Gujarat Social Infrastructure Development Society

General Administration Department – Planning,

Government of Gujarat,

Gandhinagar.

ii

iii

iv

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

vi

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)

x

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)

xii

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)

xiv

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.

67

(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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