Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions.
The process of development of the tribal area of Bharmaur started in the 1970s when Gaddis were included among 'scheduled tribes'. The Fifth Five-Year Plan, the tribal sub-plan was introduced in 1974 and Bharmaur was designated as one of the five Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDP) in Himachal Pradesh. This area development plan was aimed at improving the quality of life of the Gaddis and narrowing the gap in the level of development between Bharmaur and other areas of Himachal Pradesh. This plan laid the highest priority on development of transport and communications, agriculture and allied activities, and social and community services. The most significant contribution of tribal sub-plan in Bharmaur region is the development of infrastructure in terms of schools, healthcare facilities, potable water, roads, communications and electricity. But the villages located along the river Ravi in Holi and Khani areas are the main beneficiaries of infrastructural development. The remote villages in Tundah and Kugti areas still do not have sufficient infrastructure. The social benefits derived from ITDP include tremendous increase in literacy rate, improvement in sex ratio and decline in child marriage. The female literacy rate in the region increased from 1.88 percent in 1971 to 65 percent in 2011. The difference between males and females in literacy level i.e. gender inequality, has also declined. Traditionally, the Gaddis had a subsistence agricultural-cum-pastoral economy, having an emphasis on food grains and livestock production. But during the last three decades of the twentieth century, the cultivation of pulses and other cash crops has increased in Bharmaur region. But crop cultivation is still done with traditional technology.
Why was the tribal sub-plan implemented in Bharmaur region?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Backwardness of the region
The passage states: “This area development plan was aimed at improving the quality of life of the Gaddis and narrowing the gap in the level of development between Bharmaur and other areas of Himachal Pradesh.”
A gap can be narrowed only when a region lags behind others. The plan was needed because Bharmaur is one of the most backward areas of Himachal Pradesh.
Option (1) Resource rich region — Incorrect. Bharmaur has a low resource base, harsh climate and a fragile environment.
Option (2) Backwardness of the region — Correct. The plan targeted the region’s economic and social backwardness, with schools, health care, water, roads and electricity.
Option (3) Pleasant climate for tourism — Incorrect. Bharmaur has freezing winters and snowfall. The plan was meant for the Gaddis’ development, not for tourism.
Option (4) To check the migration of non-tribals in tribal area — Incorrect. The plan aimed at the Gaddis’ quality of life and at basic services, not at controlling who settles in the area.
NCERT (2026-27): “Case Study – Integrated Tribal Development Project in Bharmaur Region … Bharmaur tribal region has harsh climate conditions, low resource base and fragile environment. These factors have influenced the society and Economy of the region. According to the 2011 census, the total population of Bharmaur sub-division was 39,113 i.e., 21 persons per sq km. It is one of the most (economically and socially) backward areas of Himachal Pradesh.” |