Context:
Dhangars of Maharashtra are asking for ‘grazing corridors’ in forests.
Dhangars:
- A significant community in Maharashtra
- Known for their traditional roles as shepherds and farmers.
- Classification – Nomadic Tribe in Maharashtra; OBC at the central level.
- Other Names – Known as Dhangad Golla and Kuruba in other regions.
- Population – 2nd largest community in Maharashtra, making up 9% or 1.5 crore of the state’s population (2011 Census).
- Geographical Spread – Primarily in Maharashtra, also found in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Livelihood – Traditionally shepherds, cowherds, buffalo keepers, blanket and wool weavers, butchers, and farmers.
- Migration Pattern – Move to Konkan region after the monsoon to fertilize fields and return to the plateau with rice from the Konkan region.
- Issues faced by the community –
- Indian Forest Act, 1927 restricts cattle grazing with penalties.
- Forest Rights Act 2006 allows traditional activities like grazing but does not benefit Dhangars as they are classified as a nomadic tribe.
- This leads them to seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and recognition of grazing rights along traditional routes.
Related Article: Process of inclusion under ST list
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statement:
1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.
3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
The Changpa are a semi-nomadic Tibetan people found mainly in the Changtang in Ladakh and in Jammu and Kashmir.
