These days a tribal aged above 60 years is hard to find in the State. Sounds exaggerated, but life expectancy among tribals is far below the State average of 73 years. The average being 39 years for males and 43 for females.
Most Scheduled Tribe (ST) households are poorer than their counterparts in rural and urban areas. Also, the food habits, access to healthcare, and poverty are playing a role in affecting their longevity. The tribal groups are bearing a higher burden of underweight, anaemia etc. In fact, it has been found that the tribals in the State are found to be suffering from Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA).
As a result, the average age of death in the ST households was found to be 43 years. This is depriving tribals of social welfare schemes like pensions, say Tribal Welfare Department officials.
To address this issue, the Government has lowered the age - from the present 60 years – to 50, making them eligible for social welfare pensions.
Low eligibility
Tribal Welfare Director Gandham Chandrudu said that other communities and sections have better access to old age pensions compared to tribals.
“Less than 2% of tribals in total population in the State are getting social welfare pensions. In comparison, it is 6.7% of other communities and sections have access to the pensions. Also, less than 3% among the tribal population are getting pensions. In view of these facts, the government has decided to lower the pension age to tribals to 50 years,” he says.
The total number of existing ST pensioners (all types of pensions such as physically challenged, widow and old age) is 2,34,455. Of this, 1,01,455 are old age pensioners. Another 66,723 tribals would benefit with the Government’s move, and costing it another Rs. 80 crore annually. The new proposal is likely to be launched from October, he says.
Interestingly, tribal communities like Bagata are suffering from the SCA. In agency areas like Paderu, Araku and Chintapalli, 115 SCA cases were detected predominantly in the 20- 40 age group. Due to lack of proper medical facilities and malnutrition, adults succumb to it. Hence, 40 years is the outer limit, say medical and health officials.
Medical and health initiatives of the State government are reportedly showing considerable results. “The longevity among tribals is improving compared to the past. But, they still need special care,” says Mr. Chandrudu.
