting minor produce and as non-skilled labourers. They also trap birdsand animals. They live in reserved forests. A council of elders exercises social control.

27. MALERU

The term Maleru means the people living in the hilly regions. They claim that they weregiven the rights to collect cardamom from forests by the Pandavas who happened to visitthere. They live mainly in the hilly tracts of Dakshina Kannada and Chikmagalur districts.They speak Tulu and use Kannada script. They eat meat and drink indigenous brew.Adult marriage is the practice. They follow the patrilocal rule of residence after marriage.They were hunters and gatherers in the past . Now they are engaged in cultivation. Theother occupations include wage labour, collection of forest produce, mat and basketmaking. They have a headman to settle disputes. They sing folk songs, play drums andperform folk dance on special occasions. They have turned progressive in the recentpast.

28. MARATI

This community comprises Marathi non-brahmin castes, which came to the south assoldiers in the armies of Maratha invaders. It is notified as a scheduled tribe with twodifferent names, viz., Marati in Dakshina Kannada and Maratha in Kodagu district. Theformer claim Kashatriya status for themselves. Monogamy is the popular form. Thepatrilocal rule of residence is followed. Male equigeniture is the rule of inheritance.Women take part in all kinds of activities. The main occupations are cultivation andagricultural labour. They profess Hinduism. The community has teachers, engineers,doctors and professionals. Their attitude towards development is very favourable.

29. MEDA

The name is derived from a Kannada word Bidiru, meaning bamboo. They speakKannada, but in Kodagu, they speak Kodagu. They are non-vegetarians Their mainoccupation is basket making, but now they have taken up cultivation. They work aslabourers on coffee plantations and in paddy fields. Adult marriage is preferred. Maleequigeniture is the rule of inheritance and the eldest son succeeds to the father'sauthority. Women participate in economic and social activities, but the ritual, political andsocial control affairs are managed without them. Hinduism is their religion. They educateboth boys and girls. They are covered by the government social welfare schemes.



30. NAIKADA, NAYAKA

Popularly known as Palegar, Beda, Valmiki, Ramoshi Parivara etc., they are concentratedin the Chitradurga, Shimoga, Bellary and Tumkur districts of Karnataka. They speakKannada. The term Nayaka means leader and Palegar means village watchman. Theyare non-vegetarians. The community has a number of exogamous clans. Adult marriagesare preferred and marital alliances are sought through negotiations. Monogamy is thenorm. The vertically extended family is the predominant type. Male equigeniture is therule of inheritance and the succession of authority goes to the eldest son. The womenparticipate in agriculture and also tend cattle. There are specific roles for women in social,ritual and religious spheres. Their main occupation is wage labour. There are smallcultivators among them. Many have taken up government service or salaried jobs. Theyhave an association, which works for their upliftment. They profess Hinduism andworship household, village and regional deities. They celebrate a number of festivals.There are businessmen, scholars, professionals and administrators among them. Theirattitude towards formal education and development is very favourable and positive. Theyhave availed the benefits under the welfare schemes of the government.

31. PALLIYAN

They are a food gathering community. They are meat eaters and regular consumers ofalcohol. Monogamy is the common form of marriage. The rule of residence is patrilocal.Nuclear family is prominent. They have taken up the vocation of agricultural andplantation labourers, in addition to collection of forest produce. They are Hindus, byreligion.

32. PANIYAN

They are rural in character. They eat meat and consume liquor. They are monogamousand follow both neolocal and patrilocal rules of residence. Nuclear family is common.They are engaged in wage labour, basketry, fishing, settled cultivation and governmentservice. They are Hindus and they worship several deities.

33. PARDHI

They are stone chiselers, hunters, living close to forests. Basket making, agriculturallabour, stone cutting and hunting are some of their occupations. They are backward andtheir attitude towards formal education and progress are not encouraging.

34. PATELIA

They have the sickle cell trait. They are non-vegetarians. They are engaged mainly inagriculture and agricultural labour. They are Hindus by religion and are mostly Deviworshippers. They have maintained traditional patron-client relations. They are fastmoving towards progress.

35, RATHAWA

Karnataka has a small group of 10 persons belonging to this tribe. They are mostly smallfarmers or wage labourers. They are Hindus by religion.

36. SOLIGA, SHOLAGA



In Karnataka, they are concentrated in the hilly parts of Mysore district. They speak soliga(dialect of Kannada) language. The Sholigas speak Kannada. They are non-vegetariansand users of non-alcoholic beverages. Endogamy at group level and exogamy at clanlevel are practiced. Equigeniture is the law of inheritance. They practice adult marriage.The traditional occupations were shifting cultivation and the collection of forest produce.Now they have taken to forest and agricultural labour. A few of them are landowningcultivators. They have their associations at regional level. They are Hindus by religion andworship several deities. They have residential schools started by the government. Theirattitude towards formal education is positive.

37. YERAVA

They inhabit the Kodagu district of Karnataka. They derive their name from yeravu oryeravalu, which in Kannada means to borrow. Perhaps these people took loans from theirlandlords, which they could not repay. They served the landlords as agrestic serfs forgenerations and remained in a state of perpetual indebtedness. They speak Kannada.They are non-vegetarians and regular consumers of alcohol. They marry after attainingadulthood. Monogamy is the common form of marriage. Both men and women have theright to divorce. Nuclear families predominate. Women take part in economic, social, ritualand religious activities. Ancestor worship is practiced. They earn their livelihood throughagricultural labour. They work as daily labourers on coffee plantations. Children alsocontribute to the family income. Their community council maintains social control. Theyprofess Hinduism and worship deities. Their culture is rich in folk songs and folk tales.They are not very enthusiastic about formal education due to economic reasons. Literacyrate is low. The govemment welfare programmes have covered the community.

38. Other tribes include Siddhi, Yerukula Koravar and Korcha


Date post:	11-May-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	6 times
Download:	0 times

KARNATAKA WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT · Karnataka Watershed Development Project-Tribal Study 3...

Documents