Ethnographic study suggests political, economic support measures for Nadaf, Pinjara communities
Bengaluru: An ethnographic study has recommended a range of political, economic, educational and health-related interventions to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Nadaf and Pinjara communities, sub-groups within the Muslim community classified under the most backward category of the OBC list in Karnataka.
As per a report published by Deccan Herald, the year-long study was conducted by a team led by anthropology professor T T Basavangouda of Karnatak University. The study proposes measures like political reservation from local bodies to Parliament, government-supported group housing, health safeguards for workers, and dedicated scholarships and financial assistance for students, artists and sportspersons. The study was carried out at a cost of ₹45.46 lakh, as reported by Deccan Herald.
According to the report, while most Muslim sub-groups fall under Category 2B of the OBC list, communities such as Nadafs, Pinjaras, Bazigars and Darvesh are placed in Category 1, which comprises the most backward communities. Traditionally engaged in cotton carding, members of the Nadaf and Pinjara communities are increasingly moving to other occupations due to economic constraints and livelihood challenges.
The study groups its recommendations under economic, educational, health and political-social parameters. It suggests modernising cotton carding through skill-based training, providing land for constructing ventilated godowns to enable employment generation, and facilitating access to alternative livelihoods. On the education front, the report calls for scholarships, monthly financial assistance for sportspersons, remedial education programmes and counselling services to address the high dropout rate.
It has also urged the government to relocate families from these communities living in slum areas to cleaner residential environments and to launch awareness campaigns on occupational health risks, including respiratory and lung diseases caused by prolonged exposure to cotton particles.
The report was submitted to the Vice-Chancellor of the university on Friday and is set to be forwarded to the D Devaraj Urs Research Institute under the Backward Classes Welfare Department, after which it will be placed before the state government for consideration.
Similar ethnographic studies have also been commissioned for eight nomadic communities listed under the OBC category, including Shikkaligar, Gopala, Baazigar, Nandiwaala-Joshi-Pulmaal, Geesadi, Haavadiga, Gaarudiga and Bailu Pattara. Nomadic communities in Karnataka are represented across the OBC, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe lists.
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Bengal: Hours after killing of Suvendu's aide, cops say 5 BJP workers injured in bomb attack
Kolkata (PTI): Five BJP supporters have been injured allegedly in a bomb blast in Panihati in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, police said on Thursday.
The incident occurred late on Wednesday night, hours after Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants, which led to the saffron camp accusing the TMC of unleashing retaliatory violence.
The bomb blast occurred near St Xavier's Institution in Panihati. Unidentified assailants hurled crude bombs at a group of BJP workers, injuring at least five people, police said, adding the injured were admitted to the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
According to local sources, BJP workers were interacting with residents on Dutta Road in Panihati's Ward number 2 when a group of motorcycle-borne persons allegedly targeted them with bombs before fleeing.
The BJP alleged that the attackers were backed by the ruling Trinamool Congress, an allegation denied by the Mamata Banerjee-led party.
A senior police official said, "We have started an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to identify those involved. Raids are being conducted to nab the accused."
A heavy police deployment has been made in the area.
"We are maintaining strict vigil and appealing to people not to spread rumours. Necessary steps are being taken to maintain peace," the officer added.
Incidentally, the area where the blast occurred is located near the residence of newly elected BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, the mother of the RG Kar Hospital rape victim.
