Vantangiya Community
History and Origin
Vantangiya community has a unique and challenging history that dates back to the British colonial era in India. During this period, the British government sought to replenish the forests cleared for railway construction by bringing in poor, landless laborers from various regions. These laborers were tasked with planting and nurturing Sakhu trees using a farming technique known as the Tangiya method, which originated from the mountainous regions of Myanmar. The term “Vantangiya” itself is derived from two words: “van,” meaning forest, and “tangiya,” which comes from “tongya,” referring to agricultural fields in mountainous areas. Historically, the Vantangiya community has faced numerous social and administrative challenges. Their villages were classified as “forest villages,” which resulted in their exclusion from government schemes, benefits, and rights typically available to revenue villages. This classification further perpetuated their marginalization and kept them trapped in a cycle of poverty.
Demographics
The Vantangiya community primarily comprises forest-dwelling people who trace their origins to the colonial period in India. During British rule, they were brought to regions such as Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and parts of Uttarakhand to plant and maintain forests. The name “Vantangiya” is derived from the Hindi words “van” (forest) and “tangiya” (axe), reflecting their association with forestry work.
Predominantly found in the districts of Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, and Basti in Uttar Pradesh.
Small populations are also present in Assam, Uttarakhand, and nearby regions with forest belts.
Residing in approximately 23 forest villages in the Gorakhpur and Maharajganj districts, these forest dwellers have been subjected to extreme exploitation and social exclusion.
Population
- The Vantangiya population is relatively small, ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 people in Uttar Pradesh alone (approximate estimate, subject to change based on surveys).
- They usually reside in clustered hamlets near forests, often isolated from urban and mainstream rural areas.
Ethnicity and Language
- The community has a tribal heritage, though not officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes (ST) in most states.
- Their primary language is Hindi, often mixed with local dialects such as Bhojpuri or Awadhi.
Socio-Economic Status
- Historically marginalized and deprived of basic amenities like education, healthcare, and housing.
- Many Vantangiyas work as farmers, daily wage laborers, or continue forestry-related activities.
- Land ownership remains a contentious issue, as many Vantangiyas were originally landless laborers.
Cultural Practices
- The Vantangiyas have unique traditions, primarily influenced by their forest-dwelling lifestyle.
- They celebrate local festivals linked to agriculture, nature, and forests.
- Traditional knowledge of forestry and herbal medicine is significant within the community.
Education and Awareness
- Education levels among the Vantangiyas are generally low due to poverty and lack of access to schools.
- Recent government interventions and NGO efforts have increased awareness and improved access to schooling for Vantangiya children.
Government Recognition
- The Vantangiya community gained recognition as a distinct group under the Uttar Pradesh Forest Rights Act.
- Efforts to include them in welfare schemes and provide basic infrastructure have been initiated by state governments.
Challenges
- Lack of official tribal status limits access to specific reservations and benefits.
- Persistent poverty, poor housing, and lack of healthcare continue to affect their quality of life.
- Deforestation and urbanization pose threats to their traditional livelihoods and habitats.
Sarvahitkari Sewashram Initiative for Vantangiya Community
Sarvahitkari Sewashram has been steadfast in advocating for the rights of the Vantangiya community, working to ensure they have equal access to the rights and facilities enjoyed by other citizens. Since 2008, our efforts and collaboration with authorities have led to significant milestones:
- Voting Rights: In 2015, several Vantangiya villages gained the right to vote, marking their formal recognition as Indian citizens. This milestone allowed community members to obtain essential documents, such as voter IDs and ration cards, and participate fully in democratic processes.
- Recognition as Revenue Villages: In 2018, numerous Vantangiya villages were officially designated as revenue villages, providing residents with access to essential services and rights associated with this status.
- Basic Facilities and Services: The Vantangiya community now has access to health services, with ASHA workers supporting adolescent girls’ health, and primary schools have been established to provide foundational education for children. A public distribution system (PDS) operates in each Gram Panchayat.
- Cultural Inclusion: Community members are now actively invited to participate in district-level cultural programs, fostering pride and a sense of inclusion.
- Education for Children and Youth: Through the persistent efforts and advocacy of Sarvahitkari Sewashram alongside the Vantangiya community, primary schools were established to provide accessible education.
Future Plan
Looking ahead, Project Vantangiya aims to:
- Expand the reach of SHGs and FPOs to include more community members.
- Strengthen advocacy efforts to ensure the reclassification of forest villages and improve access to government benefits.
- Enhance livelihood training programs to include more diverse skills and income-generating activities.
- Increase awareness campaigns focused on individual and women’s rights, ensuring that community members are empowered to advocate for themselves.
- Foster stronger partnerships with government agencies and NGOs to support the Vantangiya community’s development needs.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Opportunities
We invite corporations to join us through their CSR initiatives, contributing to a sustainable and equitable future for the Vantangiya community. Partnering with us can enable:
- Customized CSR Projects: Design projects tailored to your company’s CSR goals, focusing on education, healthcare, or infrastructure development.
- Impactful Investments: Ensure your resources directly uplift underprivileged families and foster long-term development.
- Brand Alignment: Showcase your commitment to social responsibility by supporting a community deeply tied to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Your Support Can Make a Difference
- Donate: Contribute to our programs.
- CSR Partnership: Reach out to us to explore CSR collaborations at shsa.india@gmail.com
- Volunteer: Join our team and bring hands-on change.
- Spread the Word: Share this appeal with your network to amplify our reach.
Together, we can rewrite the story of the Vantangiya community, turning Challenges into Opportunities. Let’s stand as a united force for their progress.
