Editorial of the Day (16 July): On the Politics of Nishad Community

Context: The 2024 Lok Sabha elections highlighted the shifting political allegiances and the growing importance of the Nishad community in U.P and Bihar.

Who are the Nishads Community?

• The term “Nishad” represents a larger political and social identity that encompasses many sub-castes, who have gradually unified under this singular identity after the Mandal Commission report.
• The Nishad community is a collective term used for various riverine and fishing castes across northern India.
• Historically, they have been associated with occupations related to rivers, such as fishing, boating, and sand mining.
• Geographical Spread: They are primarily found in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with significant populations in areas adjacent to major rivers.

Core Issues Associated with Nishads

• Socio-Economic Status:
  • The Nishads generally belong to the lower strata of the socio-economic hierarchy in India. They have historically faced social and economic marginalisation.
  • Many community members still engage in traditional livelihoods, which are increasingly threatened by environmental changes and regulatory policies.
• Rights over Natural Resources:
  • Riverine Rights: A fundamental issue for the Nishads is securing rights over river resources. This includes rights to fish, access to riverbanks for docking boats, and sand mining.
  • Conflict and Regulation: There have been ongoing conflicts with state authorities, particularly concerning regulations that restrict their traditional rights, such as those regulating sand mining and fishing areas.
• Political Representation and Recognition:
  • Demand for Scheduled Caste Status: In Bihar, the Nishads have been advocating for inclusion in the list of Scheduled Castes to gain access to reserved government jobs and educational opportunities, aiming to alleviate their socio-economic backwardness.
  • Political Mobilisation: The community has been mobilising to form a more unified political block to assert their rights and influence policies directly affecting them.
• Cultural and Social Identity:
  • The Nishads have a rich cultural heritage connected to the rivers of India, often reflected in local folklore and religious practices.
  • They seek recognition of this cultural identity and its preservation amidst modernising pressures and environmental degradation.

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