6.4.1. Socio-economic Conditions of Bharmaur

Bharmaur tribal area comprises Bharmaur and Holi tehsils of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a notified tribal area since 21 November 1975. Bharmaur is inhabited by ‘Gaddi’, a tribal community who have maintained a distinct identity in the Himalayan region as they practiced transhumance and conversed through Gaddiali dialect.

Bharmaur is a region in Himachal Pradesh that consists of tribal areas known for their unique culture and geographical challenges. The Gaddi people, who live there, have a special lifestyle that involves moving between pastures for their livestock, a practice known as transhumance. This reflects their deep connection to the land and natural resources.

Imagine a family that moves from one home to another as the seasons change, in search of food and better weather for their crops. Just like this family, the Gaddi people shift locations with their herds depending on the season, ensuring they find the best conditions for their livelihood.

The Bharmaur region is surrounded by lofty mountains and experiences harsh climate conditions, with a low resource base and fragile environment. The total population according to the 2011 census was 39,113, which means about 21 persons per sq km.

Bharmaur is a mountainous area that faces extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall in winter, which can make life difficult for its residents. The limited resources available in the region make economic activities challenging, as the community relies on farming and animal husbandry.

Think of a farmer living on a steep hill. This farmer finds it difficult to grow crops because the soil is thin and fragile, and during winter, heavy snow covers the land, making it hard to access. Just like this farmer, the people of Bharmaur face similar hurdles due to their geographical features.

The economy is largely based on agriculture and allied activities such as sheep and goat rearing. The process of development of the tribal area started in the 1970s when Gaddis were included among ‘scheduled tribes’. Bharmaur was designated as one of the Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDP) in Himachal Pradesh.

The primary source of income for the Gaddi people comes from agriculture and livestock, particularly sheep and goats. Development efforts began in the 1970s, aiming to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the tribal communities. The Integrated Tribal Development Project was initiated to improve their living conditions by providing better infrastructure and resources.

Picture a village that relies on its community garden and grazing land for food. To help this village thrive, programs are set up to teach better farming techniques and provide access to markets. This is similar to how the ITDP aims to enhance the livelihoods of the Gaddi community by supporting their agriculture and livestock practices.

The most significant contribution of the ITDP in Bharmaur is the development of infrastructure in terms of schools, healthcare facilities, potable water, roads, communications, and electricity.

Infrastructure development plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for the people of Bharmaur. Through the ITDP, specific improvements in schools and health facilities have made education and healthcare more accessible, thereby positively impacting the community's social conditions.

Imagine a village that finally gets a road built, connecting them to nearby towns. This road allows them to easily access schools and hospitals, improving the lives of everyone in the village. Similarly, the roads and facilities developed in Bharmaur help the Gaddi people enhance their daily lives and opportunities.

The social benefits derived from ITDP include increased literacy rates, improvement in the sex ratio, and a decline in child marriage. The female literacy rate increased from 1.88% in 1971 to 65% in 2011, indicating a significant reduction in gender inequality.

The initiatives under the ITDP have led to considerable advancements in education, particularly for women, which reflects a positive shift toward gender equality. The rise in female literacy rates means that more women have the opportunity to gain education and improve their social status.

Think about a girl who, through a local program, learns to read and write and gains the confidence to pursue further education. This girl can inspire other girls in her community, demonstrating that education is key to changing societal norms and improving lives, similar to what has happened with the Gaddi women.

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