-1-

REPORT OF A.P. COMMISSION FOR BACKWARD CLASSES

I – Introduction

A.P. Commission for backward classes in its meeting held on 22-03-2006

resolved to examine the representations of the castes pending before the
Commission which are predominantly concentrated in limited areas with less
population. Accordingly, the Commission issued a notification dated 31-03-2006
which was published in A.P. Gazette dated 13-04-2006 calling for representations,
objections and suggestions for inclusion of 36 castes / communities.

After issue of notification, public hearings were held from 15-05-2006 to

25-05-2006. Subsequently the Commission deputed a survey team, which took up
door-to-door household sample survey to assess the socio, educational, employment
and economic conditions. The survey team collected the necessary data in the format
formulated by the Commission. The said information gathered was compiled and
included in the survey report.

The Commission considered the representations submitted by the

representatives and material papers filed by them, findings of Anthropological Survey
of India, house-hold sample survey reports and personal observations of the
Commission to decide whether a particular class / caste is fit to be included in the list
of Backward Classes or not and discussed herein:
 -2-

II - CRITERIA TO IDENTIFY A BACKWARD CLASS OF CITIZENS

The commission examined and discussed the criteria to be adopted for the
purpose of determining the educational, employment and social backwardness. To
identify a particular caste as a backward class for the purpose of Articles 15 (4) and
16(4) of the constitution of India that particular caste must be both educationally
and socially backward. The Mandal commission adopted certain criteria, which was
followed by the later commissions. This commission also followed the principles laid
down by the then Anantaraman commission and Mandal commission.

This commission adopted the criteria i.e., (1) social, (2) educational, (3)
employment, (4) economic and (5) political status of each community to identify
whether a particular caste or community is a backward class of citizens or not as
discussed below.

1. Social backwardness: - For the purpose of determining social

backwardness, the commission examined the traditional occupation in
practice, self perception of the occupation, treatment of occupation by others,
social discrimination, sectoral distribution and other factors such as the place
of habitation in Kutcha / Hut, whether the facilities like telephone, electricity,
latrine, drinking water are available within their premises. Social customs such
as child marriages, widow marriages, divorce and child labour are prevalent or
in practice.

2. Educational backwardness: - With regard to educational backwardness

the literacy rate when compared to the state literacy level, percentage of
matriculation passed, percentage of school dropouts etc. were taken into
account.
 -3-

3. Employment backwardness: - It is considered as employment

backwardness, if the representation in employment of the community people
surveyed is less than or equal to 1% in the Govt. services, if the
representation in employment of the community people is less than or equal
to 2% in the private sector, if the female work force of the community is 50%
or above engaged in economic activity, if percentage of total workers of the
community who are engaged in agricultural labour and non-agricultural labour
is equal or above the state total workers.

4. Economic Status: - With regard to economic status, the commission

considered if the majority of rural community is below the poverty line i.e.,
Rs.18000/- P.A. or the majority of urban community is below the poverty line
i.e., Rs.24000/- P.A. or the majority of the rural community is below per capita
income of Rs.3750/- or the majority of the urban community is below the per
capita income of Rs.5000/-.

5. Political Status: - To determine the political status of the community if no

ward member of their caste is elected in the areas where the households are
surveyed, weightage points are given.

The commission adopted the principles laid down in Mandal case and the data
available with the commission are considered caste wise. The commission followed
the principles enunciated in several decisions of the Apex court to arrive at the right
conclusion.
 -4-

III - METHODOLOGY FOLLOWED BY THE COMMISSION

There were representations pending for inclusion from several castes and

communities by the time the commission was reconstituted. The commission in its

meeting held on 22-03-2006 resolved to examine certain castes, which are

predominantly concentrated in limited areas with less population. A notification was

issued on 31-03-2006, which was published in A.P. Gazette on 13-04-2006 calling

for representations, objections and suggestions. Subsequently public hearings were

conducted from 15-05-2006 to 25-05-2006 and after public hearings; the commission

personally visited the places where those people are residing to assess their living

conditions. The commission also deputed a survey team and they conducted door-to-

door household sample survey and the results of data collected by them were

furnished to the commission. The commission took into consideration the oral and

written representations, material papers filed by them, findings of anthropological

survey of India, A.P. series, sample survey reports and personal observations of the

commission to decide whether a particular caste or class is fit to be included in the

list of backward classes or not. The commission examined all the material available

on record and took a decision in its meeting held on 29-01-2007.

 -5-

IV – CASTE WISE REPORT

1 – ARAVA

Sri [Link] Rao, District Convener of ‘Arava’ Community Association,

Poosarlapadu Village of Srikakulam District, submitted a memorandum praying for
inclusion of Arava community in the list of Backward Classes on the ground that the
said community is socially, educationally and economically backward in the state of
Andhra Pradesh. It was contended that the population of this community is about
five thousand and they live mainly in Srikakulam District. They are unskilled
agricultural labourers living below poverty line. There is a custom of divorce by
mutual consent and remarriages of widows and divorced spouses. The education
and employment in the Government services is very low. In the year 1987, as per
the directions of the State Government, the then District Collector, Sri Chellappa
conducted comprehensive enquiries together with detailed survey and submitted his
report. Others also sent similar representations directly and through the
Government to this Commission.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh in [Link].33, Backward Classes

Welfare (M1) Department, Dated 25-2-1995 requested the A.P. Commission for
Backward Classes to submit an interim report in respect of Arava caste/community
among others. In pursuance of the Government reference, the Commission issued a
notification calling for representations, objections and suggestions and subsequently
held public hearings. Accordingly an interim report was submitted to the Government
on 27-7-1996, recommending to recognize Arava Caste as backward class for
purpose of Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution and all other benefits flowing
thereto. The then Commission observed that Arava caste is a small and neglected
section of Srikakulam District mainly confined to 4 revenue mandals. The information
furnished by the Mandal Revenue Officers of Gara, Sarbujjili, Narasannapet and
Srikakulam revealed that the population of Arava Caste people as on 1-1-1996 was
3,534. However the earlier body of the commission could not submit its final report
before end of their term.
 -6-

The body of the commission was reconstituted during November 2004 and a
fresh notification dated 31-03-2006 was issued calling for representations, objections
and suggestions. The Arava community people made similar representations. The
commission held public hearings from 15-05-2006 to 25-05-2006. Sri Justice [Link].
Surya Rao appeared before the commission and represented that the caste people
are socially, educationally and economically backward and pleaded that Arava caste
is a sub-division of one of the local castes and that the customs prevailing in the
community, rituals being performed in marriages and other functions are all akin to
the customs and rituals prevailing in Kapu community in the district and therefore
the caste is a sub-division of Kapu caste. In support of his statement, he placed
reliance upon a passage in the book entitled “Castes and Tribes of Southern India”
written by Edgar Thurston and [Link]. He further pleaded that there has been
no history of the caste people speaking Tamil language at any time and the caste is
known in the district as Arava Kapu and requested for inclusion of the caste in the
list of backward classes on the ground that when Kapu caste in the district is
backward caste, there is no reason as to why Arava Kapu is not backward caste.

The commission formulated a format to collect necessary information and

statistical data and deputed a survey team and the survey results are as follows.

Survey Results

A. Introduction:

The survey staff of the Commission conducted Local enquiries and Investigations
including door-to-door household sample survey during January ’07 in Srikakulam district.
The household sample Survey covered 52 Households of this community. The traditional
occupation of this community is agriculture and manual labour.

B. Social Status:

All the 52 Households comprising 192 persons are living in rural area only
with house hold size 3.69. The sex ratio is 100 per 100; whereas the same for
children upto 14 years of age are 109 per 100.
 -7-

Results on Traditional Occupation (T.O.)

Item Remarks No of Percentage

Households
a) Traditional occupation in Yes 27 51.9
practice No 25 48.1
b) Personal perception on Superior 0 0
Traditional Occupation Inferior 24 46.2
Normal 28 53.8
c) T.O treated by others Superior 0 0
Inferior 38 73.1
Normal 14 26.9
d) Social discrimination Yes 24 46.2
No 1 1.9
Normal 27 51.9

About 52% of households are still depending on Traditional occupation i.e.,

Agricultural labour and manual labour for their livelihood. Both men and women
equally do the agricultural labour and manual labour for their livelihood. The
Traditional occupation of their community is felt as inferior by 46% of households
and 73% of households reported that they are treated as inferior by others. About
46% of households are Socially discriminated in their locality.

C. Educational Status:

a) Educational level completed: (7 years & above)

[Link]. Class Passed [Link] Percentage over

Literates Population Literates
1 Below 5th 16 9.5 26.2
2 5th class 15 9.0 24.6
3 7th class 20 12.0 32.8
4 10th class 7 4.2 11.5
5 Inter 2 1.2 3.3
6 Degree 1 0.6 1.6
7 Prof & Tech 0 0.0 0.0
8 Post Gr 0 0.0 0.0
All 61 36.5 100.0

It is noticed that only 34.7% or 35% of persons passed upto matriculation,

whereas the post matriculation passed is only 1.8% over population.
 -8-

b) Literates by Age group (7 years and above):

Sl. Age Population Total Percentage Drop Percent of

No. Group Literates of Literates outs dropouts
Among Over From Over Over
Age Total Edn Persons Literates
Group Pop.
1 7-14 44 37 84.1 22.1 22 50.0 59.6
2 15-24 24 15 62.5 9.0 10 41.7 66.7
3 25-39 40 7 17.5 4.2 7 17.5 100.0
4 40-59 41 2 4.9 1.2 2 4.9 100.0
5 60+ 18 0 0.0 0.0 0 0.0 0.0
All 167 61 -- 36.5 41 24.6 67.2

It is noticed from the above table that out of 167 persons in the age group of
7 years and above, only 61 are literates (i.e., 36.5%) but there is only one person
passed Graduation and two persons passed Inter only. In addition to this the
dropouts from education is 24.6% over population or 67.2% over literates.

c) Literates (7 years and above)

Sl. Description Male Female Total

No
1 Literates No 35 26 61
% (43.2) (30.2) (36.5)
2 Illiterates No 46 60 106
% (56.8) (69.8) (63.5)

Literacy rate at 36.5% whereas the State literacy rate is 60.5% as per the
2001 census. The literacy rate of this community is also below the SC & ST literacy
rate. Further more, the women literacy rate is far less than the men literacy rate in
the community in the caste.
d) Drop-outs from School/College studies with reasons (All-ages)

[Link]. Reason for No. of Dropout Percentage.

Dropouts Persons Rate Over pop.
1 Failed 2 4.3 1.0
2 Education not required 23 48.9 11.2
3 Marriage 1 2.1 0.5
4 To work 1 2.1 0.5
5 Poverty 18 38.3 9.4
6 Health & others 2 4.3 1.0
All 47 100.0 23.6
 -9-

The drop out rate among age group of 7 years and above is 67.2% whereas
the dropout over population is at 23.6%. The higher drop out rate 87.2 is noticed
with reason such as Education not required and Poverty.

D. Employment Status:

The entire surveyed population of Arava community basing on their economic

activity is divided into Working group and Non Working group. The Working group of
people is consisting of Daily wage earners, Self-employed, Regular salaried and part-
time workers. So also the Non-Working group of people consisting of children,
students, aged, retired, ill health, unemployed, housewives, and households.

a) Working and Non-Working groups of people by sex are as follows.

Workers Non-Workers
Male Female Total Male Female Total
Number 55 42 97 41 54 95
Percentage 57.3 43.8 50.5 42.7 56.2 49.5
Over total

It is noticed that the Male workers constitute 57.3 whereas Female is 43.8 as
against the total working percentage of 50.5, against the State averages 56.2, 35.1
and 45.8 respectively.
 - 10 -

b). Statement showing Economic activity among working people.

[Link] Economic activity Sex Number Percent to

Percent to
Total [Link]-
Population
1 Daily wage in Agri. Male 49 51.0 89.1
Female 41 42.7 97.6
Total 90 46.9 92.8
2 Daily wage in Non Agri. Male 5 5.2 9.1
Female 1 1.0 2.4
Total 6 3.1 6.2
3 Self employed in Agri Male 0 0 0
Female 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0
4 Self employed in Non-Agri Male 0 0 0
Female 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0
5 Regular salaried in Govt Male 0 0 0
Female 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0
6 Regular salaried in Pvt. Male 1 1.0 1.8
Female 0 0.0 0.0
Total 1 0.5 1.0
7 Part time workers Male 0 0 0
Female 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0
Grand Total 97 50.5 100.0

About 93% of working people out of work force are engaged as Agricultural
labour which is Seasonal and less remunerative. It is also noticed that there is no
person employed in Government service.
 - 11 -

E. Economic status:

[Link]
Description Percentage over hhs.
Households

a) Possessing Agrl. Land 6 11.5

b) Type of House (residing)
i) Pucca 8 15.4
ii) Semi pucca 1 1.9
iii) Kutcha/Huts 43 82.7
c) Having Ration cards:
i) White 52 100.0
ii) Pink 0 0.0
iii) No card 0 0.0
d) Facilities/Amenities:
i) Phone – Having connected 4 7.7
Not having Phone 48 92.3
ii) Drinking water in the – Yes 0 0
Premises of households No 52 100.0
iii) Electricity connection Yes 30 57.7
No 22 42.3
iv) Toilet within the premises Yes 3 5.8
No 49 94.2
v) Per capita income = ……..Per Annum Rs.3091/-
vi) Avg. Land holding = …….. acres. 0.4 acres

About 83% of households live in huts with 100% white Ration Cards, 42%
without electricity and 94% without latrine facility. The average household land
holding is 0.4 acres. Therefore the Percapita income of this community is Rs. 3091
whereas the State average is Rs. 25,695.

According to Edgar Thurston in his monumental treatise “Castes and Tribes of

Sourthern India “ on Arava caste reads thus:

“ Arava signifying Tamil, has been recorded as a sub-division of some Telugu

classes, eg., Golla and Velama. The name, however, refers to Tamil Idaiyans and
Vellalas, who have settled in the Telugu country and are known respectively as Arava
Golla and Arava Velama. In some places in the Telugu country, Tamil Paraiyans,
employed as servants under Europeans, horse keepers, etc., are known as Arava
Malalu (Malas). The Irulas of the North Arcot district are, in like manner, sometimes
 - 12 -

called Arava Yanadis. Arava also occurs as a division of Tigalas, said to be a section
of the Tamil Pallis, who have settled in Mysore. An ingenious suggestion has been
made that Arava is derived from “ara” half, “vayi” mouthed, in reference to the
defective Tamil alphabet, or to the termination of the words being mostly in
consonants.”

The Commission toured Srikakulam district from 17-01-2007 to 23-01-2007

and personally visited Pusarlapadu and Ambalavalasa villages of Gara Mandal and
Mulasavalapuram and Turakapeta of Sarubujjili Mandal to assess the living conditions
of the people and found most of the Arava caste people are living in highly insanitary
conditions, virtually isolated, living in close proximity of Scheduled Castes of the
village and are not treated with respect by the higher castes. Our local
investigation revealed that most of them are living in thatched houses and a few of
them are living in semi pucca houses with no basic sanitary facilities and by custom,
usagae and rituals they are close to local Kapus. In fact, during the course of our
local investigation, most of the caste people claimed that they are Kapus and
although they are a sub-division of Kapu caste, they kept their identity as Arava and
that there are alliances in between Kapu and Arava caste people. The commission
from its local investigation is convinced that there is truth in the claim of the caste
people that they are Arava Kapus and having been divided from the Kapu caste, they
are keeping their identity as Arava and that there had been no history of any
connection of this caste with Tamils or speaking Tamil language by the caste people
at any time. The local investigation revealed that Arava caste is not adequately
represented in the services of the State of Andhra Pradesh except one person is
practicing as an Advocate and another person elevated to the High Court and
working as Judge.

During personal visit of the commission and the survey results would reveal
that about 52% of the households are depending on traditional occupation and about
46% of their community felt as inferior and 73% treated as inferior by others. The
literacy rate of the community is also lower. The school dropout is also on higher
side. The employee status is also on the lower side; about 93% are engaged as
 - 13 -

agricultural labourers. About 83% of the households are living in huts and most of
them do not have the basic amenities such as water, electricity and lavatory facilities
in their premises.

The average Per capita income of the community is at Rs. 3091/- whereas the
state average is Rs. 25695/-. There is no person in Government service as per the
survey conducted by this office survey team. Thus there is no representation in Govt.
service. They are socially segregated and living separately. Arava community people
are residing in Srikakulam District only and their estimated population as claimed by
them is about 5,000,but according to Multipurpose Household Survey in the year
2000 is about 1145.

The representation of Sri Kantha Rao and Sri Justice [Link] Rao and our
local investigation and personal inspection revealed that the mother tongue of this
caste is Telugu and the caste is exclusively found in Srikakulam district and is a sub-
division of one of the Telugu classes, namely Kapu in the district. Although they
claim that they belong to Arava Kapu caste and our survey reveals the same, since in
the records the name of the caste is shown as Arava, without suffix of Kapu we have
adopted the name of the caste as such.

The commission after considering their oral and written representations and
other material collected together with statistical report and due regard to the
principle / criteria laid down by the Supreme Court in Mandal Case, we come to the
conclusion that Arava caste people are socially, educationally and economically
backward for the purpose of Articles 15 (4) & 16 (4) of the constitution of India and
fit to be included in the list of backward classes under Group-D at S. No. 36,
confining the area of operation to Srikakulam District only.
 - 14 -

2 – AYYARAKA

Sri D. Vaikunta Rao Naidu, President, Ayyaraka Sankshema Sangham,

Parvathipuram, submitted a memorandum contending that the community
“Ayyaraka” is prevalent in the erstwhile Srikakulam District and mostly concentrated
in Parvathipuram Revenue Division in about 30 villages. Primarily they are
agriculturists and agricultural labourers and their main occupation, customs and
traditions are analogous to all other recognized backward communities in the State.
Their occupation is agriculture and they have custom of divorce and re-marriage,
widow marriages are recognized since ancient times. He also represented before the
Commission that their caste is included in the Central List of Other Backward Classes
(OBCs) at [Link]. 95.

Sri [Link] Patrudu, State President, Ayyaraka Sankshema Sangham,

represented that the people of Ayyaraka community are found in Srikakulam,
Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur,
Warangal and Khammam districts. The total population is about 5 to 6 lakhs. The
people of Ayyaraka are small ryots, agricultural coolies and labourers on daily wages.
Some of them work as mechanics and drivers of motor vehicles and Auto Drivers. In
some parts, they are called Pathrulu and in some parts they are called as Naidus and
in hill areas they are called Doras. The males and females of this community smoke
cigar and the females do not wear jackets and they wear sarees in a peculiar way.
Widow re-marriages are also observed. Most of them are illiterates and the literacy
rate is very poor.

Sri Malina Suryaprakasa Rao, President, Ayyaraka Sankshema Sangham,

Visakhapatnam region gave a representation contending the above facts. The
Government in its Lr. 5363/C2/2001, dated 12-4-2005 forwarded the request of Sri
Mangapathi Rao, M.L.A., Uttarapalli Constituency, Visakhapatnam district along with
the representation of the President, Ayyaraka Sankshema Sangham with a request to
include Ayyakara community in the list of Backward classes.
 - 15 -

When the commission was reconstituted a fresh notification dated 31-03-2006

was issued calling for representations, objections and suggestions and they
submitted similar representations. Subsequently public hearing was held on 15-05-
2006. Sri P.S.R Patrudu, President of Ayyakara Sankshema Sangham, L. Pentaiah
Patrudu, and M. Surya Prakash, P. Nukaraju, Secretary of the Association and others
appeared before the commission and represented the above facts and pleaded for
inclusion of the above caste in the list of Backward Classes.

The survey team deputed by the Commission, conducted the sample survey
and the survey results are as follows:

Survey Results

A. Introduction:

The survey staff of the Commission conducted Local enquiries and

Investigations including door-to-door household sample survey during March 07 &
August 07 in Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts. The sample
household Survey covered 133 Households of this community. The traditional
occupation of this community is Agriculture and Coolie.

B. Social Status:

All the 133 Households comprising 505 persons are living in Rural 93% &
Urban 7% areas respectively, with household size 3.8. The sex ratio is 94 per 100
whereas the same for children upto 14 years are 89 per 100.
 - 16 -

Results on Traditional Occupation (T.O.)

Item Remarks No of Percentage

Households
a) Traditional occupation in Yes 37 27.8
practice No 96 72.2
b) Self perception on Superior 0 0.0
traditional Occupation Inferior 55 41.4
Normal 78 58.6
c) T.O treated by others Superior 0 0.0
Inferior 74 55.6
Normal 59 44.4
d) Social discrimination Yes 54 40.6
No 1 0.8
Normal 78 58.6

About 28% of households of AYYARAKA community are engaged in

Agriculture and Coolie activity as their traditional occupation. Basing on the
traditional occupation, about 41% of the households of the community feel their
occupation as inferior, at the same time as reported about 56% household treated as
inferior by others. About 41% of the households of this community have reported
that they are socially discriminated in their locality.

C. Educational Status:

a) Literates (7 years and above):

Sl. Description Male Female Total

No
1 Literates No 133 85 218
% 56.8 38.1 47.7
2 Illiterates No 101 138 239
% 43.2 61.9 52.3

The literacy rate of male is 56.8, female 38.1 and total 47.7 as against the
state literacy rate 70.32, 50.43 and 60.47 respectively.
 - 17 -

b) Educational level completed: (7 years & above)

[Link]. Class Passed [Link] Percentage over

persons/ Population Literates
Literates
1 Below 5th 87 19.0 39.9
2 5th class 55 12.0 25.2
3 7th class 54 11.8 24.8
4 10th class 13 2.8 5.9
5 Inter 4 0.9 1.8
6 Degree 5 1.1 2.3
7 [Link]. 0 0.0 0.0
8 [Link]. 0 0.0 0.0
All Classes 218 47.7 100.0

Among the literates of the community upto 10th class passed persons
constitute about 96% and the only 4% balance is Inter and above passed.

c) Literates and dropouts (7 years and above):

Sl. Age Population Total Percentage Drop outs Percent of

No. Group Literates of Literates dropouts
Among Over From Over Over
Age Total education Persons Literates
Group Pop.
1 7-14 88 81 92.0 17.7 29 33.0 35.8
2 15-24 113 78 69.0 17.1 68 60.2 87.2
3 25-39 120 38 31.7 8.3 37 30.8 97.4
4 40-59 110 20 18.2 4.4 19 17.3 95.0
5 60+ 26 1 3.8 0.2 1 3.8 100.0
All 505 218 47.7 154 33.7 70.6

The dropouts over total persons are 33.7% and over the literates 70.6%. The
literacy rate of age group of 7-14 years is 92%, that means 8% never attended the
schools. Within the same age group about 36% are dropped out of the school
enrolment. So also the literacy rate of age group 15-24 years is 69%, that means
31% never enrolled in educational institutions, within the same age group about
87% are dropped out of the school/ college like wise as the age group advancing,
the dropped out also increasing. The literacy rate of this community is already very
 - 18 -

low and the dropouts among the literates are very high. This is the state of
educational backwardness of this community.

d) Drop-outs from School/College studies with reasons (All-ages)

[Link]. Reason for No. of Dropout Percentage.

Dropouts Persons Rate Over pop.
1 Failed 11 6.8 2.2
2 Education not 31 19.0 6.1
required
3 Marriage 10 6.1 2.0
4 To work 5 3.1 1.0
5 Poverty 103 63.2 20.4
6 Health & others 3 1.8 0.6
All 163 100 32.3

The overall percentage of dropout of the community is 32%. Among the rate
of dropout with reason, 63% due to poverty followed by 19% education not
required.

D. Employment Status:

The entire surveyed population of AYYARAKA community basing on their

economic activity is divided into Working group and Non Working group. The Working
group of people is consisting of Daily wage earners, Self-employed, Regular salaried
and part-time workers. So also the Non-Working group of people consisting of
children, students, aged, retired, ill health, unemployed, housewives, and households.

a) Working and Non-Working groups of people by sex is as follows.

Workers Non-Workers
Male Female Total Male Female Total
Number 156 128 284 104 117 221
Percentage 60.0 52.2 56.2 40.0 47.8 43.8
Over total
 - 19 -

It is noticed that the Male workers constitute 60.0%, Female 52.2% and the
total workers 56.2% as against the state work participation rates 56.23, 35.11 and
45.8 respectively. The work participation rates are higher as the work force is mostly
engaged on daily wages in agriculture and non- agriculture activities i.e., about 80%.

c) Statement showing Economic activity among working people.

[Link] Economic activity Sex Number Percent to

Percent to
Total [Link]-
Population
1 Daily wage in Agriculture. Male 90 34.6 57.7
Female 70 28.6 54.7
Total 160 31.7 56.3
2 Daily wage in Non Male 46 17.7 29.5
Agriculture. Female 20 8.1 15.6
Total 66 13.0 23.2
3 Self employed in Male 0 0.0 0.0
Agriculture Female 1 0.4 0.8
Total 1 0.2 0.4
4 Self employed in Non- Male 17 6.5 10.9
Agriculture Female 7 2.9 5.5
Total 24 4.8 8.5
5 Regular salaried in Govt Male 0 0.0 0.0
Female 0 0.0 0.0
Total 0 0.0 0.0
6 Regular salaried in Pvt. Male 3 1.2 1.9
Female 3 1.2 2.3
Total 6 1.2 2.1
7 Part time workers Male 0 0.0 0.0
Female 27 11.0 21.1
Total 27 5.3 9.5
Grand Total 284 56.2 100.0

From the above table it is found that, the work force of the Community is
engaged mostly as daily wage in Agriculture and Non-Agriculture upto to 44.7% out
of the total work force of 56.2%. There is no Government Employee found as per the
survey.
 - 20 -

E. Economic status:

[Link]
Description Percentage over hhs.
Households

a) Possessing Agrl. Land 31 23.3

b) Type of House (residing)
i) Pucca 2 1.5
ii) Semi pucca 14 10.5
iii) Kutcha/Huts 117 88.0
c) Having Ration cards:
i) White 132 99.2
ii) Pink 1 0.8
iii) No card 0 0.0
d) Facilities/Amenities:
i) Phone – Having connected 1 0.8
Not having Phone 132 99.2
ii) Drinking water in the – Yes 7 5.3
Premises of households No 126 94.7
iii) Electricity connection Yes 72 54.1
No 61 45.9
iv) Toilet within the premises Yes 7 5.3
No 126 94.7
v) Percapita income = ……..Per Annum Rs. 3,523/-
vi) Avg. Land holding = …….. acres. 0.14 acres.

Though 93% of the households of the community are residing in rural area,
only 23.3% of households reported possessing small agriculture lands. The average
household land holding is at 0.14 acres. About 88% of households live in kutcha huts
/ houses with 99% of households possessing white ration cards. About 99%
households are not having telephone or cell phone connection. 95% of households
are not having drinking water, 46% of households are not having electricity
connection, and 95% of households are not having latrine facility within their
premises. Per capita income of this community is Rs.3,532/- against the state
average of Rs.25, 695/-.
 - 21 -

The District Collector, Vizianagaram submitted a report, which was received by

the commission on 04-04-1996 with regard to the genealogy, history and living
conditions of “Ayyaraka” caste in Vizianagaram district. The report submitted by the
Collector revealed that “Ayyaraka” caste people are living from times immemorial and
there is no history of migration from other places. They used to live together in one
group in the entire habitation without giving any scope to any other caste to be with
them. He has stated that their forefathers used to work as servants with the Royal
families and their prevalence has been prominent while a small Royal Province
existed. Their forefathers worked as servants in Vizianagaram State and they got
the titles from Maharaja of Vizianagaram as “Patrudu” which they claim to their
loyalty, sincerity and obedience towards the Royal families. Some people are
depending on agriculture and a majority of them are agricultural labourers and
firewood sellers. There are no sub castes among them and they do not admit any
other agricultural family or labourers to mingle with them.

An extract from page 19 of Volume I of “Castes and Tribes of Southern India”

by Edgar Thurston and K. Rangachary is as follows:

“In the Madras Census Report, 1901, Ayarakam is summed up as being a

caste of Telugu cultivators, who, in their social and religious observances, closely
follow the Kapus and Balijas. Their forefathers were soldiers in the Vizianagaram
Army and rendered great services to the Rajas. The principal occupation of the
Ayyaraka is by cultivation and in some parts many of them are cart drivers, plying
between the plains of Visakhapatnam and the agency tracts. The usual title of
members of the caste is Pathrudu”.
 - 22 -

On their representation Sri N. K Muralidhar Rao recommended for inclusion of

this caste in the list of backward classes and accordingly the Government of Andhra
Pradesh issued [Link] No. 166, social welfare (P) Department, dated 15-07-1986.
The said G.O. was challenged in the High Court and as per the judgment of the High
Court the said G.O. was not implemented. Subsequently on their representation the
Government recognized Ayyaraka caste as Backward caste and included in the list of
backward classes and issued [Link]. 30, Backward Classes Welfare (P2) Department
dated 25-08-1994. The said G.O. was also challenged in the High Court and it was
struck down as the Government issued the G.O. without the recommendation from
the Backward Classes Commission. Subsequently, the National Commission for
Backward Classes recognized this caste as backward class and included in the list of
Other Backward Classes at [Link]. 95.

The commission personally visited Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and

Visakhapatnam districts to assess the living conditions of the people. This caste
people were subdued by Koppula Velama caste because many of the Ayyaraka caste
people were working as agricultural labourers under Koppula Velama caste people
since they are socially backward and they are living as servants under one or the
other. 20% of the people are having small land holdings and others eke out their
livelihood by working as agricultural labourers. Their economic condition is very
poor. They are economically backward.

The traditional occupation of the community is agricultural labour and manual

labour. Most of them live separately as they are isolated. They are living in thatched
houses with no basic sanitary facilities such as water, electricity and lavatory. The
literacy percentage is very less and there are many school dropouts. They do not
give importance for women’s education. They are educationally poor. Out of the
households surveyed there is no one working in Government services. Thus there is
no representation in Government service.
 - 23 -

There is a practice of divorce and remarriage among the women in this

community. The social status of this community is very low and they are regarded
socially backward. For the above said reasons, we hold “Ayyaraka” caste or
community people are socially, educationally, economically and politically backward
and fit to be included in the list of backward classes.

Taking into consideration of the relevant facts and the criteria laid down by
this Commission and the Survey report, we hold that “AYYARAKA” caste or
community is socially and educationally backward for the purpose of Articles 15 (4) &
16 (4) of the constitution of India and fit to be included in the list of backward
classes and accordingly we recommend to the Government to include the said caste
in the list of backward classes under Group – D at S. No. 37. Since our local
enquiries revealed that this caste people are living in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram,
Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Khammam and
Warangal Districts, the area of operation shall be confined to those districts only.
 - 24 -

3 – KURAKULA

Sri Kota Pedaramulu and Jami Appalaswamy, Presidents of Srikakulam and

Vizianagaram Districts Kurakula Sangham have submitted their representations on
31-3-1994 to the Chairman, A.P. Commission for Backward Classes, requesting to
include ‘Kurakula’ community in the list of backward classes under Group - A. It was
represented that the people mainly live in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts.
They mainly cultivate the vegetables and their women work as maidservants. The
total population is around 2 lakhs and a small percentage also live in Visakhapatnam
district. They live in the border area of Orissa State, most of them live in villages
separately as if they are outcaste and treated as second-class citizens. They live in
huts and mud houses and their living conditions are unhygienic. Their literacy rate is
very low and they are not represented in any employment except few persons as
Class IV employees. The vegetables produced used to be sold in the villages by the
ladies. The living standard is far below the poverty line. They worship Village
Goddess and perform festivals and animal sacrifice used to be there. They consume
local liquor during the festivals. Child marriages are there and widow marriages are
allowed. They are socially, educationally backward and hence Muralidhar Rao
Commission recommended to include this caste but it was not implemented.

After the commission was reconstituted the commission issued a notification

dated 31-03-2006 which was published in A.P. Gazette on 13-04-2006 calling for
representations, objections and suggestions for inclusion of Kurakula caste in the list
of backward classes. The caste representatives submitted their representations and
subsequently public hearing was held on 15-05-2006. Sri Kota Peda Ramulu,
President, Uttara Andhra Kurakula Sangham, appeared before the Commission and
represented that Kurakula caste people are socially and educationally backward and
brought to the notice of all the above facts and pleaded for inclusion. He also filed
certain photos depicting the living conditions and the profession of their caste
people. Smt. K. Krishnamma, Sri B.V. Kalyana Prasad, Secretary, Sri K. Krishna Rao,
Vice-president of Kurakula Association appeared before the commission and pleaded
for the inclusion of the said caste.
 - 25 -

The Commission deputed a survey team and they conducted household

sample survey to study the living conditions of the people. The statistical data
collected by the survey team is as follows:

Survey Results

A. Introduction:

The survey staff of the Commission conducted Local enquiries and

Investigations including door-to-door household sample survey during the months of
January 2007 and March 2007 in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts. The sample
household Survey covered 92 Households of this community. The traditional
occupation of this community is growing/ sale of green leaves and vegetables.

B. Social Status:

All the 92 Households comprising 347 persons are living in Rural 70.7% and
Urban 29.3% with household size 3.77 or 4 persons. The sex ratio of the community
is 95 female per 100 male; the same for age upto 14 years is 94.

Results on Traditional Occupation (T.O.)

Item Remarks No of Percentage

Households
a) Traditional occupation in Yes 28 30.43
practice No 64 69.57
b) Self perception of the Superior 0 0.0
caste people on Inferior 43 46.74
Traditional Occupation Normal 49 53.26
c) T.O treated by others Superior 0 0.0
Inferior 54 58.70
Normal 38 41.30
d) Social discrimination Yes 41 44.57
No 0 0.0
Normal 51 55.43

About 30.43% of households are engaged in their traditional occupation i.e.,

growing/ sale of green leaves/ vegetables. About 46.74% of households feeling their
 - 26 -

occupation as inferior, about 58.70% of households treated inferior by others and

about 44.57% of households have reported that they are being socially discriminated
in their locality.

C. Educational Status:

a) Sex wise literates and illiterates (7 years & above)

Sl. Description Male Female Total

No
1 Literates No 60 23 83
% 37.74 15.33 26.86
2 Illiterates No 99 127 226
% 62.26 84.67 73.14

The male literates are 37.74, female 15.33 and total 26.86% as against the
state literacy rate i.e., 70.32, 50.43 and 60.47 respectively. The literacy of this
community is far below the state average literacy and the female literacy is still far
below the state female literacy.

b) Educational level completed (7 years & above)

[Link]. Class Passed [Link] Percentage over

persons Population literates
1 Below 5th 23 7.44 27.71
2 5th class 34 11.00 40.96
3 7th class 16 5.18 19.28
4 10th class 9 2.91 10.84
5 Inter 1 0.32 1.20
6 Degree 0 0.0 0.0
7 [Link]. 0 0.0 0.0
8. [Link]. 0 0.0 0.0
All Classes 83 26.86 100.00

In the total literacy (26.86%) of the community, the literates who passed 10th
class and below is 26.53%. It reveals that there is almost no post matriculation
passed person in this community.
 - 27 -

c) Literates and dropouts (7 years and above)

Sl. Age Population Total Percentage Drop Percent of

No. Group Literates of Literates outs dropouts
Among Over Over Over
Age Total Persons Literates
Group Pop.
1 7-14 61 37 60.7 12.0 21 34.4 56.8
2 15-24 71 29 40.8 9.4 27 38.0 93.1
3 25-39 76 11 14.5 3.6 10 13.2 90.9
4 40-59 81 6 7.4 1.9 6 7.4 100.0
5 60+ 20 0 0.0 0.0 0 0.0 0.0
All 309 83 26.9 64 20.7 77.1

In addition to the low level of literacy, the dropouts of this community are
20.7% over total persons or 77.1% over total literates. Among the children of age
group 7 – 14 Years, only 60.7% are literates or 39.3% never attended schools. The
dropouts over literates of the community are observed increasing as age group
increasing.

d) Drop-outs from School/College studies with reasons (All-ages)

[Link]. Reason for Dropouts No. of Dropout Percentage.

Persons Rate over pop.
1 Failed 8 12.5 2.3
2 Education not required 15 23.4 4.3
3 Marriage 1 1.6 0.3
4 To work 1 1.6 0.3
5 Poverty 39 60.9 0.3
6 Health & others not req. 0 0.0 00
All 64 100.00

Among the dropouts about 61% are dropped out of education due to poverty
as reason. Followed by education not required 23.4% and failed 12.5%.
 - 28 -

D. Employment Status:

The entire surveyed population of Kurakula community basing on their economic

activity is divided into Working group and Non Working group. The Working group of
people is consisting of Daily wage earners, Self-employed, Regular salaried and part-
time workers. So also the Non-Working group of people consisting of children, students,
aged, retired, ill health, unemployed, housewives, and households.

a) Working and Non-Working groups of people by sex are as follows.

Workers Non-Workers
Male Female Total Male Female Total
Number 115 89 204 63 80 143
Percentage 64.61 52.66 58.79 35.39 47.34 41.21
Over total

It is noticed that the Male workers constitute 64.61, Female 52.66 and the
total workers 58.79 as against the state work participation rats 56.23, 35.11, 45.80
respectively. The work participation rate of the community is shown above the state
work participation, this may be on account of engaged in daily wage activity. Among
total female about 53% are in work force.
 - 29 -

b). Statement showing Economic activity among working people.

[Link] Economic activity Sex Number Percent to Percent to

Total pop. Workers-
population
1 Daily wage in Agri. Male 70 39.33 60.87
Female 55 32.54 61.79
Total 125 36.02 61.27
2 Daily wage in Non Agri. Male 24 13.48 20.87
Female 8 4.73 8.99
Total 32 9.22 15.69
3 Self employed in Agri Male 16 8.99 13.91
Female 3 1.78 3.37
Total 19 5.48 9.31
4 Self employed in Non-Agri Male 5 2.81 4.35
Female 3 1.78 3.37
Total 8 2.31 3.92
5 Regular salaried in Govt Male 0 0.0 0.0
Female 0 0.0 0.0
Total 0 0.0 0.0
6 Regular salaried in Pvt. Male 0 0.0 0.0
Female 0 0.0 0.0
Total 0 0.0 0.0
7 Part time workers Male 0 0.0 0.0
Female 20 11.83 22.47
Total 20 5.76 9.80
Grand Total 204 58.79 100.00

Among the total working persons who engaged in different economic

activities, the daily wage in agri is about above 61.27% followed by daily wage in
non-agri activities 15.69%. From the above table it is noticed that there is no regular
salaried employee either in Govt. or private sector.
 - 30 -

E. Economic status:

[Link]
Description Percentage over hhs.
Households

a) Possessing Agrl. Land 22 23.91

b) Type of House (residing)
i) Pucca 4 4.35
ii) Semi pucca 6 6.52
iii) Kutcha/Huts 82 89.13
c) Having Ration cards:
i) White 92 100.0
ii) Pink 0 0.0
iii) No card 0 0.0
d) Facilities/Amenities:
i) Phone – Having connected 0 0.0
Not having Phone 92 100.0
ii) Drinking water in the – Yes 1 1.09
premises of households No 91 98.91
iii) Electricity connection Yes 51 55.43
No 41 44.57
iv) Toilet within the premises Yes 3 3.26
No 89 96.74
e) Percapita income = ...Per Annum Rs. 2850/-
f) Avg. Land holding = …….. acres 0.07 acres

About 24% of households of this community are in possession of agricultural

land. Hence, the average land holding is 0.07 acres. About 89% of households are living
in kutcha/ huts houses, therefore 100% of households having white colour ration cards
and 100% households without phone facility. As far as basic facilities are concerned
about 99% of households without drinking water in their house premises about 45% of
households without electricity connected and about 97% of households without latrine
facility with in premises. The per capita income of the community is Rs. 2,850/- as
against state per capital income of Rs.25,695/-.
 - 31 -

There is a reference at page 1950, People of India, National Series; Volume-V,

“India’s communities” referred “Kurakula thus; The term Kurakula literally means
vegetables. The name of the community Kurakula, has thus come into vogue on the
basis of their occupation which is cultivation of vegetables. An occupational title
returned at times of Census, by Oriya and Telugu cultivators in Ganjam and
Visakhapatnam. The community is distributed in the Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram
and Srikakulam districts of Andhra Pradesh. They speak Telugu and use the Telugu
script. They are non-vegetarians and their staple serials are Ragi and Rice.

The ‘Kurakula’ have some divisions (Intiperu). Their surnames are Mamidi,
Kota, Karri, Thumula, Jami, Locharla and Berri to mention a few. The community has
a single Gothram “Naagali” meaning a plough. Marriage with one’s father’s sister’s
daughter, mother’s brother’s daughter or between maternal uncle and niece are very
common. Divorce and re-marriage (Maru Manuvu) are permitted among them.

Male equigeniture is the rule of inheritance and succession devolves upon the
eldest son. Naming and tonsure ceremonies for both male and female children during
the third year and puberty rites for girls are performed. The marriage is solemnized
at the bride’s natal residence and the rituals performed include tying of wristbands
(kootikankanalu), kaaligolla sambaranm, tying of pusthi/mangalasuthram around the
bride’s neck by the bridegroom etc. The dead are cremated and pollution is
observed for three or five days.

Sri N.K. Muralidhar Rao while submitting his report observed with regard to
Kurakula as follows: “Kurakula community is originally a community in Orissa. It is
migrated to Andhra Pradesh. This community is mostly found in Srikakulam,
Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam Districts with population of 1,50,000. The main
profession of this community is cultivating and selling greens and vegetables just like
Pondara community. Divorce and re-marriages of women are most common in this
community. They worship deities like Asiramma, Polamma etc. polygamy is
 - 32 -

prevalent in this community. They suffer from social stigma and they are mostly
illiterates. According to the information available the literates are hardly 1% out of
the total population. Because of the above reasons they are economically weak and
politically powerless. On the basis of the inquiries made regarding the social and
educational backwardness of Kurakula community, the Commission recommends
inclusion of this community in the list of Backward Classes.”

In the Mandal Commission report also Kurakula caste was included in the list
of OBCs at [Link]. 140. Sri Boddana Ganapathy, President, Visakhapatnam Zilla
Kurakula Kula Sangham also gave a representation on 11-9-1995 requesting to
include this caste in the list of Backward Classes on the ground that the entire family
members have to attend to the cultivation of vegetables and their income is very
meager and their living conditions are very poor and hence they may be included in
the list of Backward Classes. Similar representations have been received from the
residents of Vizianagaram district and other places. The local MLAs have also
requested the Commission to include this cast in the list of Backward Classes.

On the representations from public the Government of Andhra Pradesh in

Backward Classes Welfare (M) Department issued [Link].54, dated 19-9-1996
providing statutory educational benefits and economic support schemes to be
provided to the economically poor among the communities of certain castes including
Kurakula. The Government of Andhra Pradesh recgonised and included in the list of
backward classes and the [Link] No. 30 Backward Classes Welfare (P2) Department
dated 25-08-1994 and the said G.O. was challenged in the High Court and it was
struck down as the Government issued the G.O. without the recommendation from
the Backward Classes Commission. The Government of Andhra Pradesh also
recognized this caste and included in the list of backward classes under [Link] No.
30, Backward Classes Welfare (P2) Department dated 25-08-1994, but the High
Court struck down the G.O. on the ground that there was no recommendation of the
Commission.
 - 33 -

The National Commission for Backward Classes relying on the observations of

Muralidhar Rao Commission and also the references in Edgar Thurston in Castes and
Tribes of Southern India, People of India, National Series, Vol. V and on personal
observation, came to the conclusion that the Kurakula caste is socially and
educationally Backward Class and fit to be included at [Link].99 in the list of OBCs.

The Commission personally visited the places where Kurakula people are living
and cultivate their lands. They are mainly landless community. It is observed by
the Commission that most of them cultivate small extents by taking the lands on
yearly lease and they are engaged in cultivating lands and producing leafs,
vegetables and the women folk sell them by carrying the vegetables in the villages.
They are living in Kutcha houses and their habitation is un-hygienic and they do not
have basic amenities and they are living below poverty line. They have no political
representation. The estimated population as per the Multipurpose Household Survey
is about 21,588, whereas the population claimed by them is about 2 Lakhs in Andhra
Pradesh.

The hereditary occupation of Kurakula caste is vegetable growing and they are
mainly engaged in vegetable cultivation. Among them 5% of the members cultivate
their own land and rest of them are engaged as manual labourers and they live in
Kutcha houses. There is no person engaged in professional service like doctor,
engineer and lawyer etc. Most of the vegetables grown by them are given in
exchange for articles required for them. This community is generally looked down by
the society. They are most backward than the Koppula Velamma or Thurpu Kapu
who are included in the list of backward classes.

The household sample survey would reveal about 30.43% of households are
engaged in the traditional occupation, about 46.74% feel their occupation as inferior,
58.70% treat them as inferior and 44.57% reported that they are socially
discriminated in their locality. The literacy rate is far below the state average. The
school / college dropouts are about 61%. Work participation is more than the state
 - 34 -

average. Female work participation is on higher side. There is no one in Government

or private salaried persons and most of them are labourers. All of them are white
cardholders and they do not have basic amenities at the places of their dwelling. All
of them are live in Kutcha thatched, low ceiling houses and they are living in
unhygienic conditions. In view of the fact that most of them are below poverty line
and considering their pathetic condition we come to the conclusion that they are fit
to be included under Group-A. They are not politically represented and thus they are
socially, educationally, economically and politically backward.

The commission after due deliberations, considering their oral and written
representations together with the survey reports and other material on record, come
to the conclusion that “Kurakula” caste or community is socially and educationally
backward and fit to be included in the list of backward classes for the purpose of
Articles 15 (4) and 16 (4) of the constitution of the India. We recommend to the
Government to include this caste under Group – A at S. No 42 in the list of
backward classes. Since our local enquires revealed that this caste people are
residing in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam Districts only, the area of
operation shall be confined to those Districts.
 - 35 -

4 – NAGARALU

Sri Dibba Suryanarayana, General Secretary, A.P. Nagarala Sangham,

presented a memorandum to the Chairman, A.P. Commission for Backward Classes
on 4-4-1994 requesting to include Nagaralu community in the list of Backward
Classes. It was represented that Nagaralu community was in the list of Backward
Classes prior to 1970 and it was omitted in the report of Anantharaman Commission
without any reason. Since then they have been representing to include their caste
and the District Collectors of Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram also
recommended for inclusion. Subsequently they represented before the Muralidhar
Rao Commission, which recommended the inclusion, but some how there were cases
filed in the High Court and the benefit was not given effect to. The caste
representatives filed number of documents to recommend for inclusion. Several
representations were filed before this Commission from time to time for inclusion of
Nagaralu community.

The commission issued a notification dated 31-03-2006 which was published

in A.P. Gazette on 13-04-2006 calling for representations, objections and suggestions
for inclusion of Nagaralu caste in the list of backward classes. In pursuance of the
said notification Sri Bayana Venkata Rao, president, A.P. Rashtra Nagarala Sangham
submitted a representation contending that the said community was recognized as
backward class prior to 1970 and subsequently [Link] Rao Commission also
recommended and the Government issued [Link].166, Social Welfare (P)
Department, dated 15-7-1986 which was challenged in the Court of Law and was not
given effect to. Most of them are working as agricultural coolies, Mutta coolies and
they are socially and educationally backward.

Subsequently the commission held public hearing on 16-05-2006. Sri

[Link], Convenor, Nagaralu Welfare Association appeared before the
Commission and pleaded for inclusion of the caste. He contended that the people of
Nagaralu migrated from Ganjam Agency Area to Andhra Pradesh. Their origin is tribal
 - 36 -

and hence they may be included in Group-A as aboriginal tribes. The population is
about 1 lakh. 0.7% population are petty agriculturists, 20% are agricultural
labourers, 2% are masons and construction workers, 10% quarry labourers, 0.5%
servants in public sector, 0.75% private employment, 1.75% miscellaneous jobs,
35% are work force. Municipal Councilors and Corporate members are only 5 from
their caste. About 170 people are working in Class-III and 175 people in Class-IV
jobs. There is no political representation from their caste. Sri Bayana Venkat Rao,
President & Sri Bayana Apparao, General Secretary, [Link] Nagaralu Association,
Vijayawada also appeared and argued for inclusion of the caste. The ladies work as
housemaids in the houses of rich people and they are living in huts. Though they
have been making several representations since 1970, their request could not be
fulfilled. There were no objectors for inclusion of this caste.

The Commission deputed the survey team to conduct household sample

survey to assess the living conditions of Nagaralu caste and the survey report
together with statistical data is as follows:

Survey Results

A. Introduction:

The survey staff of the Commission conducted Local enquiries and

Investigations including door-to-door household sample survey during January,
March & August 2007 in Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Krishna
districts. The sample household Survey covered 102 Households of this community.
The traditional occupation of this community is Agriculture and Coolie.

B. Social Status:

All the 102 Households comprising 388 persons are living in rural 68.6% and
urban 31.4% with average household size 3.80 persons or 4 persons. The sex ratio
of the community is 89 female per 100 male and the same for age group 0-14 years
is 87.
 - 37 -

Results on Traditional Occupation (T.O.)

Item Remarks No of Percentage

Households
a) Traditional occupation Yes 54 52.0
in practice No 48 48.0
Superior 0 0.0
b) Self perception of the Inferior 55 53.9
caste people on Normal 47 46.1
Traditional Occupation
Superior 0 0.0
c) T.O treated by others Inferior 57 55.9
Normal 45 44.1
Yes 49 48.0
d) Social discrimination No 2 2.0
Normal 51 50.0

The traditional occupation of this community is in practice among 52% of

households. About 54% of households have expressed their occupation as inferior,
about 56% of households reported as treated inferior by others and 48% of
households being socially discriminated in their living localities.

C. Educational Status:

a) Sex wise literates and illiterates:

Sl. Description Male Female Total

No
1 Literates No 104 64 168
% 55.9 38.1 47.5
2 Illiterates No 82 104 186
% 44.1 61.9 52.5

The literacy rate of male 55.9, female 38.1 and total 47.5 as against the state
literacy rates 70.32, 50.43, and 60.47 respectively. The literacy rate of this
community is far below the state literacy rate.
 - 38 -

b) Educational level completed (7 years & above)

[Link]. Class Passed [Link] Percentage over

persons Population Literates
1 Below 5th 52 14.7 31.0
2 5th class 42 11.9 25.0
3 7th class 37 10.5 22.0
4 10th class 23 6.5 13.7
5 Inter 11 3.1 6.5
6 Degree 3 0.8 1.8
7 [Link]. 0 0.0 0.0
8. [Link]. 0 0.0 0.0
All Classes 168 47.5 100.0

It is noticed from the above table that there is about 44% of literates over
population passed upto Matriculation and 3.5 % passed post matriculation or about
91.7% of literates passed upto matriculation and the balance 8.3% only passed post
matriculation.

c) Literates and dropouts (7 years and above)

Sl. Age Population Total Percentage Drop Percent of

No. Group Literates of Literates outs dropouts
Among Over From Over Over
Age Total edn. Persons Literates
Group Pop.
1 7-14 65 61 93.8 17.2 9 13.8 14.8
2 15-24 83 62 74.7 17.5 47 56.6 75.8
3 25-39 92 25 27.2 7.1 25 27.2 100.0
4 40-59 91 17 18.7 4.8 17 18.7 100.0
5 60+ 23 3 13.0 0.8 3 13.0 100.0
All 354 168 47.5 101 28.5 60.1

The literacy rate of the community is 47.5 out of which dropouts is about 29%
or 60% over the literates. About 15% of dropouts over literates registered in the age
 - 39 -

group of 7-14 years. About 76% of dropouts over literates registered in the age
group of 15-24 years.

d) Drop-outs from School/College studies with reasons (All-ages)

[Link]. Reason for No. of Dropout Percentage.

Dropouts Persons Rate Over pop.
1 Failed 3 3.0 0.8
2 Education not required 4 4.0 1.0
3 Marriage 5 5.0 1.3
4 To work 10 10.0 2.6
5 Poverty 74 73.0 19.0
6 Health & others 5 5.0 1.3
All 101 100.0 26.0

Among the dropouts about 83% of dropouts reported on account of reasons

i.e., ‘poverty’ and ‘to work’. The dropouts due to marriage as a reason are 5.0%,
which shows the social custom and social backwardness of the community.

D. Employment Status:

The entire surveyed population of Nagaralu community basing on their

economic activity is divided into Working group and Non Working group. The
Working group of people is consisting of Daily wage earners, Self-employed, Regular
salaried and part-time workers. So also the Non-Working group of people consisting
of children, students, aged, retired, ill health, unemployed, housewives, and
households.

a) Working and Non-Working groups of people by sex is as follows.

Workers Non-Workers
Item Male Female Total Male Female Total
Number 137 83 220 68 100 168
Percentage 66.8 45.4 56.7 33.2 54.6 43.3
Over total

It is noticed that the percentage of Male workers constitute 66.8, Female 45.4
and the total workers 56.7 as against the state work participation rates 56.23, 35.11,
45.8 respectively. The work participation rates of the community are higher than the
 - 40 -

state work participation rates, because they are engaged as daily wage earners in
agricultural and non-agricultural sectors for fewer wages and which is a seasonal
activity as seen in the next table.

b). Statement showing Economic activity among working people.

Percent Percent to
[Link] Economic activity Sex Number to Workers-
Total population
pop.
Male 57 27.8 41.6
1 Daily wage in Agri. Female 50 27.3 60.2
Total 107 27.5 48.6

Male 55 26.8 40.2

2 Daily wage in Non Agri. Female 11 6.0 13.3
Total 66 17.0 30.0

Male 2 1.0 1.5

3 Self employed in Agri Female 0 0.0 0.0
Total 2 0.5 0.9

Male 18 8.7 13.1

4 Self employed in Non-Agri Female 8 4.4 9.6
Total 26 6.7 11.8

Male 1 0.5 0.7

5 Regular salaried in Govt Female 0 0.0 0.0
Total 1 0.3 0.5

Male 4 2.0 2.9

6 Regular salaried in Pvt. Female 1 0.6 1.2
Total 5 1.3. 2.3

Male 0 0.0 0.0

7 Part time workers Female 13 7.1 15.7
Total 13 3.4 5.9

Grand Total 220 56.7 100.0

Although the workers of community are engaged in all the above economic
activities for their livelihood but about 35% over population or 80% over workers
population are engaged in daily wages in Agri and Non-Agri sectors. As it is
understood that the daily wage earnings are comparatively paid less remuneration,
 - 41 -

mostly seasonal work and uncertainty of work guarantee. A few persons of the
Community are noticed employed under regular salaried in Govt. and in private
organization.

E. Economic status:

Description [Link]
Percentage over hhs.
Households

a) Possessing Agrl. Land 13 12.7

b) Type of House (residing)
i) Pucca 13 12.7
ii) Semi pucca 30 29.4
iii) Kutcha/Huts 59 57.8
c) Having Ration cards:
i) White 100 98.0
ii) Pink 1 1.0
iii) No card 1 1.0
d) Facilities/Amenities:
i) Phone – Having connected 5 4.9
Not having Phone 97 95.1
ii) Drinking water in the – Yes 22 21.6
premises of households No 80 78.4
iii) Electricity connection Yes 80 78.4
No 22 21.6
iv) Toilet within the premises Yes 23 22.5
No 79 77.5
e) Percapita income ..(Per Annum) Rs.4876/-
f) Avg. Land holding . in acres. 0.09

About 13% of households possessing agricultural land showing a small

average land holding of 0.09 acres. About 58% of households are living in kutcha/
hut houses with 98% of households possessing white colour Ration cards. Regarding
facilities about 95% of households without telephone connection, 78% of households
without drinking water facility within premises, 22% of households without electricity
connected to their houses and about 78% of households without latrine facility
within premises. Inspite of that, the per capita income of this community is
Rs.4,876/- as against state average of Rs.25,695/-. This is the picture of economic
backwardness of Nagaralu community.
 - 42 -

Edgar Thurston and [Link] in their book

”Castes and Tribes of Southern India” Vol. V at page 135 referred thus: “The
Nagaralu are the cultivating caste in Visakhapatnam concerning whom it is recorded
in the Madras Census Report, 1901 that Nagaralu means the coolies in the city.
Apparently this caste was originally a section of Kapus which took to town life and
which separated itself from the parent stuff. They say that their original occupation
was medicine and number of them are still physicians and druggists though the
greater part are agriculturists. The ‘Menarikam’ system according to which, a man
who marry his maternal uncle’s daughter is in force. Girls are usually married before
puberty and a Brahmin officiates at marriages. Marriages of widows and divorce are
not permitted. The usual caste title is ‘Pathrulu’ indicating those who are fit to
receive a gift.”

In “People of India” National series vol. VI, India’s communities at page 2536
it is referred thus: “The Nagaralu are distributed in the Krishna, Visakhapatnam,
Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts. The word Nagaralu means dwellers of a city.
The words ‘Nagaralu’ and ‘Rona’ are supposed to have originated from common talk.
When they moved to cities as physicians and druggists and also as Commanders of
the armed forces of the Gajapathi Kings at Vizianagaram, they got the title Nagaralu
and they also have the title “Pathrudu” meaning the worthy of one to receive the
gift. The majority of Nagaralu are labourers, some are engaged in cultivation
masonry and carpentry while the rest of them have undertaken services in
Government and private sector.”

The National Commission for Backward Classes examined the issue and
observed that this caste was included in the Mandal Commission’s list of Backward
Classes for Andhra Pradesh at entry No. 174; that their occupation as members of
the community mainly depend for their livelihood as agricultural labourers and other
labour oriented work. The National Commission relying on the observations of Edgar
Thurston and [Link] came to the conclusion that Nagaralu community is
socially, educationally backward and included in the list of Other Backward Classes.
 - 43 -

Prior to 1970, the Government of Andhra Pradesh recognized this caste as a

backward class and included in the list in [Link] No. 1880 Education (II)
Department dated 29-07-1966. [Link] Rao Commission also recommended
this caste to include in the list of backward classes, but it was no implemented.
Subsequently on the representation made to the Government, the Government of
Andhra Pradesh again recognized this caste as a backward class under [Link] No.
30 Backward Classes Welfare (P2) Department dated 25-08-1994, but the High Court
struck down the G.O. on the ground that there was no recommendation of the
Commission.

The Commission personally visited the places where the Nagaralu caste
people are living and the Commission observed that their traditional occupation is
Agriculture and coolie. But most of them work as labour oriented works like
masonry, carpentry, cart pullers, industrial daily wage workers, construction labour,
rickshaw pullers, Mutta coolies, Transport labours, gunny bags repair works and
some of the women folk work as domestics servants. The literacy rate is very low at
13% as against the State’s average of 45.11. 75% of the caste people live either in
thatched houses or huts. They are not adequately represented in the field of
employment also. There is no political representation in their community.

The door-to-door household sample survey would reveal that about 52% of
the people are engaged in their traditional occupation, about 54% of the households
expressed their occupation as inferior, the literacy rate is below the state average,
the school / college dropouts are about 26%, the work participation rates are higher
than the state work participation, 58% of the households living in Kutcha houses and
about 98% possess white ration cards and most of them do not possess the basic
amenities like drinking water, electricity and latrine within their premises and most of
them live below poverty line. Very few people are employed in Govt. service and thus
 - 44 -

they are inadequately represented in Govt. services. The reported population in the
year 1994 is about 68,000. Their political representation is also negligible. For the
above said reasons we hold that they are socially, educationally, economically and
politically backward.

On cumulative consideration of all the above factors including the survey

report and their social, educational, economical and political status, we come to the
conclusion that Nagaralu caste / community is socially and educationally backward
and fit to be included in the list of backward classes for the purpose of Articles 15 (4)
& 16 (4) of the constitution of India. We recommend to the Govt. to include the said
caste at S. No. 38 under Group-D to the said list. Since our local enquiry revealed
that this cast people are residing in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam,
Krishna, Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy Districts, the area of operation shall be
confined to those Districts only.
 - 45 -

5 – PONDARA

Sri Adhikarla Neelakantam, General Secretary of State ‘Pondara’

Community Welfare Association submitted a memorandum to the Chairman, A.P.
Commission for Backward Classes on 6-4-1994 contending that ‘Pondara’ community
is socially and educationally backward and may be included in the list of Backward
classes. It was contended that Pondaras speak Oriya, which is their mother tongue
as they belong to linguistic minority. The literacy rate is very low and there is no
political representation from among them. They are economically poor and their
social status is on par with the Scheduled Tribes. They are not adequately
represented in the Government service and hence they may be included in the list of
Backward Classes. Subsequently several representations were received by the
Commission from time to time. It was also represented that Muralidhar Rao
Commission recommended for inclusion of this caste, but the said G.O. was
challenged in the High Court and it was not implemented.

After the commission was reconstituted, the commission issued fresh

notification dated 31-03-2006 which was published in A.P. Gazette dated 13-04-2006
calling for representations, objections and suggestions and the commission received
similar representations. Subsequently public hearing was held on 16-05-2006.

During public hearing Sri [Link], Durga Prasad Patro, [Link],

[Link], Sri Venkat, [Link] Rao, [Link] Rao, Jada Narayana and
P.V Ramana appeared before the commission and represented that their population is
very limited and they have been making representations since a long time and even
though Muralidhar Rao commission recommended for inclusion but it was not
implemented. They cultivate small extents and most of them are below poverty line.
They live in huts and their mother tongue is Oriya. They are included in the Central
List also. There are no objectors for inclusion of this caste.

The Commission deputed the survey team to assess the living conditions of
the people and they collected the relevant data and the statistical reports are as
follows:
 - 46 -

Survey Results

A. Introduction:

The survey staff of the Commission conducted Local enquiries and

Investigations including door-to-door household sample survey during January 07 in
Srikakulam district. The household sample Survey covered 41 Households of this
community. The traditional occupation of this community is Agriculture, Vegetable
growing and sales.

B. Social Status:

All the 41 Households comprising 161 persons are living in rural (100%) area
only with an average household size of 3.9 (persons) at the same time, the sex ratio
of the Community is 106 female per 100 male, whereas for the age group 0-14 years
91 female per 100 male.

Results on Traditional Occupation (T.O.)

Item Remarks No of Percentage

Households
a) Traditional occupation in Yes 15 36.6
practice No 26 63.4
b) Self perception of the Superior 0 0.0
caste people on Inferior 23 56.1
Traditional Occupation Normal 18 43.9
c) T.O treated by others Superior 0 0.0
Inferior 30 73.2
Normal 11 26.8
d) Social discrimination Yes 23 56.1
No 0 0.0
Normal 18 43.9

About 63% of households of this community are attending to their traditional

occupation i.e. growing vegetables and sales. About 56% of households feeling that
they are inferior in connection with their traditional occupation. About 73% of
households have reported that they are being treated as inferior or looked down.
About 56.1% of households reported that they are socially discriminated in their local
areas.
 - 47 -

C. Educational Status:

a) Sex wise literates and illiterates (7 years & above)

Sl. No Description Male Female Total

1 Literates No 34 17 51
% 48.6 23.3 35.7
2 Illiterates No 36 56 92
% 51.4 76.7 64.3

The male literacy of this community is 48.6% female 23.3% and total
35.7% as against the state literacy rate 70.32, 50.43 and 60.47 respectively. The
literacy rate of this community is far below the state literacy rate.

b) Educational level completed (7 years & above)

[Link]. Class Passed [Link] Percentage over

persons Population Literates
1 Below 5th 7 4.9 13.7
2 5th class 27 18.9 52.9
3 7th class 11 7.7 21.6
4 10th class 6 4.2 11.8
5 Inter 0 0.0 0.0
6 Degree 0 0.0 0.0
7 [Link]. 0 0.0 0.0
8. [Link]. 0 0.0 0.0
All Classes 51 35.7 100

From the above table it is observed further that all the literates of the
Community are passed upto Matriculation only and there in no post-matriculation
passed person.
 - 48 -

c) Literates and dropouts (7 years and above):

Sl. Age Population Total Percentage Drop Percent of

No. Group Literates of Literates outs dropouts
Among Over from Over Over
Age Total edn. Persons Literates
Group Pop. (with in
the age
group)
1 7-14 22 20 90.9 14.0 2 9.1 10.0
2 15-24 38 18 47.4 12.6 16 42.1 88.9
3 25-39 34 8 23.5 5.6 8 23.5 100.0
4 40-59 38 4 10.5 2.8 4 13.2 100.0
5 60+ 11 1 9.1 0.7 1 9.1 100.0
All 143 51 35.7 31 21.7 60.8

The rate of the dropouts over population is 21.7% or over literates 60.8%.
The dropouts from education in the age-group of 7-14 years is 9.1% and in the age-
group of 15-24 years 42.1%, shows their social and educational backwardness.

d) Drop-outs from School/College studies with reasons (All-ages)

[Link]. Reason for No. of Dropout Percentage.

Dropouts Persons Rate over pop.
1 Failed 2 6.5 1.2
2 Education not required 2 6.3 1.2
3 Marriage 1 3.1 0.7
4 To work 2 6.3 1.2
5 Poverty 24 75.0 14.9
6 Health & others 0 0.0 0.0
All 31 100.0 19.3

Most of the dropouts of the Community i.e., 75% is registered against the
poverty as a reason for discontinuation of their further education.

D. Employment Status:

The entire surveyed population of Pondara Community basing on their economic

activity is divided into Working group and Non Working group. The Working group of
people is consisting of Daily wage earners, Self-employed, Regular salaried and part-
time workers. So also the Non-Working group of people consisting of children,
students, aged, retired, ill health, unemployed, housewives, and households.
 - 49 -

a) Working and Non-Working groups of people by sex are as follows.

Workers Non-Workers
Male Female Total Male Female Total
Number 49 44 93 29 39 68
Percentage 62.8 53.0 57.8 37.2 47.0 42.2
Over total

It is noticed that the percentage of Male workers constitute 62.8%, Female

53.0% and the total workers 57.8% as against the state work participation rates
56.23, 35.11, 45.80 respectively. More work participation/ employees is seen against
the state work participation/ employment, at the same time the female workers are
more than 50% of female population.

b) Statement showing Economic activity among working people.

Percent to
Percent to
[Link] Economic activity Sex Number Total [Link]-
population
Male 36 46.1 73.5
1 Daily wage in Agri. Female 34 41.0 77.2
Total 70 43.4 75.3
Male 8 10.3 16.3
2 Daily wage in Non Agri. Female 0 0.0 0.0
Total 8 5.0 8.6
Male 2 2.6 4.1
3 Self employed in Agri Female 1 1.2 2.3
Total 3 1.9 3.2
Male 3 3.8 6.1
4 Self employed in Non-Agri Female 1 1.2 2.3
Total 4 2.5 4.3
Male 0 0.0 0.0
5 Regular salaried in Govt Female 0 0.0 0.0
Total 0 0.0 0.0
Male 0 0.0 0.0
6 Regular salaried in Pvt. Female 0 0.0 0.0
Total 0 0.0 0.0
Male 0 0.0 0.0
7 Part time workers Female 8 9.6 18.2
Total 8 5.0 8.6
Grand Total 93 57.8% 100.0%
 - 50 -

From the point of economic activity of the community, it is observed that no

one is employed as regular salaried either in Govt. or in Private Organization.
However, about 84% of workers out of total workers or 48% of workers over
population are engaged in daily wage in Agriculture or Non-Agriculture.

The percentage of work force or employees is higher than the state rates due
to the community as a whole is residing in Rural areas and depending on daily wage
earnings where daily wage is less remunerative, less dignified and not regular.

E. Economic status:

[Link]
Description Percentage over hhs.
Households

a) Possessing Agrl. Land 3 7.3

b) Type of House (residing)
i) Pucca 1 2.4
ii) Semi pucca 7 17.1
iii) Kutcha/Huts 33 80.5
c) Having Ration cards:
i) White 41 100.0
ii) Pink 0 0.0
iii) No card 0 0.0
d) Facilities/Amenities:
i) Phone – Having connected 0 0.0
Not having Phone 41 100.0
ii) Drinking water in the – Yes 3 7.3
premises of households No 38 92.7
iii) Electricity connection Yes 34 82.9
No 7 17.1
iv) Toilet within the premises Yes 2 4.9
No 39 95.1
e) Percapita income .(Per Annum) Rs. 4,880/-
f) Avg. Land holding …….. 0.03 acres

From the table, it is observed that about 7.3% households are possessing
agricultural land therefore the average land holding resulted to 0.03 acres. About
81% of households are living in huts, with cent percent households having white
Ration Card, cent percent households without telephone connected, about 93% of
 - 51 -

households without drinking water facility within premises and 95% of households
without latrine facility within premises.

The per capita income of the community is Rs. 4,880/- in contrast with state
per capita income of Rs. 25,695/-.

“People of India”, National Series [Link], India’s Communities by K.S. Singh at

page 2863 referred “Pondara” community as follows: “In Orissa Pondara are also
known as Bathya, the term is derived from the words, Bar meaning land and Ditya.
They use Oriya script. The Pondaras are traditional vegetable growers. They also
practice agriculture and depend on agricultural land taken on lease for cultivation.
They are distributed in the districts of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram. They are
believed to have migrated from Orissa. They grow vegetables through out the year.
Besides the practice of horticulture, they also work as daily wage labourers”.

On the representation made to the Government, the Government of Andhra

Pradesh recognized this caste as a backward class under [Link] No. 30 Backward
Classes Welfare (P2) Department dated 25-08-1994, but the High Court struck down
the G.O. on the ground that there was no recommendation of the Commission.

The National Commission for Backward Classes also considered the request of
Pondara community and the National Commission after considering their
representations, recommended to include the said caste at [Link].97. The National
Commission found that Pondara is the socially and educationally Backward Class and
fit to be included in the Central List of Backward Classes for Andhra Pradesh.
Muralidhar Rao Commission observed that the main profession of this community is
vegetable growing. They suffer from stigma of social status and educationally they
are also backward. The literates are less than 1% and they have no political
representation in any elected bodies and they are economically poor. Edgar
Thurston and [Link] described Pondara caste as a sub division of Mali.
 - 52 -

The commission personally visited some of the areas of Srikakulam districts

from 17-01-2007 to 23-01-2007 to assess the living conditions of Pondara people.
The estimated population as claimed by them is 55,000. It is observed that most of
them are engaged in growing leafy vegetables and selling them in the market.
People of India, A.P. series, observed that the Pondara grow vegetables throughout
the year. They also take lands from the landlords on rent and jointly cultivate small
extents. Besides the practice of horticulture, they also work as daily wage labourers.
They are similar to Kurakula caste. All of them are confined to Srikakulam,
Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram Districts only. Most of them live in Kutcha houses
and un-hygienic conditions. We noticed that their residences are in smallest area and
all the family members live in one room only. Their living condition is very pathetic
and all of them are living below poverty line. Their literacy rate is very poor and
there is no one in Govt. service. Out of the households surveyed, there is social
segregation and all of them live adjacent to the plots where they cultivate the leafy
vegetables. Considering the pathetic conditions of the people, we deem it necessary
to include them under group-A.

The commission after considering the oral and written representations and
other material collected including the statistical reports, hold that Pondara caste /
community is socially and educationally backward and fit to be included in the list of
backward classes for the purpose of Articles 15 (4) & 16 (4) of constitution of India
under Group – A at S. No. 43 in the list of backward classes. Since our local
enquires revealed that Pondara people are residing in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and
Visakhapatnam Districts, the area of operation shall be confined to those Districts
only.
 - 53 -

6 - SAMANTHULA – SAMANTHA – SOUNTIA – SAUNTIA

Sri [Link], President Oriya Minorities Welfare Society, Baruva,

Srikakulam District submitted a representation to the then Member Secretary A.P
Commission for Backward Classes requesting to include Oriya caste namely
Samanthas and others in the list of backward classes. The then Collector Srikakulam
also addressed the Member Secretary forwarding their representation. It was
contended that the Samanthas are socially and educationally backward and fit to be
included in the list of backward classes. It was represented that in Orissa state
Samanthas are included in the list of schedule caste. They have been eking out their
livelihood by doing manual labour, earth diggers, stonecutters, farm bunding,
climbers and pickers of coconuts. Labour is their badge of occupation. They are
residing in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram Districts predominantly living in Ichapur,
Sompeta, Palasa and Tekkali Mandal of Srikakulam Districts. There is a custom of
remarriage and divorce in their caste. They are non-vegetarians. They are semi-
nomadic tribes. Most them are illiterates and they are economically below poverty
line.

The District Samantha Sangham also represented to the Commission that the
caste people, Samantha alias Soundya are socially and educationally backward. Their
mother tongue is Oriya and they reside in Kavity, Kanchili, Ichapuram, Sompeta and
Mandasa Mandals of Srikakulam District. Their population is about 65,000 and most
of them are employed as agricultural coolies. Some of them collect firewood in the
forest and sell in the market. Some are employed in the coconut gardens. Ladies do
not wear jackets and most of them are residing in thatched houses. They eat rats,
cats, birds and snakes and hence they are looked down by others. They are not
educated. They do not own lands and they do not have pucca houses. They are
economically poor and living below poverty line. They are not politically represented
and hence they may be included in the list of backward classes.
 - 54 -

They have been making several representations from time to time.

[Link], President, District Samanthula Association Srikakulam, also made
similar representation to the commission and it was also represented that Srikakulam
District was formed with a portion carved out from Visakhapatnam District and
Ganjam District of Orissa. Samantha people are of Oriya origin. In Orissa state they
have been recognized as Schedule tribes. Hence they may be included under Group
A. Sri [Link] Ramaiah MLA Ichapuram, also forwarded the representation and
made a request on their behalf for inclusion of said caste Samanthula (Saunthiya).
Dr. M.E Krishna Rao, Ex- MLA Ichapuram Srikakulam District also submitted
representation on the same lines. Sri Naresh Kumar Agarwal (Lallu) Ichapuram, MLA
also represented to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and it was forwarded to the
commission for consideration.

Sri [Link], president, District Sountia Association of Srikakulam district

submitted a memorandum to the then chairman on 26-04-1994 requesting to include
Sountia community in the list of backward classes. It was represented that Sountia
class people are resident of erstwhile Ganjam dirstrist of Orissa district and some
areas were merged in Srikakulam district where these people are residing. In Orissa
state, they are included in the list of schedule caste.

The Commission issued notification dated 31-03-2006 which was published in

A.P. Gazette dated 13-04-2006 calling for representations, suggestions, and
objections and the Commission received the representation from the very same
parties. Subsequently public hearing was held by the Commission on 20-5-2006.
Bhagawan Prodhan president and Baddai Murali, Secretary of District Samantha
Association, Hatti Tonka, [Link] Rao, who are the caste leaders appeared
before the Commission and represented the above facts. The Commission deputed
the survey team and the survey team conducted the household sample survey. The
survey team collected the data and the survey results are as follows.
 - 55 -

Survey Results

A. Introduction:

The survey staff of the Commission conducted Local enquiries and

Investigations including door-to-door household sample survey during January 2007
in Srikakulam district. The sample household Survey covered 53 Households of this
community. The traditional occupation of this community is Coolie & Agricultural
Coolie.

B. Social Status:

All the 53 Households comprising 211 persons are living in rural (100%) area
only, with average house hold size at 3.98 or 4(persons). The sex ratio of the
community is 88 Female per 100 Male and the same for age group upto 14 years is
68.

Results on Traditional Occupation (T.O.)

Item Remarks No of Percentage

Households
a) Traditional occupation in Yes 29 54.7
practice No 24 45.3
b) Self perception of the caste Superior 0 0.0
people on Traditional Inferior 33 62.3
Occupation Normal 20 37.7
c) T.O treated by others Superior 0 0.0
Inferior 33 62.3
Normal 20 37.7
d) Social discrimination Yes 5 9.4
No 0 0.0
Normal 48 90.6

From the above table, it is noticed that about 55% of households are attending
to their traditional Occupation. About 62% of house holds have expressed inferior of
their occupation, about 62% of house holds felt that their occupation treated as
inferior by others, and about 91% of house holds socially discriminated in their
locality.
 - 56 -

C. Educational Status:

a) Sex wise literates and illiterates:(7 years & above)

Sl. Description Male Female Total

No
1 Literates No 79 42 121
% 73.8 45.2 60.5
2 Illiterates No 28 51 79
% 26.2 54.8 39.5

The Male literacy of the community 73.8%, Female 45.2% and total 60.5%
as against state literacy rate 70.32, 50.43 and 60.47 respectively. The literacy rate
of the community is almost equal to the state literacy except Female literacy rate.

b) Educational level completed: (7 years & above)

[Link]. Class Passed No. of Percentage over

persons Population Literates
1 Below 5th 20 10.0 16.5
2 5th class 39 19.5 32.2
3 7th class 37 18.5 30.6
4 10th class 17 8.5 14.0
5 Inter 5 2.5 4.2
6 Degree 3 1.5 2.5
7 [Link]. 0 0.0 0.0
8. [Link]. 0 0.0 0.0
All Classes 121 60.5 100.0

Among the literates (60.5%) of the community upto Matriculation passed is

56.5% the balance 4.0% passed post matriculation. There is no Post – Graduation
student found in the survey of the community.
 - 57 -

Literates and dropouts (7 years and above):

Sl. Age Population Total Percentage of Drop outs Percent of

No. Group Literates Literates from dropouts
Among Over education Over Over
Age Total Persons Literates
Group Pop.
1 7-14 41 41 100.0 20.5 22 53.7 53.7
2 15-24 49 46 93.9 23.0 36 73.5 78.3
3 25-39 53 23 43.4 11.5 22 41.5 95.7
4 40-59 47 10 21.3 5.0 10 21.3 100.0
5 60+ 10 1 10.0 0.5 1 10.0 100.0
All 211 121 60.5 91 45.5 75.2

The total dropouts of the community are 45.5% over population or 75.2%
over literates. The dropouts in the children of 7-14 years are 53.7% so also in the
age group 15-24 years the dropouts noticed at 73.5%.
d) Drop-outs from School/College studies with reasons (All-ages)

[Link]. Reason for No. of Dropout Percentage.

Dropouts Persons Rate over pop.
1 Failed 11 11.6 5.2
2 Education not required 28 29.5 13.3
3 Marriage 0 0.0 0.0
4 To work 2 2.1 0.9
5 Poverty 53 55.8 53.0
6 Health & others 1 1.1 0.5
All 95 100.0 45.0

The dropouts of community from education with reasons for all years are
45.0%. The highest percentage of dropouts due to poverty is 55.8, followed by
‘Education –not required’ 29.5 and ‘Failed’ 11.6.

D. Employment Status:

The entire surveyed population of ‘Samanthula’ community basing on their

economic activity is divided into Working group and Non Working group. The
Working group of people is consisting of Daily wage earners, Self-employed, Regular
salaried and part-time workers. So also the Non-Working group of people consisting
of children, students, aged, retired, ill health, unemployed, housewives, and
households.
 - 58 -

a) Working and Non-Working groups of people by sex is as

follows.

Workers Non-Workers
Item Male Female Total Male Female Total
Number 65 60 125 47 39 86
Percentage 58.1 60.6 59.2 41.9 39.4 40.8
Over total

It is noticed that the percentage of Male workers constitute 58.1 Female 60.6
and the total workers 59.2 as against the state work participation rates 56.23, 35.11,
45.89 respectively. The work participation rate of the community is higher than the
state-working rate. However the Female percentage of workers is more than that of
Male workers of the community.

b). Statement showing Economic activity among working people.

Percent Percent to
[Link] Economic activity Sex Number to Workers-
Total Population
pop.
Male 52 46.4 80.0
1 Daily wage in Agri. Female 48 48.5 80.0
Total 100 47.4 80.0
Male 2 1.8 3.1
2 Daily wage in Non Agri. Female 0 0.0 0.0
Total 2 0.9 1.6
Male 3 2.7 4.6
3 Self employed in Agri Female 0 0.0 0.0
Total 3 1.4 2.4
Male 3 2.7 4.6
4 Self employed in Non- Female 0 0.0 0.0
Agri Total 3 1.4 2.4
Male 0 0.0 0.0
5 Regular salaried in Govt Female 0 0.0 0.0
Total 0 0.0 0.0
Male 4 3.6 6.2
6 Regular salaried in Pvt. Female 2 2.0 3.3
Total 6 2.8 4.8
Male 1 0.9 1.5
7 Part time workers Female 10 10.1 16.8
Total 11 5.2 8.8
Grand Total 125 59.2 100.0
 - 59 -

The percentage of workers of the community engaged as daily wage earners

in Agriculture is 47.4% over population or 80% over workers. There is no Regular
Salaried employee of the community in the Government services.

D. Economic status:

[Link]
Description Percentage over hhs.
Households

a) Possessing Agrl. Land 24 45.3

b) Type of House (residing)
i) Pucca 6 11.3
ii) Semi pucca 20 37.7
iii) Kutcha/Huts 27 51.0
c) Having Ration cards:
i) White 50 94.3
ii) Pink 3 5.7
iii) No card 0 0.0
d) Facilities/Amenities:
i) Phone – Having connected 0 0.0
Not having Phone 53 100.0
ii) Drinking water in the – Yes 2 3.8
premises of households No 51 96.2
iii) Electricity connection Yes 39 73.6
14 26.4
No
iv) Toilet within the premises Yes 0 0.0
53 100.0
No
e) Percapita income Rs 3,644/-Per
Annum
f) Avg. Land holding 0.27 acres.

From the above table it is noticed that the average land holding of the
community is 0.27 Acres. About 51% of households are living in Kutcha houses, 94%
of house holds are possessing white ration cards, 100% of house holds without
telephone or cell phone connections, about 96% of house holds without drinking
water within premises, and 100% of house holds without Latrine facility in the
premises. The per capita income of the community is Rs 3,644/- against the state
per capita income of Rs 25,695/-.
 - 60 -

Edgar Thurston in his book “Caste and Tribes of Southern India” Volume VI at
page 289 referred Samantiya as follows “The Samanthiyas are an Oriya caste of
agricultural labourers and fire wood sellers. It has been suggested that the caste
name is derived from Samanthiba, which denotes sauntering to pickup scattered
things. The Samanthiyas are one of the caste, whose touch is suppose to convey
pollution and they consequently live apart in separate quarters”.

In the neighbouring state of Orissa, Saundiya has been recognized as

Schedule caste. The correct name of the caste is Sauntia - Sountia / Samanta -
Samantha. The assertion of Sri Denabandu that their castes in Srikakulam have
marital relations with Sauntia (SC) of the neighbouring Orissa state is not disputed by
anybody. This justifies us to recognize this caste at least as backward class.

The survey team surveyed 53 households. The commission also personally

visited the places where the people are residing and their living conditions are
observed. Most of the women in this caste do not wear blouses. Women make
brooms from palm leaves and sell them. They also go to fields for agricultural works.
Common dining is not allowed with other caste people and food is served separately
to this caste people. This caste people have themselves to remove the leaves in
which they eat. Others observe social distance to this caste. This caste occupies
lowest position in social hierarchy. These findings establish that this caste is socially
backward. The survey results would establish that this caste has not secured
adequate representation in education, services and political institutions.

On a close examination of all the records and personal inspection of the

people we hold that the people Samanthula / Samantha / Sountia / Sauntia are one
and the same caste found in Srikakulam district. Even though Sountia caste is not
specifically notified but specified only Samantha we are of the opinion that they are
one and the same and for the reasons stated above, they are fit to be included in the
list of backward classes.
 - 61 -

Samanthula community is residing in Srikakulam district only. The population

of Samanthula as claimed by them is about 11,000. Their population is very limited
and they are confined to Srikakulam district only.

The commission after considering the oral and written representations and
other material collected together with statistical report, come to the conclusion that
Samanthula, Samantha, Sauntia, Sountia are socially and educationally
backward for the purpose of Articles 15 (4) & 16 (4) of the constitution of India and
fit to be included in the list of backward classes under Group-A at S. No. 44,
confining the area of operation to Srikakulam district only.
 - 62 -

V - RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION

The commission considered the entire material available i.e., oral and written
representations submitted to the commission, survey results obtained by the survey
team, the authorities relied by the commission, the guidelines contemplated to
identify the backward classes in the Mandal case and other important decisions of
the Apex court. The Commission after due deliberations and detailed consideration
unanimously resolved to make the following recommendations and tender advice to
the Government as shown against each caste / community.

1. Arava caste / community is socially and educationally backward and fit to be

included in the list of backward classes under group – D at Serial No. 36 for
purposes of Articles 15 (4) & 16 (4) of the Constitution of India, confining the
area of operation to Srikakulam District only.

2. AYYARAKA caste / Community is socially and educationally backward and fit to

be included in the list of backward classes under Group – D at Serial No. 37
for purposes of Articles 15 (4) & 16 (4) of the Constitution of India, confining
the area of operation to Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East
Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Khammam and Warangal Districts
only.

3. Kurakula caste / Community is socially and educationally backward and fit to

be included in the list of backward classes under Group – A at Serial No. 42
for purposes of Articles 15 (4) & 16 (4) of the Constitution of India, confining
the area of operation to Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam
Districts only.

4. Nagaralu caste / Community is socially and educationally backward and fit to

be included in the list of backward classes under Group – D at Serial No. 38
for purposes of Articles 15 (4) & 16 (4) of the Constitution of India, confining
the area of operation to Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Krishna,
Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy Districts only.
 - 63 -

5. Pondara caste / Community is socially and educationally backward and fit to

be included in the list of backward classes under Group – A at Serial No. 43
for purposes of Articles 15 (4) & 16 (4) of the Constitution of India, confining
the area of operation to Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam
Districts only.

6. Samanthula, Samantha, Sauntia, Sountia caste / Community is socially and

educationally backward and fit to be included in the list of backward classes
under Group – A at Serial No. 44 for purposes of Articles 15 (4) & 16 (4) of
the Constitution of India, confining the area of operation to Srikakulam District
only.

7. The principle of exclusion of socially advanced persons / sections (creamy

layer) already laid down by the state Govt. will automatically and naturally
apply to the above classes now recommended for inclusion.

1. Justice Dalava Subrahmanyam, Chairman

2. Sri [Link] Mudiraj, Member

3. Sri V. Krishna Mohan Rao, Member

4. Sri R.M Gonela, Member Secretary