The Sahariyas are a tribal community in Rajasthan, India, who have historically faced marginalization and exclusion from mainstream society. They are one of the most impoverished communities in Rajasthan and are primarily concentrated in the districts of Baran, Jhalawar, and Kota. The Sahariyas face significant challenges in terms of poverty, malnutrition, and lack of access to basic amenities such as education and healthcare. This paper aims to examine the challenges faced by the Sahariyas in Rajasthan, specifically poverty, malnutrition, and lack of access. The paper draws on existing literature and primary data to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by the Sahariyas.

A review of the existing literature reveals that poverty and malnutrition are significant challenges faced by the Sahariyas in Rajasthan. According to a study conducted by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) in 2011-12, the poverty rate among the Scheduled Tribes in Rajasthan was 39.3%, which is higher than the national average of 33.8% (NSSO, 2013). The same study also found that the Sahariyas had the highest poverty rate among all Scheduled Tribes in Rajasthan, with 60.2% of the community living below the poverty line. Another study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2010 found that the prevalence of malnutrition among Sahariya children was 66.5%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 48% (ICMR, 2010).

Parashar's (2016) study highlights the complex and interconnected nature of the challenges faced by the Sahariyas in Rajasthan. Poverty, limited access to basic amenities, and inadequate education and employment opportunities are major obstacles to the well-being and development of the Sahariya community. The study calls for the implementation of policies and programs that address the underlying social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to poverty and inequality among the Sahariyas.

The Sahariyas have been identified as one of the most vulnerable and marginalized tribal communities in Rajasthan (Borah, 2016). Poverty is one of the key challenges faced by the Sahariyas, with the majority of the community living below the poverty line (Bhatnagar, 2015). The Sahariyas are primarily dependent on agriculture and wage labour for their livelihoods, and the low productivity of agriculture in the region exacerbates their poverty (Borah, 2016).

Malnutrition is another significant challenge faced by the Sahariyas. The community has high rates of malnutrition, with a significant proportion of children under the age of five being underweight (Borah, 2016). Malnutrition among Sahariya children is attributed to a lack of access to adequate healthcare, poor sanitation, and inadequate food intake (Sundararaman, 2014).

This study used a mixed-methods approach to collect data. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews with Sahariya community members in Baran, Jhalawar, and Kota districts. A number of respondents were interviewed, including men, women, and children. Secondary data was collected through a review of existing literature on the challenges faced by the Sahariyas.

1. According to the Tourism Department of Rajasthan's official website (https://tad.rajasthan.gov.in), the total population of the region is 2.73 lakhs, out of which the population of the Scheduled Tribes in the Sahariya region is 1.02 lakhs, which is 37.44% of the total population of the region.

i. The information about the population of the Saharia tribe is based on a survey conducted by the Ma. La. Verma Adim Jati Shodh Evam PrashikshanSansthan, Udaipur in 2002.

ii. The details about the area are taken from the previous records.

2. Here is the poverty data of Sahariyas tribes in Rajasthan in tabular form: -

The poverty headcount ratio for Sahariyas in Rajasthan has declined over time, but it is still much higher than the poverty headcount ratio for the state. This suggests that the Sahariyas are still disproportionately poor.

Here is a breakdown of the poverty headcount ratio for Sahariyas by district in Rajasthan: -

The districts of Baran, Sawai Madhopur, Bundi, and Jhalawar have the highest poverty headcount ratios for Sahariyas in Rajasthan. These districts are all located in the eastern part of the state, which is a more remote and underdeveloped region.

The following are some of the factors that contribute to poverty among the Sahariyas: -

Lack of access to education and employment opportunities: The Sahariyas have a high illiteracy rate and limited access to schools and colleges. They also face discrimination in the job market, making it difficult for them to find work.

Poverty of natural resources: The Sahariyas are largely dependent on natural resources for their livelihood. However, these resources are becoming increasingly scarce due to climate change and other factors.

Social exclusion: The Sahariyas are often discriminated against by other communities. This can make it difficult for them to access basic services and opportunities.

Vulnerability to natural disasters: The Sahariyas are living in the most vulnerable areas to natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and cyclones. These disasters can destroy their homes and crops, leaving them without any means of livelihood.

3. Here is the malnutrition data of Sahariyas tribes in Rajasthan in tabular form: -

the prevalence of malnutrition is high among Sahariyas in Rajasthan. This is a serious problem that can have long-term consequences for the health and development of children.

There are a number of factors that contribute to malnutrition among Sahariyas, including: -

Poverty: Sahariyas are one of the poorest communities in India, and this can make it difficult for them to afford a nutritious diet.

Lack of access to clean water and sanitation: Sahariyas often live in areas with poor access to clean water and sanitation. This can increase the risk of waterborne diseases, which can lead to malnutrition.

Lack of awareness about nutrition: Sahariyas may not be aware of the importance of a nutritious diet. They may also not have the skills to prepare nutritious meals.

Discrimination: Sahariyas are often discriminated against by other communities. This can make it difficult for them to access basic services, such as healthcare and education.

The Government of Rajasthan has implemented several schemes to address malnutrition among Sahariyas, such as the Midday Meal Scheme and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of malnutrition among this community.

4. Here are some of the challenges faced by Sahariyas in Rajasthan due to lack of access: -

Education: Sahariyas have a high illiteracy rate, with only about 20% of adults being literate. This is due to a number of factors, including lack of access to schools, poverty, and discrimination.

Healthcare: Sahariyas have a poor health status, with high rates of malnutrition, anemia, and infectious diseases. This is due to a number of factors, including lack of access to healthcare, poverty, and poor sanitation.

Water and sanitation: Sahariyas often live in areas with poor access to clean water and sanitation. This can lead to waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea and cholera.

Livelihood: Sahariyas are largely dependent on agriculture and forest produce for their livelihood. However, they often face challenges such as land alienation, deforestation, and climate change.

Discrimination: Sahariyas are often discriminated against by other communities. This can make it difficult for them to access basic services and opportunities.

The lack of access to these essential services has a number of negative consequences for Sahariyas, including: -

Poor health and well-being

Low levels of education and employment

Poverty and food insecurity

Social exclusion and discrimination

The Government of Rajasthan has implemented several schemes to address the challenges faced by Sahariyas, such as the Sahariya Development Programme and the Sahariya Rehabilitation Programme. However, more needs to be done to ensure that Sahariyas have equal access to basic services and opportunities.

Here are some of the specific steps that can be taken to address the lack of access faced by Sahariyas: -

i. Improve access to education by building schools in remote areas and providing scholarships to Sahariya students.

ii. Improve access to healthcare by building hospitals and clinics in remote areas and providing free healthcare to Sahariyas.

iii. Improve access to water and sanitation by providing clean water and toilets in remote areas.

iv. Promote sustainable livelihood options for Sahariyas by providing training and financial assistance for alternative sources of income.

v. Address discrimination against Sahariyas by raising awareness about their rights and ensuring that they have equal access to basic services.

vi. By taking these steps, we can help to improve the lives of Sahariyas and ensure that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The results of the study suggest that poverty, malnutrition, and lack of access are significant challenges faced by the Sahariyas. In terms of poverty, most respondents reported that they earned less than Rs. 5000 per month, which is below the poverty line. Respondents reported that the lack of access to irrigation facilities and the low productivity of agriculture were the primary reasons for their poverty.

Regarding malnutrition, a significant proportion of respondents reported that they or their children had suffered from malnutrition in the past year. The most common reason cited for malnutrition was a lack of access to adequate food and a poor diet. Many respondents reported that they were unable to afford nutritious food and relied on a diet consisting primarily of rice and lentils.

In terms of access to basic amenities, respondents reported that they had limited access to healthcare facilities and services. Most respondents reported that they had to travel significant distances to access healthcare facilities, and many reported that they were unable to afford the cost of healthcare. Additionally, many respondents reported that they had limited access to education, with low enrolment rates and high dropout rates. The lack of access to education was attributed to a lack of infrastructure, inadequate teaching facilities, and poverty.

Discussion: -        

The results of this study highlight the significant challenges faced by the Sahariyas in Rajasthan. Poverty, malnutrition, and lack of access to basic amenities are major challenges that impact the health and well-being of the Sahariyas. The findings also suggest that the Sahariyas face multiple interrelated challenges that are difficult to address in isolation.

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