6.4.2. ITDP Objectives

The process of development of tribal area of Bharmaur started in 1970s when Gaddis were included among ‘scheduled tribes’. Under the Fifth Five Year Plan, the tribal sub-plan was introduced in 1974 and Bharmaur was designated as one of the five Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDP) in Himachal Pradesh. This area development plan was aimed at improving the quality of life of the Gaddis and narrowing the gap in the level of development between Bharmaur and other areas of Himachal Pradesh.

The development process in Bharmaur began in the 1970s when the Gaddi community was recognized as a scheduled tribe. This recognition allowed for specific planning under the Fifth Five Year Plan, which introduced the ITDP. The goal of the ITDP was to enhance the quality of life for the Gaddis, a tribal group, by addressing both economic and social disparities with other parts of Himachal Pradesh. Essentially, it aimed to uplift this community by implementing focused development strategies.

Think of the ITDP as a school program that targets students who are falling behind in their studies. Just like the school would provide additional resources and support to help those students catch up with their peers, the ITDP provides resources and assistance to the Gaddi community to enhance their living conditions and development.

This plan laid the highest priority on development of transport and communications, agriculture and allied activities, and social and community services.

The ITDP set clear priorities to ensure effective development. It emphasized the importance of transportation and communication systems, as these are essential for connecting communities and facilitating trade and access to services. Additionally, it focused on improving agriculture and related services since the Gaddi community primarily depended on these sectors. Finally, social and community services were prioritized to ensure that the benefits of development reached everyone in the community.

Imagine building a new playground in a community. The first step would be to ensure that the road leading to the playground is safe and well-maintained (transport and communications). Next, you'd want to make sure there are fun activities and clean facilities available for everyone to enjoy (community services). Finally, integrating sports activities and educational programs within that playground would ensure growth and engagement for kids (agriculture and allied activities).

The most significant contribution of the tribal sub-plan in Bharmaur region is the development of infrastructure in terms of schools, healthcare facilities, potable water, roads, communications and electricity.

A crucial outcome of the ITDP has been the improvement of infrastructure in the Bharmaur region. The initiative has led to the establishment of schools and healthcare facilities, helping to meet the educational and health needs of the Gaddi community. Improvements in roads and communications have made it easier for community members to access services and markets. The availability of potable water and electricity has likewise transformed daily living conditions, making life more comfortable and improving overall well-being.

Consider transforming a neighborhood that lacks basic facilities. Once schools are built, kids get better education; healthcare clinics reduce illness, and clean water taps mean fewer health problems. Roads connect families to broader economic opportunities, much like how the ITDP connected the Gaddi community to vital resources. This mirrors how neighborhoods flourish when infrastructure improves.

But the villages located along the river Ravi in Holi and Khani areas are the main beneficiaries of infrastructural development. The remote villages in Tundah and Kugti areas still do not have sufficient infrastructure.

While some areas have greatly benefited from the ITDP, other villages, particularly those in Tundah and Kugti, remain underserved. These remote villages continue to face challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, highlighting ongoing disparities within the region. This situation calls for additional efforts and targeted initiatives to ensure that all areas of Bharmaur can enjoy the benefits of development.

Imagine a school district where funding is not allocated evenly. Some schools receive new computers, libraries, and athletic facilities, while others struggle with old books and no sports fields. This uneven distribution of resources resembles the situation in Bharmaur, where not every village has the same access to development, indicating a need for more equal resource distribution.

The social benefits derived from ITDP include tremendous increase in literacy rate, improvement in sex ratio and decline in child marriage.

The ITDP has resulted in notable social changes in the Bharmaur region. There has been a significant rise in literacy rates, meaning that more people, especially women, are receiving education. Improvements in the sex ratio imply better societal attitudes towards gender equality, while the decline in child marriage reflects changing cultural practices. These social advancements signal a shift towards greater equality and opportunities for all community members.

Think of how an educational initiative can transform a school district. As girls are encouraged to pursue education, their confidence grows, leading to a healthier gender ratio among graduates and fewer young marriages. This mirrors the social transformations seen in Bharmaur due to the ITDP, as education empowers communities.

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