Maharashtra has begun a comprehensive survey of Pardhi families to identify households being left out of government records and welfare delivery, as community representatives raised urgent concerns about caste certificates, housing sites, employment and children’s education.
The survey was discussed at a meeting between Tribal Development Department officials and more than 80 Pardhi community activists from different districts in Nashik. The meeting was organised on the initiative of social activist Heramb Kulkarni, with activists explaining the difficulties faced by migrant and settlement-based families in accessing public services.
Pardhi community representatives Ravindra Bhosale and Mangesh Bhosale questioned whether members of the community would be accepted as equal citizens rather than treated as people associated with crime. Their accounts moved Tribal Commissioner Leena Bansod, according to the report. Bansod assured the participants that the state government would stand firmly with the community and directed activists to help ensure that no family was excluded from the survey.
The exercise is being conducted by the Tribal Development Department across Maharashtra. Officials said the participation of community workers would be important because many Pardhi families move between locations and may not be captured through routine administrative records. The survey is intended to create a more accurate database of households and support the preparation of a development plan for the community.
At the Nashik meeting, activists raised concerns about the registration of migrant families, obtaining caste certificates, finding land for housing, securing employment, admission to ashram schools and the difficulties children face in continuing their education. Community representatives also described problems in implementing existing government schemes and placed these concerns before the commissioner. The suggestions were recorded by the officials.
Planning Joint Director Kiran Joshi explained the survey methodology and planning process to the participants. The report did not specify the survey’s completion date, the number of households to be covered or the budget allocated for the exercise.
The housing issue is particularly significant because access to a permanent site is often a prerequisite for obtaining several forms of documentation and public services. Without stable residential records, families can face difficulties proving residence, enrolling children in schools and being considered for housing or livelihood schemes. The report, however, did not provide a district-wise assessment of housing shortages or identify locations where land would be made available.
Bansod also visited Pardhi families living in the premises of Annasaheb Awate College in Manchar on Saturday to understand their current conditions. She spoke with family members and Mangesh Bhosale about their difficulties and reiterated that the government would support them.
The next stage will depend on the survey’s ability to register migrant and settled families accurately. Officials said the information collected would be used to prepare a more effective development plan for the Pardhi community, while activists have been asked to assist in ensuring complete participation.
