Scheduled Caste Population in Haryana (A Study of Demographic Differentials)

By : Surya Kant

Page No: 255-280

Abstract
The paper examines inter-caste differences in demographic characteristics, such as size, growth and distribution of scheduled caste (SC) population in Haryana, analyzing and interpreting secondary data available from the Census of India. In 2011, 5.1 million SCs living in Haryana made more than total population of Norway. Although there are 37 castes of the SCs, but three of these, in combine, subsume more than three-fourths of total such population in the state. The Chamars, the largest caste with 47.5 per cent in total, was the most widely distributed, making the first ranking caste in all but one district of the state. The Balmikis, the second largest SC caste, made the second ranking SC caste in ten of 21 districts in Haryana. However, the Mazhabis, the fifth ranking SC caste, was highly concentrated in Sirsa and Fatehabad districts, making the first ranking SC caste only in Sirsa district. The SCs in Haryana were though predominantly rural by residence but quite literate, aware, awakened and majority of their workers engaged in non-farm activities. During 1971-2011, the SC population in the state grew faster than the entire state population. The high growth rate of the Meghs and the Ods, the two relatively large sized SC castes, was a cause of concern, needing priority attention of the policy makers; the Meghs, being predominantly rural, agricultural and poorly literate, restricting awareness and knowledge, needing immediate attention.

Author :
Surya Kant : Formerly Professor of Geography, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014,
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/ATNAGI.2018.38.02.6