Demography of Gor-Banjara -Tribes:

Towards Socio-Economic and Political Representation of Marathwada Region Indian States.

 

Dr. Ashok Pawar[1]

 

Abstract

The present research article aims to analyse the “Banjara Population towards Socio-economic and Political Representation in Indian States”. For the last thousand year there have been tremendous changes in the mode of living of all human beings but at the movement on the verge of 21^st century. In the from the Banjara People we find human being still helpless, fearful, ignorant their life has not improved from the primitive, pastoral times to this date. Banjara people as a wandering tribe migrated from place to place and moving with their 50 to 60 thousand cattle, Captain Briggs, (1818) and carrying on hunting and food gathering. Banjara community is basically known as Nature worshiper, surname and clan are bounded as per week, month, year and Nakshatr. Such as, Chavan-6 clan, Aade-7 clan, Pawar-12 clan, Rathod-27 clan, and Jadhav-52 clan. Primarily, although quite disappointing, ours is the country founded on castes rather than agriculture. Ever since antiquity varied religious communities have taken shelter in India conversing in innumerable dialects. In order to draw together detailed information about social, cultural, economic conditions of the populace herein the British government began to conduct the first ever caste-wise census from the year 1871.

According, to Grierson, (1891), Linguistic Survey of India, population of Banjara was counted more than 69 thousand as per Banjara dialect. Afterward, British carried caste-wise census up to 1931- 41decades until they freed India. The decade 1941 too accumulated population details as per caste-wise census patterns; but it was not declared publicly which leaves space for speculations at the behest of underhanded orthodox Hindu policies.  Since then none of the governments have dared to attempt a caste-wise censure till date.

Key Words: Socio-economic, Political, Population, Poverty, Nomads Idate, Renke & Rohini Commissions, State-District-wise Census, Banjara, Reservation & Adicuvate Representation.

 

 

Introduction

In fact it is very necessary amid present social conditions to deliver equal and comprehensive constitutional benefits for each and every caste and sub-caste members. It will also equip the government with developmental statistics of every single caste and community, so that special provisions can be devised for overall development of remotely spread primitive, tribal communities. In its initial phase the alleged the orthodox caste groups operated movements to enlist themselves in the higher classes while as also labeling poor, ignorant, illiterate Denotified and Nomadic tribes under higher classes such as- Kshatriya, Hindu, Rajput thereby depriving them from constitutional benefits. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar tirelessly endeavored to awaken the self-esteem of other backward classes. Those who woke up to his call benefited a lot; conversely others receded back piling up huge losses. In India, as financial packages and reservation quotas are conferred among various sections of society keeping in view the parameters of developmental statistics and population it is feasible and justified to conduct the next census taking into account the labels of castes and communal groups.

It is infuriating that despite having same caste, dialect, customs and rituals and identical day-today dealings a few tribes, communal groups are labeled under different constitutional schedules. Denotified Tribes (DNTs) also known as Denotified are the tribes that were originally listed under the criminal Tribes Act of 1871 as criminal Tribes and addicted to the systematic commission Notified as criminal all the members were required to register with the local magistrate, failing which they would be charged with crime under the Indian penal code. The criminal Tribes act of 1952 repealed the notification.

The nomadic Tribes and Denotified tribes consist of about 60 million people in India out of which about five million live in the state of Maharashtra there are 315 nomadic tribes and 198 Denotified tribes. After Indian independence this act was replaced by the Government of India in 1952 in Maharashtra state Banjara people are not been included in the list of scheduled Tribes due to historical circumstances, but are listed as Nomadic Tribes.

 

The Importance of the Study

After the Independence of India. There is an increase in the number of Banjara population in India. Banjara is the oldest tribes of the country and wants the Government to help retain Socio-economic and cultural heritage. Though Banjara community geographically divided but culturally united. But classification of Banjara community varies in the Maharashtra State. Banjara community recognized as ‘VimuktJati’ in Maharashtra state, whereas in other state they fall under scheduled caste and scheduled tribe. Since there is no fixed category we end up sharing the socio-economic benefits with other caste and tribes.  Present research article studied closely Socio- economic, and reservation benefits due to mismanagement.

 

 

Objectives

1) To study the Social & Economic position of Banjara Tribes in Marathwada- Maharashtra and other Indian States.

2) To find out the reasons of discrimination of Banjara tribe in reservation, in comparison to Maharashtra and other Indian states.

3) To Study the percentage of Banjara population in census1991- 2011, population of Maharashtra state and other Indian states.

 

Research Methodology and data collection Tools

Since the present research article is relevant to the present time. The study will be based on both primary and secondary data. As well as present data collected by using the random sampling technique. Primary data collection obtained through questionnaires,Interviews, secondary data’s related various online sources, internet social blog, article, newspapers, government modules, and census survey.

 

Lack of caste wise census

Indian government had conducted caste-wise census till the year 1941. But the 1941 caste-wise census was not displayed owing to the then prevailed circumstances. Thus in true sense the 1931 census was the last caste-wise census conducted by the government. After 1931 government of India decided no to record other backward castes and tribes except backward scheduled castes (SC), the Scheduled tribes (ST) and minorities. Hence, the 1931 caste-wise census became the last of its kind.

There are reasons behind not conducting a caste-wise census: any such attempt may create prospective hurdles in implementing principle of equal justice at all India level; social disputed, instability generated due to higher-lower status among castes and/or threat of political conspiracy etc.

From wider perspective caste-wise census should be conducted. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar has, according to Indian Constitution Sections 340-341-342 enumerated a caste-wise list. Caste-wise census will bring constitutional equality.

Despite termed as one caste with one dress code, dialect, culture, rituals and traditions a single caste, thronged in different states is labeled under varied constitutional schedules. Therefore reservation and concessions meant for nomadic tribes, such as Banjara disappear into numerous castes which may trigger disparity among communities culminating into social disturbance. Government of India has decided to conduct the seventh census-2011, after independence as the sate-wise census which is accepted by all sections of societies. Because, only considering the population of each caste the monetary provisions can be allocated. Till date even to mention a figure about Banjara tribes there had been no census or sort of records available detailing existence of Banjara communities across India.

Keeping in view the uncertainties and ambiguous data about Banjara tribes an attempt has been made to calculate the projected population of Banjara communities with the Projected Population Technique based on 1931 caste-wise census. By figuring out the population growth rate one can estimate the current population of Banjara community.

 

Table 1. Population of Banjara community in Maharashtra state (1911-1931)

Sr. No.	Division	1911	1921	1931
1	Bombay Precidency	143586	109025	143317
2	Central province and Berar	16505	122973	1553535
3	Hydrabad State	435322	263844	371402
4	Mysore State	51168	53300	63368
5	Rajputana Agency	37574	31436	35548
	Total	837155	580578	768988

Source – 1.Census of India -1931with complete survey of Tribal Life And system” by J. H. Hutton, Gianpublishing House Delhi, Volume I-part II, page no-537-555.  II.

2.Pawar Ashok and Rathod Pawar Sunita (2018) 'Gypsy Banjara Purvi kon hote?' Sahitya Sagar Publication, Kanpur.

3.Pawar Ashok (2018) 'Nomads Banjara Migration Theory' CPEPA, University Grants Commission New Delhi, Research Project Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

The above table shows population of Banjara community during the years 1911 to 1931 as recorded in Government of India Census Report. The sum of Banjara population in five divisions in 1911 was 837155. In 1921 it was 580578 and in 1931 decade their recorded population was 768988. In those decades the Hyderabad State (at present Marathwada Region) comprised highest Banjara population and in the Rajputana Agency (at present the Konkan region) housed lowest numbers of Banjara people.

Relative Banjara community population residing in the five divisions of the then Maharashtra State reported in the census shows that the Hyderabad State comprised 52 per cent population in 1911; 45.45 per cent in 1921 and in 1931 about 48.30 per cent out of total Banjara population inhabited in Maharashtra State. The lowest population recorded between 1911 to 1931 period the Rajputana Agency housed 4.49 per cent in decade 1911; 5.41 per cent in decade 1921 and 4.62 per cent in the decade 1931. In all till 1931 total number of Banjara community population in the then Maharashtra State was around 768988.

Based on the 1931 census report and with the help of Projected Population Technique, Banjara population can be estimated till next 3001 decade. For the purpose population figures from five divisions and decade growth rates of 1921 to 1931 decades are referred.

Table 2. Population of Banjara in Maharashtra State

Sr No.	Maharashtra State Population	Banjara Population	Percentage Ratio	Census
1	96878627(2001)	9776567	8.70%	2001
2 3	112374333(2011) Vasantrao Naik study centre	1023500 1,10,00000.	9.97% 11.40%	2011 2018 (Survey Report)

Source - 1.Pawar Ashok and Rathod Pawar Sunita (2018) 'Gypsy Banjara Purvi konhote?'Sahitya Sagar Publication, Kanpur.

2. Pawar Ashok (2018) 'Nomads Banjara Migration Theory' CPEPA, University Grants Commission, New Delhi, Research Project, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

3. Pawar Ashok 2015-2017) 'Vasantrao Naik Study Centre Survey Report Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

4. Pawar Ashok(2013), ‘Gypsy in India, Constitutionally depravedness’, Sahitya Sagar Publication, Kanpur.

Table 3. District wise total population of Banjara in Maharashtra

Sr. No.	District Name	Total Population	Population of Banjara	Percentage of Banjara Population
1.	Mumbai	3085411	180787	5.88%
2.	Mumbai sub Urban	9356962	566960	6.16%
3.	Thane	8070032	492048	6.20%
4.	Palghar	2990116	173161	5.89%
5.	Raigad	2634206	105217	4.34%
6.	Ratnagiri	1615069	69935	4.52%
7.	Shindhudurg	849651	29785	3.44%
8.	Pune	9429402	474171	5.45%
9.	Kolhapur	3876001	195878	5.41%
10.	Sangli	2822143	160868	5.57%
11.	Satara	3003741	345029	6.04%
12.	Solapur	4317756	345029	7.64%
13.	Nashik	6107187	447526	7.26
14.	Dhule	2050862	153998	7.48%
15.	Jalgaon	4229917	291071	6.81%
16.	Ahamdnagar	4543159	312477	6.64%
17.	Nandurbar	1648295	138704	8.90%
18.	Aurangabad	3701282	395845	9.90%
19.	Beed	2585049	284809	10.89%
20.	Latur	2454106	271917	10.23%
21.	Nanded	3361292	250556	14.73
22.	Parbhani	1836085	259470	13.45%
23.	Osmanabad	1657576	234638	13.98%
24.	Jalna	1959046	257058	12.77%
25.	Hingoli	1177345	178271	14.85%
26.	Aamravati	2888445	318092	10.60%
27.	Akola	1813906	263547	13.21%
28.	Buldhana	2586258	369359	14.43%
29.	Yavatmal	2772348	486443	17.%
30.	Washim	1197160	201688	16.45%
31.	Bhandara	1200334	76194	8.19%
32.	Wardha	1300774	80880	8.78%
33.	Chandrapur	2204307	197115	7.80%
34.	Gadchiroli	1072942	40225	3.84%
35.	Nagpur	4653570	338560	6.05%
36.	Gondiya	1322507	105969	7.23%
37.	Total	11,23,74,333	9776567	11.40%

Source - 1.Pawar Ashok and Rathod Pawar Sunita (2018)' Gypsy Banjara Purvi kon hote?' Sahitya Sagar Publication Kanpur.

2.Pawar Ashok (2018) 'Nomads Banjara Migration Theory' CPEPA, University Grants Commission, New Delhi, Research Project, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

3.Pawar Ashok (2015-2017) 'Vasantrao Naik Study Centre Survey Report Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

According to Census 2011, population of Maharashtra state was recorded 11,23,74,333. Banjara population 9776567 (8.70%) total countries population was recorded 1,21,01,93,422. Therefore allover IndiaBanjara population may be recorded more than one crore. But caste wise census is not recorded.

So it is difficult to say how much the population of Banjara community in the country. Many scholars have studied in this regard but they have not been able to tell the exact population of Banjara. The last caste wise census was conducted in 1941. Since then no caste wise census has been conducted.

In this regard caste wise data was collected by using right to information act. 2005. Such as Nandurbar, Jalgao, Buldhana, Akola, Wardha, Bhandara, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Nanded, Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad, Solapur, Satara,Ratnagiri, Sangli district has been obtained. As well as population statistics of Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Shindhudurg, Pune, Kolhapur, Nashik, Ahmadnagar, Beed, Latur, Osmanabad, Hingoli, Amravati, Washim, Nagpur,Gondia, Dhule district have been obtained from survey by projected population technique in 2016-17 by Dr Ashok Pawar, Director ofVasantraoNaik research and study center, BabasahebAmbedkarMarathwada University, Aurangabad, conducted district wise survey of Banjara community in Maharashtra.

 

Table 4. State Wise population of India and Banjara Tribes in Maharashtra as per census 2011

Sr. No.	State or union territory	Population (2001 Census)	Population (2011 Census)	Banjara Population
1	Uttar Pradesh	166,053,600	199,581,477	7900000
2	Maharashtra	96,752,500	112,372,972	8700000
3	Bihar	82,879,910	103,804,630	2100000
4	West Bengal	80,221,300	91,347,736	1900000
5	Madhya Pradesh	60,385,090	72,597,565	8075000
6	Tamil Nadu	62,111,390	72,138,958	2100000
7	Rajasthan	56,473,300	68,621,012	4500000
8	Karnataka	52,734,986	61,130,704	8550000
9	Gujarat	50,597,200	60,383,628	2500000
10	Andhra Pradesh	75,728,400	49,386,799	8225000
11	Odisha	36,707,900	41,947,358	1500000
13	Kerala	31,839,000	33,387,677	300000
14	Jharkhand	26,946,070	32,988,134	1000000
15	Assam	26,638,600	31,169,272	500000
16	Punjab	24,289,130	27,704,236	1900000
17	Haryana	21,083,900	25,753,081	900000
18	Chhattisgarh	20,834,530	25,540,196	1500000
19	Jammu and Kashmir	10,070,300	12,548,926	700000
20	Uttarakhand	8,489,100	10,116,752	7000000
21	Himachal Pradesh	6,077,453	6,856,509	250000
22	Tripura	3,191,880	3,671,032	100000
23	Meghalaya	2,306,540	2,964,007	200000
24	Manipur	2,294,480	2,721,756	100000
25	Nagaland	1,990,275	1,980,602	150000
26	Goa	1,348,900	1,457,723	100000
27	Arunachal Pradesh	1,098,328	1,382,611	700000
28	Mizoram	889,690	1,091,014	40000
29	Sikkim	541,902	607,688	30000
UT1	Delhi	13,851,503	16,753,235	1300000
UT2	Puducherry	974,820	1,244,464	50000
UT3	Chandigarh	901,080	1,054,686	20000
UT4	ndaman and Nicobar Islan	356,650	379,944	7000
UT5	Dadra and Nagar Haveli	220,963	342,853	10000
UT6	Daman & Div	158,080	242,911	1200
UT7	Lakshadweep	61,300	64,429	2000
Total	India	1,028,737,690	1,210,193,422	72921000

Source - 1.Pawar Ashok, “Nomad’s Migration Theory” (2018) Project Report CPEPA Dept. Economics Dr. Babasaheb Ambekdar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

2.Pawar Ashok and Rathod Pawar Sunita (2018) 'Gypsy Banjara Purvi kon hote?' Sahitya Sagar Publication, Kanpur.

3.Pawar Ashok (2018) 'Nomads Banjara Migration Theory' CPEPA, University Grants Commission, New Delhi, Research Project Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

4.Pawar Ashok2015-2017) 'Vasantrao Naik Study Centre Survey Report Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

 

Table 5. Comparative Study of Banjara Population:

Source - 1.Pawar Ashok, “Nomad’s Migration Theory” (2018) Project Report CPEPA Dept. Economics Dr. BabasahebAmbekdarMarathwada University, Aurangabad.

2.Pawar Ashok and Rathod Pawar Sunita (2018) 'Gypsy Banjara Purvi kon hote?', Sahitya Sagar Publication, Kanpur.

3.Pawar Ashok(2018) 'Nomads Banjara Migration Theory' CPEPA, University Grants Commission New Delhi, Research Project, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

4.Pawar Ashok2015-2017) 'Vasantrao Naik Study Centre Survey Report Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University Aurangabad.

Table 6. Comparative study of Banjara Population

Source -  1. Thade Committee, Dr. Bokil and Dr. Ambedkar Institute, Pune¹⁰

2. Dr Ashok Pawar, Director ,Vasantrao Naik Research and Training Center Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University Aurangabad, SurveyReports.2016¹¹

3.Census of India-1931 with complete survey of Tribal Life And system” by J. H. Hutton ,Gian Publishing House Delhi, Volume I-Part II, page no-537-555.

4.Pawar Ashok,Rathod-Pawar Sunita,(2013) Gypsy in India:Aconstitutionally Deprived Entities, Sahitya Sagar Publication, Kanpur.

5. Pawar Ashok and Rathod Pawar Sunita (2018) 'Gypsy Banjara Purvi konhote?' Sahitya Sagar Publication, Kanpur.

6. Pawar Ashok (2018) 'Nomads Banjara Migration Theory' CPEPA, University Grants Commission New Delhi, Research Project Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

7.Pawar Ashok2015-2017) 'Vasantrao Naik Study Centre Survey Report, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad..

 

Reservation provisions in Maharashtra State: B. D. Deshmukh Committee

In the year 1961, provisions for reservations of Denotified and Nomadic tribes were made on the basis of population by the committee established under chairmanship of B.D.Deshmukh. After studying the report submitted by Special Executive Authority board established in 1960, the government of India in the month of November 1961 announced the list of De-notified and Nomadic tribes. Considered as criminal tribes under the Act-1924 were included in for concessions and according to their population 4 per cent reservation was conferred to them.

As per the Government Rule, dated 25 May, 1990 the Dhangar and other equivalent castes were included in De-notified castes/Nomadic tribes therefore waiting until a final verdict from government in case of Vanjari and equivalent castes were termed as Banjara or equivalent. As per Government rule dated 4^th August 1992 the ratio of reservation of Backward Classes was modified as under:

Table 7. The ratio of reservation

Sr. no	Caste/ Category	Reservation quota
1	Scheduled caste	13%
2	Scheduled tribe	7%
3	De-notified and notified tribes	6%-(1993-11%)
4	Other backward classes	10%

Source - Reservation for Backward Classes,4 Aug,1992.

 

Reservation process of De-notified and Nomadic tribes

In spite of constitutional reservations for De-notified and Nomadic tribes in education sector due to privatization policy these institutes have no restrictions over weaving fees. Amid how come the weaker sections like De-notified and Nomadic tribes afford for expensive educational facilities of children. The plight of educational condition of Banjara community would even disgrace the dignity of United Nations Organizations. The Vanjari and Banjara community people on account of being constant dislocation, no beam of educational awakening could reach out their children. In such conditions unless the primary, secondary and higher secondary education is provided free cost these students would be able to learn, however so far the government has set free only the primary education. Thus, De-notified and Nomadic tribes boys and girls often found drop out at least education- more probably elementary classes.

While interviewing the Banjara community the reason put forth by the families for drop out indicated alarming condition of De-notified and Nomadic tribes. Grim poverty, unavailability of school in near about areas, excessive pressure of household activities, ignorance and above financial incapability kept the De-notified and Nomadic tribes parents and children away from schools. The Maharashtra Government spends 2.5 to 3 per cent out of its budgetary allocations and the other overall education funding ranges up to 10 per cent. Notwithstanding Maharashtra state ranks first in per capita income as compared to other states the above per cent seems too meager to meet the educational standards. Whereas,a negligible amount would accumulate in respect of monetary provisions for De-notified and Nomadic tribes. Besides just a 7 per cent of the Backward Classes achieve higher education across India. One observes reverse position in respect to primary and secondary education condition if evaluated against the other countries around the world.

Amongst these 7 per cent students a very few belong to schedule castes and tribes, one can hardly find a Banjara candidate. In its 22^nd January 2004 Notification, Section 4/2, Government rule clearly refers provisions of creamy layer parameters other than schedule castes and schedule tribes. Further as per the Section -10, representative percentage of De-notified and Nomadic tribes in selection committee was shifted to Other Backward Classes. This notification bears long term effect on candidature Banjara community. In short the parents whose annual income ranges from 2.50 lakh or more than that only their children can avail 3 per cent reservation facilities reserved for De-notified and Nomadic tribes in educational and service sectors. Found in the clutches of, on the one hand sky catching fees structures of private institutions and on the other side enumerated in creamy layer groups, it is certain that the rural students and their parents shall perpetually get de-motivated from higher education.  In the year 1952, meanwhile Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru permanently wiped off the stigma of born criminality from De-notified and nomadic tribes, he ordered each state to forward resolutions in connection with including the where about De-notified and Nomadic tribes under the Schedule castes and schedule tribes category.

Accordingly the Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan and West Bengal states included De-notified and Nomadic tribes in SC and ST categories though resolutions except the Maharashtra government. Maharashtra government gave it higher status amongst developed classes in the state. As a matter of fact those De-notified and Nomadic tribes striving somehow to acquire higher education, it was sheer incompatible affair to compete among higher income groups. India got freed from British rule on 15^th August 1947, afterward, the De-notified and Nomadic tribes had to wait till 31^st August, 1952 to get released from the stigma of born criminality. India aspires to be super power by adopting privatization and globalization policies. But what about the plight of these nomads? Isolated far from developed societies it has no sense of modernization. Worst of all no efforts are seen undertaken to up lift them. Bare handed without permanent means of livelihoods ,apathetic toward education, lack of employment, no shelter to take rest at and no village to name from these tribes have been existing a savage, dependent, destitute life. It would be futile to ask them the meaning of independent India at its 65^th year of democratic celebrations.

Census of De-notified and Nomadic tribes is the need of hour because all the subsidies, concession from Central government flows down to state level as per the population of a group or community. Despite necessary constitutional provision for De-notified and Nomadic tribes if they are neglected in independent India, there would be no respite than criminal activities for survival. Hence, burning need to sanction the concessions and implement the same- anticipating new ray of hope. Under the chairmanship of Shri B.P.Mandal the De-notified and Nomadic tribes were given educational reservations. According to recommendations of Mandal commission, under the government rule dated 23^rd March 1994 De-notified and Nomadic tribes were conferred with reservations as follows.

Rohini Commission, 2017: OBS reservation has divided in four section such as 2%, 6%,9% and 10% percentage . It may be possible to include 26333 castes in four section, as like 1674 castes in first section, 534 castes in second section, 328 castes in third section and 97 castes in fourth section.

 

Socio-economic and political discrimination

Till date not even single person could reach up to the highest position in administrative as well as political levels or else he/she hasn’t been given opportunity. Sharing about 7% of the total population the Banjara had been completely denied opportunities at higher positions in all spheres including social, economic, educational, judicial, sports and cultural areas. Even one of them owns a factory, company who should be held responsible for this? Even though a having unique language, dressingcpatterns, deities and saints etc.

We are classified under various categories in different states. For this we deserve more responsibility then the political leaders. In order to lessen the gap between various Banjara groups spread across India, all Banjaras from different states should be regroup under single separate schedule as Scheduled Tribes (ST) to instigate fight for rightful contribution nation building processes.

Denotified and Nomadic tribes had been surviving in the good old primitive lifestyle right from its earlier stage to till date. Observe any of the street work sites, stone crushers mines, fields and sugar cane crushing premises embarked by Banjarapeople. Ever since British era to present day political negligence they continue to exist the subjugated life under the yoke of Criminal Tribal Act, Creamy layer Act and relentlessly regrouped into various castes and tribes in different communal categories.

 

Need of Poverty alleviation and livelihoods in Banjara Community

As noted earlier for Banjara community hasn’t been able to settle down completely. They could hardly meet even fundamental needs. Lacking means of livelihood such as agriculture oblige them to work as farm labors. Prevailing ignorance, superstitions, infamous rituals, traditions resemble primitive life patterns dating back thousand years submersed in addiction, illiterate lifestyle. Till today the Ramoshi can be found patrolling at night; the Kaikadis weave brooms, pots, Kangi-wooden grain storage container; the Vadar, Beldar crush stones: Banjaras excavate mud out ponds, undergo labor works; and the Vasudev, the Nandivale entertain public with devotional songs early mornings. In all their business activities can be classified into economically marginal business.

Banjara people are apathetic towards education. The parents can’t look beyond children other than supportive laborers in household and earning resources. Consequently the children hardly aspire to attain up to tenth standard education, furthermore the whole community is biased about girls’ education that limits number of candidates who completing higher education. Owing to lesser landholding capacity, the banks provide insufficient funds to meet the agricultural needs. Howsoever if they get supportive funds from bank, all of which is spend to carry out religious, marriage ceremonies or fundamental needs of daily use instead of investments.  Being fun-festival loving people the Banjaras spent more than required money in festival, fulfilling vows etc. Left with insignificant land the community pays heed to agricultural produces. This negligence towards farming is again added by the rugged, rough land with inefficient irrigation facilities. This entails just seasonal crop production, lessening down productivity, in turn affecting every productive factor negatively on and on making a vicious cycle of poverty.

 

Table 8. Poverty ration of Banjara community:

Sr. No	Particulars	Banjara	Poverty ratio
1	Family below poverty line	546	86
2	Family above poverty line	54	14
	Total	600	100

Source - Pawar Ashok (2018) Nomads Banjara migration theory CPEPA project University Grants Commission New Delhi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University Aurangabad Maharashtra India.

During the Direct Sample Survey it was observed that out of 600Banjara families 546(86 per cent) are below the Poverty Line. Put side by side with other communities, despite higher rate of poverty ration amongst BanjaraTribes. Banjara people are more in numbers who survive below Poverty Line than other people.

 

Recommendations

·         Through a census for Banjara tribes allocate social, economic, political and educational concessions.

·         Encourage and develop weaving, crafts, articles, designing, skills by organizing exhibitions, sales and provide with marketing environment can boost their economic as well opportunities for art.

·         To lessen down the poverty ratio of Banjara tribes establish an active public distribution system.

·         According to recommendations of Reneke Commission, for the development of De-notified and Nomadic tribes, should be conferred with reservations, fundamental facilities and opportunities in various fields.  

·         In order to follow modern technology in agriculture the equipment and tools required in farming activities must be provide at subsidized rates without further delay.

·         Banjara communities should be separately provided with information about government schemes such as National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Sanjay Gandhi Helpless Scheme, Jawaharlal Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Indira Gandhi AawasYojana, DashlakshaVihirYojana and thereby the problem of unemployment should be permanently solved.

·          To increase the crops production and productivity of land the Banjara farmers should be provided with necessary guidelines through ShetiPrashikshanVarg or agricultural training class and ShetiShala or Agricultural school at tandapremises.

·         Banjara communities classified in various De-notified and Nomadic tribes should be enlisted into a Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.

·          The Maharashtra and Central government should establish new ministry for the De-notified and Nomadic tribes.

·          The judicial process under the Landholding Act, Lineage Act, Minimum Farming Wages Act, terms and conditions of Revenue Collection etc. should be re-implemented with strict execution, thereby aiming at economic justice for the weaker sections of society.  

 

Conclusion

Banjara community have ever since antiquity been deprived from governmental schemes. Hence, it is need of the hour to step up the statutory measures to ameliorate the social, economic, political, educational and cultural backwardness of these communities. From the stand point of political, educational, economic facilities being received by schedule castes and schedule tribes relatively the state of affair about Banjara community in states is quite discriminatory. However, a conscientious observation reveals disappointing facts about the nature of these concessions. Until 1976 a particular state received constitutional benefits bestowed for Banjaras neglecting the community members engulfed into different categories in rest of the states. To equalize concessional distribution, central government amended the law and ordered to compile the community groups in respective categories. Accordingly, today in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh the Banjara community is included amongst De-notified and Nomadic tribes (De-notified and Nomadic tribes), but receive a scanty share of benefits in reservations and grants: utterly deficient to cope with emerging socio-economic conditions. The said states houses maximum numbers of Banjara population but devoid of caste-wise census indefinable grants are allocated for them.

In short, at present these communities time and again forgo concerned benefits from governments. Therefore, the voicing need today is that to refrain from customary allocation of disproportionate reservations under various castes; form a new Scheduled Tribe (ST) category subsuming whole of the Banjara community amassed in various states and union territories aiming at socio-economic justice and peaceful sustenance.

 

References

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Pawar Ashok (2018) 'Nomads Banjara Migration Theory' CPEPA, University Grants Commission New Delhi, Research project Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University Aurangabad.

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Pawar Ashok, (2015-2017) 'Vasantrao Naik study centre survey report Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University Aurangabad.

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Pawar Ashok, Naik Priti and Rathod Sunita (June 2012), Special reference of poverty: Banjara Tribes in India, Research article in Paripex-Indian Journal of Research.

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