Question

Read the given Passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Bharmaur tribal area comprises Bharmaur and Holi tehsils of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It has been 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 tribal region has harsh climate conditions, low resource base and fragile environment. These factors have influenced the society and Economy of the region. According to the 2011 census, the total population of Bharmaur sub-division was 39,113 i.e., 21 persons per sq km. It is one of the most (economically and socially) backward areas of Himachal Pradesh. Historically, the Gaddis have experienced geographical and political isolation and socio-economic deprivation. The economy is largely based on agriculture and allied activities such as sheep and goat rearing. The process of development of the tribal area of Bharmaur started in the 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. This plan laid the highest priority on development of transport and communications, agriculture and allied activities, and social and community services.

(1) How have the Gaddi Tribal Community maintained a distinct identity in the Himalayan region?

(2) Which factors have influenced the society and Economy of the region to remain backward?

(3) Under the Integrated Tribal Development Project, Which areas were given the highest priority?

Answer 1

(1) Gaddi tribal communities have maintained a distinct identity in the Himalayan region as they practiced transhumance and conversed through Gaddiali dialect.

(2) Bharmaur tribal region has harsh climate conditions, low resource base and fragile environment. These factors have influenced the society and Economy of the region.

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