Given the nature of Social stratification in Karnataka there are several castes and tribes in the project area that are socially and economically backward as compared to the rest. Many of such castes are either categorized as scheduled castes or schedule tribes or backward tribes and classes. The Project aims at broad basing its approach such that people belonging to the socially and economically weaker sections of the society receive the benefits of the project at par with those other direct stakeholders. Hence addressing the issues concerned to tribal and vulnerable groups in project villages and comprehensive planning and implementation of Tribal Development Plans as part of ITDP’s is a crucial component of the Community Based Tank Development Project. The TDP’s shall address Socio-Economic issues associated with tribal and vulnerable population of Project villages.

OBJECTIVE

To mainstream the participation of schedule tribes, scheduled castes and vulnerable groups in the natural resource management in General and Tank System management process in specific by providing functional representation and place in TUGs.

Evolving strategies for Socio-economic transformation of ST’s, SC’s and OVGs by focusing the benefits of the project at par with other direct stakeholders, by devising appropriate Tank Based Income Generation Plans.

To promote group approach among those sections by inculcating the attitudes for self help and self- reliance

STRATEGIES AND PLANS

Strengthen off farm and non-farm occupations

• Identify educated unemployed youth for job oriented skill training programmes, trying up with DICs and NGOs, and KSCSTDC and /or KSFC.

• TUGs tank-plus activities* to be oriented for inclusion of SC/ST.

• Promote animal husbandry: sheep goats, cows and buffaloes, tie up with the Director of Animal husbandry and the District's lead lending bank. The KMF to be requested to include the tank villages in the Milk route to encourage dairying among the SC/ST.

• Implement tree patta scheme for trees grown in the tank property with landless among SC/ST as main beneficiaries.

• Formation of self-help groups, sponsored by the local NGOs and TUGs.

• Membership fee should be provided by the project for BPL members.

Promote irrigation improve dry land farming Integrate with animal husbandry and watershed development programmes

• Tie up with the department concerned for either individual of community irrigation scheme, with emphasis on drip irrigation.

• Promote TUGs to undertake, with the participation of community, in renovating the open wells belonging to the SC/ST.

• Promote mixed farming in rain fed conditions in consultation with agriculture and animal husbandry departments.

Need based agricultural extension and support services

• Facilitate exposure to improved agriculture practices, with support from the line departments and research institutes : supply of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and technical know how.

• Periodic soil testing and demonstration of techniques to make the best use of soil conditions.

• Organise special training programmes and demonstration plots with the help of KVKs and
  other line departments.

• Organise exposure trips to agricultural farms, research stations progressive farmers.

• Facilitate access to institutional credit.

• Establish linkages with the Taluk agriculture marketing network provide logistic support.

Mandatory membership for representatives of SC/ST in the TUG executive committee. Evolve appropriate water distribution system.

• Emphasize on equity for distribution of water.

• Participative determine the water-flow dimensions in the command.

• Insist on field distribution channels in place of flooding water from field to field.

Advocacy and communication of TUG norms and principles. Training in organizational development.

• Work with specific groups of SC/ST to communicate the goals, strategies and plans of
  TUG and the project.

• Ensure adequate representation for members of SC/ST in the executive committee of the TUG.

• Design and organise specific capacity building programmes among SC/ST.

Promote functional literacy extension programmes to focus on the needs of the illiterates

• Integrate with mass education and total literacy programmes.

• Extension programs which include audio-visual aids and participatory learning methods.

• Customise training programmes to meet the needs of illiterate and neo-literate SC/ST family
  members.

Promote health awareness increase access to health and sanitation facilities

• Organise health campaigns, health camps (general and referral) in association with line
  departments and local medical institutions.

• Promote nutritional gardens with the support of line departments. Distribute seed material kit and saplings.