Core Problems of the Scheduled Castes of Assam

Abstract

In India, special measures have been embodied in the Constitution for the protection and welfare of the Scheduled castes who belong to the lowest stratum of the caste hierarchy of the Hindu social organization. But satisfactory results are yet to emerge out of the provisions in uplifting this down trodden section of the Indian society. Unfortunately, the overall socio economic scenario of the scheduled castes of Assam in spite of implementation of the welfare schemes out of the Central and State Govt. funds is not satisfactory. As per 1991 census 7.40 percent of the total population of Assam is SC and out of total SC population 86.18 percent population still live as subsistent farming community. The socio economic condition of the SC across the state is very bad compared to others in spite of many socio economic safeguards provided to them. To have a better understanding of the situation a state level seminar was organized from 5 to 7 October 1994 by Tribal Research Institute, Assam. The main objective of the seminar was to identify the core problems of development of the Scheduled castes of Assam and to suggest remedial measures. In the seminar 23 valuable papers were presented by the distinguished academician, educationist and researchers with suggestion and recommendations in this regard. Out of these 23 papers 21 were selected to be published in the form of a seminar paper volume. This compilation of seminar papers is bilingual, it has papers written in English and Assamese also. It covers the core issues of the SCs including developmental issues, occupational challenge, impact of the Govt beneficiary schemes, livelihood issues of the Hira pottery makers, empowerment of SC youth, socio cultural changes etc.