Survey of Tribal Development Block - Chintapalli Mandal Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The Research Study Report is divided into two parts, Part I delineates the introduction, population structure, occupational divisions, land and legislation, minor irrigation, indebtedness, education, health and food habits and Minor Forest Produce and the Corporation. Part II reveals the social organization and tribal leadership and panchayat systems among the selected area. The research survey was carried out in Chintaplli Taluk of Visakhapatnam district during the year 1963-64 and 400 families were covered in this survey. Primary data was collected through questionnaires and secondary data was collected from officer of the Block, Taluk, District and State offices of various departments. The study reveals the total population of the scheduled tribes of Visakhapatnam is 2,13,820 (as per 1961 Census). The density of scheduled tribe population per square mile in Visakhapatnam district is 41 persons. The literacy is a major problem in the area only 6.32% constitute the literates of these literates 78.19% of them are males and 21.81% are females. Primarly the tribal of this Block are depending upon agriculture. The Block represents a typical example of agrarian economy with low yield, poor earnings, and under-employment. The study noticed that the land under cultivation has been increasing from year to year, yet the increase is so insignificant that the total land under cultivation is only 4.68% to the total geographical area of the Block. The study reveals that there has been violation of the Land Regulation Act, i.e lands have changed hands from tribals to non-tribals. It was found in this survey that section 3 of this Regulation is also violated and many non-tribals are in occupation of the tribal lands. The study also reveals that the land alienation cases are taking place in these villages due to various factors such as habitation and indebtedness, fertility of the soils etc. family maintenance and social ceremonies are found to be responsible for their indebtedness. Study reveals that the Minor Irrigation sources are mainly concentrated in Chintapalli, Pedavalasa, Lambasingi, Lothugeda and Downuru cirlces. The study noticed that the tribal takes loans mostly to meet the expenditure involved in social, festival and religious functions and family maintenance. The study also reveals that the tribals believe that diseases are caused on account of the wrath of deities or spirits, or due to somebody's curse or witchcraft. They also believe that sorcery, breach of taboo, spirit intrusion are the causes of disease. A study of food habits in the cultural context has revealed interesting aspects of food habits among the tribals of this area. Chintapalli block is highly potential in Minor Forest Produce. This is one of the major subsidiary sources of income to the tribals. The general pattern of the social organization of the tribals are found to be almost similar, with no major differences. It is noticed that the traditional panchayats are still the bulwark of social stability and social cohesion among the tribals.