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Transcript of Planning, Government of Gujarat, Gandh - United Nations ...
Gujarat Social Infrastructure Development Society
General Administration Department – Planning,
Government of Gujarat,
Gandhinagar.
v
MESSAGE
Human Development is a development paradigm which is beyond mere rise
or fall of national incomes. It is about creating an environment where people can
develop their full potential and lead productive, creative lives in accordance with
their needs and interests. People are the real wealth of nation. Development is thus
about expanding the choices people have to lead lives that they value.
The District Human Development Report is a Document which gives the
present status of Human Development in different talukas of the District. Human
Development requires focus on the basic as well as crucial indicators of Human
Development. Thus this report has highlighted three important pillars which are:
Education, Health and Livelihood.
I commend the efforts put in by stakeholders in preparing this publication and
hope that this will be useful to all the state & district level officials, policy makers
and planners in working towards improving Human Development scenario of the
District.
(S. Aparna)
Principal Secretary (Planning) and
Chairperson, GSIDS
vii
PPrreeffaaccee
The objective of all the interventions is to bring in human development. A district human
development report has to basically address the issue of formulation of a strategy, which will
accelerate the pace of human development. Therefore, the objective of the present exercise is to
build up a developmental path, which will address human development in Sabarkantha.
Normally a human development report covers three aspects related to human development
— standard of living, health and education. Broadly the same format has been maintained in this
exercise. However, separate chapter has been kept for gender issues.
When we talk of building of a strategy, all concerned who are expected to participate in its
execution must be involved at the formulation stage. In other words, the whole exercise has to be
participatory in nature. An attempt has been made to involve all the line departments in this
exercise. At the same time other stakeholders have also been involved in identification of the
bottlenecks and solutions. We have included several case studies to capture the essence of the
district and success stories from the district itself that can be scaled up to accelerate the pace of
human development.
The formulation of Human Development Index (HDI) has not been attempted here. In the
process of formulation of a strategy, intra-district scenario needs to be brought out. The quality of
data varies from district to district and if the usual data available at the district level is used to
formulate the HDI, the comparison across district may become erroneous. Since quality of data
within a district is likely to be similar, a comparison within a district may provide us a relative
picture of progress and a comparison of talukas over conveniently defined indicator will not be off
the mark. In any case using the normal HDI formulae may not be able to capture the specific
nuances and barriers to human development in different parts of a district. Since we need to build
a strategy we should use a framework, which is flexible enough to capture the specific need of the
district in terms of human development. HDI formulation is rather complicated and is difficult to
comprehend, say, for panchayat level functionaries who are likely to participate in execution of
schemes in the process of human development.
Considering the above, the Human Development Radar has been attempted which may be
helpful. It is easily understandable and the weak areas can be quickly identified. In addition, the
indicators may be selected as per the district specific issues.
viii
This exercise started with a district level workshop involving all the line departments,
other government officials and academicians. A Core committee was formed at the district level
consisting of government officials, Panchayat functionaries, representatives of non-governmental
organisations (NGO) and representatives from academia. Based on the issues highlighted in the
district level workshop weaker pockets under each sector in the district were identified.
Identification of barriers to human development under each area in this district followed next. The
process of documentation was initiated thereafter. Specific studies were also initiated and findings
have been incorporated. The draft report was presented again before the Chief Secretary, Gujarat
State before finalisation.
I put on record my sincere thanks to all who have been involved in this exercise. I am
grateful to the officers of the line departments including the departments of Land, Forest,
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry Development, Fisheries, Agri-irrigation, WASMO, District
Industries Centre, Education, Health, Social Welfare and Bureau of Economics and Statistics. I
was assisted by a dedicated band of officers from the Sabarkantha Collectorate which included the
DDO, DPO, etc.
I express my deep gratitude to the representatives from academia who have helped us in
preparing this exercise. Special mention may be made of Prof. S.P. Kashyap, Prof. Niti Mehta, Dr.
Anita Arya, Dr. Shital Shukla from Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research and
Dr. Neha Shah.
Finally I express my sincere thanks to the GSIDS, General Administration Department
(Planning), Government of Gujarat for their kind guidance and constant encouragement.
Banchhanidhi Pani
March 2015 Collector Sabarkantha (Himatnagar) Sabarkantha
ix
FOREWORD
The Human Development approach arose in part as a result of growing criticism to
the leading development approach, which presumed a close link between national
economic growth and the expansion of individual human choices. As of 1990, the human
development concept was applied to a systematic study of global themes, as published in
the yearly Global Human Development Reports under the auspice of the UNDP.
The Human Development story of India is unique in its kind. India initiated Human
Development issues during 8th Five Year Plan (1992-97). In order to integrate Human
Development into state planning in India the preparation of reports at state level has been
started. Now-a-days the Gujarat State is on the fast track of development. Planning
Commission-Government of India and UNDP had partnered Strengthening State Plan for
Human Development (SSPHD) Programme, under which the Government of Gujarat had
initiated the process of integrating Human Development in planning and policy
documents.
Human Development is increasingly becoming an area of concern and priority is
given to development a strategy which conceptually goes beyond per capita income as a
measure of development. The preparation of DHDR (District Human Development
Report) marks the beginning of the process whereby people are mobilized and actively
participate in the developmental process.
The DHDR is expected to be an important document for formulating the District
Human Development Plan. The report has incorporated the status of Human Development
in different talukas of Sabarkantha District. The report depicts the present status of the
district with available information for various indicators of Education, Health, Nutrition
and Livelihood.
I hope this report will form a milestone in the overall planning and development of
the district. DHDR will also be very useful to concerned District level Officials, policy
makers, decision makers and NGOs.
Nagrajan. M
(DDO, Sabarkantha)
xi
AACCKKNNOOWWLLEEDDGGEEMMEENNTT
In doing the study on “District Human Development-Sabarkantha” we have had the
benefit of expertise and guidance from both official and academic fraternities. We take this
opportunity to thank Mr. V N Maira, Additional Chief Secretary (Planning) Retired and Kum. S.
Aparna, Principal Secretary (Planning) (I/C) who has supported us throughout in completing the
project. The District Collector, Shri Banchhanidhi Pani gave all possible help and cooperation
and guided the preparation of the report.
We acknowledge the cooperation of all the governmental officials of GSIDS, Gandhinagar
and also the officers concerned from Sabarkantha District especially the Collector’s Office. Our
special thanks to the UNDP representatives.
The academicians at SPIESR have been of immense help to us, particularly Prof. Y.K.
Alagh who always took keen interest and provided encouragement. We would like to thank Shri
Dilip Parikh and Shri P.M. Patel whose involvement in conducting the special studies is
noteworthy. The Accounts and the Administrative Staff of SPIESR deserve special
acknowledgement especially Mr. Kirit Shah, Mr. Venugopal and Mr. Satheesan. Finally, our
humble thanks to people of Sabarkantha for whom the study is conducted.
Anita Arya
(Project Coordinator)
xiii
DDIISSTTRRIICCTT HHUUMMAANN
DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTT RREEPPOORRTT --
SSAABBAARRKKAANNTTHHAA ((GGUUJJAARRAATT))
RESEARCH TEAM (SPIESR)
Anita Arya (Project Coordinator)
S P Kashyap (Senior Consultant)
Niti Mehta (Faculty)
Shital Lodhia (Faculty)
Neha Shah (Consultant)
RESEARCH TEAM (GSIDS)
Sagar Patel (SPAC)
Pinki Mishra (SPAC)
Alap Patel (SPA)
Vishal Shah (SPAC Sabarkantha)
Hemant Solanki (SPA Sabarkantha)
xv
Contents
Chapter Title Page
Executive Summary xix
1 Introduction 1-2
2 District Profile of Sabarkantha 3-12
3 Education Profile 13-27
4 Health Profile 28-38
5 Economic Base and Livelihoods 39-59
6 Gender Development 60-69
7 Insights from Special Studies 70-73
8 Status of Human Development 74-81
9 Ways Ahead 81-83
Abbreviations 84
References and Sources of Information 85-87
Glimpses…. 88-90
xvi
List of Boxes
Box 2.1 E-Governance 6
Box 2.2 Success Story under IAY 9
Box 2.3 Role of Bharat Nirman Volunteers in enhancing Social
Accountability – Field Experience from Sabarkantha District,
GUJARAT
10
Box 3.1 Initiative for Female Enrollment 20
Box 4.1 Assessing Gujarat's 'Chiranjeevi' Scheme 34
Box 4.2 Janani Suraksha Yojana 35
Box 4.3 Mukhya Mantri Amrutum Yojana 37
Box 5.1 MGNREGS in Gujarat 44
Box 5.2 Kaushalya Vardhan Kendra 45
Box 5.3 ATVT Programme 47
Box 5.4 Changing Regional Patterns of Agriculture Growth in Gujarat 52
Box 5.5 Harnessing Organic Wealth
“Gram Lakshmi Sammohik Vermicompost Unit”
56
Box 5.6 Gram Laxmi under Mission Mangalam:
A Government of Gujarat (GOG) livelihood and poverty alleviation
programme
56
Box 6.1 Nari Gaurav Niti 62
Box 7.1 Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana 70
xvii
List of Tables
Table 2.1 Growth Rate and Density of Population 7
Table 2.2 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, 2011 7
Table 2.3 Urbanization 8
Table 2.4 Basic Facilities Available to Household, 2011 9
Table 2.5 Total Road Length, 2011 11
Table 3.1 Literacy Rate: Inter-Temporal Comparison 13
Table 3.2 Literacy Rate Urban Rural Comparison, 2001 and 2011 14
Table 3.3 Effective Literacy Rate 1991, 2001 and 2011 15
Table 3.4 Total Availability of Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary
Schools, 2010
16
Table 3.5 Availability of Primary Schools and Class Rooms, 2011 17
Table 3.6 Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools, 2010-11 17
Table 3.7 Availability and Progress of Private and Public School 19
Table 3.8 Students in Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools, 1996-
97 to 2010-11
21
Table 3.9 (a) Year- wise Dropout Rate, 2002-2010 22
Table 3.9 (b) Drop out Rate, 2011-12 to 2013-14 22
Table 3.10 Uttarbuniyadi Ashram Schools for Schedule Tribes, 2001 to 2011 23
Table 3.11 Aashram Schools for Developing Communities, 2001 to 2011 23
Table 3.12 Teacher-Student Ratio, 2010 24
Table 3.13 Institutions of Higher Education (Govt. and Private), 2010 24
Table 3.14 Physical Amenities in Schools 25
Table 4.1 Crude Birth Rate and Death Rate 28
Table 4.2 Level of Vaccination (% of Children Vaccinated), 2010-2011 30
Table 4.3 Malnourishment of Children, 2010-2011 30
Table 4.4 Primary Health Structure and Population Norms 32
Table 4.5 Villages Having Health Facilities, 2010-11 32
Table 4.6 Shortfall in Basic Health Care Facilities 33
Table 4.7 Institutional Deliveries 34
Table 4.8 Performance of ANC Registration 35
Table 4.9 Patient Treated for Different Diseases, 2010-11 36
Table 5.1a Changes in Workforce Composition across location, 1991 to 2011 40
Table 5.1b Worker Participation Rates, 1991-2011 41
Table 5.2 Worker Participation Rates (Main and Marginal Workers),
1991-2011
42
Table 5.3 Occupational Pattern in Sabarkantha, 1991-2011 43
xviii
Table 5.4a Year wise Achievement of MGNREGA in Sabarkantha 45
Table 5.4b Distribution of Rural Works Completed in Sabarkantha under
MGNREGA, March 2011
45
Table 5.5a Physiography 46
Table 5.5b Agro-Ecological Zones 46
Table 5.6a Trend in Land use, Sabarkantha, 1960-61 to 2012-13 47
Table 5.6b Taluka wise Land use Pattern (% to Reporting area), 2012 47
Table 5.7a Taluka wise Irrigation Status, 2012 48
Table 5.7b Taluka Wise Ground Water Recharge, Draft, Level of Development
and Average Water Level, 2008-09
49
Table 5.8 Structure of Land holdings, 2005-06 50
Table 5.9 Decadal Change in Cropping Pattern, Sabarkantha 51
Table 5.10 Average and Potential Yield of Important Crops, 2012 51
Table 5.11 Composition of Livestock Population (000) 52
Table 5.12 Dairy Cooperatives and Members, 2010-11 53
Table 5.13 Distribution of Fishermen and Population of Fishing Community,
2006-07
54
Table 5.14a Talukawise Small-scale Industrial Units (Functioning), 2006 to 2011 54
Table 5.14b Small-scale Industrial Clusters in Sabarkantha, 2006-11 55
Table 5.15 Taluka-wise Medium Size Industrial units, 2006-11 55
Table 5.16 Poverty Situation in Sabarkantha District, 2011 56
Table 6.1 Sex Ratio across Talukas, 1991 to 2011 60
Table 6.2 Worker Participation Rates, (Main and Marginal workers), 1991 to
2011
64
Table 6.3 Work Participation Rates, (Main and Marginal Workers), 1991 65
Table 6.4 Work Participation Rates, (Main and Marginal Workers), 2001 65
Table 6.5 Work Participation Rates, (Main and Marginal Workers), 2011 65
Table 6.6 Industrial Distribution of workers in Sabarkantha, 1991 to 2011 67
Table 6.7 Worker Classification by Taluka, 2001 67
Table 6.8 Worker Classification by Taluka, 2011 68
Table 6.9 Pattern of Migration 68
Table 6.10 Number of Offences against Women in the District, 1995, 2010 69
Table 8.1 Indicators of Human Development in the District and Talukas 75
Table 8.2 Range of Human Development across Talukas 75
Table 8.3 Action needed in the specific areas in each taluka of the district 76
xix
Executive Summary
Human development depends on historical factors, macroeconomic policies of the
government, and strategies of the state government, particularly with respect to livelihood, health,
and education. Economic policies of the central government to a large extent determine outcomes at
the state level. Trade liberalization is expected to improve exports which, in the case of high labour
intensity, could generate substantial employment. Much, however, depends on whether the impact
percolates to unskilled workers or stays with skilled workers and whether it radiates to rural India or
is confined to urban areas. Employment has increased in the unorganized sector which does not
necessarily point to an improvement in the quality of life or living standards. Financial liberalization
in the post-reform period has led to a decline in credit to the farm sector and loans to small and
marginal farmers and other weaker sections. On balance, it appears that the mix of macro policies
has not promoted employment and human development in the post-reform period.
This report focuses on human development indicators in Sabarkantha district of Gujarat.
It assesses the base line situation by estimating human development radars at the taluka level,
while stressing types of human vulnerability. Steps are suggested for raising the level of human
development and reducing human vulnerability. Besides providing a profile of the district,
important components of human development such as education, health, economic base and
livelihood, and gender issues are discussed in separate chapters. A field-based study deals with
behavioural aspects of tribal and other farming communities, particularly of Kutchi Patels.
Methodology: In order to capture the large inter-taluka variations for most human development
indicators, we divided the talukas in two categories: tribal and non-tribal talukas. Vijaynagar,
Bhiloda, Meghraj, Khedbarahma are tribal talukas. The non-tribal talukas are Vadali, Dhansura,
Bayad, Malpur, Talod, Idar, Prantij, Himatnagar, Modasa. Besides while clarifying the talukas we
take into account level of urbanization and whether a taluka belong to tribal or non-tribal area.
Modasa is the second most urbanized (30.39%), Vijaynagar is the least urbanized which is tribal.
Dhansura has no urban population. Among the tribal talukas Khedbrahma is the most urban and
Vijaynagar is the least urban taluka.
District Profile: In Sabarkantha the level of urbanization is around 14.98 percent (2011).
Industrial base is promising but there is complete absence of large scale units. There is dominance
of land based activities (farming and animal husbandry) as source of income and more so for
employment generation. Nearly 71% households have tap water facilities, 58.0% have access to
toilets and 95.05% of households have electricity supply. Vadali, Bayad and Prantij have good
coverage as far drinking water facility is concerned. Himmatnagar, Modasa, Idar, Dhansura and
Bayad have more than 60% coverage of households as far as sanitation is concerned. Sex ratio is a
bright spot. It is the highest in the tribal taluka viz. Vijaynagar. However, it has declined from 965
in 1991 to 952 in 2011 in Sabarkantha district.
Education: Education is key to expanding personal endowments and building individual
capabilities so that physical and social barriers can be surmounted. Education is a basic tool of all-
round progress, a tool of liberating people from shackles of ignorance, illiteracy, and poverty.
There are various demand factors, particularly in tribal areas that deter spread of education.
Further, majority of women (90 per cent) are not interested in adult education because they are
busy in economic activities (56 per cent), engaged in household work and related responsibilities
(29 per cent), or have no interest.
xx
Concentrated efforts by the State Government have helped in improving the literacy level in
2011 specially for females. The enrolment rate as well as retention level has improved. The
availability of primary school is close to the norms and the student teacher rate is quite favourable.
Foremost amongst the remedial steps would be to establish a link between education and
livelihood. Effective implementation of MGNREGA and giving boost to building infrastructure
would have positive outcomes on education attainment. Also, teachers need to be trained not only
in imparting literacy but also sensitized with local economic constraints. Teachers knowing local
dialect need to be given priority, as that will make task of communication easier. Innovative
methods, whereby the children can relate with the education material, would be useful. Urgent
steps are needed to ensure the basic amenities like water, sanitation and electricity.
Health: Health has been declared as a fundamental human right by the Alma-Ata Conference
(1978) and is an important factor for human development. Better health has multiple effects on
the individual’s well-being. It is a means as well as an end to attain better life. Good health
reduces medical cost and loss of income for daily wage earners. High cost of health care often
acts as a major reason for indebtedness in a poor family. This ignites the vicious circle of ill
health, loss of income, hunger, poverty, and malnutrition.
In Sabarkantha, CBR has fallen to 23.13 in 2010-11 from 28.21 in 2006 and CDR has
reduced to 5.0 in 2010-11 from 5.9.8 in 2006. Child mortality is a barometer of the effect of
economic and social condition on child health as it measures an outcome of development. Female
CMR is better than male counterparts except in Bhiloda and Meghraj.
Health issues are not only merely a function of availability of health facilities. Issues like
undernourishment and child mortality rate are more a reflection of the socio-economic condition
of the area. Government needs to adopt more comprehensive approach in improving health status
by promoting inclusive growth of the entire region. To begin with MGNREGA should be
implemented more effectively. Better employment will help in improving incomes of the poor,
particularly the bottom poor. This can push up their food intake and nutrition levels. Ensuring 100
per cent vaccine coverage should receive top most priority. Quantity and quality of infrastructure
needs to be improved radically. Improved data keeping system is urgently required. It is important
that grass root workers — midwives, Aganwadi and other health workers — are sensitized about
need for quality data. Concentrated efforts for capacity building are required at grassroot level.
Economic Base and Livelihoods: Agriculture contributes the largest share of total income
generated in the district. Though the tertiary sector is dominant, production-related services within
the tertiary sector contribute very little to overall income.
Share of the agricultural labourer has increased in the past decade and it comprises a third
of the work force. Employment in the household sector is under developed while share of other
workers declined marginally in the 2000 decade.
Additions to the workforce in Sabarkantha have been more pronounced in the category of
marginal workers than main workers. Concentration of women workers is largely as marginal
workers. Overall, WPR has increased though the rise is lower than the state average. Tribal
talukas have high WPRs and, along with non-tribal less developed regions, these talukas have also
recorded the largest rise in WPRs. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for 63 per cent of
the workforce. Employment in the household sector is low, while the share of other workers (non-
household manufacturing, repairs, tertiary activities) has increased sharply.
xxi
The district is drought prone. This has serious implications for the agricultural sector, which is
the main source of livelihood. Groundwater exploitation has peaked, even though 57 per cent of the
sown area is irrigated. This further threatens the sustainability of agriculture, especially that practiced
by small and marginal farmers, thereby enhancing the vulnerability of people dependent on the tiny
parcels of land. Sources of surface irrigation constitute 43% of Gross Irrigated Area. This when
juxtaposed with feudal landholding pattern, with 71 percent of small and marginal farmers cultivating
only 35 per cent of the cultivated area, has serious implication for human development. Agriculture is
getting diversified and share of cotton is nearly 42% of the total cropped area.
Industrial development is not vibrant as there are no large industries. In some talukas,
small enterprises based industrial clusters are emerging: knitted synthetic fibre, cotton rope, and
non-ceramic bricks in Idar; wooden boxes and barrels, printing and publishing, sanitaryware, tiles
and ceramics, and chinaware and fabricated metal products in Himatnagar; processed stone and
marble in Bayad, and leather footwear in Meghraj. Co-operative dairying is a major allied activity
contributing to supplementary income in the district but it is threatened by inadequate fodder
availability and pressure of animals on land.
Given the fragile economic base, poverty levels are high in the tribal regions and non-tribal
talukas. Non-availability of non-farm avenues of employment also contributes to the poverty level in
the district. All this is enhancing vulnerability and poverty proneness of a vast sections of population.
However, MNREGA has helped villagers to increase work days and improve income.
Overcoming the state of underdevelopment calls for special interventions for education
and skill development to improve individual capacities. This should be supplemented by creation
of better infrastructure and efforts to improve the productivity of primary sector activities in
Sabarkantha. Every effort should be made to encourage non-farm sector. In this context it is
necessary to activate and develop industrial clusters around rural areas which promote
diversification away from agriculture but also reduce marginalization and attendant
informalization in urban centres. Further, labour training and technical assistance will crucially
stimulate rural entrepreneurship by encouraging micro enterprises. Besides a policy focus on
agrarian reforms, promoting organizing efforts aimed at poor workers, can also serve as powerful
vehicle to resist social, political and economic oppression.
Gender Issues: There is need to have a growth pattern that is poverty alleviating and inclusive
over space and people. At the same time ignoring gender inequalities could endanger human
development. The demographic indicators in the district show relatively better status of women.
Poor health of women is also a major concern for women empowerment. Although the state
government has made valiant efforts to improve the health status of women, it needs to adopt a
systematic approach. Marginalization of women workers needs corrective action. MGNREGA,
so far, has not been able to provide significant benefits to women workers.
It is heartening to note that increasing number of women are seeking police protection
against domestic violence. This only strengthens the need for giving vigor to women’s
movements and pro-women legislation.
Regretfully the information for issues relating to women, such as, health status, violence,
involvement of women as unpaid workers, as marginal workers in petty jobs under unsafe
working environment is inadequate. Data base for such vital concerns for human development
requires urgent attention.
xxii
Special Studies: Special studies through social mapping give useful insights. Migrants cover
short and long distances and have beneficial impact at origin and at destination. This is
particularly true of tribal areas. Ex-servicemen, who have come back to their place of origin, play
an important role in the development of rural and urban areas. They occupy important positions in
local bodies and act as change agents. There is a need to tap their talents to strengthen the social
capital base in tribal areas. At the same time revenge related crime incidence is very high in tribal
areas.
There is quite a contrast between Kutchi Patels and others. Local Patels allocate land for
animal husbandry and therefore crop productivity is not as high as in the case of Kutchi Patels,
who also have more knowledge of advanced techniques. In contrast, Kutchi Patels have adopted
advanced agricultural practices, use micro irrigation, and grow high value cash crops.
Unfortunately Kutchi Patels live isolated in Kampas outside the village. There is a need for
building bridges between Kutchi Patels and local farmers so that exchange of ideas on various
economic activities is facilitated.
Status of Human Development: The paragraphs above provide clues about human development
in Sabarkantha. They, however, fail to be of much assistance in devising policies unless
crystallized in a meaningful measurement. Point estimates of human development, as used for
inter-country comparisons, are not suitable to capture rich human and material diversity at lower
order spatial units (talukas). Instead of point estimate, we therefore estimated radar for each
taluka. This is done by taking the number of indicators that directly or indirectly capture aspects
relating to livelihood, education, and health across genders. It is seen that the multi-dimensional
pictures (radars) provide a much clearer view of human development in Sabarkantha.
Radars capture the inter-taluka disparities. Tribal talukas are able to achieve better status
in basic amenities because the state has special programmes for tribal development. Such
programmes have also helped tribal talukas to improve their human development status. Similarly
better developed non-tribal talukas have shown better human development status in terms of
education, and economic livelihood. However, some of these talukas lack in aspects relating to
health and delivery of basic amenities. The developed tribal talukas and developing non-tribal
talukas have shown poor status of human development in almost all aspects. These talukas need
special attention in development planning. In short, spatially differentiated strategies are required
to push talukas of Sabarkantha on a path of human development.
1
Chapter 1
Introduction It needs to be stressed that human development has several determining forces, such as,
historical factors, macroeconomic policies of the central government, and strategies of the state
government, particularly with respect to livelihood, health, and education. Macroeconomic
policies of the central government (fiscal, monetary, trade, financial liberalization, privatization
and sectoral policies) influence the outcomes at the state level. The low growth in public
investment could be one of the reasons for the low growth in employment in the post-reform
period. Trade liberalization is expected to improve exports which can generate employment.
However this depends on whether the impact percolates to unskilled workers or stays with skilled
workers and remains confined to urban areas.
Human Development Aspects
According to the recent Human Development Report of UNDP, India has moved from the
category of low human development to that of medium human development and its present rank is
126. Nevertheless India’s performance in the social sector is far from satisfactory. In rural areas, the
levels of education and health are much lower than those in urban areas. Employment has increased in
the unorganized sector which does not necessarily point to an improvement in the quality of
employment or living standards. Financial liberalization in the post-reform period has led to a decline
in credit to the agriculture sector, small and medium farmers, and other weaker sections. Thus, on
balance the mix of macro policies has not promoted employment and human development in the post-
reform period. This study focuses on the human development indicators (HDI) pertaining to health,
education, livelihood (employment, poverty) and other issues in Sabarkantha district.
Objectives and Methodology
We primarily aim at:
Assessing the baseline situation;
Estimating human development radars at taluka level, stressing various types of human
vulnerability.
Suggesting steps for raising HDI and reducing human vulnerability. These steps emerged
from several meetings of the planning board, various line departments at district level, and
voluntary organizations. The tenor of meetings was participatory and interactive. The field
strategy and methodological steps that evolved sequentially implied:
Field visits across talukas to get a feel of the area.
Identification of the data set required for the different chapters.
Meeting of the Core Committee at the District Head Quarters to communicate the data
requirement. The Core Committee consisted of the District Collector, DDO, District
Planning Officer, District Statistical Officer, Tribal Administrator, and Members of
prominent Voluntary Organizations, Superintending Engineer and our research team.
2
Meeting with head of the line departments to sensitize them on preparation of human
development aspects and collection of related data.
Compilation of information and preparation of the report.
The relevant information was ascertained from secondary sources and field agencies such
as District Statistical Officer, Taluka Panchayats, NSS, DES etc. Secondary sources such as
District Statistical Outline, publications related to ICDS, SSA, other publications of Bureau of
Economics and Statistics, Census of India were the main data sources. In addition field studies
were also orgasnised to get distinct flavours of living patterns in Sabarkantha.
In order to capture the large inter talukas variations for most human development
indicators, we divided the talukas in two categories, tribal and non-tribal talukas, Vijaynagar,
Bhiloda, Meghraj and Khedbrahma are tribal talukas. The rest are non-tribnal viz. Vadali,
Dhansura, Bayad, Malpur, Talod, Idar, Prantij, Himatnagar and Modasa. Besides, while
classifying the talukas we take into account level of urbanization and whether a taluka belongs to
tribal or non-tribal area. As far as possible a disaggregated analysis is attempted taking taluka as a
unit of analysis.
Chapter Scheme
Chapter 2 on ‘District profile’ gives the history, geographical location, and various socio-
economic and physical infrastructure aspects. The chapter looks at demographic details in relation
to human welfare, including livelihood patterns as well as constraints and difficulties encountered.
Chapter 3 deals with the education profile. What is the type of education infrastructure
prevailing in terms of primary, middle, higher secondary as well as higher education? These
aspects are assessed across space, gender and social structure.
The chapter on health profile (4) assesses the access to health related facilities, especially
focusing on women and children. Various health issues are examined covering vital statistics such
as crude birth and death rates, child mortality rate, fertility rate, maternal mortality rate, issues in
delivery of vaccines. We also examine, to the extent possible, the performance and issues relating
to demographic transition and health and nutritional status.
The focus of chapter on economic base and livelihoods (Chapter 5) is on employment and
activity base. Agriculture, being the dominant activity, covers structure of land holding, crop pattern
and land use. Drought pattern (disaster proneness) and ground water position are ascertained.
Performance of agriculture and the policy issues relating to agriculture, dairying and livestock rearing
and fishery are examined. These aspects are examined taking taluka as basic unit of analysis.
While the above chapters look at the issues across gender and space, the chapter on the
Gender Development (6) crystallizes issues related to gender and examines gender development
and empowerment indices.
A unique feature of the study is insights from field visits in the form of special studies
(Chapter 7). Although we eschew rigorous statistical analysis, yet the district comes alive through
various special studies. Chapter 8 discusses the status of Human Development. Diversities in
human development aspects are depicted at lower order spatial units (talukas). Various facets of
human development for each taluka are captured through radars. The last chapter highlights the
findings and suggests pathways for sustainable livelihoods and overall development.
3
Chapter 2
District Profile of Sabarkantha A brief historical profile of Sabarkantha
Sabarkantha district is situated in the northern part of the Gujarat state. It lies at 73.390 E
longitude and 23.050 N latitude. It is bounded on the east and north-east by Rajasthan State, on
the west by the Banaskantha district and Mahesana district, on the south by Gandhinagar, Kheda
and Panchmahals districts. The western side of this district is bounded by the river Sabarmati,
whereas the Aravalli hills form a natural boundary on the northern and eastern sides. The area
covered by this district is 7,390 sq. km.
The particular reference for the history of Sabarkantha is not available up to Kshatrapa
period (Circa 85-400 AD). Shamlaji has yielded some fine specimens of the Gupta art dating 467
AD. The Chinese pilgrim Huen Tsiang (640 AD) mentions a region named Atali, the headquarters
of which is probably represented by Vadali near Idar. Soon after the fall of Valabi, the
Rashtrakutas in South Gujarat extended their sway over the district. The district had been under
the power of Parmar dynasty of Malwa. After the death of King Bhoja Parmar of Malwa, the
district was under the power of Chalukyas of Anhilwad Patan (1054-55 AD).
Idar is said to have been refounded by Parihar Rajputs who, subject to Chitor, ruled there
for several generations. Towards the close of the twelfth century, the Idar chief took part with
Prithviraj, King of Delhi in the battle against the musalman invaders of India, and was kitted in
the battle of Thanesar (1193). Idar was subsequently ruled by the dynasty of Raos for several
generations. The town of Idar is picturesquely situated at the foot of Idargadh, a rocky hill, about
500 high towering over the town. The strength of the fort on the hill is proverbial. ‘To take
Idargadh is to achieve the impossible’. Vijaynagar is predominately forested and surrounded by
hills. About 8 miles away from Vijaynagar, near Abhapur are the scattered ruins of a number of
old temple of Sarneshwar Mahadev constructed in the year 1100 AD that was devastated by Alaf
Khan, the brother of Allaudin Khilji at the time of his invasion on Patan. It has beautiful
sculptures carved all round. The temple is conserved by the State Archaeological Department.
Himatnagar, the headquarters of the district was originally founded in 1426 A.D. by Sultan
Ahmed-I to keep the Raos of Idar in check. The Sultan founded this place and named it
‘Ahmednagar’. Subsequently in 1848, it was reverted to the State of Idar and took its present
name ‘Himatnagar’ after Maharaja Himatsinhji of Idar. The district previously belonged to Mahi
Kantha Agency. In 1948, it was named as Mahakantha district that was later changed to
Sabarkantha.
The district came into existence in August 1949 on account of the merger of 29 princely
States and Estates and Prantij taluka and Modasa Mahal of the former Ahmedabad district in the
then Bombay State. In November 1956, the States were reorganized and the bigger bilingual State
of Bombay was formed with Vidarbha, Marathawada, Saurashtra and Kachchh regions and
Sabarkantha district became a part of the bigger bilingual State.
4
Drainage, Climate and Soils
The district at present is traversed by seven perennial rivers, viz. Sabarmati, Hathmati,
Meshvo, Mazum, Vatrak, Harnav and Khari. The Sabarmati river flows from north to south
along the western border of the district and other rivers flow from north-east to south-west. The
river Sabarmati originates from the Mewad hills of Aravallis in Rajasthan state. It flows in four
talukas of the district viz. Khedbrahma, Idar, Himatnagar and Prantij. It is the largest and most
important river of the district. It receives the following tributaries during its flow in the district.
The river Sai joins Sabarmati near village Gholwada, the river Harmad joins it near village
Morvada and the river Pamni joins it near village Kalakhetra. The river Hathmati rises in the
Mewad hills of Rajasthan. It passes south-west for about 56 km through the district, falling into
the Sabarmati near Bayad. The river passes through three talukas of the district, viz. Bhiloda,
Himatnagar and Prantij. The Meshvo river originated in the Mewad hills of Rajasthan. It runs
parallel to the river Khari and after a course of about 202.77 km joins the river Vatrak near Kheda.
In Sabarkantha district it passes through three talukas viz. Bhiloda, Modasa and Prantij. The river
Mazum rises in the hills of the Dungarpur district of Rajasthan. After traversing about 25-73 km
south-west through Modasa and Vadgam joins the river Vatrak near village Ambaliyara of Bayad
taluka. Its bed is rocky in many places. The river passes through three: talukas of the district viz.
Meghraj, Modasa and Bayad. The river Vatrak originates in the hills of Dungarpur of Rajasthan
and enters the district near village Moydi of Meghraj taluka and runs in the south-west direction
of the district. It is joined by the river Mazum and other stream. After a course of 243 km it falls
into the Sabarmati near Dholka. It passes through two talukas of the district, viz. Meghraj and
Bayad talukas. The river Harnav rises in the Malwa hills of Rajasthan. It enters the district near
the village Khokhra in the Vijaynagar taluka. It passes through rocky and forest areas after a
course of 61 km. It meets the river Sabarmati near the village Marvada. The river passes through
three talukas of the district; namely, Vijaynagar, Khedbrahma and Idar. In addition to the
perennial rivers mentioned above there are number of small other rivers in the district such as
Indrasi, Sai, Guhai, Vakal, Vekri, Debhoi, Bhekai, Sakri, Budheli, Kosambi and Varansi.
The climate of this district is characterized by general dryness except in the south-west
monsoon season and a hot summer. The year may be divided into four seasons. The cold season
from December to February is followed by the hot season which last upto about the middle of
June. The south-west monsoon season is from the middle of June to about the end of September.
October and November constitute the post monsoon or retreating monsoon season.
Sandy, goradu and medium black are the three main types of soils found in almost all the
talukas. However, the sandy soil is chiefly found in Modasa, Meghraj, Malpur, Himatnagar,
Bhiloda and ldar. The goradu land is found in Modasa, Prantij, Himatnagar, Bhiloda and Malpur
and the medium black soil is found in Khedbrahma, Vijaynagar, Bay ad, Bhiloda and Idar.
Places of Religious, Historical or Archaeological Importance
Shamlaji: Shamlaji is a famous Hindu pilgrim centre on the bank of the river Meshwo about 20 km
from Bhiloda. It is situated amidst picturesque natural surroundings on the eastern border of Gujarat in
a beautiful valley shut in by well wooded hills through which place is connected by the State
Transport bus routes from Ahmedabad to Udaipur. Shamlaji is chiefly a Vaishnavite place and is
known in the Puranas as Gadadhar Kshetra. The chief temple is dedicated to Krishna and is a
beautiful piece of Hindu architecture, built in the 10th or 11th century and repaired over 400 years ago.
5
Khedbrahma: Khedbrahma is one of the important places of pilgrimage. It derives sanctity from
the shrine of Brahma temple of Amba Mataji. There is also the shrine of Bhrigu Rishi in Bhrigu
Ashram at a little distance. Fairs are held every year in the month of Kartik, Chaitra and
Bhadrava (November, April and September). The place is called Khedbrahma or Brahmani Khed,
as Brahma is said to have first ploughed some land here. The shrine of Brahma, one of the very
few that exists in India and indeed the only one in Gujarat is situated here. It is a place of
pilgrimage of the Hindu on the confluence of three rivers, viz. the Harnav, the Kosambi and the
Bhimakshi near the temples of Koteshwar Pankheshwar or Pakshendranath Mahadev.
Bhiloda: Bhiloda is the taluka headquarters situated on the river Hathmati about 29 km from Idar.
It has derived its name from the Bhil, a backward tribe inhabiting the areas. About 24 km on the
south-east, there is an ancient temple of Shri Chandraprabhuji, 70 feet long, 45 feet broad and 30
feet high. The Kirti Stambh (Tower of Victory) though smaller in size and built a little later is
similar in structure to the famous Kirti Stambh of Maha Rana Kumbh at Chitor. The carving on
the outside contains the images of Hindu Gods, the Digpals (Lord of Quarter) etc., and a number
of incidents from the daily life of the people. In the centre of village there is an ancient temple of
Laxminarayan.
Idar: The town is picturesquely situated on the foot of Idargadh, a rocky hill about 800 feet high. It is
a spur of the Aravalli Hills. There is a fine Swaminarayan temple built by Maharaja Jawansinhji. At
the foot of the fort is a rock cave temple of Khokhanath Mahadev, believed to be nearly 500 years old.
The beautiful temple of Swaminarayan in the town is a centre of attraction for visitors and devotees.
The Rani Talav outside the town and on the way to Vadali is also worth seeing.
Abhapur: Abhapur is a small village situated among picturesque hilly surroundings on the river
Harnav about 13 km away from Vijaynagar. The temple of Sarneshwar Mahadev constructed in
the year 1100 A. D. is situated on the outskirts of the village. It was devastated in the year 1240
A.D. by Alaf Khan. A sun temple said to have been constructed in the 15th century is also situated
nearby. Close to this temple there is another one dedicated to Lord Shiv. Both the temples are
protected monuments looked after by the Archaeological Department.
Devni Mori: Devni Mori is a village at a distance of less than 2 km from Shamalaji and 20 km
from Bhiloda. The valley had a number of mounds having archaeological remains on the left bank
of the river Meshwo. Of these a mound known as ‘Bhoj-Rajano Tekra’ was the most prominent.
The excavations carried out lend further evidence of the past glory of this ancient place. The
remains of a Stupa and a Vihara have been unearthed. The Stupa is 85 feet both in height and in
circumference. The most significant feature of the Stupa is the excellent carving in terracotta and
the high degree of technological skill evinced in the manufacture of large-sized idols in meditative
postures. The sculptures reflect the influence of the Gandhar art of which the Kshatrapa kings
were votaries. Found in the inscribed caskets were small bottles, some ancient silver coins, gold
leaves, materials of worship and some relics of Lord Buddha.
The tribes of Sabarkantha differ from the other tribal communities of the state in many
ways. Most of these tribes live in the mountains of Aravalli. The tribes in the district wear bright
colours and a belt, sword, a knife and a bow-arrow are their weapons. They organize fairs and
festivals to satisfy their urge for social contacts and interaction among themselves. The Kartik
Purnima fair at Shamlaji lasts for about three weeks. It commences on Devuthi Agiarash-Kartika
Sud 11. Especially important on the occasion is a bath in the river Meshvo, especially in the pool
Nagdharo near ‘Vighram Ghat’.
6
This chapter gives brief statistical information on the district’s historical, geographical,
demographic, socio-economic, agricultural, and industrial aspects and infrastructural facilities.
The analysis compares the district with state level averages and assesses inter-taluka variations of
various indicators. Temporal analysis was carried out to the extent that time series information
was available.
Box 2.1 E-Governance
Taking technology to the villages, the successful eGram program which provides connectivity to 13,685 Gram Panchayats through VSAT technology is proposed to be upgraded with higher network capability and extended to non-Panchayat revenue villages in order to create strong electronic highway network covering the entire rural area of Gujarat. Strong technology framework has also been utilized for more transparent and citizen-centric delivery of services through ATVT, with 162 services being earmarked for electronic delivery. It is matter of pride that the Gujarat State has received 12 Awards in the field of eGovernance in the year 2012-13.
Map of Sabarkantha district
Sabarkantha district has area of 7,390 sq. km. and population of 2,428,589. It is located in
north-east Gujarat. It has 3.8 per cent of the state’s area, accommodates 4.1 per cent of the state’s
population. The district has 13 talukas with 8 urban centres. Himatnagar is the administrative
headquarter. The district is surrounded by Rajasthan in the north-east, Banaskantha and Mehsana
districts in the west, Gandhinagar and Kheda districts in the south and Panchmahal district in
the east.
Demographic Profile
The decadal population growth rate between 1991 and 2001 was around 18.3 per cent and
between 2001 and 2011 was around 16.62 per cent which is more than that of the state average.
The population density is, however, higher than that of the state.
7
Table 2.1: Growth Rate and Density of Population
Taluka
Population Density
per sq.km. Growth
Rate (%) 1991 2001 2011
2001 2011 1991-2001 2001-11
Vijaynagar 73391 90766 103895 199 228 23.70 14.46 Bhiloda 175395 206168 239216 286 332 17.50 16.03 Meghraj 114410 141853 167115 260 306 24.00 17.81 Khedbrahma 164514 223502 293143 268 352 35.90 31.16 Vadali 71286 82225 92357 243 273 15.30 12.32 Dhansura 86148 96389 106733 246 272 11.90 10.73 Bayad 161297 186328 206391 315 349 15.50 10.77 Malpur 73398 86063 97838 236 268 17.30 13.68 Talod 120651 138036 154424 322 360 14.40 11.87 Idar 204577 235993 257904 292 319 15.40 9.28 Prantij 129444 146450 161279 365 402 13.10 10.13 Himatnagar 222126 256762 325669 332 421 15.60 26.84 Modasa 164449 191996 222625 318 369 16.80 15.95 Sabarkantha 1761086 2082531 2428589 282 329 18.30 16.62 Gujarat 41200000 50600000 60439692 258 308 22.70 19.45
Sources: Census of India, 1991, 2001, 2011.
In 2011, Himatnagar has the highest density of population, while Vijaynagar has the lowest.
As far as growth rate of population is concerned, it is highest for Khedbrahma (31.16 per cent)
which is much more than the state’s average growth rate. This is followed by Himatnagar (26.84 per
cent). While Idar is at the bottom with growth rate of 9.28 per cent. (Table 2.1)
Overall, the district has 7.73 per cent of scheduled caste and 22.32 per cent scheduled tribe
population. Vijaynagar, Khedbrahma, Bhiloda and Meghraj can be designated as tribal talukas. The
main adivasi groups are the Bhils, Bhil Garasias and Dungri Garasias who are concentrated in four
talukas of the district: Khedbrahma, Vijaynagar, Bhiloda, and Meghraj. (Table 2.2)
Table 2.2: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, 2011
Taluka Scheduled Caste
Population % to total
Population Scheduled Tribe
Population % to total
Population Vijaynagar 4879 4.70 81509 78.45 Bhiloda 11527 4.82 137727 57.57 Meghraj 5837 3.49 61890 37.03 Khedbrahma 8696 2.97 220964 75.38 Vadali 11216 12.14 3693 4.00 Dhansura 5950 5.57 1127 1.06 Bayad 13838 6.70 1815 0.88 Malpur 6112 6.25 3885 3.97 Talod 11874 7.69 464 0.30 Idar 41759 16.19 14344 5.56 Prantij 13190 8.18 601 0.37 Himatnagar 33848 10.39 6668 2.05 Modasa 18959 8.52 7469 3.35 Sabarkantha 187685 7.73 542156 22.32 Gujarat 4074447 6.74 8917174 14.75
Sources: Census of India, 2011.
8
Table 2.3: Urbanization
Taluka Urban Population
Urbanization
(%)
1991 2001 2011 1991 2001 2011 Vijaynagar 0 0 6078 0 0 5.85 Bhiloda 0 0 16074 0 0 6.72 Meghraj 8287 9902 11363 7.24 6.98 6.80 Khedbrahma 17231 25556 25001 10.47 11.43 8.53 Vadali 0 0 20646 0 0 22.35 Dhansura - - - - - - Bayad 0 0 25099 0 0 12.16 Malpur 5325 6512 6378 7.25 7.57 6.52 Talod 15197 17473 18298 12.6 12.66 11.85 Idar 24910 32805 42306 12.18 13.9 16.40 Prantij 20722 22282 23596 16.01 15.21 14.63 Himatnagar 51461 56464 101233 23.17 21.99 31.08 Modasa 42035 54135 67648 25.56 28.2 30.38 Sabarkantha 185168 225129 363720 10.51 10.81 14.98 Gujarat 1424606 18930250 25745083 34.49 37.4 42.59
Source: Census of India, 1991, 2001, 2011.
In 2011 the level of urbanization is 14.98 per cent. However, there are large variations
among talukas. The 1991 and 2001 data clearly shows that in Vijaynagar, Bhiloda, Vadali,
Dhansura, Bayad there was no urbanization. Some of the talukas reported better level of
urbanization in 2011. Those talukas are Himatnagar (31.08 per cent) and Modasa (30.38 per cent).
Urbanization is considered an important indicator of level of development. Population density has
high correlation with urbanization of the area. A highly urbanized area has a higher population
density than a less urbanized region (Table 2.3).
The literacy rate of the district was 59.03 per cent in 1991 which increased to 66.65 per
cent in 2001 and it is 76.60 per cent in 2011. However, it is below the state average. The male
literacy rate has increased from 74.53 per cent to 80.42 per cent during the 1991-2001 decade, it
has increased from 80.42 per cent to 87.45 per cent in 2001-11 decade. The female literacy rate
also increased from 43.08 per cent to 52.30 per cent and further to 65.29 per cent in 2011. In
2011, Khedbrahma’s literacy rate is only 57.01 per cent which is the lowest among all other
talukas of the district. This is followed by Meghraj with 70.02 per cent and Malpur with 70.78 per
cent literacy rates. Female literacy rates of these three talukas are also low (Table 3.3, chapter on
Education).
With regard to the poverty situation in Sabarkantha, Khedbrahma, Meghraj and Vijaynagar
have the highest percentages of BPL families (Table 5.16, chapter on Economic Base).
Work participation rate in the district is higher than the state average (44.7 per cent and 41
per cent respectively). Similarly, the rate in rural areas is 46.6 per cent which is also higher than
the state average. Malpur, Vadali and Meghraj have high overall rates. In fact, it is worth noting
that the work participation rate in rural areas of Himatnagar is higher than that of the urban areas
(Table 5.2, chapter on Economic Base).
There are large variations in the demographic characteristics of the talukas. Some talukas
have better demographic features than others. Overall Himatnagar has better socio-economic
characteristics in the district.
9
Basic and Physical Infrastructure
Let us look at the status of basic housing facilities and other primary amenities in the
district.
Of the total number of households in the district in 2011, 94 per cent are owned house &
4.61 per cent are rented. However in rural Sabarkantha 96 per cent are owned and 2.47 per cent
are rented whereas in urban Sabarkantha 81 per cent owned and 16.27 per cent rented. (See Box
2.2 for success met under IAY).
Box 2.2 SUCCESS STORY under IAY
In 2010, Smt. Savitaben was given the benefit of the IAY scheme and was able to construct a Pakka-House with a room, a kitchen, a verandah, and a sanitary latrine. The total sum of assistance given to Savitaben was R s. 42,000. The IAY dwelling was dovetailed with good sanitary facility received from the TSC (Total Sanitation Scheme) and was built in a geographically suitable area where they are protected from natural calamities. The house was registered in Saviatben’s name and today she feels economically benefited with an enhanced social status. This house has brought about a profound social change in her existence endowing her with an identity, thus integrating her with her immediate social milieu. The family feels safe, secure, and have privacy. They are staying in the main habitation and cluster of the village which has a safe and healthy environment. As they have a sanitary latrine and a drinking water facility in the house, the family’s health and sanitary conditions have improved. Savitaben has received the benefits of electricity through Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna (RGGVY) being implemented by the Ministry of Power and this has ensured a free electricity connection. Since the dwelling in now in the main village cluster it is well connected to the main Bazaar and there are tree plantations around to ensure good environment.
Savitaben feels proud, satisfied, self confident and happy after receiving the benefits for constructing a Pakka house under the IAY scheme. The scheme is being implemented by the DRDA Sabarkantha. Her success story is also a very good example of convergence with other schemes like Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC), Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidhyutikaran Yojna (RGGVY), Water Supply Scheme, Road & Building Dept., Forest Schemes and Women Empowerment.
*Smt Savitaben Mathuji Chauhan, Raslod Village, Prantij Taluka, Sabarkantha
Source: www.ruraldiksha.nic.in/SIRD%20Guj/IAYSUCCESS.Doc
Let us examine the basic amenities. We consider three basic facilities: electricity, drinking
water, and sanitation.
Table 2.4: Basic Facilities Available to Household, 2011
Taluka Total House
Holds Electricity Toilet
Household With
Tap Water
No % No % No %
Vijaynagar 20881 20634 98.82 12201 58.43 6230 29.84
Bhiloda 48234 42614 88.35 23598 48.92 25647 53.17
Meghraj 31360 27023 86.17 8940 28.51 11806 37.65
Khedbhrama 49560 42109 84.97 24381 49.19 21120 42.62
Vadali 19264 19102 99.16 9528 49.46 17031 88.41
Dhasura 21278 20295 95.38 13376 62.86 18360 86.29
Bayad 41774 41292 98.85 26434 63.28 36826 88.16
Malpur 18950 18890 99.68 10195 53.80 15041 79.37
Talod 30913 28946 93.64 14954 48.37 25670 83.04
Idar 54823 54790 99.94 38410 70.06 44912 81.92
Prantij 32503 30105 92.62 19651 60.46 28620 88.05
Himat nagar 66731 66680 99.92 52743 79.04 55264 82.82
Modasa 45143 45105 99.92 28799 63.80 38424 85.12
SabarKantha 481414 457585 95.05 283210 58.83 344951 71.65
Gujarat 12181718 9794101 80.40 5433046 44.60 7698846 63.20
Source: Sabarkantha District Water & Sanitation Committee, Himatnagar
10
It is seen that basic facilities available to the households are encouraging. (See Box 2.2 for
state initiatives). About 95.05 per cent of households have access to electricity. About 72 per cent
of households have access to tap water. However, there is lot of variation among talukas with
regards to drinking water availability. The lowest accessibility to drinking water facility is
observed in Vijaynagar taluka as only 29.84 per cent of households have access to tap facility.
This is followed by Meghraj with 38.0 per cent households and Khedbrahma with around 43.0 per
cent. Prantij, Bayad, Vadali and Dhansura have good coverage as far as drinking water facility is
concerned.
Nearly 58.8 per cent households have access to sanitation facility. Bhiloda, Meghraj and
Talod talukas are at the bottom. Idar, Dhansura, Vijaynagar, Himatnagar and Bayad talukas have
more than 60 percent coverage of households as far as sanitation facility is concerned.
Figiure: 2.1 Talukawise Basic Facilities Available to Household
Box 2.3
Role of Bharat Nirman Volunteers in enhancing Social Accountability – Field Experience from Sabarkantha District, GUJARAT
Bharat Nirman Volunteers (BNVs) are proved to be a very important face with the rural households in better planning and quality implementation of programmes with transparency and accountability.
Mr. Pravinbhai Khemabhai Solanki resident of Majra village, Ta-Prantij had interfered in underline drainage work, where he found poor quality of pipes and he get stopped the work with the help of Sarpanch & gave instruction to use good quality pipeline. He also facilitated to get Antyoday Cards to 3 widows of same village and helped them in enhancing the quality of life. He has also done counseling with the parents & school teachers to reduce dropout and increase in presence of school going children. Thus he helped to built healthy working relationships between the elected representatives and BNVs.
Mr. Alusinh Sankalsinh Zala resident of Punadra, Ta: Prantij has facilitated in getting sewing Training to 15 BPL women, then he has also helped them to get sewing tool kits from Manav Garima Yozna and thus helped them in making self-employed. He has identified total 36 widows and proceed this list for widow pension scheme. He has also extent his hands to poor school children to get benefit of scholarship under Aam-Aadmi Vima Yozna.
Group of five BNVs had actively participated in road side encroachment removal drive in Moyad village. They cleaned the roadside and done plantation of 100 plants. This group of BNVs has virtually forced the Moyad Gram Panchayat functionaries to remove encroachments.
11
Table 2.5: Total Road Length, 2011
Region/Taluka Total Area (in sq.kms.)
Total
population
Road
length (in
kms.)
Per 100
sq.kms. of
Area
Per one lakh
Population
Vijaynagar 456.05 90766 372 81.6 409.85 Bhiloda 720.45 206168 1041 144.5 504.93 Meghraj 544.81 141853 813 149.2 573.13 Khedbrahma 835.39 223502 792 94.8 354.36 Vadali 338.88 82225 272 80.3 330.80 Dhansura 391.06 96389 446 114.0 462.71 Bayad 591.11 186328 680 115.0 364.95 Malpur 365.36 86063 547 149.7 635.58 Talod 428.91 138036 460 107.2 333.25 Idar 808.37 235993 835 103.3 353.82 Prantij 401.65 146450 408 101.6 278.59 Himatnagar 773.22 256762 721 93.2 280.80 Modasa 604.39 191996 769 127.2 400.53 Sabarkantha 7390 2082531 8156 110.4 391.64
Source: Road and Housing Dept., Himatnagar
Road length in the district is about 8156 sq. km (Table 2.5). The district has 391.64 km of road
per lakh population. In fact road length per 100 sq. km. of area is 110.4. It is worth mentioning
here the road length per sq. km. of area and per lakh population is high in almost all the talukas of
the district, except Vadali & Vijaynagar.
The state government is focusing on above issues. It pioneered the concept of RURBAN: to
provide urban-like amenities in larger villages, while still retaining the rural soul in these places.
The Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana has been continued in the 12th Five
Year Plan with a total outlay of 15,000 crore. In 2013-14, an outlay of 6,650 crore has been made
for the urban sector. The focus will be on augmenting urban infrastructure relating to road
network, drinking water supply, sewage systems, solid waste management, civic facilities in
urban areas, special projects to enhance city life.
Industries
Sabarkantha has 1028 small scale registered units with an investment of Rs. 25333.36
lakhs and these units provided employment to 9785 persons. Most of the small scale units are
located in Himatnagar taluka. Dhansura, and Idar, Malpur have the lowest number of registered
SSI (6) units. In terms of employment and investment industrial units are clustered around
Himatnagar, Dhansura, and Prantij (Table 5.14a, chapter on Economic Base).
From Table 5.15 (chapter on Economic Base), it is seen that as far as large and medium
enterprises are concerned, there are only 10 units working mainly in Prantij, Himatnagar. Idar, Talod
and Modasa with an investment of Rs. 6911.00 lakh providing employment to 718 persons
respectively.
Agricultural Development
Looking at the land use pattern of the district, one can say that the land utilization pattern
is quite good. The district has 17.3 per cent of area under forests which adds richness to
environment. The district has 65.8 per cent of land under net sown area. It is interesting to note
here that land under barren and uncultivable areas is just 10.9 per cent which is very low. Further,
the district has 1.0 per cent fallow land showing the richness of the soil and land. Culturable
wasteland is also 1.0 per cent (Table 5.6a, chapter on Economic Base).
12
Sabarkantha is a largely rural district with around 90 per cent of its population residing in
rural areas. The economy of Sabarkantha is dominated by agriculture. A large part of the land is
owned by influential cultivating castes such as Patels, Kolis, and Rajputs.
Looking at the agricultural scenario, we find that Bayad has the highest net area sown
which is about 85 per cent. This is followed by Himatnagar 81 per cent and Dhansura with 80 per
cent. On the other hand, Vijaynagar, Khedbrahma, and Bhiloda have less net cropped area mainly
because of unsuitable cropping conditions in these regions. Irrigation intensity is also quite high in
Talod, Prantij, Idar, and Himatnagar talukas of Sabarkantha (Tables 5.6 and 5.7, chapter on
Economic Base).
The average size of holding is 1.63 ha of the district and 2.03 ha as state as per Agri.
Census-2010-11. As far as land-holding pattern is concerned, Modasa is better placed having an
average 2.49 hectares of farm land holdings. Vijaynagar has the least (1.38 hectares) size of
average land holdings (2005-06).
However, 44 per cent of the cropped area was under food crop and 56 per cent in non-food
crop in 2012. The important crops grown in Sabarkantha are paddy, wheat, bajra, maize,
groundnut, castor, mustard, cotton, and fennel.
In a nutshell, the chapter highlights profile of the district as reflected through urbanization,
industrial base and dominance of land based activities. There are some bright spots; for example
above state average urban growth, relatively high social status of women particularly in tribal
areas and high density of road length. The ensuing chapters detail various socio-economic
features in relation to human development.
13
Chapter3
Education Profile The concept of human development focuses on extending the concept of development
beyond the economic peripheries of development that improves the people’s future choices and
opportunities. Proliferation of education is key to expanding personal endowments and building
individual capability, so that the physical and social barriers that currently obstruct development
can be surmounted. Hence it is a way towards inclusive growth.
The achievement of the district in providing education can be measured by standard
achievement attributes like literacy levels, enrolment rates, and accessibility of education as well as
other enabling factors such as the state of educational infrastructure, staffing, and amenities. The
literacy rate in Gujarat is higher than that of the country. Literacy rate in the state was estimated to
be 69.9 per cent in 2001 census, that has improved to 79.31 per cent in 2011. There are, however,
major inter-district variations. Ahmedabad achieved almost 87 per cent literacy rate on the upper
end. While Dahod is struggling with only 60 per cent. Sabarkantha ranks 15th with 76.6 per cent of
literacy in 2011. Though the district ranks low in comparison to other districts, literacy rate in
Sabarkantha has perceptibly improved from 59.03 per cent in 1991 to 66.60 per cent in 2001 and
76.6 per cent in 2011 (Table 3.1). The gap between the district literacy rate and the state average
that had enlarged in the last decade has again narrowed down. This shows that the rate of growth of
literacy in the district is faster than that in the state. The male literacy rate, that used to be above the
state average in 1991, lowered in 2001, in 2011 it is again marginally higher than state. The female
literacy continues to lag behind the state, though there is remarkable growth of 24.8 percent in
female literacy rate in the last decade. The gap between the district and the state in female literacy
level has narrowed from -6.3 to -5.44. The literacy rate in rural Sabarkantha is well above the state
where as in urban areas it is marginally behind the state (Table 3.2).
Table 3.1: Literacy Rate: Inter-Temporal Comparison, 1991 to 2011
Period Literacy Rate (%)
Male Female Total
1991
Gujarat 73.1 48.6 61.3
Sabarkantha 74.53 43.08 59.03
Gap 1.43 -5.52 -2.27
2001
Gujarat 80.5 58.6 69.9
(10.1) (20.6) (14.0)
Sabarkantha 80.4 52.3 66.6
(7.9) (21.4) (12.8)
Gap -0.1 -6.3 -3.3
2011
Gujarat 87.23 70.73 79.31
(8.4) (20.7) (13.5)
Sabarkantha
87.45
(8.8)
65.29
(24.8)
76.6
(15.0)
Gap 0.22 -5.44 -2.71
Source: Census 1991, 2001, 2011, * Figures in bracket show decadal growth rate.
14
Table 3.2: Literacy Rate: Urban Rural Comparison, 2001 and 2011
Literacy Rate (%)
Rural Urban Total
2001 2011 2001 2011 2001 2011
Gujarat 61.3 73.00 81.8 87.58 69.1 79.31
Sabarkantha 64.8 75.04 81.0 85.24 66.6 76.6
Gap 3.5 2.04 -0.8 -2.34 -2.5 -2.71
Source: Census 2011.
Table 3.3 takes a look at taluka-wise male and female literacy rates. There is remarkable
improvement in literacy rate for male as well as female in all talukas. It has increased from 59.03
percent in 1991 to 66.65 percent in 2001 and further increased to 76.6 per cent. For males it has
increased from 74.53 percent in 1991 to 87.45 percent in 2011. Despite acceleration in the last
decade female literacy continues to lag behind the state. Across the district female literacy, as in
state, is much lower than male. There are a lot of inter-taluka variations. Literacy scene in tribal
talukas is lower than other talukas, especially in Khedbrahma which reports the lowest literacy
rate for male and female. It is followed by Meghraj. The heartening aspect is that in both these
talukas literacy rate has considerably improved during the last decade. Literacy rate among few
non-tribal talukas is relatively high, although much lower than the state average.
Figure 3.1- Talukawise Effective Literacy Rate
15
Table 3.3: Effective Literacy Rate: 1991, 2001 and 2011
Taluka
Effective Literacy Rate
1991 2001 2011
Person Male Female Person Male Female Person Male Female
Vijaynagar 57.61 76.67 40 67.23 83 52.03 77.40 90.79 64.19
Bhiloda 59.77 77.37 42.77 69.65 84.35 55.01 79.53 90.65 68.27
Meghraj 45.47 62.6 27.76 58.04 74.03 41.58 70.05 82.96 56.81
Khedbrahma 37.52 49.32 25.06 42.33 53.8 30.46 57.01 67.27 46.64
Vadali 59.03 73.7 43.92 67.51 81.42 53.01 75.25 86.94 63.11
Dhansura 59.95 76.05 42.86 67.4 82.13 51.53 76.96 89.31 63.65
Bayad 60 76.1 42.99 67.55 82.59 51.64 77.84 89.47 65.57
Malpur 51.94 67.75 34.98 59.4 74.43 43.38 70.58 83.26 57.29
Talod 61.11 78.56 42.78 68.82 84.21 52.59 79.02 91.01 66.31
Idar 64.65 79.31 49.92 72.06 84.45 59.3 80.88 90.61 70.72
Prantij 64.38 80.99 47.18 72.77 87.4 56.98 81.97 92.47 71.71
Himatnagar 68.65 82.49 54.21 76.35 87.97 63.98 84.73 92.73 76.19
Modasa 64.32 79.24 48.73 71.13 84.25 57.41 80.09 90.59 69.06
Sabarkantha 59.03 74.53 43.08 66.65 80.42 52.3 76.60 87.45 65.29
Gujarat 51.15 60.98 40.62 69.1 79.7 57.8 79.31 87.23 70.73
16
Spread of Literacy: Dynamics of Demand and Supply
The level of literacy depends on demand as well as supply side factors. The Dhebar
Commission way back in 1961 recognised that the opportunity cost of education for tribals is
high; it entails dislocation in the traditional pattern of labour. A study by Hirway and Thakar
(2002) shows that the opportunity cost still remains the major cause for not enrolling in school
and high level of dropout in 2002. Hirway and Thaker study shows that tribals do not perceive
education as an important need. Though there is a general appreciation about the utility of
education, tribals do not perceive high returns from education. The level of education that can
generate high returns for them is seen as a too distant a goal. Improvement in general environment
at home and in school would be conducive in promoting education. Majority of women (90 per
cent) find it difficult to take advantage of adult education because they are busy in their economic
work (56 per cent), busy with household work and responsibilities (29 per cent) and lack of
interest (Hirway and Thakar, 2002).
Some people have suggested that education be given in local dialects. However, the
suggestion is not viable as it may make it more difficult to mainstream the marginalized
communities. Instead, teachers knowing the local dialect should be recruited so as to make
education accessible to the tribals. There are many positive efforts being made to improve the
pedagogy in order to improve acceptability of education. Under DPEP and Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan (SSA), Sabarkantha has been immensely successful in revising the pedagogy in
consultation with teachers, professionals from universities, colleges and NGOs. They have been
empowered to identify the training requirements at district level and, also, plan and implement
training programmes accordingly with help of DIET. Creation of resource centers at the Block
and Cluster levels has replaced the earlier administrative type of inspection system in Gujarat. In
this context, concrete steps have been taken in terms of development of new textbooks,
curriculum review, orientation of teachers towards new pedagogy, which can be broadly defined
as child - centered, activity based and joyful teaching/learning. The State Resource Group (SRG)
for pedagogy has been playing an important role in the pedagogical renewal process. Block and
Cluster Resource centres have been operationalised. The TLM grant and school grants are made
available to all schools in the state under either DPEP or SSA.
Education Facilities:
Table 3.4: Total Availability Schools in SabarKantha, 2014
Sr.No. School Category 20013-14
Govt. Private Total
1 Primary 995 71 1066
2 Upper Primary. 12 9 21
3 Primary with Upper Primary 1555 117 1672
4 Pr. Up Pr. and Secondary 7 34 41
5 Pr. with Up.Pr. sec. and H.Sec. 6 60 66
6 Upper Pr. and Secondary 4 9 13
7 Up. Pr. Secondary and Higher Sec 39 16 55
TOTAL 2618 316 2934
Source - SSA
17
Table 3.4 depicts the avaliabilty of schools in sabarkantha district, including private schools. Total
number of schools in the district is 2934 among which 2618 are government schools. Table also
shows that the total number of primary schools are 2866, among which only primary schools are
1066, primary with Upper Primary schools are 1672, Schools with Primary ,Upper Primary &
Secondary are 41 and the number of primary schools with Upper Primary, Secondary & higher
secondary are 66. Apart from this, number of single upper primary schools are 21 and schools
with upper primary & secondary are 13 only.
Table 3.5: Availability of Primary Schools and Class Rooms, 2011
Taluka
Total
No Of
Villages
Total
Population
(2011)
No. of
Villages
having
School
Total
No. of
Schools
Existence
of Class
Room
Deficit of
Class
Rooms
% of
Villages
having
Primary
School
Vijaynagar 85 103895 81 143 644 21 95
Bhiloda 166 239216 165 291 1249 71 99
Meghraj 133 167115 125 272 1122 92 94
Khedbrahma 133 293143 129 318 1574 83 97
Vadali 58 92357 57 126 500 17 98
Dhansura 72 106733 72 157 672 37 100
Bayad 123 206391 122 279 1228 83 99
Malpur 98 97838 97 158 589 35 99
Talod 73 154424 72 174 851 45 99
Idar 136 257904 136 291 1337 62 100
Prantij 63 161279 63 145 797 49 100
Himatnagar 129 325669 129 294 1674 80 100
Modasa 105 222625 104 246 1175 71 99
Sabarkantha 1374 2428589 1352 2894 13412 746 98
Source: Sabarkantha district Education Committee, Himatnagar, Prathmik Vibhag
The district has progressed in providing primary schools in all villages. All talukas have
progressively moved close to 100 per cent coverage of all villages since 2008 (Table 3.5). In
Sabarkantha there are 1374 villages having primary schools. Dhansura, Idar, Prantij and
Himatnagar have 100 per cent village having primary schools. Khedbrahma, a tribal taluka has
highest number of schools in the District.
Table 3.6: Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools, 2010-11
Taluka
Total No.
of
Villages
2011
Secondary Schools Higher Secondary Schools
No. of
Villages
Having
Secondary
Schools-2010
%of
Villages
Having
Secondary
Schools
No of villages
with Higher
Secondary
Schools-2010
%of Villages
Having
Higher
Secondary
Schools
Vijaynagar 85 22 26 11 13
Bhiloda 166 24 14 12 7
Meghraj 133 11 8 5 4
Khedbrahma 133 37 28 33 25
Vadali 58 46 79 31 53
Dhansura 72 30 42 15 21
18
Taluka
Total No.
of
Villages
2011
Secondary Schools Higher Secondary Schools
No. of
Villages
Having
Secondary
Schools-2010
%of
Villages
Having
Secondary
Schools
No of villages
with Higher
Secondary
Schools-2010
%of Villages
Having
Higher
Secondary
Schools
Bayad 123 52 42 33 27
Malpur 98 16 16 15 15
Talod 73 20 27 7 10
Idar 136 36 26 17 13
Prantij 63 13 21 4 6
Himatnagar 129 18 14 6 5
Modasa 105 23 22 19 18
Sabarkantha 1374 348 25 208 15
Source: Sabarkantha district Education Committee, Himatnagar, Prathmik Vibhag
Table 3.6 shows that 25 per cent of villages in Sabarkantha have secondary schools and 15
per cent of villages have higher secondary schools. Vadali has highest percentage of secondary
and higher secondary schools.
Private and Public Education Facilities: India is a country with one of the highest level of
privatized education. According to the National Council of Applied Economic Research (1995),
since the early 1990s the percentage of 6 to 14 year-olds attending private schools has jumped
from less than a tenth to roughly a quarter of the total. Education is seen as a form of investment
which can ensure good jobs. Private education is associated with better quality. Lack of proper
infrastructure and absenteeism among teachers in public funded schools is an important reason for
this common perception.
19
Table 3.7: Availability and Progress of Private and Public School, 2010-2012
Source : Sabarkantha district Education Committee, Himatnagar, Prathmik Vibhag
Note : The second row under each taluka shows the percentage (of the total number of schools) figures.
20
In Sabarkantha the recent trend shows a very rapid rise in the private schools. Proportion of the
private schools in three years (2010 to 2012) has increased from 15.4 percent to 25.6 percent and
the enrollment to the private schools is sluggish increased 20.6 in 2010 to 22.24 percent in 2012.
Interestingly, and expectedly private schools are located more in relatively developed regions,
with Himatnagar having the largest number of private schools (33.3 per cent) and absorbing the
highest proportion of students (39 per cent) in the private schools (Table 3.7). Close in the league
are Prantij, Idar and Modasa. In the tribal talukas, the proportion of private schools and enrollment
is relatively low, although they have grown rapidly. Setting up of private schools is related to the
returns on investment, which unless subsidized, depends on the cost bearing capacity of the
parents. It is already discussed that tribals did not attach much utility to education. The situation
seems to be altering as quite a few private schools are now operating in tribal areas.
The process of privatization of services is rapidly influencing the education sector as well.
It is raising several concerns. One, the cost of education in private schools is higher. Two, the
growing preference for private education is a reflection of difference in quality of education in
public and private schools. The trend is discriminatory against the weaker section of the society
that continues to depend on the public education facilities.
Trends in Enrolment: Net enrolment refers to the proportion of children of a
particular age group attending grades specified for that age group while gross enrolment
refers to children enrolling in school in any grade irrespective of age. Enrolment is the first
step towards attaining education. The education policy in India usually focuses on
quantitative achievement in terms of gross enrolment as well as dropout rates. Enrolment is
a function of social demand as well as physical availability of education.
Table 3.8 shows the number of students enrolled in primary, secondary and higher secondary
school from 1996-97 to 2010-11. It also shows rising enrolment across the district in all talukas.
In the last decade and a half the district has witnessed growth in enrolment at all levels of school
education. The enrolment growth for boys as well as girls in higher secondary school is
ommendable. The girls students are lesser in all schools - primary, secondary and higher
secondary though they are more than 40 per cent which is encouraging.
Box: 3.1 Initiative for Female Enrolment
There are systematic efforts in improving enrolment rate especially of girl child by the government of
Gujarat. The district administration also joined the drive. During the state-wide enrolment drive, Kanya
Kelavani Rath Yatras were organized in two phases in Gujarat. In the first phase, the enrolment drive was
organized in rural areas, while in the second phase, it was organized in urban areas. In both the phases, all
villages were visited. During the drive, 100 per cent children in the age group of 5 + years were enrolled
in Standard 1. Elaborate preparations were made to ensure that the Enrolment Drive could be a huge
success. A total of 8 TV Spots of 30 seconds were telecast on prime time, to generate awareness about the
importance of universal enrolment of children in schools. The processions of Kanya Kelavani Rath Yatra,
led by all the cabinet ministers, Chief Secretary and all senior officers from IAS, IPS, IFS and Secretariat
cadres and Education Department, were taken out in villages with low female literacy. As per the strategy
adopted, every minister and officer visited at least three such villages everyday, so that during the three-
day drive, each one of them had visited at least 15 villages requiring rigorous efforts to improve the
female literacy by making efforts for 100 per cent enrolment of girls. Efforts were made to make them
feel that a school is a place for fun and enjoyment so as to attract them towards school. Donors presented
the newly enrolled children with school bags, slates, pens, pencils, textbooks, notebooks, uniform etc.
Under Vidya Laxmi Yojana, in villages with low female literacy, the girls enrolled in Standard 1 were
given Narmada Bonds worth Rs.1000/-, which were also collected through local donations. A large
number of people participated in the cultural programmes organized in all schools across the state.
21
Table 3.8: Students in Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools, 1996-97 to 2010-11
Source: Sabarkantha district Education Committee, Himatnagar, Prathmik Vibhag
22
Dropout Rate Table 3.9 (a): Year- wise Dropout Rate, 2002-2010
Taluka
Boys Girls
2002 2005 2010 2002 2005 2010
Vijaynagar 6.23 1.50 3.38 12.37 2.53 3.97
Bhiloda 12.09 1.89 2.15 24.00 1.59 1.53
Meghraj 10.46 3.43 4.35 20.75 3.30 3.76
Khedbrahma 14.90 7.54 9.66 29.55 5.09 9.48
Vadali 8.36 4.08 4.49 16.58 4.57 5.43
Dhansura 3.84 -2.92 2.71 7.62 -0.37 4.63
Bayad 3.93 2.91 2.30 7.80 2.89 3.27
Malpur 6.02 1.06 2.00 11.94 1.40 2.52
Talod 8.43 3.03 1.86 16.73 3.80 3.29
Idar 11.55 2.48 3.33 22.92 2.41 3.28
Prantij 2.29 1.14 2.22 4.55 2.29 2.23
Himatnagar 1.90 2.78 0.89 3.78 1.96 2.70
Modasa 5.85 1.97 2.23 11.60 2.63 2.58
Sabarkantha 4.39 2.79 3.43 8.71 2.73 4.00
Source: Sabarkantha district Education Committee, Himatnagar, Prathmik Vibhag
Table 3.9 (b): Year- wise Dropout Rate, 2011-12 to 2013-14
Dropout Rates 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls
Sabarkantha 3.16 3.38 2.48 2.60 2.71 3.26
Source: SSA, Gujarat Council of Elimentery Education, Gandhinagar
Enrolment of students is easier than retaining them. Reducing dropout rate is a sign of
improving retention in the system. Various efforts by the government have played a positive role
in bringing the dropout rate under control. Table 3.9 (a&b) shows that, though there are
fluctuations, there is a clear long term trend of reducing dropout rate of the distric for both, boys
& girls. There was a sharp decline in dropout for girls during 2002-14. After 2010, difference in
the dropout rate of boys and girls has also narrowed down substantially (Figure 3.2). At taluka
level Khedbrahma is the only taluka with high level of dropout, followed by Vadali. Rest of the
talukas have achieved commendable control in dropout.
Figure. 3.2 Yearwise Drop out Rates
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
8.00
9.00
Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls
2002 2005 2010 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
4.39
8.71
2.79 2.733.43
4.003.16 3.38
2.48 2.60 2.713.26
Yearwise Drop out Rates for Boys & Girls
23
Tribal Education
Table 3.10: Uttarbuniyadi Ashram Schools for Schedule Castes and Tribes, 2001 to 2011
Year
Uttar Buniyadi Ashram Schools Ashram Schools for SC
No. of
Schools
Total
Students Boys Girls
No. Of
Schools
Total
Students Boys Girls
2001-02 11 1160 580 580 8 805 585 220
2002-03 12 1240 620 620 8 840 648 192
2003-04 12 1240 640 640 8 801 606 195
2004-05 12 1320 660 660 8 840 592 248
2005-06 12 1360 680 680 8 870 583 287
2006-07 12 1400 700 700 8 850 577 273
2007-08 13 1480 740 740 8 850 573 277
2008-09 13 1560 780 780 8 850 641 209
2009-10 13 1640 820 820 8 850 579 271
2010-11 13 1640 820 820 8 896 605 291
Decadal
Growth 41.4 41.4 41.4 11.3 3.4 32.2
Source: Sabarkantha district Education Committee, Himatnagar, Prathmik Vibhag
Two more uttarbuniyadi ashram shalas have been started in the district in the last decade.
Number of students enrolled in these schools is also steadily increasing, including boys as well as
girls. The decadal growth in enrollment of students is 41.4 percent. There are no financial data
available to verify the funds spent on tribal education specifically. However, rising numbers can
be treated as an important indicator to judge the priority for tribal education. The positive outcome
is raising the literacy rate among tribals. Similarly, enrollment of SC students in Ashram Shalas
has also increased by 11.3 percent. Enrollment for girls though low has increased by 32.2 percent.
This indicates the scheme of Ashram Shala is generating positive outcome in education for
weaker communities. (Table 3.10)
Table 3.11: Ashram Schools for Developing Communities, 2001 to 2012
Year Ashram Schools Boys Girls Students
2001-02 26 1986 934 2920
2002-03 26 2040 960 3000
2003-04 26 2094 986 3080
2004-05 26 2122 998 3120
2005-06 26 2122 998 3120
2006-07 26 2122 998 3120
2007-08 26 2122 998 3120
2008-09 26 2122 998 3120
2009-10 26 2285 1038 3323
2010-11 26 2259 1065 3324
2011-12 26 2299 1031 3330
Decadal Growth 15.8 10.4 14.0
Source: Sabarkantha district Education Committee, Himatnagar, Prathmik Vibhag
In case of other Ashram Shalas, enrolment has increased steadily for boys as well as for
girls. The decadal growth is 14 per cent, that of boys and girls is 15.8 percent and 10.4 percent
respectively. (Table 3.11)
24
Teacher-Student Ratio
Teacher-student ratio is an important indicator of imparting quality education. Let us have
a look at the teacher-student ratio in different levels of education in this district.
The overall student-teacher ratio is 26.93 for primary education, against the national norm
of 40 students per teacher. In all talukas the ratio is favourable, including all tribal talukas. There
is not much variation among the talukas. In the case of the secondary and high school education
too, intra-taluka discrepancies are observed. Against the district average of 39.82 for the
secondary education, the student-teacher ratio is 62.18 in Vadali, which is very high compared to
the district average. Vijaynagar on the other hand is having students-ratio at 15.71. The district
requires to ensure more judicious distribution of government teachers. (Table 3.12). Steps are
required to reduce the inter-taluka variations.
Table 3.12: Teacher-Student Ratio, 2010
Taluka Primary Secondary High school
Vijaynagar 26.77 15.71 28.29
Bhiloda 27.04 25.92 22.70
Meghraj 25.88 21.31 45.10
Khedbrahma 31.42 36.68 26.24
Vadali 25.87 62.18 27.63
Dhansura 23.95 41.95 30.56
Bayad 24.56 56.47 29.21
Malpur 23.21 41.98 32.84
Talod 25.20 32.78 48.51
Idar 27.16 51.85 33.43
Prantij 28.51 31.30 26.73
Himatnagar 28.34 47.43 37.40
Modasa 26.58 47.97 54.59
Sabarkantha 26.93 39.82 34.37
Source: Sabarkantha district Education Committee, Himatnagar, Prathmik Vibhag
Table 3.13: Institutions of Higher Education, (Government and Private) 2010
Stream Co-Education Only Women Total
Science 4 0 4
Arts and Commerce 15 3 18
B .Ed 19 0 19
I.T.I 6 0 6
Pharmacy 3 0 3
Law 2 0 0
Polytechnic 3 0 3
Engineering 4 0 4
Total 56 3 59
Source: Sabarkantha district Education Committee, Himatnagar, Prathmik Vibhag
Higher education is important for skill enhancement. There are 56 institutions of higher
education providing education in different disciplines. The district has highest number of colleges,
for teachers training followed by arts and commerce colleges (Tables 3.13). This is good sign as
demand of trained teachers is likely to grow with the development process. In fact, the district is a
leader in exporting trained teachers all over Gujarat. There are six ITI institutes to provide technical
skills to enhance productivity of workers engaged in various types of income generating activities.
25
Physical Amenities: Table: 3.14 Physical Amenities at primary Schools, as of December, 2014
Taluka Electricity
(%)
Computer Lab
(%)
Compoundwall
(%)
Play Ground
(%)
Drinking
Water (%)
Separete Girls
Toilet (%)
Bayad 84.78 54.67 84.78 79.93 100.00 -
Bhiloda 86.73 51.36 86.73 84.01 100.00 -
Dhansura 90.51 62.03 90.51 86.08 100.00 -
Himmatnagar 92.81 54.58 92.81 83.99 100.00 -
Idar 94.81 48.44 94.81 93.08 100.00 -
Khedbrahma 70.38 51.27 70.70 62.10 100.00 -
Malpur 85.63 41.25 85.63 86.88 100.00 -
Meghraj 62.64 34.43 62.64 85.71 100.00 -
Modasa 90.98 64.31 90.98 78.82 100.00 -
Prantij 94.63 57.72 94.63 79.19 100.00 -
Talod 96.65 66.48 96.65 75.42 100.00 -
Vadali 95.90 43.44 95.90 90.98 100.00 -
Vijaynagar 82.88 53.42 82.88 90.41 100.00 -
Total 85.69 52.32 85.72 81.97 100.00 99.86
Source: SSA, Gujarat Council of Elimentery Education, Gandhinagar
Physical amenities available in schools may provide an idea on the quality of education. Basic
amenities of the school play a very important role in improving the enrolment rate, retention rate
and quality education. Sanitation is a minimum facility expected in schools. In the absence of
proper toilets and water facilities, students are forced to use open spaces. It is not only unhygienic
but is also a matter of concern for girls. Proper sanitation facility, therefore, has high impact on
the children’s health as well as enrolment of girls. It is also a matter of concern for women
teachers to continue in the system in the absence of toilet facilities.
In Sabarkantha district, providing sanitation facility has been a top priority. Due to
enrollment drive and other access promotion measures, enrollment in primary schools was found
to have increased substantially. A sharp rise in enrolment led to overcrowding and put strain on
the limited existing schooling infrastructure. To deal with such a situation, construction of new
schools, additional classrooms, separate toilets and urinals for girls, provision of drinking water,
etc. were taken up in Sabarkantha through GCPE under SSA. In addition, repair works were
undertaken in schools. As a result, 100 per cent of schools now have sanitation facilities. Around
86 per cent schools are now having electricity connection. 100 percent of schools have drinking
water facility. Other facilities like playground & compound walls are also showing good pictures
i.e 82 percent & 86 percent respectively. All these interventions have significantly improved the
overall pedagogical environment in the schools of the project districts.
In addition Computer Aided Learning Program (CALP) is introduced. It creates an
environment, where learning and assessment is fun and the opportunities to learn is equitable among
the rural and urban children. The CALP is primarily introduced in rural government elementary
schools covering the classes 1 to 7 to attract and retain children and also in the process, enhance the
quality of learning by making “Learning Play”, “Assessment Fun” and “Equal knowledge for all”.
This program will improve the IT literacy in the rural areas particularly and will go a long way in
removing the digital divide in the state. As per latest data around 52 percent of schools are having
computer lab facilities within the premices of the schools. IT based learning is said to have effect on
improving learning process. It is expected to improve the interest of students in school studies and
thus increase school attendance and better performance in examinations
26
In order to give greater impetus to skill development, which is a thrust area for Gujarat in the
12th Plan period, state is creating a separate corpus fund for skill up-gradation and certification of
trained youth under Modular Employable Skill Programme. A dedicated Skill Development
University is being set up to cater to the emerging needs in this sector. Industrial Training Institutes,
the traditional centres for skilling the youth, will also be strengthened with additions of 20 new ITI
buildings, 100 workshops, 100 class rooms and 5,000 seats under various courses.
Conclusion
There has been a substantial improvement in literacy level in 2011 compared to 1991,
especially female literacy. Despite the progress over the last decade the literacy rate in the district
is lower than the state average. Scenario in the tribal talukas is especially a major concern, where
the rural-urban gap is still high. High gender gap across the district is another major concern.
However, it is heartening to observe that concentrated efforts of the state have helped in
improving the enrolment rate as well as retention rate. Availability of primary schools is very
close to the norms and the student-teacher ratio is very favourable. The dropout rate is declining
steadily for boys as well as for girls. A large gap that once existed between girl’s and boy’s
dropout rate has considerably narrowed down. Private schools are on rise in recent years
especially in relatively developed regions. Enrollment is also rising in private schools showing a
clear preference for private schools. The district is able to attain 99 percent enrollment for boys as
well as girls. The district schools are now well equipped with sanitation, electricity and drinking
water facilities. Government of Gujarat has already initiated aggressive measures to improve
status of education. Sabarkantha is responding to such measures.
SWOT Analysis for Education Sector in Sabarkantha
Strengths Weaknesses
Literacy Rate has perceptibly increased
from 67% to 77% with gap between state
and district narrowing down.
Remarkable growth in female literacy rate
in last decade, growing faster than state.
Growth in enrolment ratio at all levels of
school education especially higher
secondary.
High decadal growth (41%) in enrolment in
tribal ashram shalas and (11%) in SC
ashram schools.
Higher level of primary school facilities per
lakh of population.
Highest number of primary school in
(Meghraj, Malpur) tribal talukas.
100% of schools have sanitation facilities,
100% have electricity, 97% have drinking
water facility.
Facilities like TV and playground are
steadily improving.
Concerted efforts by government have
enhanced literacy and spread of schools in
all the villages.
Wide gap between male and female
literacy as well as rural and urban literacy.
Wide intra-taluka variations in literacy level
persist.
Tribal talukas (Khedbhrma, Megraj) report
low literacy for male and females.
Most of the private schools are concentrated
in urbanized areas (Himatnagar, Prantij,
Idar, Modasa).
Inter-taluka disparities in availability of
primary school.
In tribal talukas, proportion of private
schools and enrollment is low.
Khedbrahma-taluka has high level of
dropout also Vadali.
Khedbrahma lags behind in amenities in
school.
27
SWOT Analysis for Education Sector in Sabarkantha
Opportunities Threats
Tendency for enrolments to rise
successively in the higher classes,
especially for girls.
Despite higher fluctuating dropout rate of
students, rate is successively declining and
can be further reduced.
Teacher Student Ratio in Sabarkantha is
lower than national norms and can be
improved further.
Positive efforts to improve pedagogy are
enhancing acceptability of education in
tribal location.
Judicious recruitment of full time (not
contractual) teachers in priority talukas
facing teachers’ retention problem.
Increase the coverage of School health
checkups, linking with the performance of
school and students.
DPEP, SSA, SRG helped in identifying
training requirements and complement
them with DIET.
Highest number of colleges for teachers
training followed by arts and commerce.
Six ITIs are existing.
Improvement in the overall literacy rate in
the district which is below state average.
High gender gap in literacy levels.
Opportunity cost of education for tribals is
high as it entails dislocation of traditional
pattern of labour.
Decline in number of students during
transition leads to shrinkage in enrolment.
Major challenge to achieve student-teacher
ratio for all levels of school education as per
Model school criteria.
Major challenge to retain the teachers
employed on contract basis as such teachers
are in search of full time jobs.
28
Chapter 4
Health Profile Since the Alma Ata Conference in 1978 declared health as a fundamental human right,
health and nutrition have been accepted as important national concerns in developing countries.
Health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "a state of complete physical,
mental, and social well-being and not merely absence of disease or infirmity." This declaration
gave the call of 'Health for All by 2000 AD' and accepted that the primary health care was a key
to attaining this goal. The purpose of this definition was to bring the positive concept of general
wellbeing into focus rather than a negative definition of absence of disease.
Health has multiple effects on the individual’s wellbeing. It is a means as well as an end to
attain better life. It helps reduce medical cost and reduce the loss of income for daily wage
earners. A healthy worker works more than increases the household income as well as national
income. Ill health may cause loss of working days consequently loss of income for the daily wage
earners. Such loss of income accompanied by high cost of health care is often the major reason for
indebtedness in poor families. Ill health thus ignites the vicious circle of loss of income, hunger,
poverty and malnutrition. Good health in that sense is a basic need of any living species on the
earth.
Better health of the population depends on a number of interdependent macro and micro
factors. Level of economic development, poverty, food security, availability of potable water,
pollution, environmental degradation, reproductive and maternal health, availability of public
health care services, and cost of health care are some of the important macro factors. Per capita
family income, physical access to the health care facilities, and occupational hazards are some of
the micro factors determining health status. Health status of the population in Sabarkantha has to
be understood in the backdrop of these interlinked factors, although assessing the status of all
these factors is not within the scope of this chapter.
Vital Statistics
Knowing the size of a country’s population, its growth rate, and its age distribution is
important for evaluating the welfare of its citizens, assessing the productive capacity of its
economy, and estimating the quantity of goods and services that will be needed to meet future
needs. Birth rate, death rate, population growth rate as well fertility rate are also indicators of the
level of socio-economic development.
Table 4.1: Crude Birth Rate and Death Rate, 2013
District/State CBR CDR
Sabarkantha 25.9 4.0
Gujarat 20.8 5.6
Source: Health Statistics 2013-14
29
Above table shows the CBR & CDR of Sabarkantha district & the State as a whole for the year
2013. CBR of the distric is higher than the CBR of the State. While CDR is lower than the Stae
average.
Immunization
Delivering effective and safe vaccines through an efficient delivery system is one of the
most cost effective public health interventions. Immunization programmes aim to reduce
mortality and morbidity from vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs), hence has a great impact on
controlling CMR. India’s immunization programme is one of the largest in the world in terms of
quantities of vaccines used, numbers of beneficiaries, and numbers of immunization sessions
organized, geographical spread, and diversity of areas. The immunization programme in the
country dates back to 1978. It continued in a modified form in terms of its coverage of vaccines
and targeted geographical area there on. The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) was
launched in 1985 that targeted selected districts to begin with and incorporated all infants in
districts from 1990 onwards. Under the immunization programme, six vaccines are used to
protect children and pregnant mothers against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles,
and tetanus. UIP envisages achieving and
sustaining universal immunization
coverage in infants with three doses of
DPT and OPV and one dose each of
measles vaccine and BCG, and, in
pregnant women, with two primary doses
or one booster dose of TT. UIP is now an
important component of the Reproductive
and Child Health Programme (RCHP).
Another important immunization
programme is the Polio Eradication
Programme that was initiated with the
assistance of the National Polio
Surveillance Project.
BCG vaccination is an important component of (UIP) to control the incidence of
tuberculosis. It is to be given to all children as part of UIP schedule. It is administered at
birth. The programme in India is in operation since the 1950s, and with UIP implemented in
1985, it aims at universalization of BCG. Data for latest year shows that good coverage of BCG
in Sabarkantha district, however full coverage is not yet achieved. Other than BCG, DTP &
Polio’s coverage is also good. Although, data shows that the district performance is lower than the
state performance for all vaccination. It is also necessary to mention here that the last three years
trend line (Figure 4.1) is showing a decreasing trend in terms of coverage of vaccination for the
district whereas for State its shows the increasing trend.
DLHS provide inter district comparison.
The last available DLHS are for 2002-
04. As per these data Sabarkantha
ranked 8th among all districts in BCG
coverage. The district ranked 19th in
achieving full immunization, where only
49.1 percent of children were fully
immunized. It ranked 5th in case of
children that were not given any type of
vaccine with only 1.9 percent of
children. That means children are given
some vaccine, if not all.
30
Table 4.2: Percentage of Children Vaccinated against total live birth
Year
Sabarkantha
DTP BCG Measles Polio Fully Immunized
2010-11 100.78 102.24 98.03 94.56 97.34
2011-12 98.25 100.00 96.56 94.19 95.80
2012-13 94.74 98.73 92.45 93.96 91.38
Year
Gujarat
DTP BCG Measles Polio Fully Immunized
2010-11 99.69 104.00 96.43 92.47 94.94
2011-12 100.25 102.55 98.06 89.94 96.97
2012-13 99.41 103.18 98.48 93.04 97.97
Source: Commissionerate of Health, Medical Services, Medical Education and Research, Gandhinagar
Figure 4.1: Trend line of Sabarkantha for Vaccinated against total live birth
Table 4.3: Malnourishment of Children, 2013
Taluka Total Children
Weighed
% of Malnourished
Children
% of Severely
Malnourished
Children
Vijaynagar 10524 40.41 0.96
Bhiloda 20477 33.62 2.36
Meghraj 14422 33.82 2.05
Khedbrahma 28767 30.54 0.62
Vadali 6715 39.26 1.67
Dhansura 7158 27.06 1.27
Bayad 14725 34.46 1.96
Malpur 7731 30.36 1.63
Talod 11212 25.3 1.14
Idar 18936 21.50 0.93
Prantij 11543 18.94 1.2
Himatnagar 18438 29.34 1.10
Modasa 14734 43.43 1.63
Sabarkantha 185382 31.12 1.38
Source: ICDS, Government of Gujarat, 2013
31
Immunization only protects children from the fatal diseases but it does not ensure nutrition
level. Nutrition is linked to the economy of the district and cannot be overcome just by providing
better health services. It is a problem related to poverty. Low-income families fail to provide
adequate nutritious food to mother and children resulting in malnutrition. Malnutrition affects the
physical and mental growth of children. Information from ICDS on weight of children shows that
31.12 percent of children were under weight across the district. It is highest in Modasa at 43.43
percent (Table 4.3). After Modasa, Vijaynagar & Vadali are having highest malnourished children
i.e 40.41 percent & 39.26 prercent respectively. While, in case of Severely Malnourished
Children Bhiloda has the highest percentage i.e 2.36 percent, followed by Meghraj with 2.05
percent. On an average 1.38 percent of children are severely malnourished across the district.
The Public Distribution System is a significant factor in addressing the issue of nutrition.
To ensure increased transparency and efficiency in this system, the PDS supply has been
automated. Gujarat has put in place a Call Centre with Toll Free Number to register consumer
complaints and ensure online monitoring of redressal of grievances relating to PDS. In a major
initiative, Gujarat has introduced the scheme of bar-coded ration cards. The state has issued 41.27
lakh bar-Coded Ration Cards to enable issue of Food coupons through eGram centres after
biometric authentication of the card holder.
There is a need to develop, at the national level, a comprehensive and ulti-pronged
Strategy to deal with the issue of malnutrition. In Gujarat, undernourishment and low level of
awareness about nutrition are identified as thrust areas in the ongoing campaign to improve
nutrition levels among children and women. In 2013-14, an outlay of 72.50 crore is proposed to
increase the awareness of better nutrition and food practices among the general community. To
involve the community at large, a campaign to organize Cookery Shows, Annaprashan Day,
Vatsalya Day etc. is being taken up. Assistance to 6,000 workers and supervisors under ICDS is
provided to improve the capabilities to enable them to undergo Food and Nutrition Certificate
Course. Gujarat has also initiated a dedicated program to integrate the efforts of Health
department and ICDS under the “Mission balam Sukham”. It has also taken up initiatives for
tackling malnutrition through supplementary nutrition programme for children in the age group of
6 months to 3 years, take home rations for children in 3 to 6 age group, while Bhalbhog, morning
breakfast, afternoon hot meal are provided at Anganwadi. Additional nutrition in the form of
nutri-candy, fruits and milk are being provided in areas requiring more intensive interventions.
Gujarat has adopted a holistic approach for nutrition of women and children through Nand
Ghar / Anganwadi Centres functioning under ICDS. An amount of 645 crore is being spent in
2012-13 and 2013-14 for construction of Anganwadi Centres and upgrading of existing centres
with sanitation facilities and child friendly atmosphere.
Institutional Structure of Health Care Service
Following the World Health Summit at Alma Ata and declaration of the goal of ‘Health
For All (HFA) –2000 AD’ the concept of a three tier health care system was framed. It was rolled
out in India in 1978 by abandoning the two tier system adopted earlier in 1952. This system was
based on the concept of primary health care, defined as "essential Health Care made universally
accessible to individuals and acceptable to them, through their full participation and at a cost the
community and country can afford.” The three tier system in India comprises sub-centre, primary
health center, and community health centre. The system is based on the population norms in order
to ensure equity in access to health care across all regions and all communities.
32
Table 4.4: Primary Health Structure and Population Norms
Centre Population Norms
Plain Area Hilly/Tribal/Difficult Area
Each village Each village
One Village Health Guide For each village per 1000
Population
For each village per 1000
Population
Sub-Centre 5000 3000
Primary Health Centre 30,000 20,000
Community Health Centre 1,20,000 80,000
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Rural Health Statistics, 2007.
The norms for the number of PHCs and SCs are based on population. For tribal talukas
norms are different in order to cater to the scattered population (Table 4.4). Despite having more
number of health centres per 1000 population than the plain areas, often these centres are not
accessible to people living in the interior areas. Geographical distance should be the criterion than
population in order to provide health services to the larger population.
The total Government Health infrastructures of the district comprise of one district hospital (DH),
no medical colleges (MC), 21 Community Health Centres ( CHCs), 63 Primary Health Centres
(PHCs) and 413 Sub Centers (SCs). Besides there are one Ayurvedic Hospitals (AHs), 43
Ayurvadic dispensaries (ADs) and 11 Homeopathic dispensaries (HD) in the Government health
care domain (Table-4.5). Apart from these, a total of 3344 Anganwadi Centres (ACs) also there
in Sabarkantha District. Taluka wise infrastructural distribution is also given at Table-4.5. It
shows that among all talukas’ Himmatnagar taluka is in advantageous position, being the district
head quarter, & Talod taluka is in most disadvantageous position in terms of maximum numbers
of medical institutions.
Table 4.5: Health Facilities in the District, 2013
In Nos.
SCs PHCs CHCs DH AH AD HD AC
Sabarkantha 413 68 21 1 1 43 11 3344
Khedbrahma 50 8 2 0 0 2 1 368
Vijaynagar 25 4 1 0 0 2 0 238
Vadali 14 2 2 0 0 2 0 145
Idar 45 8 2 0 0 7 2 379
Bhiloda 57 9 2 0 0 5 0 452
Megharaj 37 6 1 0 0 4 0 244
Himatnagar 37 6 2 1 1 9 3 340
Prantij 28 4 2 0 0 3 1 217
Talod 26 4 1 0 0 0 0 190
Modasa 27 7 1 0 0 3 0 240
Dhansura 17 3 1 0 0 2 1 122
Malpur 15 2 1 0 0 2 2 149
Bayad 35 5 3 0 0 2 1 260
Source: Compiled from the data of CDHO, Commissionerate of Health, Medical Services, Medical Education and
Research, Gandhinagar
33
The sub-centre (SC) is the first contact point for the primary health care system. It is
expected to perform the tasks related to components of primary health care. Centres are provided
with basic drugs to deal with minor ailments. In case of sub-centres, no taluka in Sabarkantha
meets the defined population criterion. The shortfall for the tribal block is very high where the
criterion is to have one SC per 3000 population. All SCs are overloaded. None of the tribal taluka
is close to the norm (Tables 4.6). If the actual number of services is not close to the population
criterion, it would not be wrong to assume that the geographical distance is also high for a large
population in the tribal talukas. The gap for non-tribal talukas is very narrow, meaning that basic
primary health is by and large being taken care of, Himatnagar and Modasa being exceptions.
Table 4.6: Shortfall in Basic Health Care Facilities as of 2013
Taluka Population
per PHC
PHCs
required
Shortfall
of PHCs
SCs
Required
Shortfall
in SCs
Midwife
Required
Shortfall
of
Midwife
FHW
Sanction
Post
FHW
Shortfall
Vijaynagar 103583 5 1 35 10 35 10 25 1
Bhiloda 255217 13 3 85 28 85 28 57 3
Meghraj 158681 8 2 53 16 53 16 37 6
Khedbrahma 251211 13 5 84 34 84 34 50 4
Vadali 87504 3 1 18 4 18 4 14 0
Dhansura 103195 3 1 21 3 21 3 18 3
Bayad 212901 7 2 43 10 43 10 33 8
Malpur 93596 3 1 19 4 19 4 15 2
Talod 158459 5 1 32 6 32 6 26 7
Idar 260363 9 1 52 7 52 7 45 1
Prantij 162006 5 2 32 4 32 4 28 3
Himatnagar 286689 10 4 57 20 57 20 37 1
Modasa 206033 7 0 41 13 41 13 28 2
Sabarkantha 2339438 91 24 570 157 570 157 413 41
Source: CDHO Sabarkantha District
PHCs are the first contact point between the population and the medical officer. As per the
population criterion one PHC is required per 20,000 population in Tribal talukas. Table 4.6 shows
that there is shortage of PHCs across the district in all talukas, except Modasa. Prantij and
Himatnagar are lacking in PHCs, but this does not mean that these talukas lack health care
infrastructure. These two talukas being the most urbanized talukas, must be having availability of
and dependence on private health care system that are not reflected in the above table. Shortage of
PHC is high among tribal talukas except Vijayanagar.
Maternal Care: In recent years, the state government is paying attention on safe mother hood and
institutional deliveries through schemes notably, Chiranjeevi and Janani Suraksha schemes (see
Box 4.1 and 4.2). Trained midwives are very important intervention to ensure safe delivery. As
per the guidelines, each village has to have a trained midwife. Table 4.6 shows that the norms are
not met in any taluka irrespective of the category, except vadali. However, the level of
institutional deliveries has improved significantly across the district (Table 4.7) except
Khedbrahma During the latest Year (2013-14) the level of institutional delivery is in the range of
80 percent for Khedbrahma, while for rest of the talukas it is more than 95 percent.
34
Figure: 4.2 Institutional Deleivery
This is a positive sign in the direction of reducing the risk of maternal death. Data on maternal
mortality rate for the district are not available so it is not possible to observe the actual outcome of
the institutional deliveries, however, the Chiranjeevi Scheme has reported considerable success in
the state (Box 4.1)
Table 4.7: Taluka wise Institutional Delivery (%)
Taluka 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 13-14
1 Khedbrahma 80.00 83.00 80.00 84.93
2 Vijaynagar 94.00 95.00 88.17 93.75
3 Vadali 99.78 99.42 99.78 99.29
4 Idar 99.70 99.06 99.19 99.62
5 Bhiloda 98.73 98.20 98.48 99.12
6 Megharaj 82.00 85.00 82.00 97.03
7 Himatnagar 93.28 92.09 95.33 99.92
8 Prantij 99.64 98.81 99.69 99.94
9 Talod 82.12 84.13 87.74 98.77
10 Modasa 96.70 98.40 99.90 99.88
11 Dhansura 97.90 98.70 100.00 99.10
12 Malpur 81.00 88.00 83.00 97.03
13 Bayad 93.00 94.00 92.00 98.32
District Average 92.14 93.37 92.71 96.76
*State Avg. 91.84 93.66 95.04 -
Source: CDHO Sabarkantha District.
*Health Statistics, Commissionerate of Health, Medical Services, Medical Education and Research,
Gandhinagar
Box 4.1 Assessing Gujarat's 'Chiranjeevi' Scheme
The Maternal mortality rate (MMR), considered a good indicator of women's status in general and of healthcare facilities for pregnant women in particular, is 54 for Gujarat, which is above Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Gujarat government decided to enlist the support of the private sector in reducing maternal mortality.
The Chiranjeevi (long life) Yojana (CY) is a scheme based on the public-private partnership (PPP) model in which a poor woman can go to empanelled private nursing homes for delivery, the cost to be borne by the state government. Moreover, eligible women are also entitled to receive Rs 200 towards transport cost and Rs 50 for the accompanying person. Thus, CY aims to remove financial barriers for the poor in accessing qualified private providers.
These empanelled private providers (EPPS) have to agree perform free delivery for women designated below the poverty line (BPL). EPPS are paid Rs 1,79,500 (about $4,000) for every 100 deliveries including caesarean sections and complicated deliveries.
35
Chiranjeevi Yojana was launched in five poor districts of the state on a pilot basis in December 2005, and from January 2007 it has been extended to the entire state.
The Chiranjeevi Yojana is considered to be received a prestigious Asian Innovations Award given by the Wall Street Journal. It is a flagship scheme of the Gujarat state ministry of health and family welfare and is being recommended for scaling up at the national level. It has been claimed by the government that maternal as well as neonatal deaths have been substantially reduced under the scheme. The reported maternal deaths within the scheme have been compared with the expected maternal death's based on Gujarat's maternal mortality rate and are found to be more than 20 times lower.
In Sabarkantha district in 2011 there were 49 number of doctors enrolled and 15233 beneficiaries under the Chiranjeevi Scheme*.
Source: Acharya, A. (2009), “Assessing Gujarat’s Chiranjeevi Scheme”, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. XLV, No.48
*Family Welfare MIS 2010
Box 4.2 Janani Suraksha Yojana
Janani Suraksha Yojana is a conditional cash programme launched on 12th April 2005 by the Hon'ble Prime Minister to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5(BMC Public Health). It is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme along with the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). This scheme was implemented to reduce maternal mortality and neo natal deaths by promoting institutional deliveries among BPL, SC and ST class. The scheme needs to be remodeled, 50% of the incentive money should be given at least three months before delivery to the BPL families so that ante natal care can be taken.
In Sabarkantha district in 2012-13 there are 21396 beneficiaries out of which 2794 belong to SC, 6074 belong to ST and 12528 are others*.
Source: Ashish Bose (2007), Speeding up reduction in maternal mortality, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. -
XLII No. 03, January 20.
*CDHO Sabarkantha District
Ante natal care (ANC) : Factor that acts as determinants of safe motherhood are the antenatal and
post-natal medical cares. Ante natal care (ANC) is the care of the woman during pregnancy, aim
of which is to achieve at the end of a pregnancy a healthy mother and a healthy baby. Minimum
ante-natal care includes at least three antenatal checkups, at least one tetanus toxoid injection
(TT), and supplementary iron in the form of IFA1 tablets daily for 100 days.
Table 4.8 : Performance of ANC Registration (in %) 2010-2011 2011-12 2012-13
ANC-3 to
Total ANC
TT Doses to
Total ANC
ANC-3 to
Total ANC
TT Doses to
Total ANC
ANC-3 to
Total ANC
TT Doses to
Total ANC
District
Total 81.64 95.82 76.75 97.36 76.98 96.62
State
Total 72.95 89.5 74.81 92.06 75 90.59
Source: Report of RCH Programme. D & E Cell, Comm. of Health, Medical Services, Medical Education and
Research, GoG
1 Nutritional deficiencies among women are often exacerbated during pregnancy because of the additional nutrient requirements of foetal growth; therefore a pregnant woman needs six times more iron than a non-pregnant woman. So receiving iron folic acid tablets/syrup during pregnancy is important .
36
Table 4.8 shows that the percentage of ANC-3 to the total Register ANC for district as well as
State. District performance is better in terms of percentage of 3 ANC to total register ANC.
Similerly Sabarkantha district is performing better than the State in respect to percentage of
having TT doses to the total register ANC.
Morbidity
It is difficult to measure morbidity level because morbidity data are not adequate. The data
include only reported illness. In India many illnesses go unreported. Systematic available data
only reflects the reported diseases, often only getting treated at government hospitals. Patients
going to the privately practising doctors as well as the not taking treatment from any qualified
doctor remain unreported.
Table 4.9: Patient Treated for Different Diseases, 2010-11
Sr.No Diseases/Syndromes OPD Indoor Total Death
1
Acute Diarrhoeal Disease (Including
acute Gastroenteritis) 25322 2864 28186 0
2 Bacillary Dysentery 558 0 558 0
3 Viral Hepatitis 376 63 439 0
4 Enteric Fever 821 196 1017 0
5 Malaria 536 0 536 0
6 Dengue/DHF/DSS 12 0 12 0
7 Chikungunya 0 0 0 0
8 Acute Encephalities Syndrome 0 0 0 0
9 Meningitis 2 0 2 0
10 Measles 12 0 12 0
11 Diptheria 1 0 1 0
12 Pertusis 0 0 0 0
13 Chicken Pox 35 0 35 0
14 Fever of Unknown Origin (PUO) 55749 0 55749 0
15
Acute Respiratory Infection
(ARI)/Influenza Like Illness(ILL) 14063 563 14626 0
16 Pneumonia 355 99 454 0
17 Leptospirosis 0 0 0 0
18 Acute Flaccid Paralysis <15 yrs of Age 11 0 11 0
19 Dog Bite 11874 0 11874 0
20 Snake Bite 18 391 409 1
Total 109745 4176 113921 1
Number of patients treated for important diseases in hospitals is on rise. That means more
diseases are reported and being treated at modern medical facilities. However, in absence of
appropriate time series it is not possible to comment on the trend. Data of the year 2010-11
(Table 4.9) show that most out patients are treated forFever of Unknown Origin, Acute Diarrhea
and Respiratory diseases. Most indoor treatment is also provided for Acute Diarrhoea and Acute
Respiratory infection. Increase in number of patients does not necessarily reflect deteriorating
health situation.
37
Box 4.3
Mukhya Mantri Amrutum Yojana
Government of Gujarat has launched a medical care scheme called Mukhyamantri Amrutum (MA) Yojana. The objective of the scheme is to improve access of BPL families to quality medical and surgical care for the treatment of identified diseases involving hospitalization, surgeries and therapies through an empanelled network of health care providers. 'MA' provides quality medical and surgical care for the catastrophic illnesses such as, Cardiovascular Surgeries, Neurosurgeries, Burns, Poly Trauma Cancer (Malignancies) Renal (Kidney) and Neo-Natal(diseases) involving hospitalization, surgeries and therapies through an empanelled network of hospitals to the BPL families.
The Scheme benefits Below Poverty Line (BPL) Families of all the 33 districts of Gujarat which is expected to be (required) approximately 39 lakh BPL families (as per Rural Development and Urban Development Department). The total sum assured for the BPL family is of Rs.2,00,000/- per family per annum on family floater basis. To implement the scheme State Government has established a "State Nodal Cell (SNC)" at the State, which administers the Mukhyamantri Amrutum (MA) Yojana.
Source: Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Gujarat.
Conclusion
Health facilities in the district are improving fast. Health status of people is also responding to
improved facilities, but not by the same magnitude. The health infrastructure has improved in recent
years, although there continues to be shortfall of basic health infrastructure across the district.
Similarly, immunization coverage has also improved. A wide intra-taluka disparity in health outcome
is evident in the district. There is no clear link between level of development and achievements in
basic indicators of health as it is evident in higher death rates observed in relatively developed talukas
in the entire district. CMR is better among otherwise weak talukas like Khedbrahma, and Malpur.
So, it indicates that the health status does not have any relation with the availability of health services.
Health issues are not only merely a function of availability of health facilities. Better health depends
on a number of macro and micro factors. Issues like undernourishment and child mortality rate are
more a reflection of the socio-economic condition of the area.
SWOT Analysis for Health, Nutrition and Sanitation in Sabarkantha
Strengths Weaknesses
Existence of 413 Sub Centers, 68 PHCs,
89 Government hospitals, 6 clinics. There
are 360 private hospitals.
The trend has shifted from home delivery
to institutional deliveries. (95%)
CMR is better than state average.
Performance of Dhanusara, Malpura and
Talod is good.
8% of Households have individual
household sanitation facilities and 58%
have tap as water source.
Nearly total electrification.
All talukas show good coverage of
vaccination programme.
Availability of beds and nurses is fair,
showing efforts to ensure infrastructure for
health outcomes.
Health status is responding to improved
facilities.
In Bhiloda and Meghraj nearly 2% of
children are severely malnourished.
Meghraj, Vadali, Talod, Malpur and Idar
have comparatively low coverage of
children vaccinated.
No Taluka meets defined population
criteria for health Sub-centre. Shortfall in
tribal blocks very high; specially
Khedbrahma and Bhiloda.
Shortage of primary health centre across all
talukas.
Shortfall in basic health infrastructure
across the district.
38
SWOT Analysis for Health, Nutrition and Sanitation in Sabarkantha
Opportunities Threats
Chiranjvi Yojana, Janani Suraksha Yojana
has played vital role in women and child
health care and can be strengthened further
to shower its benefits in deprived areas.
Vaccination and Immunization schemes can
be more effective provided there are regular
follow ups.
To counter under-nourishment all
Aaganwadies need to be covered by
schemes.
Women and Child health care services in
Tribal areas to be strengthened for better
results in such areas.
Prantij and Himmatnagar have availability
of private health-care infrastructure.
Dhanusara, Bayad and Malpur favorably
placed in terms of tap water availability.
Health facilities in district are improving
fast.
Creation of employment opportunities will
help in improving incomes of the poor-
which can push their food intake and
nutrition levels.
Undernourishment is a major threat.
Spreading health care awareness in remote
areas with scattered population and low
literacy is a major challenge.
Lack of basic health care services in
backward areas due to non availability of
staff.
BPL families are very scattered, so it is
tough to provide service.
Migration ratio is high from tribal areas and
to evaluate the progress poses a challenge of
activity.
To increase the vaccination and
immunization in scattered and tribal areas.
Toilets facilities are severely lacking in
Meghraj, Vadali, Talod and Modasa. Only 6
talukas have above district average
coverage.
Tap water availability is quite low in tribal
talukas.
39
Chapter5
Economic Base and Livelihoods
The present chapter deals with the income and employment aspects in relation to natural
resources base in the district. The discussion includes structure of employment, land and water
resources, and income and employment from primary, secondary and tertiary activities.
Sectoral Income Shares
The primary sector (agriculture, forestry, fishery, dairying activities, mining and
quarrying) contributed around 30 per cent of output of the district (2000-01), and of this
agriculture formed the largest segment (28.2 per cent). As we shall see later, agriculture is the
main source of livelihood of the people of the district. Forestry contributed just 1 per cent and
mining and quarrying around 0.9 per cent of the district’s income. Sabarkantha is thus mainly an
agriculture based economy. In forestry, the district is in a better position in relation to the state
average. Around 20.8 per cent of the output was derived from the secondary sector, mainly from
unregistered manufacturing and construction activities. In 2001 around 4.4 per cent of the
district’s main workers were engaged in manufacturing activities. However, this sector
contributed only 10.3 per cent of the NDP in the district. The district stands much behind the state
average of 30 per cent in this respect.
The tertiary sector overall contributed to nearly half (49 per cent) of the output.
Interestingly the state average was 43.6 per cent in 2000-01. However, only 11.6 per cent of the
income within this sector is attributable to productive activities such as trade, transport, storage,
and communications. Public administration and other services contribute around a quarter of the
district’s domestic product, whereas contribution to the state average is around one-tenth.
It has been argued that per capita consumption expenditure is a better indicator of an
individual’s command over resources and economic wellbeing. While reliable data on household
consumption expenditure are available through the NSSO at sub-regional level (NSS regions),
they are non-existent at the block level. Hence we cannot assess per capita consumption and thus
the living standard of the people. We examine next the structure of employment.
Employment Pattern
According to the 2011 Census, workforce in Sabarkantha constitutes nearly 4.4 per cent of
the total work force of Gujarat a decline from share of 5.7 per cent in 2001. Tables 5.1a and 1b
capture changes in the workforce composition and worker participation rates (WPR) by regions
and sex from 1991 to 2011.
40
Table 5.1a: Changes in Workforce Composition across location, 1991 to 2011
Category
Rural Urban Total
1991 2001 2011 1991 2001 2011 1991 2001 2011 Main Workers (000) 550.6 598.7 689.7 51.1 63.6 105.3 601.7 662.3 795.1 % to total 91.5 90.4 86.7 8.5 9.6 13.2 100 100 100
(70.2) (65.3) (58.3) (29.8) (34.1) (41.7) (100) (100) (100) Marginal Workers (000) 169.4 271.0 273.1 2.0 7.2 16.6 171.5 278.2 289.8 % to total 98.8 97.4 94.2 1.2 2.6 5.7 100 100 100
(96.1) (91.8) (83.8) (3.9) (8.2) (16.1) (100) (100) (100) Total Workers (000) 720.1 869.7 962.9 53.2 70.8 121.9 773.2 940.4 1084.8 % to total 93.1 92.5 88.8 6.9 7.5 11.2 100 100 100
(74.1) (70.6) (62.8) (25.9) (29.4) (37.1) (100) (100) (100)
Source: Census of India, 1991, 2001, 2011
Note: Figure in brackets refers to percentage for the State.
Census defines work as any productive economic activity that is market related and for
which remuneration is paid. A main worker is one who has worked for more than 180 days in any
economic activity. However since the census does not take into account unpaid work carried out
mainly by women, it is often considered as under-estimating the participation of women in
economic activity. Besides women participation rates also show erratic movements. Employment
data generated by the various rounds of NSSO are relatively free from these difficulties. However
owing to the unavailability of data at sub-state levels, we rely on census data for examining
worker participation ratios (i.e., proportion of workers to population).
Between 1991 and 2001, the percentage of rural main workers fell marginally (from 91.5
to 90 per cent), and the decline was much steeper in 2011 to 86.7 per cent. Though the fall in total
share of rural workers was by 0.6 percentage points between 1991 to 2001, by 2011 the change
was by 3.7 percentage points contributed equally by fall in the shares of marginal and main
workers (by 3.7 percentage point each). In case of Gujarat the decline in percentage of rural main
workers between 2001 and 2011 is even more noticeable from 65 per cent to 58 per cent
indicating pronounced urban ward shift of workers. Despite the falling share of rural workers in
overall economy around 93200 workers were added in rural areas, against only 61100 in urban
areas in the district in the 2000s decade. Also, the additions in the absolute numbers of rural
workforce have been more pronounced in the category of main workers (91,000) than that of
marginal workers in the district, a clear reversal of trend over the last decade that points to
significant improvement in the creation of full time employment for workers in rural areas.
The trends in worker participation rates (WPR) reflect the following. During 1991 to 2001
WPRs for rural main (male) workers had fallen steeply from 51.7 to 46.4 per cent, but increased
to 48.3 per cent in 2011. There was a sharp rise in WPR of rural male marginal workers (0.5 to
6.3 per cent) in the 90’s decade, the increase was slower in 2000’s decade to 7 per cent. WPR of
rural marginal workers (total) declined between 2001 and 2011 from 14.6 to 13.2 per cent.
Another notable feature in the district was the rise in female participation rates in nearly all
categories: rural, urban, main, and marginal between 1991 and 2001. However in 2000s decade
female participation rate increased only for urban main and marginal categories. Increasing WPR
has been recorded for main male workers (total and rural), while for female main workers
marginal increase (in total rural and urban) WPRs is recorded. As it is the female marginal worker
participation is more than female main WPR in rural areas and also for the total. Thus
concentration of women workers is largely in the capacity of marginal workers in the district. On
this count situation has remained unchanged in the 2000s over the 1990s.
41
During 2011, the share of total workers (main plus marginal) in total population was 44.7
per cent, which was higher than the state average of 41 per cent. The district had experienced an
increase in the WPR of total workers by 1.23 percentage points in 90’s decade (Table 5.1b). This
increase was somewhat lower when seen in the context of an increase by 1.77 percentage point for
the state between 1991 and 2001. In 2000s decade the WPR of total worker fell marginally by 0.4
percentage points
While the overall magnitude of workers in the district rose in the inter-censual years an
examination of employment situation of categories of main and marginal workers, by area (rural,
urban) and groups (male, female) shows enhanced marginalization of workforce and for both
males and females. To summarize workers are moving out from the overburdened primary sector
to urban areas in search of livelihood opportunities, both as part time or full time workers.
Table 5.1b: Worker Participation Rates, 1991-2011
1991 2001 2011
Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total
Population (000)
Rural 800.3 775.6 1575.9 951.4 905.2 1856.5 1056.1 1008.7 2064.9
Urban 95.7 89.5 185.2 118.2 108.7 226.9 188.1 175.6 363.7
Total 896.0 865.1 1761.1 1069.6 1013.8 2083.4 1244.2 1184.3 2428.6
Main Worker (000)
Rural 413.8 136.8 550.6 441.4 157.3 598.7 510.5 179.3 689.8
Urban 45.7 5.4 51.1 54.9 8.7 63.6 88.3 17.0 105.3
Total 459.5 142.2 601.7 496.2 166.0 662.3 598.8 196.3 795.1
Marginal Worker (000)
Rural 3.7 165.8 169.4 59.7 211.3 271 74.1 199.1 273.1
Urban 0.15 1.9 2.03 3.3 3.9 7.2 8.6 8.1 16.7
Total 3.8 167.7 171.5 62.9 215.2 278.2 82.6 207.2 289.8
Worker Participation Rates (%)
Main Worker Rural 51.7 17.6 34.9 46.4 17.4 32.2 48.3 17.8 33.4
Urban 47.8 6.0 27.6 46.4 8.0 28.0 46.9 9.7 29.0
Total 51.3 16.4 34.2 46.4 16.4 31.8 48.1 16.6 32.7
Marginal Worker Rural 0.5 21.4 10.7 6.3 23.3 14.6 7.0 19.7 13.2
Urban 0.2 2.1 1.1 2.8 3.6 3.2 4.6 4.6 4.6
Total 0.4 19.4 9.7 5.9 21.2 13.4 6.6 17.5 11.9
Total Worker Rural 52.2 39.0 45.7 52.7 40.7 46.8 55.4 37.5 46.6
Urban 47.9 8.2 28.7 49.2 11.6 31.2 51.5 14.3 33.5
Total 51.7 35.8 43.9 52.3 37.6 45.1 54.8 34.1 44.7
Source: Census of India, 1991, 2001and 2011.
We now look at inter-taluka variations in WPR of main and marginal workers (Table 5.2).
The highest work force participation rates (around 49-51 per cent) were observed in tribal taluka
of Meghraj. They were also high in the talukas of Vadali, Bhiloda, Khedbrahma, Dhansura,
Malpur, Bayad. Talukas that recorded highest increase in rural WPR between 2001 and 2011 were
Bhiloda and Vadali. The rural WPR fell between 2001 and 2011 in talukas of Khedbrahma,
Dhansura, Bayad, Talod, Prantij, Himatnagar and Modasa, in the last three talukas the decline was
quite significant. In the urban areas, the WPR increased quite noticeably for Khedbrahma, Idar
and Modasa. These areas are possibly attracting migrants from rural areas from within and
surrounding areas in search of livelihoods.
42
Table 5.2: Worker Participation Rates (Main and Marginal Workers), 1991-2011
Taluka 1991 2001 2011
Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban Total Vijaynagar 41.1 -- 41.1 41.02 -- 41.02 43.0 32.0 42.3 Bhiloda 43.8 -- 43.8 41.76 -- 41.76 47.5 34.3 46.6 Meghraj 48.6 25.2 46.9 49.98 30.20 48.60 50.0 28.5 48.6 Khedbrahma 45.6 29.2 43.9 47.81 33.55 46.18 47.5 36.1 46.5 Vadali 45.5 -- 45.5 46.18 -- 46.18 51.9 45.0 50.3 Dhansura 44.6 -- 44.6 47.24 -- 47.24 46.5 0.0 46.5 Bayad 49.5 -- 49.5 48.40 -- 48.40 47.3 37.3 46.1 Malpur 49.8 28.9 48.3 51.28 31.53 49.79 51.9 32.8 50.7 Talod 46.6 33.7 45.0 49.88 35.55 48.07 46.0 34.2 44.6 Idar 44.0 27.7 42.0 47.22 29.87 44.81 47.2 35.8 45.4 Prantij 48.2 33.5 45.8 49.53 36.14 47.49 47.7 29.7 45.0 Himatnagar 46.1 28.1 41.9 44.93 31.24 41.92 40.7 31.9 37.9 Modasa 41.0 26.3 37.3 46.22 28.50 41.22 43.9 30.8 39.9 Sabarkantha 45.7 28.7 43.9 46.8 31.4 45.2 46.6 33.5 44.7
Gujarat 45.5 30.2 40.2 46.6 33.5 44.7 44.9 35.7 41.0
Source: Census of India, 1991, 2001 and 2011.
Occupational Pattern in the Sabarkantha
We now look at the occupational pattern as revealed by the Census. This is shown in Table 5.3.
Cultivators and Agricultural Labourers
Agriculture continues to be the main source of livelihood for about 65 per cent of the
workforce according to 2011 census. Cultivators in Sabarkantha constitute 6.5 per cent of the total
number of cultivators in Gujarat. Compared to other districts, Sabarkantha has a substantial share
of cultivators in main workers (40.3 per cent). Cultivators comprise 34 per cent of the main and
marginal workers taken together- a decline from 36 per cent in 2001. Sabarkantha is a largely
rural district and the economy is dominated by agriculture. A large part of the land is owned by
influential cultivating castes such as Patels, Kolis and Rajputs, that are a politically powerful
group. Sabarkantha is known to be a stronghold of the farmers’ lobby in Gujarat. However, the
decade 2001 to 2011 observed a negative growth in cultivators in the region. The reason behind
this decline may be attributable to increasing population pressure on cultivable land owing to
fragmentation of holdings (we shall look at this later). Deterioration in land quality making
agriculture an unprofitable venture could also be forcing small and marginal cultivators to turn to
alternate sources of livelihood. That the district is characterized by increasing marginalization also
suggests that displacement of workers from self-cultivation to other activities is common. As per
2011 census, within the district, proportion of cultivators among total workers was the highest in
tribal dominated talukas of Meghraj and Malpur (more than 50 per cent). The share was 37-45 per
cent in Khedbrahma and Bayad talukas. Overall the category of cultivators saw a decline in 2011
from 36 to 33.8 per cent and except Talod all talukas saw decline in share over 2001.
Agricultural labourers constituted around 27 per cent of the work force in 2001. While the
proportion of cultivators declined, the district observed a significant increase in the share of
agricultural labourers to around 31 per cent in 2011. This is the only occupation in the district that
has recorded increase in share in the 2000s. Nearly a third of workers in the district are now
agricultural labourers. As per 2001 data, agricultural labourers were dominant in tribal talukas
(33-35 per cent) and Vadali which belong to the non-tribal but less developed region. Vadali
43
taluka in fact had the highest (36 per cent) share of agricultural labourers in total workers. Tribal
talukas like Vijaynagar and Meghraj had observed the highest growth rate in agricultural
labourers in the 90s. These labourers formed 11.8 per cent of the work force in Vijaynagar taluka
which increased to 32.5 per cent in 2001. In Meghraj taluka, the share increased from 8.4 per cent
in 1991 to 23.3 per cent in 2001. In Meghraj and Khedbrahma, worker participation rates in urban
areas have increased much more than in rural areas, perhaps indicating the push of workers
towards urban areas in search of livelihoods.
The evidence from 2011 census shows continued dominance of agricultural labourers in
the total workforce in Vijaynagar, Bhiloda and Khebhrahma (40 to 45 per cent). The largest
increase in the share of this group of workers during 2011 was observed in Bhiloda, Bayad, Idar,
Vijaynagar and Khedbrahma. Except Malpur, Prantij and Himatnagar, share of agricultural
labourers has swelled in all other talukas. Unavailability of job opportunities in other non-farm
economic activities is causing the ranks of agricultural labourers to swell across the talukas
significantly in the district and this process continued in the 2000’s decade
Workers in Manufacturing, Processing, Servicing and Repairs in Household
Industry
Sabarkantha is one of those few districts in Gujarat where household industries are under-
developed. The district contributes approximately 2.5 per cent of workers in household industries
in Gujarat. As per the 2011 census the household sector contributed 1 per cent of total workers in
the district, a decline from 1.6 per cent in 2001, which is below the state average (1.4 per cent).
Idar, Vadali, Himatnagar and Bhiloda talukas have the highest share of workers in household
industry (1.2 to 1.6 per cent) while Bayad and Malpur talukas have the lowest share (0.4 per cent)
according to 2011 census. Secondary sector is underdeveloped in the district and absorbs only a
miniscule share of workers.
Table 5.3: Occupational Pattern in Sabarkantha, 1991-2011 (% of Total Workers)
Taluka
1991 2001 2011
Cultivators Agricultural
Labour
House-hold
Industry
Workers
Other
Workers Cultivators
Agricultural
Labour
House-hold
Industry
Workers
Other
Workers Cultivators
Agricultural
Labour
House-hold
Industry
Workers
Other
Workers
Vijaynagar 75.2 11.8 0.9 12.1 46.8 32.5 1.1 19.5 33.6 45.1 1.1 20.3
Bhiloda 62.9 18.1 1.9 17.1 42.9 31.2 2.2 23.7 33.1 42.1 1.6 23.2
Meghraj 77.7 8.4 1.0 12.9 57.7 23.3 1.5 17.6 56.1 21.2 0.9 21.8
Khedbrahma 66.9 19.8 0.9 12.5 42.8 35.1 1.5 20.5 44.8 40.2 0.5 14.5
Vadali 55.6 24.9 2.5 17.0 30.5 35.9 2.0 31.7 29.2 35.7 1.2 33.9
Dhansura 55.6 20.5 0.7 23.3 41.6 25.3 1.8 31.3 33.0 26.7 1.1 39.2
Bayad 62.1 18.2 1.2 18.5 38.0 21.8 0.8 39.4 37.3 27.9 0.4 34.4
Malpur 75.4 11.2 1.2 12.2 50.4 20.6 1.5 27.6 50.0 20.4 0.4 29.3
Talod 51.1 22.8 1.4 24.7 29.6 18.7 1.1 50.6 30.7 28.2 0.9 40.2
Idar 46.9 25.4 2.0 25.6 25.8 29.7 2.2 42.3 23.9 33.3 1.2 41.7
Prantij 47.5 27.5 1.2 23.9 25.7 29.6 1.1 43.6 26.2 28.8 1.1 43.9
Himatnagar 41.5 20.1 1.6 36.8 22.9 22.8 1.6 52.7 19.8 21.7 1.5 57.0
Modasa 50.5 15.9 1.1 32.5 30.5 23.4 1.7 44.4 28.7 25.2 1.1 44.9
Sabarkantha 56.3 19.7 1.4 22.5 36.0 26.8 1.6 35.6 33.8 30.8 1.0 34.4
Gujarat 28.3 19.4 1.2 51.1 27.3 24.3 2.02 46.4 22.0 27.6 1.4 49.0
Source: Census of India, 1991, 2001 and 2011.
44
Other Workers
Workers involved in other activities in Sabarkantha constitute 34.4 per cent of the
workforce in 2011, the share however decreased from 35.6 per cent in 2001. This is the largest
sector engaging more than a third of the entire workforce. Clearly workers displaced from self-
cultivation and house-hold industries are finding employment either as agricultural labourers or
are being absorbed in the allied agricultural activities or in the tertiary activities. As per 1991
census, among primary activities, 4.2 per cent of workers were engaged in animal husbandry and
fisheries etc., and 0.3 per cent were engaged in mining and quarrying. In secondary activities, 2.8
per cent of the workers were involved in manufacturing and processing industries (other than
household industry), while within tertiary activities, 1.3 per cent of workers were engaged in
construction related activities; 5.9 per cent were in trade and commerce; 2.8 per cent in
transportation-storage-communication, and 8.8 per cent were engaged in other services.
Since the 2001 or 2011 census data does not give further break-up by industry, it is not
possible to trace the current status of workers in allied-agricultural activities, mining,
manufacturing and processing industry (other than household industry), construction, trade,
transportation, and in other services separately. Across the talukas the share of other workers in
2011 was the largest in Himatnagar (57 per cent), followed by, Modasa, Prantij, Idar, and Talod
(between 40 and 45 per cent), that are relatively more urbanized talukas. Bayad and Dhansura
belonging to the non-tribal but developing region also reported around 34-39 per cent of other
workers.
To ascertain the changes in sectoral pattern of employment in 2000 decade we resort to
information available from the Economic Census (EC) and compare changes in 2005 over 1998.
Allied activities despite their falling shares in employment continue to be prominent in
Sabarkantha. Secondary employment is declining in rural Sabarkantha and in 2005 comprised
minuscule share of 6.7 per cent of workers. Allied activities mainly livestock rearing and dairying,
also engage large segment of rural workers in Sabarkantha (Mehta, 2013).
Distribution of a specific category of workers varies across the regions according to
differentiation created by the prevailing economic activities. For example, Prantij, Modasa and
Himatnagar region has lower proportion of cultivators, agriculture labourers, and household
workers, owing to presence of other economic activities. In tribal regions, one finds the highest
proportion of other activities followed by agricultural labourers and cultivators in that order.
Box 5.1
MGNREGS in Gujarat
A survey of four districts implementing NREGS in Gujarat, including Sabarkantha revealed:
“..the average number of days under NREGS were found to be higher among OBC households (as against SC and ST); and also among the landless and those within lower income groups. It may be noted that the OBCs have relatively lower income as compared to SC and ST….This confirms the relatively better targeting in terms of workers obtaining work under NREGS..” (p.65)
Further, “…. As large as 92 per cent of the beneficiary households reported that NREGS holds significance for the present level of living. What is more important is that 87 per cent of the beneficiary households reported that NREGS is important because it gives work at the doorstep. However, 11 per cent of the respondents indicated that NREGS is important because it provides better wages.” (p.67)
Source: Shah et.al. (2009), A Report on Management of National Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes: Issues and
Challenges, Gujarat, Ahmedabad: GIDR.
45
Table 5.4a: Year wise Achievement of MGNREGA in Sabarkantha
Year No. of Rural
Households in
MNGREGA
Man days
generated (Lakh) Total Expenditure
(Rs. Lakh)
No. of
completed
works 2006-07* 31030 23.19 1508.7 322
2007-08* 33122 18.22 1143.3 4979
2008-09* 56960 19.50 1283.1 2774
2009-10* 11889 47.67 163.6 5986
2010-11* 114166 51.51 8340.5 9901
2011-12+ 99708 44.75 8268.6 4616
Source: * District Rural Development Agency, Himatnagar
+ Ministry of Rural Development, GoI (http://nregalndc.nic.in). Accessed in July 2013.
Gujarat stands out in terms of most of the parameters favouring better implementation of the
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) as compared to most
of the major states in the country (see Box 5.1). Areas selected for implementation in the initial phases
of MGNREGS had a built–in bias towards relatively more backward regions. MGNREGS had a very
slow start in terms of implementation in Gujarat and was initially confined to only six districts.
However, recession affecting lakhs of workers in the state, may have provided special fillip to the
scheme (Shah et.al., 2009). Nearly 2.5 lakh households have been issued job cards in rural
Sabarkantha under the MGNREGS although participation rate by households was at 45 per cent. As of
March 2011, 96 per cent of the NREGA funds available were utilized, quite high compared to 63 per
cent for Gujarat. Of the total cumulative expenditure, that on wages was around 64 per cent. Of the
works completed up to March 2011, 83 per cent belonged to the category of land development and 9
per cent pertained to water conservation and harvesting (see Tables 5.4a and b).
Box 5.2 Kaushalya Vardhan Kendra
In order to cater to the up-gradation of skills with low barrier to entry, Gujarat pioneered an innovative approach that is the Kaushalya Vardhan Kendra. In the last two and half years, almost 8 lakh trainees have benefited, of which 59% are women. The government has also trained 3.32 lakh persons in a short time under eMPOWER scheme in computer and information technology at the taluka level. A further 2 lakh persons under this programme are planned to be trained.
Table 5.4b: Distribution of Rural Works Completed in Sabarkantha under MGNREGA,
March 2011
Item Numbers Expenditure (Rs.
Lakh)
Rural Connectivity 206 503
Flood control and Protection 41 100
Water Conservation & Small irrigation 814 772
Drought Proofing 72 6
Land Development 83 179
Other Activities 426 581
Total Completed 991 2159
Total Ongoing 4921 5946
Number of Rural Households in NREGS 254665
Employment demanded by HHs 114166
Employment Provided by HHs 114166
Participation Rate (%) 44.82
Source: http://ruraldev.gujarat.gov.in/. Accessed in December 2011
46
Agriculture and Livelihoods Sabarkantha is a disadvantaged district on account of its natural location, climate and
ecology. In Gujarat, droughts are estimated to occur every three years on an average. In 1999 a
large part of Gujarat suffered from the worst drought experienced in 50 years. Sabarkantha is one
of the hardest hit districts in this respect with frequent droughts grinding down any interim
livelihood gains.
The region receives low to moderate rainfall and has arid to semi-arid climatic conditions.
Rainfall is highly erratic. The mean annual rainfall varies from 700 mm to 1000 mm with the
northern, north-western, and the eastern talukas receiving more rainfall compared to the southern
parts. The average number of rainy days across talukas range from 20 to 25 days to a high of 30 to
35 days. Groundwater is the major source of water in the district.
Table 5.5a: Physiography
Physiography Regions of the District Dissected Hilly
Terrain Isolated hills situated in north, north-east, parts of Himatnagar taluka. East and
northern part of Bhiloda, major part of Vijaynagar, Khedbrahma, locally called
“Poshina patti”, few portions of Meghraj. Piedmont Slope North east of Vijaynagar, north east and south of Malpur and central part of
Khedbrahma.
Northern parts of Himatnagar, south west part of Idar, eastern part of Malpur and
few portions in Khedbrahma and Meghraj. Valley Plain Isolated parts of north and south portion of Khedbrahma and isolated parts of
Malpur. These areas are covered in Khedbrahma, Dantral and Navavas series of
the district. Alluvial Plain Entire Prantij taluka, most of Himatnagar (ex.north east), areas surrounding
Mazum and Meshwo rivers in Modasa, river beds of Sabarmati, south Idar and
south east and middle parts of Bayad taluka.
Source: District Planning Office, Himatnagar.
The eastern belt extending from Khedbrahma and Bhiloda to Meghraj is characterized by
high slope, shallow to medium soil and severe to very severe levels of soil erosion. About one-
fourth of the soils in the district are afflicted with erosion. No normal agriculture can be practiced
on these lands. These variations arise due to wide differences in physiographic features ranging
from dissected hilly terrain to alluvial plains (see Table 5.5a and b).
Despite arid to semi-arid agro-climatic conditions and limited development of irrigation
infrastructure, the district’s development in agriculture and other related primary sectors has faced
relatively moderate growth in last several decades. The situation is aggravated by repetitive failure
of monsoon, leading to severe drought situation in many talukas of Sabarkantha. For want of
livelihood and survival, this has compelled local population to migrate from Sabarkantha.
Table 5.5b: Agro-Ecological Zones
Taluka Rainfall
(cm) LGP
(days) Slope
(%) Soil Depth
(cm) AWC
(mm) Modasa, Bayad, Talod,
Malpur 70-80 120-135 1-3 >100 190
Meghraj, Malpur 80-100 105-120 3-8 25-50 75 Khedbrahma, Bhiloda,
Vijaynagar, Idar 70-80 105-120 3-8 25-50 75
Himatnagar, Prantij 70-80 105-120 3-8 25-50 75
Note : LGP- Length of growing period; AWC- available water content
Source : District Planning Office, Himatnagar.
47
Even though agro-climatic conditions are not very favourable for agriculture and related
activities development, still these are the main activities in the district, which is reflected from the
fact that out of the total working population in Sabarkantha, 33.8 per cent are farmers and 30.8 per
cent are farm labourers (2011) who depend on agriculture and related activities for their
livelihood. Since this segment forms the major portion of working population it assumes the top
most importance in any human development plan for the district.
Land Use and Irrigation Status in Sabarkantha
Changes in land use statistics in the district are given in Table 5.6a and taluka wise pattern
is given in Table 5.6b.
Box 5.3 ATVT Programme
The Land Administration system is still seen as the backbone of rural India. As part of the modernization of the land records, an integrated online land revenue information system is being developed covering all the districts. Decentralization for more effective delivery of services and need-based planning has been strengthened with the launch of the Aapno Taluko Vibrant Taluko or ATVT program. Janaseva Kendras set up under ATVT will be further strengthened to enable more effective delivery of public services.
Table 5.6a: Trend in Land use, Sabarkantha, 1960-61 to 2012-13
Years
Reporting % to Reporting Area GCA
Area Forests Non-Agri Pasture/ Culturable Fallow Net (000ha)
(000ha) & Barren Grazing Waste lands Sown
land land Area
1960-61 730 17.3 11.4 4.1 2.9 4.5 61.1 489
2003-04 730 17.2 10.7 4.7 2.1 4.1 61.2 517
2007-08 730 17.3 10.6 4.7 1.8 2.8 62.8 616
2012-13 730 17.3 10.9 4.0 1.0 1.0 65.8
Source: Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Gujarat.
During the last forty years the reporting area has remained constant in the district. Forested
area which was 17.3 per cent in the 60s has remained largely unchanged, indicating that forest
area is well preserved and adds richness to the environment. However it also shows that activities
aimed at increasing forest area, such as social forestry, etc. have not made much headway. The
chief forest products are bamboo, mahuda flowers, doli, timru leaves, wood bark, rayan fruits,
sitafal, kadaya and other gums. The district has 65.8 per cent of land under cultivation, as against
the average of 52 per cent for the state. It is interesting to note that barren and uncultivable land is
just 4.9 per cent, quite low compared to the state average of around 14 per cent. The soil being
rich therefore land left fallow comprises a small percentage. Culturable wasteland is around 1 per
cent (as against 10.5 per cent for Gujarat), an indication of low levels of urbanization.
Table 5.6b: Taluka wise Land use Pattern (% to Reporting area), 2012
Taluka Forest
Area
Unsuitable
for
Agriculture
Area
Under
Non-
Agricult
ure Use
Barren &
Uncultu-
rable Land
Permanent
Pasture &
Other
Grazing
Land
Land
Under
Misc. Trees
& Crops
Cultivab
le
Wastela
nd
Other
Fallow &
Current
Fallow
Net
Area
Sown
Vijaynagar 62.6 3.1 3.5 3.1 0.3 0.0 2.7 16.4 12.2
Bhiloda 33.5 4.9 6.5 4.9 1.7 0.0 1.8 2.5 48.4
Meghraj 17.8 1.3 0.03 1.3 5.3 0.0 2.2 3.4 63.8
Khedbrahma 37.8 5.5 9.0 5.5 1.8 0.0 0.2 3.0 40.0
Vadali 4.7 6.7 7.2 0.6 8.0 0.0 1.8 0.9 70.5
Dhansura 0.5 3.3 6.6 3.3 6.3 0.0 1.9 2.2 80.0
Bayad 0.7 2.2 5.9 2.2 4.9 0.0 5.2 0.7 85.0
48
Taluka Forest
Area
Unsuitable
for
Agriculture
Area
Under
Non-
Agricult
ure Use
Barren &
Uncultu-
rable Land
Permanent
Pasture &
Other
Grazing
Land
Land
Under
Misc. Trees
& Crops
Cultivab
le
Wastela
nd
Other
Fallow &
Current
Fallow
Net
Area
Sown
Malpur 17.9 10.8 4.9 10.7 6.3 0.0 1.05 0.04 55.3
Talod 0.5 8.9 6.7 8.9 7.3 0.0 0.7 2.5 73.2
Idar 6.9 4.4 5.8 4.3 4.1 0.0 1.0 2.4 75.7
Prantij 0.0 8.6 6.2 8.6 7.1 0.0 3.2 0.7 73.5
Himatnagar 1.03 6.2 4.0 6.2 5.3 0.0 0.2 0.7 81.0
Modasa 13.7 1.5 5.7 1.5 7.3 0.0 2.4 0.8 68.7
Sabarkantha 17.3 4.9 5.8 4.9 4.7 0.0 2.0 2.7 63.6
Source: District Agriculture Officer, Sabarkantha District Panchayat, Himatnagar.
Among the talukas Vijaynagar, Khedbrahma, Bhiloda, Meghraj, and Malpur have more
forest area. Non-agricultural and barren land in the district had shown some reduction. This
occurred largely in tribal areas of Khedbrahma, Meghraj, and Modasa. Pastures and grazing lands
have increased, probably diverted from barren lands or culturable wastes. Overall the net sown
area remained more or less stagnant up to 2007-08 indicating no increase or decrease in other
classes of land across the talukas. After 2007-08 the net sown area in the district has recorded
marginal increase (as of 2012-13). Inter-taluka analysis of land under cultivation shows wide
variations. (Table 5.6b). Bayad taluka has 85 per cent area under cultivation and Vijaynagar
taluka has only 12 per cent area under cultivation. The gross cropped area for the district has
increased substantially from 1960-61 to 2007-08 (by nearly 127,000 ha), showing significant
strides in irrigation development permitting double cropping of land (Table 5.6a). There is only
limited scope for increasing sown area in degraded grasslands and culturable wastelands. A way
forward would be to preserve forest lands and develop small scale/household based industries.
Table 5.7a: Taluka wise Irrigation Status, 2012
Taluka
NSA NIA GIA Irrigation Surface Ground
% toRA 000 ha Dev. water
% % to GIA
Vijaynagar 27.9 5.8 11.7 45.3 42.7 57.3 Bhiloda 42.7 21.5 28.8 63.1 36.6 63.4 Meghraj 50.4 12.6 22.3 45.6 39.2 60.8 Khedbrahma 39.4 16.3 21.4 49.3 50.2 49.5 Vadali 69.9 14.5 24.6 62.5 41.2 58.8 Dhansura 80.9 13.5 18.9 44.0 28.7 71.3 Bayad 81.9 22.5 43.5 45.9 48.2 51.8 Malpur 54.6 9.7 14.3 43.4 32.3 67.7 Talod 67.8 21.8 26.5 72.9 17.8 82.2 Idar 71.5 36.8 41.9 68.4 50.1 49.9 Prantij 73.6 21.9 33.6 69.6 34.6 63.4 Himatnagar 69.9 36.7 53.6 68.0 56.2 43.8 Modasa 68.0 18.4 37.8 43.8 51.4 48.6 Sabarkantha 61.0 252.2 378.9 56.7 43.0 57.0
Source: Irrigation Project Circle and District Agriculture Officer, Himatnagar.
About 15.6 per cent of area under cultivation was under more than one crop (2007-08).
There has been an increase by nearly 127,000 ha in gross cropped area between 1960-61 and
2007-08, coming largely from developments in irrigation. Groundwater development has reached
79 per cent of the potential. Net irrigated area has increased to 2.5 lakh ha by 2012, representing
56.7 per cent of net sown area (Table 5.7a). Irrigation development has taken considerable strides
and contributed to increase in irrigation intensity to 150 per cent in 2012. Surface irrigation has
expanded, increasing to 43 per cent of the net sown area in 2012.
49
It can be observed from Table 5.7a that across all the talukas groundwater was the
predominant irrigation source. The contribution from surface sources (including check dams and
canal water) was less than 30 per cent in Talod and Dhansura talukas. It should also be mentioned
that the district is slowly coming under the over-exploited category of groundwater development
as 79 per cent of the groundwater has been developed, more than the state average of 75 per cent
(Table 5.7b). As per CGWB (2011), Prantij taluka falls in semi critical category. Vadali and Idar
have been categorized as critical. None of the talukas fall in the over exploited category. Tubewell
intensity is lower than the state average (0.20 per cent). But open well intensity is maximum in the
district with a figure of 11.4 per cent, which is almost three times the state average.
Table 5.7b: Taluka Wise Ground Water Recharge, Draft, Level of Development and
Average Water Level, 2008-09
Taluka
Total Ground
Water
Recharge
(mcm/year)
Available
Ground
Water
Recharge
(mcm/year)
Total
Ground
Water
Draft
Stage of
Ground
Water
Development
(%)
Average Water Level
in m. (Un Confined
Aquifer) Year 2008
Pre-
Monsoon
Post-
Monsoon
Vijaynagar 35.57 33.79 23.95 70.88 14.08 12.97
Bhiloda 89.62 85.14 66.57 78.19 12.22 8.48
Khedbrahma 62.51 59.38 39.91 67.20 10.95 8.92
Meghraj 44.79 42.55 31.97 75.13 15.98
Vadali 38.81 36.87 41.60 112.83 11.55 8.54
Dhansura 44.96 42.71 35.69 83.56 9.30 5.30
Bayad 112.36 106.74 74.42 69.72 9.52 6.41
Malpur 39.40 37.43 25.95 69.34 9.51 7.08
Talod 78.70 74.77 66.26 88.62 10.04 7.91
Idar 104.42 99.20 111.10 111.99 12.34 10.29
Himatnagar 145.90 138.61 98.47 71.04 16.36 15.13
Prantij 86.56 82.23 67.76 82.40 12.35 11.70
Modasa 57.38 54.51 53.39 97.94 10.91 7.44
Sabarkantha (bcm/year) 1.14 1.08 0.86 79.00 - -
Source: For talukas, GWRDC, Gandhinagar; for district, CGWB, 2011.
Agrarian Structure
The land holding structure in Sabarkantha is somewhat skewed (Table 5.8). According to
the Agricultural Census 2005-06, there were 2.3 lakh landholdings in the district, out of which 1.6
lakh (71 per cent) holdings belonged to small and marginal farmers having less than two hectares
of land. These small and marginal holdings controlled only 1.48 lakh ha of land, or around 34.7
per cent of total area under cultivation. Just 29 per cent of medium and large holdings controlled
the major chunk of area (65.3 per cent). Naturally small land holdings are not conducive to
scientific cultivation. A major section of the population survives on subsistence agricultural
production.
Inter-taluka analysis reveals some variations in the land holding pattern (Table 5.8). In
tribal dominated taluka of Vijaynagar nearly 80 per cent of small and marginal cultivators work
on 52 per cent of land. Around 20 per cent of larger landholders cultivate 48 per cent of total
holdings. On the other hand, in Dhansura, a relatively underdeveloped area, 60 per cent of small
and marginal farmers cultivated only 23 per cent of land under cultivation. Here the large
landholders cultivate nearly 77 per cent of total land.
50
Table 5.8 (a): Structure of Land holdings, 2005-06 (% to total)
Taluka
Small & Marginal Medium & Large Average size of
(upto 2 Ha) (more than 2 Ha) Landholding (ha)
Holdings Area Holdings Area
Vijaynagar 80.12 52.17 18.88 47.82 1.38
Bhiloda 71.99 39.89 28.02 60.10 1.95
Meghraj 65.92 33.50 34.07 66.50 2.20
Khedbrahma 66.85 34.28 30.15 65.73 2.02
Vadali 71.87 37.68 28.13 62.33 1.98
Dhansura 60.24 23.30 39.76 76.78 2.0
Bayad 69.14 33.22 30.86 66.78 2.17
Malpur 72.04 31.53 27.95 68.48 1.83
Talod 69.29 32.09 30.71 67.90 2.00
Idar 74.22 41.42 25.79 58.59 1.91
Prantij 73.13 37.12 26.87 62.87 1.99
Himatnagar 74.87 37.32 25.13 62.69 2.00
Modasa 65.73 24.23 34.27 75.78 2.49
Sabarkantha 70.93 34.67 29.07 65.33 2.03
Gujarat 62.87 26.79 37.13 73.21 2.20
Source: Agricultural Census of India, 2005-06.
Thus, share of small and marginal land holdings too varies from 60 per cent in Dhansura to 80
per cent in Vijaynagar. Medium to large holdings predominate in Dhansura (40 per cent), Modasa (34
per cent) and Meghraj (34 per cent), and cultivate between 48 to 76 per cent of the land under
cultivation. As far as landholding pattern is concerned, Modasa is better placed having an average of
2.49 ha of farm land holding. Vijaynagar has the smallest (1.38 ha) size of average land holding.
Table 5.8(b) : Structure of Land holdings, 2010-11
Small & Marginal Medium & Large Average size
of landholding Holdings Area Holdings Area
Sabarkanthaa 74.18 38.32 25.82 61.67 1.63
Gujarat 66.41 29.90 33.59 70.10 2.03
Source : Agriculture Census,2010-11
Table 5.8b shows that total number of Marginal & Small farmers has increasd in Sabarkantha
district as well as in the State during 2010-11. It shows about 74 percent small & marginal
cultivators (as against about 71 per cent during 2005-06) are holding aound 38 percent o total
land. As obvious, number of Medium & Large cultivators has decreased in the district in 2010-11
which is around 25.82 per cent as against 29.07 per cent during 2005-06. The latest census also
depicts that the average size of landholding has decreased for district as well as for the State.
The cropping pattern (Table 5.9) indicates that about 44 per cent of the cropped area was
under foodgrains (34 per cent cereals and 10 per cent pulses) in 2012. Amongst foodgrains, wheat was
cultivated over a large area while land under rice is negligible. Sabarkantha is a major wheat
producing region. There had been an increase in share of cereals after 1983, and it peaked at nearly 50
per cent in 1993, subsequently cereals’ share has declined considerably in the district’s cropping
pattern. Pulses in the cropped area has also recorded decline in recent years. Estimates for 2012-13
indicate that share of cereals and pulses has dwindled considerably and foodgrains currently occupy
only 44 per cent of the GCA. The backward talukas of Meghraj, Malpur and Vijaynagar have more
than 90 per cent of the area under food crops, while Idar, Vadali and Talod have substantial area under
nonfood crops. Prantij, Talod and Bayad have substantial area under horticultural crops.
51
Table 5.9: Decadal Change in Cropping Pattern, Sabarkantha
(% to GCA)
Crop/ Crop Group 1974 TE 1983 TE 1993 TE 2004 TE 2013
Total Cereals 41.1 45.9 49.9 41.5 34.0
Total Pulses 1.9 9.3 18.9 14.9 10.0
Total Food grains 43.0 51.9 68.7 56.4 44.0 Total Oilseeds 19.5 13.9 18.8 16.5 14.0
Cotton 22.5 23.1 3.8 6.8 19.0 Other Crops 14.9 10.9 8.6 20.2 23.0
Total Non-food grains 57.0 48.1 31.3 43.6 56.0
Gross Cropped Area 000ha 506.0 500.2 517.8 557.4 708.0 Net Sown Area 000ha 462.4 441.6 430.5 449.0 508.0 Net Irrigated Area 000ha 77.4 147.8 154.1 191.5 329.3
Source: District Planning Office, Sabarkantha and Directorate of Agriculture, Gandhinagar.
Apart from food crops, area under “other crops” accounts for about 23 per cent of the
GCA. These are high value crops such as spices, horticultural crops, isabgul, and fodder crops.
The share of this category of crops increased steeply from 8 per cent in 1993. In absolute terms it
increased from 0.75 lakh ha in 1974 to 1.82 lakh ha in 2004. Oilseeds and cotton account for 14
per cent and 19 per cent of the cropped area respectively. Cotton occupied 114 000 ha (22.5 per
cent) in 1974. However it had all but vanished and was cultivated on only 10800 ha (3.8 per cent)
in 1994. Area under cotton has increased substantially in the last decade and now accounts for
nearly a fifth of the cropped area in the district. On the whole foodgrains are losing their
dominance, occupying 44 per cent of the cropped area in 2012-13. Diversification in the cropping
pattern is taking place in favour of non-foodgrains, chiefly other crops and cotton replacing
foodgrains which is a positive trend and requires development of post-harvest and processing
facilities.
Total area under horticultural crops in Sabarkantha was nearly 10 per cent of the cropped
area. Among fruits, mango, citrus (lemon, amla), and chiku were important and potato was the
main vegetable. Fennel also finds favour with the farmers and accounts for more than half of the
area under spices. Future additions of GCA would largely take place in spices, fruits, vegetables,
and fodder crops. A major change is expected in the case of cotton where a large area under this
crop would be brought under irrigation. These developments are in tune with changing regional
pattern of crop production (see Box 5.2).
Table 5.10: Average and Potential Yield of Important Crops, 2012
Crop Yield (q/ha) Potential yield (q/ha) Paddy 35.0 35-40 Wheat 30.0 40-45 Bajra 12.0 25-30 Maize 25.0 30-35 Groundnut 12.0 10-15 Castor 22.0 25-30 Mustard 15.0 10-15 Cotton 20.0 15-20 Fennel 14.0 15-20
Source: District Agriculture officer. District Panchayat Himatnagar
52
Box 5.4
Changing Regional Patterns of Agriculture Growth in Gujarat
Data about regional patterns of agricultural growth in Gujarat suggest that the arid and the semi-arid districts of Saurashtra, Kutch, and North Gujarat have forged ahead of Central and South Gujarat in agrarian performance post 2000.
Nearly 28 per cent of area covered under micro-irrigation (check dams, boribunds, farm ponds) constructed under “Sardar Patel Participatory Water Conservation Project” that is public-private partnership was in North Gujarat, with the top four districts in terms of area covered under micro-irrigation being Junagadh, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha and Rajkot (2007-09).
“In these regions, the Bt cotton and wheat revolution are not likely to have been possible but for the investments made by the government and the communities in check dams, percolation ponds, farm ponds and such other groundwater recharge structures”. Further, “…. decentralized mass movement for water harvesting on a large scale is not only augmenting the productivity of rainfed farming but also contributing substantially to groundwater recharge.” (p.52).
Source: Gulati et.al. (2009) “Secret of Gujarat’s Agrarian Miracle after 2000”, Economic and Political Weekly, XLIV(52).
According to the Department of Agriculture, cereal production in the district peaked at
5.17 lakh metric tonnes in 2005-06 which was the highest in the state. Sabarkantha is also the
largest producer of ber (Indian jujube) and pomegranate. It also contributes over 10 per cent to
potatoes produced in the state. Brinjal, cabbage, tomato, and cauliflower are other major vegetable
crops. However, there is considerable untapped potential for increasing yield for all the major
crops (Table 5.10).
Livestock and Dairying
The livestock population in Sabarkantha was 18.34 lakh in 2007. The composition is given
in Table 5.11. Between 1977 and 1997, it increased by 39.4 per cent and between 1997 to 2007 it
further increased by 32 per cent. In view of the expanding dairying industry in the cooperative
sector in the district, farming population is more inclined towards rearing of buffaloes. Because of
large tracts of undulating plateau land, grazing land is available aplenty which is conducive for the
upkeep of large bovine population. However the increase in animal population has led to livestock
pressure on land. High animal pressure (more than 2000 heads per 1000ha) is common in Meghraj
and Malpur talukas. In the plains where bovine population has increased, dairying has expanded,
as in Himatnagar, Bayad, and Modasa talukas. Population of small animals is more in hilly
talukas like Idar, Khedbrahma, Vijaynagar, and Meghraj.
Only around 5 per cent of the cultivated land is allocated for cultivation of fodder crops.
This restricts production of green fodder for livestock and, coupled with high pressure on grazing
lands, leads to shortage of fodder. Fodder supply needs to be augmented to meet the requirements
of the increasing bovine population.
Table 5.11: Composition of Livestock Population (000)
Year Cattle Buffalo Sheep Goats Others Total 1977 388 311 26 255 17 997 1997 443 589 53 291 14 1390 2007 621 775 67 344 27 1834
Source: Directorate of Animal Husbandry, District Panchayat, Himatnagar.
The cooperative dairies are very active in Sabarkantha. Gujarat is the one of the largest
producers of milk in the country. Sabarkantha is one of the largest milk producing districts in
Gujarat after Mehsana and Banaskantha. After agriculture, dairy farming is the next major
economic activity in the district and Sabar Dairy is an important federation of milk cooperatives
in the district. Nearly 5 per cent of the working population is engaged in this activity.
53
In 2010-11, according to the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, 1779 dairy cooperatives
were registered in Sabarkantha with 3.2 lakh members (Table 5.12). In 2010-11 milk collection
was 402 million litres.
Table 5.12: Dairy Cooperatives and Members, 2010-11
Taluka Dairy
Cooperatives
Total
Members
Total Milk Collection
(In million liters)
Vijaynagar 67 5338 4.44
Bhiloda 164 24911 26.18
Meghraj 146 17735 19.04
Khedbrahma 133 19025 19.06
Vadali 82 20368 23.75
Dhansura 99 12118 16.23
Bayad 210 43299 57.22
Malpur 146 16058 28.28
Talod 65 13030 11.38
Idar 174 45979 70.49
Prantij 154 35568 49.71
Himatnagar 173 39705 45.35
Modasa 166 29575 30.80
Sabarkantha 1779 322649 401.91
Source: Directorate of Animal Husbandry, District Panchayat, Himatnagar
Idar, Himatnagar, and Prantij have the highest number of members per cooperative
society. This may be owing to the location of the Sabar Dairy. Bayad has the highest number of
cooperative societies but average members per society is only 206 which is far below the figures
of Idar, Prantij, and Himatnagar.
Gujarat is known for its strong dairy sector, with the highest milk procurement (101.38
lakh liters per day) in the country. Gujarat has institutionalized the innovations towards animal
health care and breed improvement. The Gauseva-Gauchar Vikas board (Animal Husbandry and
pasture Development board) has been tasked with an aim to integrate fodder production with
animal husbandry activities at village level and optimize the fodder production from underutilized
village pastures. With the introduction of Pashu Arogya Mela campaign, the vaccination coverage
has gone up from 157 lakh in 2008-09 to 283.27 lakh in 2012-13. This and other disease control
services have brought the incidences of disease outbreak down from 161 in 2002-03 to 36 in
2012-13. All these measures will give a further impetus to the dairying sector in Sabarkantha.
Fisheries
Fishing is not an important activity in the Sabarkantha district. There are only 1227 full-
time and 1631 part-time fishermen; less than half a percent of the population depends on fishing
and fishery related activities. Table 5.13 below shows that fishing and fishery-related activities are
mostly concentrated in Vijaynagar, Bhiloda, Meghraj, Khedbrahma, Malpur, and Modasa talukas.
The district lacks modern facilities and equipments for fishing and fishery related
activities. In terms of taluka-wise distribution none of the taluka has power boats.
54
Table 5.13: Distribution of Fishermen and Population of Fishing Community, 2006-07
Taluka No of Fishermen Population of
Fishing Community Full Time Part Time
Vijaynagar 330 12 716 Bhiloda 39 562 2631
Meghraj 120 131 745
Khedbrahma 312 368 4040
Vadali 0 49 148
Dhansura 0 0 0
Bayad 14 26 163
Malpur 175 143 1464
Talod 8 39 190
Idar 31 59 353
Prantij 30 72 384
Himatnagar 84 29 433
Modasa 84 141 816
Sabarkantha 1227 1631 12083
Source: Commissioner of Fisheries, Gandhinagar.
Industries and Livelihood
In Sabarkantha industrial development is at a nascent stage. Production of large quantities of
clay, silica sand and bauxite has opened up new avenues for production of glass, tiles, fine bricks and
crockery. According to the District Industries Centre, registered small-scale units numbered 1028 in
2011. Only 2.7 per cent of state’s small-scale units are located in the district. As of 2011, these units
provided employment to 9785 persons (Table 5.14a). A large proportion nearly 62 per cent of these
small scale units are concentrated in Himatnagar, Dhansura, Modasa and Idar talukas. According to
the Census of Industries, in 2011 there were six small industrial clusters in Sabarkantha, one in Idar
and four in Himatnagar. Bayad also had one cluster (Table 5.14b). The clusters vary considerably in
terms of employment generation. Cotton ginning cluster in Idar, Sanitary ware and chinaware cluster
in Himatnagar and processed stone and marble etc. in Bayad create employment for around 250-300,
whereas other clusters each create for less than 50 persons employment.
Table 5.14a: Talukawise Small-scale Industrial Units (Functioning), 2006 to 2011
Taluka Registered Functioning SSI
MSME (Units) Investment (Rs. lakh) Employment
Vijaynagar 58 38.91 128 Bhiloda 55 893.31 229 Meghraj 35 18.56 101 Khedbrahma 57 579.96 134 Vadali 27 205.40 217 Dhansura 113 2942.80 1154 Bayad 68 1713.87 685 Malpur 6 72.90 31 Talod 41 2030.32 680 Idar 111 2065.50 11.6 Prantij 49 4297.24 1112 Himatnagar 342 9348.78 3588 Modasa 66 1225.81 620 Sabarkantha 1028 25333.36 9785
Source: District Industries Centre, Himatnagar.
55
Table 5.14b: Small-scale Industrial Clusters in Sabarkantha, 2006-11
Industry Taluka SSI Units Employment Cotton Ropes, Ginning & pressing Idar 12 311 Wooden Boxes, Barrels, etc Himatnagar 4 31 Printing and Publishing of Books, Journals etc Himatnagar 4 43 Sanitaryware, Chinaware, Tiles Himatnagar 10 243 Fabricated Metal Products Himatnagar 11 175 Processed Stone, Marble, etc Bayad 26 324
Source: District Industries Centre, Himatnagar.
Sabarkantha district does not have any big industries. There are only ten medium size
industrial units which come under the factory sector. Investment in these units is Rs. 6911 lakh
and these units provide employment to 718 persons. Data on taluka-wise number of medium size
industrial units and total employment in these units are given in Table 5.15. These units are
located chiefly in non-tribal dominated talukas.
Table 5.15: Taluka-wise Medium Size Industrial units, 2006-11
Taluka Industrial Units Total Investment
(Rs. lakhs) Employment
Vijaynagar 0 0 0 Bhiloda 0 0 0 Meghraj 0 0 0 Khedbrahma 0 0 0 Vadali 0 0 0 Dhansura 0 0 0 Bayad 0 0 0 Malpur 0 0 0 Talod 1 525.0 13 Idar 2 1540.0 220 Prantij 3 2031.0 175 Himatnagar 3 2065.0 275 Modasa 1 750.0 35 Sabarkantha 10 6911.0 718
Source: District Industries Centre, Himatnagar.
In order to boost industrialization, the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation
(GIDC) has set up six industrial estates in Sabarkantha, one each in Malpur, Idar, Bhiloda,
Modasa, Himatnagar, and Talod.
Poverty
Sabarkantha is a predominantly agricultural district. Table 5.16 shows that percentage of
BPL population was the lowest in Dhansura taluka (13 per cent) and highest in Khedbrahma
taluka (63.6 per cent) with average figure for the district being 34.4 per cent in 2003.
We have not gone into the details of poverty situation because at smaller spatial unit
(taluka) the poverty estimates are usually quite error prone. The field impression suggests that
there seems to be an indication of rising prosperity in talukas (Vadali, Dhansura, Talod,). For
other talukas based on the field visit one could say that there are indications of there being
relatively better off in near future because of various welfare schemes successfully launched by
the government.
56
Table 5.16: Poverty Situation in Sabarkantha District, 2011
Taluka % * Agriculture
Workers % of BPL Families
2003** % of new BPL
families 2008-09***
Vijaynagar 78.7 47.12 581
Bhiloda 75.2 47.32 233
Meghraj 77.3 39.52 622
Khedbrahma 85.0 63.65 1901
Vadali 64.9 34.61 2
Dhansura 59.7 12.97 2
Bayad 65.2 34.18 641
Malpur 70.3 46.09 231
Talod 58.9 31.26 71
Idar 57.2 23.02 415
Prantij 55.0 19.97 431
Himatnagar 41.5 29.31 398
Modasa 53.9 18.31 159
Sabarkantha 64.6 34.41 4687
Gujarat 49.61 20.00 NA
Source: *Census of India, 2011
** (Score of 0-20) ses2002-03.guj.nic.in.
***BPL Add on list, 2008-09, ses2002-02.guj.nic.in.
Box 5.5 Harnessing Organic Wealth
“Gram Lakshmi Sammohik Vermicompost Unit”
With funds through convergence of various schemes like, SGSY, NREGA, TSC these units were set up around two years ago under the first phase of Mission Mangalam, members of erstwhile SHGs because a part of this project. Though initially reluctant, once the women saw organic fertilizer’s efficiency and the high returns, they agreed. The women’s farmer husbands also encouraged them. Consequently, there are 42 such functional units in Sabarkantha alone.
Talking on the marketing aspect, Mr. Joseph Fernandes, District Level livelihood manager, Mission Mangalam elaborates, “The main roles of Mission Mangalam are to stimulate community involvement and to create market linkages. For the Vermicompost units, an internal market was already present within the network of Sakhi Mandals working in the Agriculture sector. To further expand the markets, the Mission Mangalam team planned to publish an advertisement in a popular regional daily. The inflated prices of Urea and DAP in the last quarter were a great boon. A demand for 15 lakh kilos from this unit alone is what followed. Gujarati farmers have now realized that not only is this product more efficient, but also way cheaper.”
This constant source of livelihood has unleashed a new wave of self-confidence in the rural women. So much so, that they smartly handled a troublesome bank official creating problems for years over minor transactions related to their Sakhi Mandal account. “We told him we would have to take legal action. Soon enough the man mended his ways”, chuckles Jassi Ben with a sense of achievement.
Discussing what the future holds, the women dreamily say, “We want our market to expand and we plan to grow into an autonomous producer company shortly.”
Source: Originally published in “The Gujarat” Magazine
Box 5.6 Gram Laxmi under Mission Mangalam:
A Government of Gujarat (GOG) livelihood and poverty alleviation programme
The one- time cost of setting up a Gram Laxmi unit is around Rs.4.75 lakh, which is financed through convergence of different centrally sponsored rural development schemes like the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC), MGNREGA, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Swaranjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY), Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF), Nirmal Gram etc and through a one-time public contribution.
Gram Laxmi was launched as a pilot project in 2011 when a Gram Laxmi vermicomposting unit each was setup across 25 villages of Sabarkantha. Today, the initiative has been up scaled to 96 villages of the district.
Mission Mangalam seeks 'to organize rural women in the state into collectives like Self help Groups (SHG's) also known as Sakhi Mandals, Producer Groups (PGs) and Service Groups; nurture them with skills; assist them with microfinance and eventually empower them through sustainable livelihoods'.2 Gujarat Livelihoods Promotion Company (GLPC) is the implementing agency for Mission Mangalam.
Rural women from 96 villages in Sabarkantha are being empowered through the Gram Laxmi initiative of DRDA.
Now with the Gram Laxmi units, these women earn about Rs 5000 in a month by selling vermicompost.
Source: oneworld.net, One World Foundation India, September 2012
57
Conclusion
Discussion of the employment pattern and economic livelihood opportunities in
Sabarkantha reveals that:
- Unlike the state, agriculture contributes the largest share of the income generated in the
district. Though the tertiary sector is dominant in income generated, production related sectors
within the tertiary sector contribute only 11.6 per cent of the income, as of beginning of the last
decade.
- In 2000s decade unlike the preceding decade, additions to the workforce in Sabarkantha
have been more pronounced in the category of main workers than marginal workers.
Concentration of women workers is largely as marginal workers. Overall, WPR had increased in
90’s decade though the rise was lower than the state average. In the 2000s decade overall WPR
remains unchanged (around 45 per cent). Tribal talukas reflect higher WPRs, along with non-
tribal less developed regions and have recorded the largest rise in WPRs.
- Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for 65 per cent of the workforce. Share of
agricultural labourers has increased in the past decade and now comprises a third of the
workforce. Employment in the household sector is under-developed, while the share of other
workers (non-household manufacturing, repairs, tertiary activities) that had increased sharply in
90’s has also seen a marginal decline.
- The district is ecologically disadvantaged and drought prone, making agricultural
livelihoods vulnerable. Irrigation development has taken considerable strides and currently around
57 per cent of the net sown area is irrigated. Groundwater exploitation has peaked. The stage of
ground water development in the district has reached 79 per cent. This however threatens the
sustainability of agriculture, especially that practiced by the dominant category of small and
marginal farmers, and the livelihood of the agricultural labourers dependent on it. Surface
irrigation sources constitute 43 per cent of gross irrigated area, requiring further policy focus on
this front.
- Landholding pattern is skewed with 71 per cent of small and marginal farmers cultivating
only 35 per cent of the total area. Thus subsistence mode of agricultural production is mainstay in
Sabarkantha. Cropping pattern was dominated by foodgrains and “other crops” that are often of
high value (spices, horticulture, fodder crops) up to mid-2000s decade. Agriculture is getting
diversified and cotton along with high value “other crops” presently share nearly 42 per cent of
the cropped area. Cereals are losing their dominance in the district’s cropping pattern.
- In the district, despite agricultural diversification towards remunerative non-food crops,
there are little opportunities for employment generation in the modern sectors. Share of cultivators
has recorded a large decline in the recent past, indicating increasing marginalization in
agriculture. Allied activities do offer opportunities for supplementing rural incomes here.
Dairying is a major allied activity and supplementary income source in the district. Cooperative
dairying is the main organizational form, but this activity is also threatened because of increasing
pressure of animal population on land and inadequate fodder availability. Industrial development
in Sabarkantha is rudimentary; household based units are recording a decline, there are no large
size industrial units and very few medium sized firms exist in clusters in the more developed
talukas.
58
- The MGNREGA programme in the district is supplementing the levels of livings
significantly as reported in studies. Village study for the district has shown that the MNREGA
scheme has helped villagers to increase the work days and improve the family incomes. The
scheme also has substantial potential in reducing out-migration, particularly if full 100 days or
more of employment were available.
- All this calls for special interventions for education and skill development to improve
individual capabilities and also creation of better infrastructure and efforts to improve the
productivity of primary sector activities in Sabarkantha.
- In this context it is necessary to activate and develop industrial clusters around rural areas
which promote diversification away from agriculture but also reduce marginalisation and
attendant informalization in urban centres. Further, labour training and technical assistance will
crucially stimulate rural entrepreneurship by encouraging micro enterprises.
SWOT Analysis for Economic Base and Livelihoods (Agriculture, Animal Husbandry
and Industry) in Sabarkantha
Strengths Weaknesses
Work participation rate (45%) is higher than
state (41%).
Nearly 66% of the reported area is under
cultivation due to richness of soil.
About 57% of cultivable land is irrigated
leading to increase in GCA.
Almost 8 out of 13 talukas shares greater
proportion of net cropped area as compared
to district average.
Forested area at 17% has remained
unchanged adding richness to environment.
Area under cultivation of non food crops has
increased to high value non food crop
(cotton, fruits, vegetable).
More than 69% of people are engaged in
agriculture for their livelihoods (40% of
cultivators are in main worker category).
Nearly 5% of working population engaged in
dairying sector.
Barren and uncultivated land is just 5%-low
compared to state average. Has reduced in
few tribal talukas.
Higher worker participation rates in tribal
talukas, though decline has been observed.
Forest coverage in Dhansura, Bayad,
Talod is low and Prantij is nil.
About 43% of cultivable land is irrigated.
Declining area under cultivation of food
crops places the challenge for food
security if the similar trend continues.
Illiterate sections of people are reluctant
towards adopting techniques to enhance
primary sector activities.
The landholding pattern is skewed with
71% of small and marginal landholders
operating 35% of land.
In Vijaynagar 80% of small and marginal
landholders operate 50% of land. In
Dhansura and Modasa more than third of
medium and large landholder operate ¾
of land.
Increasing fragmentation of landholding
may be forcing small and marginal
categories of cultivators to alternate
sources of livelihood.
59
SWOT Analysis for Economic Base and Livelihoods (Agriculture, Animal Husbandry
and Industry) in Sabarkantha
Opportunities Threats
One third of land is not under cultivation,
which can be utilized for cultivation.
More and more area can be covered under
micro irrigation system and surface sources
can be expanded in Talod, Dhansura,
Prantij, Idar and Vadali.
Despite natural resource constraints,
agriculture and related activities faced
moderate growth.
Major wheat producing region of Gujarat.
Prantij, Talod and Bayad have substantial
area under horticultural crops-can emerge as
processing hubs.
23% of GCA under high value crops (spices,
horticulture, isabgul) amendable to
processing-fifth of GCA under cotton.
10% of states potato production.
Cooperative dairying is fostering livelihood
options for people.
One of the largest milk producing districts.
If the essential agriculture and animal
husbandry infrastructure, technology and
knowhow related gaps are filled, the district
can progress to the desired level of
development.
Activities aimed at increasing forest area,
such as social forestry can be encouraged.
83% of MGNREGA projects completed
belong to category of land development and
9% to water conservation scheme has
increased work days, family income and has
potential to reduce out migration.
Skill development opportunities exist for
female workforce especially residing in
tribal areas.
In some talukas small enterprise based
industrial clusters are emerging.
Develop industrial clusters around rural
areas to promote occupational
diversification of workforce.
Micro-enterprises need to be encouraged.
Low and erratic rains hampering the
sustainable development of agriculture and
making agricultural livelihoods vulnerable.
Frequent droughts grounding down
livelihoods gains.
Due to fragile economic base, poverty
levels are high in tribal and less developed
talukas.
One fourth of soils in district afflicted with
erosion.
Ground water prominent source of
irrigation but 79% of groundwater is
already developed.
Yields of all important crops (wheat, bajra,
fennel) below potential yields.
Volatile cultivation pattern impose risk of
returns to farmers. Meghraj, Malpur and
Vijaynagar have more than 90% of area
under food crops.
High animal pressure (>2000 head/1000
ha) on land especially in Meghraj, Malpur.
Fodder shortage as 5% of cultivated land
allocated for fodder.
A large tribal population does not have
proper land records and entitlements to
their rightful land deeds and due to this
problem the tribal farmers fail to put their
land parcels as collateral for bank loans.
Nascent manufacturing sector so
agriculture as main source of childhood is
overburdened. Share of other workers (non
household manufacturing repairs, tertiary
activities) has also declined marginally.
60
Chapter 6
Gender Development
UNDP’s Human Development Report for 1995 stated that if human development is not
engendered it is endangered. Achieving human development has to address the issues of gender
inequality. Therefore, it is important that achieving human development incorporate the efforts to
reduce the gender gap. On the other hand, gender inequalities hinder development and can reduce
economic growth. Ignoring gender disparities may affect the wellbeing of people and the
sustainable development of society in an adverse manner. Gender inequality can also deter the
efforts to reduce poverty.
This chapter discusses both aspects of gender inequality; intrinsic problems and effects on
development goals. Intrinsic problems are those which reduce the capabilities of women for
achieving aggregate wellbeing. For instance, longevity and education in women are important
capability elements of wellbeing. Further, we need to look into the effects of gender bias. For
instance, gender inequality in education and access to resources may inhibit expansion of
education and arrest decline in mortality of children.
Specifically the chapter examines the issue of inequality prevailing in Sabarkantha district.
As the district has both tribal and non-tribal population, it is important to look into the status of
gender inequality in tribal and non-tribal societies. There is general belief that tribal women enjoy
better status and have more freedom than higher castes. However, geographical remoteness, social
backwardness, and environmental degradation put enormous pressure to tribal women to maintain
their livelihood.
Table 6.1: Sex Ratio across Talukas, 1991 to 2011
Talukas Sex Ratio
Child Sex Ratio (in the age group 0-6 years)
1991 2001 2011 1991 2001 2011 Vijaynagar 1056 1014 999 947 909 905 Bhiloda 1019 986 977 940 892 917 Meghraj 967 964 966 965 929 924 Khedbrahma 957 965 981 1000 961 947 Vadali 962 943 958 913 858 919 Dhansura 940 916 926 932 851 906 Bayad 943 932 940 923 860 895 Malpur 930 930 956 921 888 924 Talod 949 933 937 931 849 877 Idar 982 952 947 906 841 869 Prantij 957 910 930 909 818 880 Himatnagar 949 926 928 898 836 856 Modasa 954 946 943 935 886 895 Sabarkantha 965 947 952 933 879 903 Gujarat 934 920 919 928 883 890
Source: Census of India, 1991, 2001, 2011
61
Sex ratio connotes the ratio between males and females. In the Indian context, sex ratio is
defined as the number of females per thousand males. It is an important social indicator for
measuring the extent of equality between males and females in a society at a given point of time.
The status of sex ratio in a way reflects roles played by both sexes in achieving human
development of any region. The favourable or adverse trend in sex ratio may not be only because
of various trends in demographic factors such as fertility, mortality, and migration but also be a
result of human development factors such as health, livelihood, education, housing, etc.
Therefore, it is important to understand the sex composition of any region.
The district has higher sex ratio compared to other developed districts and the state
average. Sex ratio declined from 965 in 1991 to 947 in 2001 (Table 6.1). It then increased to 952
in 2011 but could not achieve the 1991 level. Migration plays a vital role in determining the sex
ratio. Intra-district migration is highly significant in the district. Therefore, there is a variation in
sex ratio among different talukas. Moreover, out-migration of male members is also quite
significant in tribal regions. Some of the tribal families have the tradition of sending at least one
person to join the army.
It is usually believed that in an ideal situation, there will be marginally higher number of
women than men. Sex ratio of more than 1000 indicates better status of women. According to the
1991 census, sex ratio Vijaynagar and Bhiloda remained more than 1000 indicating better status
of women in these two talukas. It is important to note here that both talukas reported decline in the
census of 2001 and also in 2011. Also, Prantij, Himatnagar, and Modasa reported sex ratio
unfavorable to females. Child sex ratio in these three talukas also showed steep decline during
1991-2001 and was extremely low during 2001. This is despite the fact that access to modern
technology in developed talukas might have contributed to abortion of girl child. It may be noted
that according to 2011 census vis-à-vis 2001census some lost ground is recovered. It may further
be noted that in most talukas in 2011, there is improvement in overall sex ratio and in child sex
ratio. The adverse sex ratio in all the talukas could be because of any of these interrelated factors:
low life expectancy for females because female health is not taken seriously
higher mortality rate in females particularly for infants and also during reproductive period
malnourishment in girl child resulting in high CMR for girls
preference for male child
In order to eliminate the impact of male migration, usually child sex ratio is preferred to
understand the status of women. Child sex ratio is the sex ratio calculated for the age group of 0-6
population. Over the decade of 1991-2001, child sex ratio of the district declined from 933 to 879.
Further, the rate of fall is quite alarming in some of the talukas like Prantij, Idar, Talod, Bayad,
and Dhansura.
In short, the sex ratio as well as child sex ratio declined sharply in 1991- 2001 and became
unfavourable to females. The last decade (2001-2011) as noted earlier, showed a relative
improvement in sex ratio.
2011 Census data shows overall decline in sex ratio in tribal and non-developed talukas.
However, other talukas have shown marginal increase in sex ratio. This indicated that tribal males
are migrating towards non-tribal region in search of employment and livelihood opportunities. All
other talukas have reported increase in sex ratio by establishing an indication of healthy society.
Further most of the talukas reported improvement in child sex ratio.
62
Status of Education among Women
Education is crucial for acquiring a range of learning skills and serves as a stimulant for
further learning. It plays an important role in poverty reduction and is the foundation of human
development. Further, the role of education for women is vital for promoting gender equality and
empowering women. Education can enhance women’s welfare by providing them voice in
household decisions and more autonomy in shaping their lives. It also widens the opportunities for
women in the labour market. In short, education is widely recognized as the gateway to economic
security and opportunity, particularly for women. In this way, it can help in achieving gender
balanced human development.
In order to reduce gender gaps in education, the state government has initiated several
programmes for motivating girls’ education in the district. Such programmes include exposure
visits, project work, Ramta-Ramta, sakhi, kshitij, kishori mela, summer camps, exhibitions, etc.
Such programmes are organized to bring women of different villages together and for gender
sensitization of the entire community of the district.
Table 3.3 gives the data on status of education among men and women in Sabarkantha
district. The literacy rate of the district was 59.03 per cent in 1991 which increased to 66.65 per
cent in 2001 and further increased to 76.60 per cent in 2011. Despite rapid progress literacy rate is
somewhat lower when compared to the state figure. The literacy rate in males increased from
74.53 per cent to 80.42 per cent during the 1991-2001 decade. It is important to note that male
literacy rates in Sabarkantha district have remained at par with state male literacy rates for 1991
and 2001. This is also true for the decade 2001 -11. On the contrary literacy rate for females has
remained lower for both years when compared to the Gujarat figure. In fact the rate of increase in
literacy rate among females from 1991 to 2001 remained lower than that in the state. The female
literacy rate in the district increased from 43.08 per cent to 52.30 per cent from 1991 to 2001, yet
it is six points less than the state average. In 2011, there is slight improvement in female literacy
rate in the district as the gap between state and district reduced by one point percentage. In short,
2011 census data reflects improvement in literacy levels, both for male and female. The
achievement in education for tribal girls is mainly due to various state government efforts such as
introduction of Vidya Deep Insurance, Vidya Laxmi Bond, and distribution of cost free text books
as well as education promotional programme such as Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav and Gunotsav.
Box 6.1 Nari Gaurav Niti
Gujarat adopted "Nari Gaurav Niti" in 2006 to promote gender equity. Participation of women in governance has increased with 38% members of 18,147 Pani Samitis being women. 2,415 Milk Cooperatives are run with membership of 6.37 lakh women. 362 Mahila Samras Panchayats have been formed in Gujarat. In 2013-14, the government also plans to set up 50 additional "Nari Adalats" for resolution of issues relating to women, in view of the positive response to the existing 42 Nari Adalats.
Looking into the taluka-wise scenario, 2011 census reveals that female literacy rates in.
Khedbrhma (46.64 per cent) was at the bottom of all talukas. Meghraj with 56.81 per cent female
literacy rate is the second from the bottom. Both are tribal talukas but well developed. A third
taluka where female literacy is extremely low is Malpur (57.29 per cent). Malpur is a moderately
developed non-tribal taluka. It is heartening to note that all these talukas in 2011 report rapid
strides in female literacy rate vis-à-vis 2001 census. Non-tribal talukas other than Malpur have
reported better female literacy rates. In fact a highly developed taluka like Himatnagar has
reported 76.19 per cent female literacy rate which is considerably higher than the state female
literacy rate. Idar and Prantij are also very close to that of state as a whole. It is possible that the
development process beyond a certain point acts as strong stimulant for female literacy.
63
Let us look at the dropout rates for boys and girls in the district (Table 3.12, Chapter on
Education). Even in the short run, that is in one year Bhiloda, Vijaynagar, Vadali and Bayad
talukas have shown remarkable progress in reducing the dropout rates for both boys and girls.
These talukas may have better access to educational facilities and awareness about education. The
reduced dropout rates in most tribal talukas is a reflection of government and non government
institutional efforts.
Provision of foodgrains to parents of girl child in tribal regions has reduced the dropout
rates of girl child even in the tribal talukas. Under this scheme, about 60 kg of foodgrains are
given to parents of tribal girl students having 70 per cent attendance in the primary school. This
scheme is implemented by the mid-day meal department. Its main objective is to reduce the
dropout rates of girls in primary schools. It seems that the scheme has achieved remarkably in
meeting its primary objective. The scheme, however, is implemented in tribal areas alone.
Let us look at the higher education status in girls in the district (Table 3.10, Chapter on
Education). The proportion of girls studying in secondary and higher secondary schools during
2003-04 remained 40 per cent. This is because there are very few secondary and higher secondary
schools exclusively for girls in the district. Further, the proportion of lady teachers to total
teachers in secondary and higher secondary schools were 11 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.
There is a need to provide supporting environment in the district for girls studying in secondary
and higher secondary schools
Status of Health among Women
The health status of women is explained in detail in the chapter on Health. Therefore, this
section just highlights general issues. It is observed that there is no significanct difference in IMR
(Infant Mortality Rate) for girls and boys (Tables 4.2 and 4.3, Chapter on Health). This has its
reflection in the poor sex ratio. As far as CMR (Child Mortality Rate) is concerned, there is a
large variation in the talukas. This may be a result of poor data base at taluka level or variation in
the status of health indicators. Dhansura, Malpur and Talod have reported low child mortality
rates aomong all the talukas of the district. On the other hand, Vadali and Idar have reported very
high (though lower than males) child mortality rates for girls. The case of child mortality rates in
boys is very similar to that of the girls. On an average district has shown high CMR for boys.
However, some tribal taluks such as Bhiloda and Megharaj have reported high CMR for girls
when compared to that of boys.
Healthy and well nourished mother can give birth to healthy child who can survive and
lead a healthy life forever. Therefore, it is also important to look into the health of women in
district. The evaluation of the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) project (Centre for
Operational Research and Training, 2003) very clearly stated that every pregnant woman involved
in the representative sample of the district suffered from anemia. About 58 per cent women were
moderately anemic and 42 per cent were mildly anemic. Although there was no case of severe
anemia amongst pregnant women, the report strongly recommended to make people aware of the
ill effects of anemia and to prevent it by improving nutritional intake. Another important finding
of the survey was prevalence of severe anemia among poor, backward and less educated girls who
had married recently. Further, the report also indicated that awareness level regarding various
infectious diseases was low among women vis-à-vis men.
64
Gender Status of Employment
It is important to generate adequate productive employment opportunities for women for
achieving gender balanced human development. Employment plays a vital role in improving
women’s quality of life.
Table 6.2: Worker Participation Rates (Main and Marginal workers), 1991 to 2011
Talukas
Worker Participation Rates among Male and Female
1991 2001 2011
Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total
Vijaynagar 43.05 39.24 41.09 43.49 38.59 41.02 48.49 36.13 42.31
Bhiloda 47.09 40.59 43.81 47.98 35.44 41.76 53.83 39.29 46.65
Meghraj 50.78 42.92 46.91 50.85 46.27 48.6 53.39 43.57 48.56
Khedbrahma 52.13 35.11 43.8 51.12 41.06 46.18 51.16 41.83 46.54
Vadali 52.71 38.03 45.51 54.25 37.63 46.18 58.43 41.86 50.32
Dhansura 55.2 33.37 44.6 55.23 38.52 47.24 57.93 34.19 46.52
Bayad 55.9 42.96 49.62 55.24 41.06 48.4 57.82 33.62 46.09
Malpur 54.69 41.45 48.31 54.06 45.19 49.79 56.43 44.68 50.69
Talod 53.93 35.56 45.0 54.49 41.18 48.07 57.23 31.18 44.63
Idar 51.73 34.05 43 53.55 35.62 44.81 56.4 33.68 45.35
Prantij 53.26 37.12 45.38 53.69 40.68 47.49 54.55 34.78 45.03
Modasa 51.47 24.83 38.5 51.9 29.93 41.22 54.61 19.95 37.93
Himatnagar 51.99 31.35 41.94 53.05 29.9 41.92 54.47 24.49 39.92
Sabarkantha 51.11 35.82 43.9 52.28 37.63 45.16 54.77 34.06 44.67
Gujarat 54.35 27.08 41.17 54.87 27.91 41.95 57.16 23.38 40.98
Source: Census of India, 1991, 2001, 2011
In order to assess the status of women in employment at an aggregate level, it is important
to examine the work participation rate or WPR (defined as the proportion of working persons to
total population). Let us look into the economic participation of women in the district (Table 6.2).
Census defines work as any productive work for which remuneration is paid and is market
related. If a man or woman has worked for more than 183 days then he or she is considered as main
worker. As far as gender inequality is considered, Census data are highly criticized because it does not
include unpaid work which is carried out mainly by women. It is also believed that census data are not
adequate to give any real picture of women’s economic participation. However, in absence of relevant
data on economic participation at taluka level, we mainly depend on census data.
Female WPR in Sabarkantha is remarkably higher than the state level. It is believed that
tribal regions have higher female participation in economic activities. Though it is the gender gap
in labour force is low, it cannot be stated that gender equality has been achieved. This is because
poor women cannot survive without work and they have to engage themselves in any low paid
job. Moreover, women are often burdened by household tasks, which tend to reduce their full
participation in economic activities. This is clearly reflected in the statistics of female WPR for
main or marginal workers (Tables 6.3 to 6.5). The proportion of marginal female workers in the
district is reported 21.2 per cent which is high when compared to that of the state which is 13.3
per cent in 2001 (see Table 6.4). The extent of marginalization in the district declines in 2011
(27.5 per cent) but still quite higher than the state (10.3 per cent). As is true in most tribal areas
female work participation is higher vis-à-vis other talukas. This one could take as an advantage by
strengthening training programme that could enhance productivity of female workforce and also
enhance entrepreneurial skills among female labour force.
65
Table 6.3: Work Participation Rates (Main and Marginal Workers), 1991
Talukas Main workers Marginal workers
Male Female Total Male Female Total
Vijaynagar 42.6 26.4 34.3 0.5 12.8 6.8
Bhiloda 46.6 19.7 33.0 0.5 20.9 10.8
Meghraj 50.5 8.5 29.9 0.3 34.4 17.0
Khedbrahma 51.6 15.1 33.8 0.5 20.0 10.0
Vadali 52.3 16.4 34.7 0.4 21.6 10.8
Dhansura 54.9 11.9 34.1 0.3 21.5 10.5
Talod 53.4 19.1 36.7 0.5 16.4 8.3
Bayad 55.5 11.8 34.3 0.4 31.2 15.4
Malpur 54.3 18.5 37.0 0.4 23.0 11.3
Idar 51.3 18.2 35.0 0.4 15.8 8.0
Prantij 52.8 20.4 37.0 0.5 16.7 8.4
Modasa 51.0 11.7 31.9 0.5 13.1 6.6
Himatnagar 51.7 16.7 34.7 0.3 14.6 7.3
Sabarkantha 51.3 16.4 34.2 0.4 19.4 9.7
Gujarat 53.2 13.7 34.1 0.4 12.2 6.1
Source: Census of India, 1991
Table 6.4: Work Participation Rates (Main and Marginal Workers), 2001
Talukas Main workers Marginal workers
Male Female Total Male Female Total
Vijaynagar 36.1 11.7 23.8 7.4 26.9 17.2
Bhiloda 40.7 12.0 26.4 7.3 23.5 15.3
Meghraj 44.9 16.7 31.1 5.9 29.6 17.5
Khedbrahma 41.6 10.0 26.1 9.5 31.0 20.1
Vadali 46.9 15.9 31.9 7.3 21.7 14.3
Dhansura 52.2 20.5 37.0 3.1 18.0 10.2
Bayad 51.5 23.4 38.0 3.7 17.6 10.4
Malpur 47.8 22.1 35.4 6.2 23.1 14.4
Talod 47.4 12.3 30.5 7.1 28.8 17.6
Idar 47.8 16.7 32.7 5.7 18.9 12.2
Prantij 48.8 25.0 37.5 4.9 15.7 10.0
Modasa 48.0 15.9 32.4 3.9 14.1 8.8
Himatnagar 48.3 16.3 32.9 4.8 13.6 9.0
Sabarkantha 46.4 16.4 31.8 5.9 21.2 13.4
Gujarat 51.1 14.6 33.6 3.8 13.3 8.3
Source: Census of India, 2001
Table 6.5: Work Participation Rates (Main and Marginal Workers), 2011
Talukas Main workers Marginal workers
Male Female Total Male Female Total
Vijaynagar 35.82 8.48 22.16 12.67 27.65 20.16
Bhiloda 44.11 13.93 29.19 9.73 25.36 17.45
Meghraj 45.67 20.18 33.14 7.72 23.39 15.42
Khedbrahma 43.71 20.09 32.01 7.45 21.75 14.53
Vadali 52.74 27.16 40.22 5.69 14.7 10.1
Dhansura 47.06 13.03 30.7 10.87 21.16 15.82
Bayad 53.12 16.5 35.38 4.7 17.12 10.72
Malpur 51.48 20.65 36.42 4.94 24.03 14.27
Talod 50.07 13.36 32.32 7.16 17.82 12.31
Idar 50.99 18.06 34.98 5.41 15.62 10.37
Prantij 49.69 24.32 37.47 4.86 10.46 7.56
Modasa 49.83 11.1 31.19 4.78 8.85 6.74
Himatnagar 49.67 14.27 32.49 4.8 10.21 7.43
Sabarkantha 48.13 16.57 32.74 6.64 17.49 11.93
Gujarat 52.6 13.1 33.7 4.6 10. 7.3
Source: Census of India, 2011
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Looking into the worker participation rates over a period of time, the increase in
participation rate is observed only in the case of marginal workers. The percentage of main
workers which was 35 in 1991 went down to 32 per cent in 2001 but increased somewhat to 33
per cent in 2011. As far as female workers are concerned, there is no increase in the category of
main workers. The increase in female work force has been observed in the case of marginal
workers between 1991 and 2001 but there is decline in 2011. There has been 2 per cent of
increase in female marginal workers in Sabarkantha district and this is seen in talukas like
Vijaynagar, Bhiloda, Khedbrahma, and Bayad. On the other hand, slower increase is observed in
developed talukas such as Himatnagar, Prantij, and Modasa.
There is an evidence at all India level that the proportion of marginal workers has risen in
2011 census in comparison to 2001 census. This is particularly true of female workforce. Sabarkantha
district to some extent shares the all India level trait. This process could also indicate that because of
relatively high growth rate particulaly in Gujarat female work force is able to enjoy higher degree of
leisure and improved skill base. There is a need to study the process in depth.
In order to know the status of women, let us examine workforce distribution. (Table 6.6) It
is seen that women’s involvement is mainly as agricultural labourers, economically not a very
remunerative occupation. About 42 per cent of female workers in 2011 were engaged as
agricultural labourers in the district, followed by the category of ‘other workers’.
In most tribal talukas, more than 50 per cent of female workers are engaged as agricultural
labourers. It must be noted that the economic base of tribal taluka is mainly agriculture. It is not
surprising that female participation in agriculture is quite high. This could be overcome by
developing rural and non-farm activities suited to the actual or potential skill base of female work
force In 2011, Vijaynagar (66 per cent) has the highest proportion of women engaged in
agricultural labour activities, Bhiloda, Khedbrahma, and Vadali follow, having more than 50 per
cent of female worker participation in agricultural activities (Table 6.8).
It is usually believed that economic growth promotes gender equity in employment
opportunities, nature of work, earnings, and better work conditions. However, in less developed
regions men and women have high work participation rates because here they cannot afford to
stay without work. As a result women participation rate is high even if it is in less paid jobs.
Female work participation as other workers has strong correlation with level of
development (urbanization). In tribal talukas about 13 to 27 per cent female workers are engaged
in other industries. In highly developed talukas, it is 48 to 65 per cent. However, since we do not
have detailed classification, we are not sure that what kind of involvement women have as other
workers (Table 6.8).
Women empowerment or lack of it has three major aspects. The first is invisible work
carried out by women which does not have any market value and therefore not reported anywhere
in the formal data systems. The second is the involvement of women in petty jobs which are lowly
paid. The third is the safety and security of the working environment. Owing to data constraints
these issues could not be explored. Further studies are required to understand the engagement of
women in the human development process of the district.
Some of the important inferences from 2011 data on work participation rates are as
follows;
(1) Change in WPR over 2001 to 2011 shows that the gap between men and women employment
has widened. Overall, there is a slight (2 per cent) decline in WPR except in Bhiloda and Vadali.
The WPR for male has increased by 2 to 4 per cent among all the talukas of Sabarkantha.
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(2) There are two observations which are important as far as gender gap in employment status is
concerned.
Overall there is decline in female marginal workers in most of the talukas.
Khedbrahma showed the highest increase (by 10 per cent) in female main workers. The
same is compensated by decline in marginal female workers.
The industrial classification of workers shows that there is increase in agricultural labour
for both male and females during 2001 to 2011. This is also the case of whole Gujarat. This
increase is possibly due to good monsoon in the last decade increasing demand for labour in
agricultural operations. It also points towards lack of non-farm job opportunities. Female
agricultural labours are high in proportion in tribal talukas namely Vijaynagar, Bhiloda,
Khedbrahma and Vadali.
Some of the important observations over the last decade are,
There is drastic decline in female cultivators particularly in tribal talukas such as
Vijaynagar and Bhiloda. Similarly,
There is an increase in agricultural labour in most of the talukas, except Meghraj, Malpur
and Prantij. These three talukas are dominated by males in the agriculture sector
Table 6.6: Industrial Distribution of Workers in Sabarkantha, 1991 to 2011
1991 Cultivators Agricultural labourers Household industry Other workers
Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total
Sabarkantha 54.66 31.96 49.30 15.88 45.67 22.92 1.78 1.18 1.64 27.68 21.19 26.14
Gujarat 34.05 30.57 33.37 17.57 45.09 22.92 1.33 1.66 1.39 47.05 22.68 42.32
2001
Sabarkantha 47.3 19.3 36.0 19.3 37.8 26.8 1.5 1.6 1.6 31.8 41.3 35.6
Gujarat 27.0 28.0 27.3 17.3 39.1 24.3 1.7 2.7 2.0 54.0 30.2 46.4
2011
Sabarkantha 44.27 16.12 33.80 24.02 42.18 30.77 0.82 1.31 1.01 30.88 40.40 34.42
Gujarat 23.58 17.78 21.99 20.27 47.14 27.61 1.17 1.97 1.39 54.98 33.11 49.00
Source: Census of India, 1991, 2001, 2011
Table 6.7: Worker Classification by Taluka, 2001
Talukas
Cultivators Agri labours Household industry Other workers
Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total
Vijaynagar 56.61 36.00 46.85 17.82 48.83 32.51 1.39 0.80 1.11 24.18 14.37 19.53
Bhiloda 55.14 26.05 42.88 18.95 48.02 31.20 2.19 2.24 2.21 23.71 23.70 23.71
Meghraj 70.52 43.01 57.67 11.24 37.02 23.29 1.33 1.68 1.49 16.92 18.28 17.56
Khedbrahma 57.50 23.80 42.79 20.09 54.58 35.15 1.51 1.56 1.53 20.90 20.07 20.54
Vadali 41.69 13.33 30.47 25.94 51.09 35.89 1.76 2.27 1.96 30.61 33.31 31.68
Dhansura 54.38 21.53 41.58 18.71 35.69 25.33 1.63 2.06 1.80 25.28 40.71 31.29
Bayad 54.36 14.29 37.96 19.65 24.92 21.81 0.92 0.74 0.85 25.08 60.05 39.39
Malpur 64.84 31.73 50.36 14.47 28.44 20.58 1.56 1.38 1.48 19.13 38.45 27.58
Talod 45.26 7.34 29.58 17.51 20.31 18.67 1.39 0.76 1.13 35.84 71.59 50.62
Idar 36.88 8.34 25.82 23.14 40.04 29.69 2.04 2.34 2.15 37.95 49.27 42.34
Prantij 38.46 7.27 25.74 26.12 34.60 29.58 1.11 1.02 1.07 34.31 57.11 43.61
Himatnagar 29.26 10.62 22.87 19.10 29.91 22.81 1.49 1.76 1.58 50.15 57.72 52.74
Modasa 38.11 16.42 30.45 16.09 36.93 23.45 1.60 1.75 1.66 44.20 44.89 44.44
Sabarkantha 47.34 19.26 35.96 19.34 37.84 26.84 1.54 1.58 1.56 31.78 41.32 35.65
Source: Census of India, 2001
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Table 6.8: Worker Classification by Taluka, 2011
Talukas
Cultivators Agri labours Household industry Other workers
Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total
Vijaynagar 47.85 14.40 33.57 29.23 66.42 45.10 0.96 1.20 1.06 21.97 17.98 20.26
Bhiloda 48.20 11.93 33.10 28.07 61.69 42.06 1.36 2.04 1.65 22.37 24.34 23.19
Meghraj 69.03 39.76 56.12 12.92 31.64 21.17 0.54 1.39 0.92 17.51 27.21 21.79
Khedbrahma 55.42 31.55 44.79 28.39 55.03 40.24 0.43 0.51 0.46 15.77 12.92 14.50
Vadali 42.45 9.81 29.17 25.76 50.16 35.69 1.19 1.19 1.19 30.59 38.83 33.95
Dhansura 47.78 5.98 33.01 22.28 34.79 26.71 1.07 1.24 1.13 28.87 57.98 39.16
Bayad 52.86 8.78 37.28 24.40 34.42 27.94 0.37 0.36 0.37 22.36 56.44 34.41
Malpur 62.99 32.73 49.95 19.21 21.89 20.36 0.45 0.26 0.36 17.36 45.13 29.32
Talod 44.25 4.07 30.67 26.54 31.48 28.21 0.68 1.46 0.94 28.53 63.00 40.17
Idar 33.62 6.76 23.92 27.29 43.84 33.27 0.97 1.48 1.15 38.12 47.92 41.66
Prantij 38.60 5.38 26.23 30.81 25.45 28.81 0.84 1.52 1.10 29.75 67.65 43.86
Himatnagar 24.62 5.61 19.80 19.36 28.60 21.70 1.07 2.61 1.46 54.96 63.18 57.04
Modasa 35.26 13.37 28.74 18.59 40.80 25.21 0.77 1.92 1.12 45.37 43.91 44.94
Sabarkantha 44.27 16.12 33.80 24.02 42.18 30.77 0.82 1.31 1.01 30.88 40.40 34.42
Source: Census of India, 2011
It is important to note here that intra-district migration in Sabarkantha is very high. Intra-
district migration was 62.8 per cent for males and 75.5 per cent females in 1992, which increased
in 2001 to 83.2 per cent and 87.4 per cent respectively. Gujarat has reported comparatively lower
percentages for both males and females. Although, marriage is the dominant factor for women to
migrate, there is also seasonal migration from tribal areas mainly because of push factors.
Table 6.9: Pattern of Migration
In Migration
Sabarkantha Gujarat
Male Female Male Female
1991 2001 1991 2001 1991 2001 1991 2001
Within district 62.8 83.2 75.5 87.4 45.4 52.4 65.1 69.8
Outside district but within state 26.8 11.4 18.5 9.4 35.4 28.3 27.0 22.7
From other states 10.0 5.3 5.8 3.1 18.1 18.9 7.4 7.3
From other countries 0.4 0 0.1 0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5
Total Migrants 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Source: District Census Handbook, 2001
Violence against Women
Domestic violence is the worst form of gender discrimination. The issue unfortunately is
not treated as seriously as it deserves. Ila Pathak, the founder of Ahmedabad Women Action
Group (AWAG) laments (1999, p.1): “Domestic Violence” against woman has become such a
recurring phenomenon the world over that often the victim accepts it as inevitable, a way of life, .
. . the issue is not seen as a human rights problem of magnitude, but trivialized as a family
problem. Consequently, many domestic violence cases are either unreported or underreported.”
It is therefore difficult to have a precise estimate of violence against women. A brave
effort nevertheless is made in Table 6.10 to give number of offences against women at two points
of time distanced by fifteen years (1995, 2010) for Sabarkantha. Over a decade and a half there is
about forty per cent rise in offences against women. To some extent this increase is accounted by
suicides (48 from 37) and accidental deaths (99 from 64). This somewhat modest increase could
be attributed to usual economic forces - population growth, rise in transport intensity, etc.
It is almost four fold increase in the “physical and mental injury” (235 from 64) that needs
to be probed. In case of Gujarat also these offences, which are covered under Sec. 498-A (IPC),
show similar increase between 1988 (479) and 1995 (1950) (Pathak, 1999, pp.17-70). It is
69
possible that pro-women legislation, women rights movements championed by AWAG and other
NGOs, social awareness generated by media and education have all contributed to make women
assert against violence. It is quite likely that despite all these changes the official data reveal only
the tip of the iceberg. Much more vigorous efforts are required to curb crimes against women.
Table 6.10: Number of Offences against Women in the District, 1995 and 2010
Types of Offences Number of Offences
1995 2010
Murder 14 7
Attempt to Murder 5 1
Grievous Injury 12 1
Injury 36 5
Rape 15 17
Eve-teasing 58 28
Kidnapping 20 50
Abatment to Suicide 21 18
Misbehaving 5 2
Child Marriage 6 2
Physical and Mental Injury 64 235
Dowry Death 1 0
Attempt to Commit Suicide 3 0
Suicide 37 48
Accidental death 64 99
Miscellaneous 20 18
Total 381 531
Source: Ila Pathak (1999) for 1995, Police Dept. Sabarkantha for 2010.
Conclusion
Demographic indicators show a relatively better status for women in the district. However
time trend in demographic indicators shows somewhat declining status of women in terms of sex
ratio after 1991 in the district. During the decade 2000 there is perceptible improvement in the
status of women. Formal education among women has also shown a remarkable achievement.
However, health related issues could be a hurdle in women empowerment. Although the state
government has made efforts to improve the health status of women, it needs to adopt a more
systematic and targeted approach. The poor quality of health data also shows up loopholes in the
implementation of health related programmes. Target oriented health programmes have not
actually worked at ground level. Therefore it is important to have in-depth evaluation of such
programmes. Evaluating health related programmes may be helpful in making them more
effective and efficient. Evaluation should not merely focus on targets or achievement but rather
measure the output and outcome (result) of the implemented programmes. This is also relevant in
the case of employment programmes. It needs to be reiterated that in view of high female work
participation the female skill development needs to be enhanced and gradually they should be
shifted away from agriculture to rural non-farm activities. This also raises the issues of skill
development for women workers so that they can be more productive members of the workforce.
70
Chapter7
Insights from Special Studies* It became evident at the outset of project initiation that mere analysis of published
information would be inadequate for a proper assessment of issues relating to human
development. Purposive field visits would be required to highlight the special features of
Sabarkantha district. The district has four talukas — Bhiloda, Vijaynagar, Khedbrahma, and
Meghraj — that have a large tribal population. Obviously, field visits to tribal talukas became
necesssary. Out of four tribal talukas, Bhiloda and Vijaynagar have a larger number of people
engaged in government jobs, army etc. Overall level of development is better here than in
Khedbrahma and Meghraj. We aimed at further understanding of the situation in these two
talukas.
Flow of physical and human resources, particularly migration amongst the tribals, was
ascertained. Besides, differences in farming practices adopted by Kutchi Patel farmers and native
farmers and communication channels across the communities regarding agricultural practices
were also focused in the field visits. Instead of large scale sample surveys (which in any case are
best left to official agencies), field visit in a case study mode relied on discussion meetings with
“carriers of knowledge” across selected villages.
Tribals
As Migrants: The adivasis are found in the eastern part of Sabarkantha bordering Rajasthan.
Most of the tribals own agricultural land. Owing to hilly topography, agricultural output per unit
of land is lower than in plains. Migration is very common among tribals. They are brave and
healthy and thus are able to face the hardships of migration. Quite a few join the army and border
security forces and often occupy class I government jobs. The tribals, as already noted, are
concentrated mainly in Bhiloda, Vijaynagar, Khedbrahma, and Meghraj talukas. Their houses are
generally scattered. They do not reside in groups or clusters.
Box 7.1 Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana
Under the convergence approach, the State has launched the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana as a
flagship programme for the overall development and empowerment of the tribal communities.
Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana was allocated 17,000 crore in the 11th Plan, and it is proposed to
allocate 40,000 crore in 12th Five Year Plan. In 2013-14, with a total outlay of 7,103 crore, the
Yojana will provide better access to quality education, technical education, individual housing,
health facilities, household drinking water supply and livelihood opportunities to members of tribal
communities. A special provision is also made to augment basic facilities for the tribal
communities living in 401 villages along the State borders.
Meghraj taluka was selected for studying migration among the tribals. Our researchers
visited two villages, namely Panchal and Pahadia. Ten migrant and ten non-migrant families were
interviewed.
* The survey was conducted in the year2008-09
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Panchal village has nearly 250 houses and they are scattered in 6-7 sq. km. area. The
village is inhabited by nearly 2500 people and has access to amenities like electricity, good roads,
a high school, an agricultural cooperative society, fair price shop, etc. In this village 95% are
tribals and the Rajasthan border is just 4 km. away. People are engaged in agriculture and animal
husbandry. Land is not very fertile and rain-fed, maize, cotton, tuver, etc. are the main crops. In
Pahadia village also, houses are scattered. There are about 80 houses in 3-4 sq. km. area. The
village is equipped with basic amenities. The area is hilly and land is not fertile. Drinking water
availability is inadequate.
The non-migrants own 1-2 acres of land and practice traditional agriculture. They also
keep bullocks, buffaloes and sheep. They all stay in huts. The inhabitants go to work on nearby
farms in Kasna and Vadthali villages on daily wages. They are employed for nearly 60 days a year
and get Rs. 50-70* a day. Some of them go for masonry work and get Rs.80* a day. They do not
migrate mainly because there is nobody to look after land in their absence. They buy clothes and
necessities from roadside hawkers.
Migrant families are of three types: working for 30 to less than 60 days in a year; 60 days
and more but less than 180 days in a year; and working for more than 180 days in a year. Let us
call them A. B. and C types of migrants. Type A families are mostly engaged in road construction
or agricultural activities during harvest time. Type B families get employment in construction, tile
factories, fibre factories, etc. Type C families migrate to Gandhinagar, Mehsana, and other talukas
in Sabarkantha and work on farms either on crop share basis or on contract basis. All of them
have 1-2 acres of land and normally move to known areas and known owners. When they migrate
to work in factories, owners provide them residential facilities. The migrants are more adaptive
and save to have better houses back home.
In Government Jobs: Tribals of Bhiloda, Vijaynagar and Khedbrahma taluka were visited by our
team to study the activities of government servants who have chosen to come back after they have
retired. Villages like Padra, Kanthacha, Ode, Kundal, Chotimala, Chithoda, Kodiawada, Baleta
Sarsav, Nalseri, and Vokda, were visited and jawans were interviewed. The main occupation in
these villages is agricultural activities and collection of forest produce like flowers of Mahuda
tree, leaves of Timbru, white Musali (Ayurved medicine), honey, etc. But the tribals were not
happy with what they were doing. Government servants and army men are relatively better off.
Vijaynagar has sent more number of jawans in the army and hence the taluka is called a
mine of soldiers. The terrain is hilly and houses are scattered. The area is full of dense forests and
the inhabitants are physically strong and brave, fearless, and daring by nature.
Our research team interacted with retired government officers, teachers and ex-army men.
Most of them engage themselves in farming activities. Some of them own a tea stall, cutlery shop,
flour mill, etc. The tribals have houses in rural as well as urban areas. A few family members have
migrated to the United States, Kuwait, and Dubai. Some are quite active politically. They are alert
and give importance to education and social service and promote bhakti mandals which help the
cause of prohibition.
Some returned jawans have served as security personnel in factories. The jawans of
Sabarkantha are dedicated and work for wellbeing of the tribal community. Most of them prefer
their children to take up government jobs. The tribals are proud of their origin and have no
complaints or grudges.
* Based on the field work carried out in 2008-09
72
Patels of Sabarkantha: There are categories among the patels - Anjana Patel, Kadva Patel, and
Leva Patel. The Anjana and Kadva Patels are found in all the talukas of Sabarkantha district and
their number is higher than the Leva Patel. Kutchi Patels are mostly Kadva Patels; because of
scanty rainfall, they migrated from Kutch abut 100 years ago. They have settled as agricultural
labourers and work on farms belonging to local Patels or Rajput/Jamindars. Some of them have
also purchased land. Kutchi Patels are hard workers, so much so that they even cleaned jungles
and started agricultural activities and paid revenue to the British government or local Raja.
Eventually they became landlords. Kutchi Patels adopted new techniques of cultivation and, as a
result, the productivity of their land has increased. They are better off than the local Patels. The
versatile nature of Kutchi Patel leads them to migrate and explore new areas. Some have sold their
land and moved to Maharashtra and started their own construction business. One finds quite a few
migrating to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. Kutchi Patels have also ventured into
grocery, automobile repair, etc. Many local Patels have migrated to US, South Africa, New
Zealand, Australia, and other countries.
Kampas of Modasa
In Modasa taluka, Vaniyad Kokapur village is 18 km from the headquarters. The village is
inhabited by 5000 people. Anjana Patels, Kadva Patels, Panchals, Harijans, Valad, and Thakrda
people are engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and dairy activities. The village is equipped
with two primary schools, a high school, agricultural cooperative society, two dairies, panchayat
house, veterinary dispensary and private medical facility, and a community hall.
Kampa is a confined area where there are 10-15 houses on each side surrounded by farms.
There is a Hanuman temple, water tank, and primary school, Exhibit 1 shows the layout of a
Kampa. There are several Kampas in Modasa taluka. One of them is Nehru Kampa which was
selected for the case study.
Nehru Kampa is a revenue area in Vaniyad Kokapur village. These are 23 households
inhabited by 200 people and all are Kadva Patels. All these households migrated from Kutch
(Anandsar village in Nakhatrana and Ladva from Mandvi taluka). They have been here for more
than 45 years. Some 9-10 Kutchi Patels in the age group of 30-75 were informally interviewed to
understand their socio-economic status. They were all literates. They each have 3-35 acres land
and grow cotton, maize, groundnut, wheat, maize, castor seed, soyabean, variyali, etc. Kutchi
Patels use hybrid seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, pesticides, tractors, electric pumps, drip irrigation,
and electric pumps. One of them visited an agricultural shibir at Modasa and got the idea of drip
irrigation and adopted it on his farm. Their income is between Rs. 80,000 and Rs. 3.5 lakh per
annum. However most of them are in debt ranging from Rs 5 to 10 lakhs. Loans were taken
mostly for productive purposes. Kutchi Patels sometimes employ hired labour from nearby
villages like Mulaj and Mudarsha.
In Dhansura, Ramos village was studied. This also has Kutchi and local Patels. Ramos is
about 20 km from Dhansura headquarter and there are 300 households with 2500 inhabitants. In
this village there are Anjana Patels, Leva Patels, Harijans, Jain Banias, Thakardas, Prajapatis
(Kumbhars), Goswamis, Barots, etc. The villagers are agriculturists and are also in dairying.
There is primary school, high school, panchayat house, agricultural cooperative society, private
medical dispensary, and community hall. Some people have migrated to US, Canada, South
Africa, etc.
73
Ramos Kampa: In Ramos Kampa there are 16 households sheltering 150 people. They are
Kadva Patels from Kutch and have been here for more than 60 years. These Kutchi Patels
migrated from Magawara village (Jiyapar) and Vithon village of Nakhatrana taluka. Ramos has
basic amenities like primary school, water works, and cooperative society, and is well connected
by road.
Five each of Kutchi Patels (Kadva Patels) and local Patels (Anjana Patels) were
interviewed. The Kutchi Patels that we interviewed are literates and some of them are qualified
engineers. They are well versed with the new agricultural technology and have applied improved
seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and drip irrigation. They grow groundnut and
potatoes. They own 4 to 13 acres of land and some of them depend totally on drip irrigation. The
gross income is Rs. 2 - 8 lakh. The Kutchi Patels hire labour from Vadvasa and Lalpur.
Most of the Anjana Patels are free from debts and some have adopted the new technology
on their farms. Family members such as sons and wives serve as primary school teachers. They
grow groundnut, cotton, castor, and wheat. Their income ranges from Rs. 2 to 2.5 lakh annually.
They own 9-10 acres of irrigated farm. There are some peculiar features of local Patels. Most have
small plots of land and some have incurred debt in small amounts. They have supplementary
income from teaching in primary schools. They do not migrate easily. They grow cash crops as
well as food crops.
Unlike local Patels, Kutchi Patels have large size farms with 70 per cent drip irrigation and
grow cash crops with modern technology and equipment. Most of them are indebted for
productive purposes.
Conclusion
The special studies, through social mapping, give us useful insights. Migrants cover short
and long distances and have beneficial impact at origin and destination. This is particularly true of
tribal areas. Ex-servicemen, who have come back play an important role in development of rural
as well as urban areas. They occupy important positions in local bodies and act as change agents.
There is need to further tap their talents to strengthen the social capital base in the tribal areas.
There is quite a contrast between Kutchi Patels and other local Patels. Kutchi Patels have
adopted advanced agricultural practices and grow cash crops like spices. They take loans but only
to buy productive assets. Local Patels allocate land for animal husbandry and therefore the
crop productivity is not as high as that of Kutchi Patels. They do not have much knowledge of
advanced techniques.
Unfortunately Kutchi Patels live isolated in Kampas outside the village. There is a need
for building bridges between Kutchi Patels and local Patels, so that exchange of ideas is
facilitated.
74
Chapter 8
Status of Human Development
Human development aspects at the district level fail to capture human and material
diversities at lower order spatial units. In order to show various facets of human development for
each taluka, we have used radar diagrams. As the radar is a multidimensional picture, it provides a
magnificent view of human development aspects at taluka level. Since it reveals multifarious
characteristics of human development, it has great policy relevance. We have prepared radars for
each taluka as well as radar of the district depicting levels of human development. In a
comprehensive framework, radar facilitates comparability
Indicators
Indicators as such represent various dimensions of human development across hierarchy of
space for different aspects of human development.
The first indicator is the proportion of families above the poverty level as ascertained by
the BPL survey. As income related information was not available, we selected the proportion of
families that lay above the poverty line to capture in a way the economic and livelihood status.
We selected another representative indicator of development and economic infrastructure. This is
the proportion of irrigated area as agriculture is the dominant livelihood activity and irrigation is
the leading input on which all land and yield augmenting technologies depend.
In terms of availability of basic amenities that make a significant dent on the quality of life
and wellbeing, we selected two indicators, one is the percentage of households with access to tap
water and those having toilets. As for improvements in the field of education, we have selected
two indicators namely, overall literacy rate of the population and retention rates of girls in
schools. This indicates status of basic education in the district and also whether it is engendered.
As for health, we have selected child (0-6 years) sex ratio, which is an important outcome
indicator for human development and reflects status of girl child and condition of health facilities
for women and children. The other selected indicator to capture achievement in health services is
the level of child immunization (As overall vaccination was not available we take children
immunized by BCG vaccine). All the indicators are normalized to the scale of zero to hundred in
order to have the same scale in the radar diagram. Table 8.1 shows the normalized values
(percentages) of various indicators across the talukas and Sabarkantha. Colour coding in the table
also depicts the vulnerability of each taluka in terms of achievement under the indicator.
75
Table 8.1: Indicators of Human Development in the District and Talukas
Talukas % APL
families
(2003)
Irrigation
Develop-
ment %
(2012)
% of
Households
with tap
water
(2011)
% of
Households
with toilets
(2011)
%
Children
immunized
by BGG
Vaccine
(2010-11)
Child
sex
ratio
(2011)
Literacy
rate %
(2011)
Girl
retention
rate in
schools
(2010)
Vijaynagar 52.88 45.30 29.84 58.43 85.40 905 77.40 96.03
Bhiloda 52.68 63.10 53.17 48.92 88.60 917 79.53 98.47
Meghraj 60.48 45.60 37.65 28.51 86.30 924 70.05 96.24
Khedbrahma 36.35 49.30 42.62 49.19 96.60 947 57.01 90.50
Vadali 65.39 62.50 88.41 49.46 83.11 919 75.25 94.57
Dhansura 87.03 44.00 86.29 62.86 85.90 906 76.96 95.37
Bayad 65.82 45.90 88.16 63.28 90.40 895 77.84 96.73
Malpur 53.91 43.40 79.37 53.80 86.00 924 70.58 97.48
Talod 68.74 72.90 83.04 48.37 81.70 877 79.02 96.71
Idar 76.98 68.40 81.92 70.06 83.20 869 80.88 96.72
Prantij 80.03 69.60 88.05 60.46 92.50 880 81.97 97.77
Himatnagar 70.69 68.00 82.82 79.04 113.20 856 84.73 97.30
Modasa 81.69 43.80 85.12 63.80 86.10 895 80.09 97.42
Sabarkantha 65.59 56.70 71.65 58.83 91.00 903 76.60 96.00
Human Development across Talukas
Table 8.2 shows extreme values of each indicator. It shows that there are large
regional variations across the talukas in terms of human development indicators. Further it can be
seen that, except for health status and amenities, in terms of other aspects of human development
Idar, Prantij, Himatnagar and Modasa are ahead of the rest of the talukas. Reverse is true for
Vijaynagar, Bhiloda and Meghraj.
Table 8.2 Range of Human Development across Talukas
Human Development Indicators Extreme Values for Talukas
Highest Lowest
a). % of families above the poverty line Dhansura
(87.03)
Khedbrahma
(36.35)
b). % Irrigation Development Talod
(73.0)
Malpur
(43.4)
c). % of Households with tap water Vadali
(88.41)
Vijaynagar
(29.84)
d). % of Households with toilets Himatnagar
(79.04)
Meghraj
(28.51)
e). % Children immunized by BGG Vaccine Himatnagar
(113.2)
Talod
(81.7)
f). Child sex ratio % Khedbrahma
(94.7)
Himatnagar
(85.6)
g). Total literacy rate % Himatnagar
(84.73)
Khedbrahma
(57.01)
h). Girl retention rate in schools % Bhiloda
(98.47)
Khedbrahma
(90.5)
Note: Ceteris Paribus, higher the index higher the value in terms of human development.
Low Mediumm High
76
Table 8.3 provides a summary on the status of various aspects of human development
across talukas. From taluka radars, we are able to identify indices at taluka level that require
priority attention. It is seen that tribal talukas (Khedbrahma, Vijaynagar, Bhiloda) show gaps in
provision of basic amenities and irrigation development and perform poorly in poverty
amelioration. Khedbrahma, Bayad and Malpur have high incidence of poverty. Vadali shows
deficiency in nearly all the categories of indices- irrigation, toilets, health, education and gender
equality. Most of the non-tribal talukas except Malpur show gaps in the child sex ratio that
requires urgent attention. More developed talukas (Talod, Idar, Prantij) have better status of
human development but at the same time they require urgent attention to overcome deficiencies in
child health and gender concerns. Himatnagar also requires attention in this sector. These talukas
would also gain from irrigation expansion. Dhansura, Bayad and Malpur despite doing relatively
better in terms of access to amenities, require sincere efforts to step up irrigation potential as these
are largely rainfed talukas, and greater efforts on education front.
The talukas are making significant progress in terms of social sectors. However, there is
need to step up efforts for provision of basic amenities particularly toilets and tapped water
supply. For agriculture development which is the main source of livelihoods in the district,
irrigation expansion is required, mainly through expansion of surface irrigation like canals, tanks
etc. and priority to water harvesting structures to tide over drought incidence. Ground water
irrigation has all but peaked. Water use efficiency can be improved through greater adoption of
micro-irrigation structures. This would facilitate crop diversification towards high value crops
and provide year round employment opportunities in agriculture.
Table 8.3: Action Needed in the Specific Areas in each Taluka of the District
Talukas Measures required in sectors
Vijaynagar Poverty, child health, irrigation, amenities (tap water)
Bhiloda Irrigation, amenities (toilets), health
Meghraj Literacy, irrigation, amenities (toilets, tap water), child health
Khedbrahma Poverty, irrigation, education , amenities (tap water)
Vadali Child health, amenities (toilets), irrigation, health
Dhansura Irrigation, gender equality, health, education
Bayad Irrigation, health, education, gender equality
Malpur Poverty, irrigation, amenities (toilets)
Talod Child health, education, amenities (toilets)
Idar Child health, gender equality
Prantij Child health , amenities (toilets), gender equality
Himmatnagar Child health, gender equality
Modasa Irrigation, amenities (toilets), health
Despite persistence of strong regional disparities, gaps in terms of human development
indicators have evened out over time. Tribal talukas are able to achieve better status of education
and to a large extent health because the state has special programmes for tribal development. Such
programmes have also helped tribal talukas to improve their human development status.
Similarly, developed non tribal talukas have also shown better human development status in
terms of education, basic infrastructure, and economic livelihood. However, some aspects relating
to health and gender equality can be improved across all talukas. In short, spatially differentiated
strategies are required to push talukas of Sabarkantha on path of human development.
77
Sabarkantha
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with toilets
(2011)
% Children immunized by
BGG Vaccine (2010-11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in schools
(2010)
Vijaynagar
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00
% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development (2012)
% of Household w ith tap w ater
(2011)
% of Household w ith toilets
(2011)
% Children immunized by BGG
Vaccine (2010-11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in schools
(2010)
Bhiloda
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with
toilets (2011)
% Children immunized
by BGG Vaccine (2010-
11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in
schools (2010)
78
Meghraj
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with
toilets (2011)
% Children immunized
by BGG Vaccine (2010-
11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in
schools (2010)
Khedbrahma
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with
toilets (2011)
% Children immunized
by BGG Vaccine (2010-
11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in
schools (2010)
Vadali
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with
toilets (2011)
% Children immunized by
BGG Vaccine (2010-11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in
schools (2010)
79
Dhansura
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with toilets
(2011)
% Children immunized by
BGG Vaccine (2010-11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in
schools (2010)
Bayad
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with
toilets (2011)
% Children immunized by
BGG Vaccine (2010-11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in
schools (2010)
Malpur
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with
toilets (2011)
% Children immunized by
BGG Vaccine (2010-11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in
schools (2010)
80
Talod
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with toilets
(2011)
% Children immunized by
BGG Vaccine (2010-11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in schools
(2010)
Idar
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with
toilets (2011)
% Children immunized
by BGG Vaccine (2010-
11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in
schools (2010)
Prantij
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with
toilets (2011)
% Children immunized by
BGG Vaccine (2010-11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in
schools (2010)
81
Himmatnagar
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00
120.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with toilets
(2011)
% Children immunized by
BGG Vaccine (2010-11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in schools
(2010)
Modasa
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00% APL families (2003)
Irrigation Development
(2012)
% of Household with tap
water (2011)
% of Household with
toilets (2011)
% Children immunized by
BGG Vaccine (2010-11)
Child sex ratio (2011)
Literary rate (2011)
Girl retention rate in
schools (2010)
82
Chapter9
Ways Ahead Agriculture in the district, though mainly rain dependent, is the dominant activity in
providing livelihood to bulk of the population. This is more so in the tribal belt. There is need to
further strengthen irrigation infrastructure and also use technologies that maximize returns on per
unit of water (drip irrigation). The lead given by Kutchi Patels needs to be emulated on a much
wider and larger scale.
In order to maximize returns per unit of land there is need to go for high value crops. It
would be unfortunate if such a development should bypass the overwhelming number of small
and marginal farmers. There is crying need to develop suitable (small- farm oriented) technologies
and designing appropriate extension systems not only for Sabarkantha but for the entire state. The
district should also safeguard against over- exploitation of ground water to arrest the deteriorating
water quality and fall in water table.
Poverty and Employment: Poverty is an area of concern. Poverty is some what high in
Khedbrahma and Bayad. Volatility in the farm sector has important bearing on poverty. In fact
agricultural growth, employment generation, nutrition, and poverty should be viewed as an inter-
dependent phenomenon. Poverty is no longer exclusively or even mainly dependent on
agricultural growth. Rural occupational diversification has emerged as an equally important
determinant. It may be noticed that almost three-fourth of workforce is dependent on farm sector.
In this respect the nascent industrial complexes in some talukas (Idar, Himatnagar, Bayad and
Meghraj) should be nurtured for income and employment generation.
Education and Employment: Overall literacy in the district has improved considerably. In tribal
belts there are factors, real or perceived, that hinder demand for education. Students who flock for
mid-day-meals are usually indifferent to learning. Poor state and/or lack of amenities in schools –
toilets, drinking water, electricity further discourage young knowledge seekers. Indeed a policy
perspective on education is required for the groups left out, such as, small and marginal farmers
and labourers in agriculture, other unskilled labourers, and tribals so that they could enter the
mainstream job market. This would require skill formation through vocationalization of the
education system. For such groups learning, to a large extent, has to be for earning.
Gender Equality: In depth analysis is required that would probe into women’s income and
consumption, means of livelihood, and their contribution to unpaid work. Progress towards human
development would be accelerated in case steps are taken for strengthening the gender equality.
Steps that curb violence against women, such as, strengthening women’s movements and
enhancing scope of pro-women legislations are urgently needed.
Regionally differentiated Strategy: Steps outlined above, though important, need not be
spatially mapped with equal urgency. This is because the district has strong regional disparities.
Tribal talukas are able to achieve better status in basic amenities because the state has special
programmes for tribal development. Such programmes have also helped tribal talukas to improve
their human development status. Similarly, better developed non-tribal talukas have shown better
83
human development status in terms of education, basic infrastructure, and economic livelihood.
The tribal talukas and undeveloped or less developed non-tribal talukas need special attention in
development planning. In short, spatially differentiated strategies are required to push talukas of
Sabarkantha on path of human development.
In order to make human development participative, we organized several meetings. The
feedback of local officers was incorporated in the study at every stage in the report. The
attainment of human development is an ongoing process. During the process of preparing this
report, data were updated several times. However, data collection and provision is an ongoing
process. The efforts to analyse such aspects is ongoing.
84
Abbreviations
APL Above Poverty Line
AWAG Ahmedabad Women’s Action Group
BPL Below Poverty Line
CBR Crude Birth Rate
CDHO Chief District Health Officer
CDR Crude Death Rate
CMR Child Mortality Rate
DDO District Development Officer
DDP District Domestic Product
DES Directorate of Economics and Statistics
DIET District Information in Education and Training
DPO District Planning Office
DPEP District Primary Education Programme
EC Economic Census
GCA Gross Cropped Area
GIA Gross Irrigated Area
GIDC Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation
GWRDC Ground Water Resource Development Corporation
HFA Health for All
ICDS Integrated Child Development Scheme
IMR Infant Mortality Rate
MGNREGS Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
NGOs Non-Government Organizations
NCA Net Cropped Area
NIA Net Irrigated Area
NSA Net Sown Area
NSSO National Sample Survey Office
PHC Primary Health Centre
RCHP Reproductive and Child Health Project
SC Sub Centre (Health facilities)
SC Schedule Caste
SRG State Resource Group
SSA Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
ST Schedule Tribe
TE Triennium Ending
TLM Teaching Learning Material
UIP Universal Immunization Programme
UNDP United National Development Programme
VPD Vaccine Preventable Diseases
WPR Worker Participation Rate
85
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