The Hindu : National : Status of tribal women no better

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Monday, May 05, 2008
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Status of tribal women no better

Staff Reporter

Study among nomads reveals that 89 per cent of them are illiterate

— Photo: Luv Puri

RIGHT DENIED: People living in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir loading their supplies of essential commodities along the Pir Panjal range. Many of the villages of the state still do not have any road facility.

Jammu: Contrary to the age-old belief that nomadic tribal women enjoyed a greater status in their household unlike their urban counterparts, a study has shown that 89 per cent of the tribal women are illiterate.

The study conducted by the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) in 1,000 houses of nomadic tribes around the Pir Panjal range spread over Poonch, Rajouri and Baramulla districts of the State has revealed that a total of 89 per cent women of these tribes between the age of 10-65 were illiterate. The worst affected were Bakerwal women.

Education has been a prime casualty for these women who were once cited as an example of women empowerment for their determination. Societal conservatism is traced as the root cause of the problems tribal women face. Less than 12 per cent of the Bakerwal girls were in a position to get admission in primary school.

Javaid Rahi, national secretary of the TRCF, told The Hindu that the status of tribal women has been downgraded due to sociological factors. The condition has worsened with the failure of centrally sponsored schemes.

He said, the Centre’s Balika Simridhi Yojna,Sawastiki and Indira Mahila Yojna had not been applied over Bakerwal women.

Meanwhile, the price rise has started affecting remote areas. Situated in the vicinity of the Pir Panjal range, Dewal is seven hours from the district headquarters and supplies to this village are made by ponies. Low quality rice now costs Rs. 33 a kg, against Rs.22 a few months back.

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