Paharia delegation apprising Ananta Nayak, Member of National Commission for Scheduled Tribe, of the necessity for tribal status for them in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. Photo: Special Arrangement
In the distant Paharia group of Odisha, dad and mom eagerly look for appropriate grooms for their daughters in neighbouring Chhattisgarh — not simply for the prospect of a cheerful marriage but in addition for a major social status change. After being married off throughout the border, their daughters turn out to be a part of a Scheduled Tribe (ST), which opens doorways to authorities welfare schemes and different advantages.
The 12,000-strong Paharia inhabitants residing in Odisha’s Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Balangir and Bargarh districts are categorised as Other Backward Class (OBC), whereas their very own group’s members in Chhattisgarh are recognised as tribals.
Since they’re a comparatively small group, Odisha’s Paharias haven’t been in a position to put throughout their demand for a change in social status from OBC to ST as strongly as another dominant communities. A suggestion for inclusion within the ST checklist by the Tribes Advisory Council has been pending with the Centre for nearly 20 years.
Seeking ST status
On Saturday, a bunch of Paharias met Ananta Nayak, a member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, and apprised him about how their socio-economic situation and ancestry make them a match case to be included in ST checklist.
“I have heard Paharia delegation. They are extremely backward. A serious thought is required to be given on their demand for tribal status in view of their origin, characters and socio-economic condition. I have impressed upon Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) to prepare a report studying their community,” Mr. Nayak stated.
Abandoning Odisha
Paharias or Kamars reside in distant areas alongside the borders of Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Traditionally, they eke out their livelihoods by weaving bamboo baskets, however have been hit onerous by a lower in bamboo inventory. Many Paharias at the moment are compelled emigrate underneath misery circumstances and infrequently find yourself being exploited by labour brokers and employers.
An aged Paharia lady busy weaving a bamboo basket in Odisha’s Nuapada district. Photo: Special Arrangement
“The Paharia community lives on both sides of the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. Despite inter-State boundary division, we continue to relish a strong bond within the community. As we are extremely backward both educationally and economically, our condition has only worsened in Odisha. On the other hand, the condition of Paharias living in Chhattisgarh has bettered due to their tribal status,” stated Indramani Paharia, a member of the delegation.
“Who does not want their daughters to prosper in life? If marriage is a medium, it is better to accept it,” he stated, including that total households have began to shift their base completely to Chhattisgarh, lured by such advantages. In reality, many clusters in Odisha have been vacated by Paharias.
Historically tribals
Above 80% of the group is landless and would not have any correct dwelling place. Similarly, their literacy degree is lower than 20%, in line with senior journalist Ajit Panda, who has been advocating for tribal status for the Paharias.
The pre-Independence Census stories of 1901 and 1911 describe the Paharias as tribals. Many historic accounts additionally establish the group as aboriginals, cave dwellers and hunters. However, after the annexation of a part of the erstwhile Central province with Odisha round 1936, their status modified to different castes.
A severe try and construct a motion for change in social status occurred within the early 2000s. In 2005, the Tribes Advisory Council (TAC), underneath the chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had really helpful accordance of ST status to the Paharia-Kamar tribe of Odisha, however the concern has been pending with the Central Government since then.
