The Kolghas of Gujarat (A Socio-Economic Study and a Development Plan)

Abstract

The State has recognized some tribal groups, who are very backward both socially and economically, as primitive groups in the Gujarat State. Some of them are Kotwalias, Kathodis and Kolgha. These groups constitute the weakest section of the tribal population in the State and hence need special attention for their development. Unless special care is taken in respect of the development of these groups, they will not be able to adjust in the changing situation. Anyone who visits their areas can clearly make out that the ecological balance of these communities have been lost and they are pressed between the advancing communities, both tribal and non-tribal, and dwindling forest resources. They have been living in a precarious stage of existence. Although some attempts were made in the previous years to take up some special schemes for these communities from the overall allocation of the State sectors of development and special central assistance, much headway has not been made and no tangible results have been achieved. The result is this that they continue to carry on a strenuous struggle for existence. Development activities for these groups have not picked up so far, mainly because it had not been possible for the State Government to get out of the schematic approach and the organizations, both voluntary and statutory working in the areas where those primitive groups are found, mainly concentrated their development activities among the dominant group of the area. And this had resulted in almost total neglect of these groups. Since these groups have no political representation nor have they formed any interest group, nobody raised a voice anywhere regarding the precarious economic conditions under which they have been struggling to survive.