Why In The News?

• Recently, a large group of Dhangars demanded a ‘grazing corridor’ for their sheep and goats in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district.

About the Dhangars:

=> The Dhangars are a community of shepherds with a rich cultural heritage.

=> They reside not only in Maharashtra but also in other states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Grazing Corridors and Their Struggle:

• Historically, Dhangars have followed specific routes for grazing their animals.
• These routes are deeply ingrained in their way of life, and they’ve herded their flocks along them since time immemorial.

=> These paths are not just about sustenance; they’re part of their cultural identity.

Quest for Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status:

• The Dhangars are currently listed under Maharashtra’s Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) category.

=> However, they’ve been persistently seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for decades.

=> Interestingly, in other parts of the country, they are recognized as “Dhangad” and enjoy reservation benefits as an ST community.