SUMMARY
OF THE AFARM-MPSM CONSULTATION ON DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR ADIVASI AREAS IN
MAHARASHTRA (February 4, 2017)
We present the Summary in two parts:-
I Anil
Nimbhorkar, Program Manager- Networking &
Advocacy, Action for Agricultural Renewal In Maharashtra
– AFARM
presented four issues as central for rural Adivasi development:-
1.
Education
2. Livelihood
3. Women’s Development
4. Linking with Government Programmes
II Maharashtra Prabodhan Seva Mandal’s Matrix
Rural Adivasi Development
I Regarding the issues he raised Mr.Nimbhorkar
said:-
1.
EDUCATION
1.1
Education
should be linked to day to day life (‘’Vyavaharik Gnyan”)
1.2
Educational
infrastructure is lacking. Learners drop out.
1.3
Children
learn so little that education seems unnecessary.
1.4
Society
should be involved in education. Although school committees don’t function.
1.5
Teachers
neglect education but they too lack support structures.
1.6
We
may not be able to impact the Govt. system but at least at the Gram Panchayat
level we could have influence.
1.7
We
hope in the long run change will come
2. LIVELIHOOD
2.1 Livelihood of the Adivasi depends on Jal,
Jangal, Jameen (Water, Forest and Soil Resources)
2.2 Jungles are disappearing
2.3 Soil may not be able to produce enough for
population needs
2.4 Water (rain) falls in abundance in Adivasi
areas but flows away
2.5 The Public Distribution System in Adivasi
areas needs to be made efficient.
2.6 Lack of livelihood resources in Adivasi
areas causes migration
2.7 Malnutrition is linked to the disappearance
of forest
2.8 Cropping patterns must change to improve
nutrition
2.9 MNREGA can help treatment of land and water
resources for productivity
3. WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT
3.1 Health is an important concern.
3.2 Women must participate in decision making
especially in local self government structures
3.3 Women’s skills must be built on
3.4 Men’s control of women’s savings must end
4. ACCESSING GOVT. PROGRAMMES
4.1 MNREGA, Forest Rights, etc. should be
implemented
4.2 Adivasi rights must be defended
IMaharashtra Prabodhan
Seva Mandal’s expressed Strategy for Adivasi
Director
MPSM
Nashik
Feb. 13, 2017