HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 169 : Model Answer

QUESTION: What are the problems Faced by Tribals in Himachal Pradesh? (4marks/60 words)

Answer:

According to the Census 2011 the population of Himachal Pradesh is around 68 lakhs of which 5.71% belongs to Scheduled Tribes. Out of total 55673 square kilometer geographical area of H.P. 23655 square kilometer area falls in Scheduled Area which constitutes 42.49% of the total area.

Problems Faced by Tribals in Himachal Pradesh:

Lack of Infrastructure: Tribal areas are situated in geographically difficult terrain, having extreme climate as a result they suffer from isolation, causing inhospitable living conditions due to lack of basic amenities. Due to this, the tribal areas are facing problems in communication, residential, educational and medical facilities. Communication includes transportation facilities. Underdeveloped transportation facilities cause hindrance in development of the area. – link up with other development projects/ programs for providing infrastructure facilities in the project area.

Produce Storage/ Processing / Marketing related: Sale and storage of surplus agricultural/ horticulture/ NTFP produce is a challenge due to non-availability of storage facilities and market yards, which are very essential to avoid waste and for timely marketing. – Create storage facilities, market yards, processing facilities for value addition and marketing support.

Employment Opportunities related: Lack of employment opportunities in the tribal areas, majority of tribal population is dependent on rainfed agriculture, which is seasonal and as a result have to migrate to towns and cities during the peak tourist seasons for earning their livelihood. – Convergence with other government projects/ programs for skill development of tribal youth in the project area.

Grazing Issues: As per the consultations held with communities in the tribal areas for preparation of the TDF, there is a substantial increase in the flock size of transhumants resulting in grazing issues. However, over the years the number of animals as shown in the grazing permits has remained the same. This is resulting in resource conflict between communities as the forest area allotted for grazing is insufficient and the transhumant communities use panchayat or private lands for grazing.