The Livelihood problems of Dalit and Tribes in the Mandal Block of Bhilwara District

This blog is trying to understand the livelihood problems of Dalit and Tribes in the Mandal block of Bhilwara District, whom 98% people (D and T) are working in the mines. It is also try to understand the way of ontological approach.

The context of the Bhilwara district (Rajasthan) is different rather than other parts of India. Therefore, the ground realities of this area are different rather than other state. The structure of caste system and the practices are unique. In addition, cultural behaviour is connected to the person by the communication. In Bhilwara, district people use the local language Mewari. Its little bit understands to me, not whole. So, many times, do not understand the actual context behind of their speaking. However, it is nice vocal language. Without understand of this language, anyone cannot do the ontological inquiry of the plight of Dalit and tribe or their livelihood issues. It is possible to inquire of their physical situation, but it’s not possible about their inner situation or their own experience.

98% Dalit and tribal (in entire Labour) are working in the mining sector. The proportion of men is more than women in this work. Because, most of the people are migrate for some month at the place of mines. So, they come alone and stayed nearby mines, where they have work. Some people create their own kacha houses from the some distance of mine. They are staying from 20 years in that place (Jodhpur mining area bhat-basti). They do not have a entry in the inner side of city or village. Because, they are lower caste. In Jodhpur, area purohit was against of this mineworker, who wants to make their house nearby purohit society. That is why they staying at mining place. Therefore, it is a problematic of their health and they caused by silicosis disease.

In today’s condition, most of the people know about as like issues. However, they are working in the mines. Because, they do not have other option of livelihood. Some people have land, but very less ex., one bigha, 2 bigha. It is not enough to their livelihood. In addition, farming is depends upon the rainy season. Therefore, it is a problematic issue.

I search in one village, there are nomadic tribes. They do not have a employment. People do not give the employment to them, because of the stigma of thief. Therefore, they are going door to door for the begging. They are discriminated from other upper caste community. However, before some days ago one Dalit contractor starts the work of school building and he take the workers in nomadic community. He said his experience about them and the approach of society looking them. He is conscious about their plight. Therefore, according to him, these are needy people, who have not worked for their livelihood. He provides the work to them. He gives 150-200 rupees to them daily for their work. When he start the work of this school, worker of this community didn’t came, very few people came, then this number is rise day by day. However, at the work place they are humiliated from upper caste.

By the reason of unconscious about education, they cannot get the job in government or private sector, which are demands to merit. Caste system is functioning for the upper caste. Tribes also discriminated as like Dalit. Their right rights of jal, jangal, jamin are in very problematic situation. That is why they are working in the mines. Both are depends upon the mines…

Sharad D. Kodane