Baseline Survey Report on The Primitive Tribal Groups of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Government of India have identified 12 tribal groups (Chenchu, Kolam, Kondareddi, Dongria Khond, Kuttia Khond, Konda Savara, Bodo Gadaba, Gutob Gadaba,Bondo Porja, Khond Porja, Parangi Porja and Thoti) as Primitive Tribal Groups in Andhra Pradesh in three stages during different periods based on the criteria prescribed for identification of PTGs and accorded special attention by implementing various schemes for their overall development in order to improve their living standards on par with that of other tribal groups of the State. base line survey of PTGs of Andhra Pradesh was taken up by the Project Officers of respective ITDA areas under the guidance and co-ordination of TCR&TI, Hyderabad and a total of 2802 PTG Habitations were covered in the survey consisting of 70,248 Households with 3,02,285 population. The report on Base Line Survey of PTGs is divided into 5 parts. Part-I deals with the identification and distribution of PTGs in Andhra Pradesh. Part-II reveals the brief profile of socio-cultural aspects of each PTG in the State. Part-III deals with the demographic aspects and prevailing living conditions of PTGs in all facets of life while Part-IV depicts the existing infrastructure facilities in the PTG habitations. Part-V outlines the problems faced by the PTGs, their felt needs and appropriate strategies required for their overall development. The survey reveals that the traditional economy of these PTGs vary from hunting and gathering, shifting cultivation to settled agriculture based on their geographical distribution. Family is the basic institution among all the PTGs and nuclear type of family is generally found among PTGs which has greater relevance to their cultural and traditional practices. The average household size is 4.30 persons. The maximum number of persons is found in the age group of 16-30 years i.e 30.6%. The PTGs mainly subsist on agriculture either settled or podu cultivation and allied activities and they also derive income from the activities like collection and sale of NTF. Several initiatives have been taken up by the State Government for creation infrastructure facilities in tribal areas through area development approach besides enhancing the living conditions of scheduled tribes by way of taking up various family oriented income generating activities.