Scheduled Castes Research Articles

Decomposing social groups differential in stunting among children under five in India using nationally representative sample data

Stunting among children is a reflection of the chronic malnutrition caused by a complex set of behavioural, demographic, and socioeconomic factors. This long-term detrimental exposure to chronic malnutrition is disproportionately higher among social and economically deprived groups, leading to significant differentials in the prevalence of stunting across various social strata. Therefore, this study investigates the inequality of social groups in terms of the prevalence of stunting across Schedule Caste (SC)-Scheduled Tribe (ST) and non-SC-ST. The study used 1,93,886 children’s data aged 0–59 months from the recent round of the National Family Health Survey. Descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression, F-test, t-test and chi-squared (χ²) test were applied to understand the prevalence, determinants, and associations, respectively. The Fairlie decomposition model was applied to quantify the factors contributing to the inequality of stunting across social groups. The results revealed that the prevalence of stunting was higher among SC-ST (39.60%) children compared to non-SC-ST (33.27%). In addition, children aged 15–30 months (AOR: 1.895, 95% CI: 1.843–1.949), and male (AOR: 1.074, 95% CI: 1.053–1.095), mothers had lower BMI (AOR: 1.543, 95% CI: 1.492–1.595), mothers who had no education (AOR: 1.595, 95% CI: 11.532–1.662), belongs to poorest wealth index (AOR: 1.857, 95% CI: 1.766–1.952), and the children belong to the household with unhygienic satiation practices (AOR: 1.097, 95% CI: 1.070–1.123) were more likely to be stunted. The decomposition results revealed that the variables included in the study could explain 68.9% of the stunting inequality between SC-ST and non-SC-ST groups. The household’s wealth index is found to be a leading factor, which contributed nearly 41.3% of total stunting inequality exists between these two groups, followed by mothers’ education (12.86%) and mothers’ BMI (11.02%), sanitation facilities (4.26%), children’s birth order (3.32%) and mother’s type of delivery (1.49%). These findings emphasize the importance of targeted interventions. Prioritizing policies that address household economic enhancement, women’s education and empowerment can be instrumental in reducing social group inequality and lowering the overall prevalence of stunting. Ensuring access to improved hygienic sanitation facilities in the household is equally important for achieving better health outcomes for the children.

Comparison of Scheduled Caste Youth Lifestyles and Those of Other Castes in Tamil Nadu: Youth Subculture and Identity

Social institutions and structures are crucial in shaping individual personalities and facilitating transitions, but systemic barriers can hinder youth’s smooth transition to adulthood and participation in society. When a transition fails, an identity crisis occurs and develops identity confusion as a result they will not have a clear sense of their role in society. No research has been done on the identity problems and transition challenges faced by Scheduled Caste Youth in Tamil Nadu, India. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate how rural youth in Tamil Nadu are influenced by socio-economic, political and cultural factors in forming their identity. Qualitative research techniques like case studies and focus group discussions were employed to examine the perspectives of youth from Katchipattu and Pattunool Chatram villages in Tamil Nadu. The results of the study highlight the significance of sub-cultural context, caste system and social exclusion in shaping youth attitudes and behaviours.

Vertical Mobility and Mental Gap of Scheduled Caste Students in West Bengal

This study investigates the complex relationship between vertical mobility and the mental gap experienced by Scheduled Caste (SC) students in West Bengal. Vertical mobility refers to the process by which individuals or groups ascend the social hierarchy, while the mental gap represents psychological barriers that often impede SC students from realizing their full potential. This research aims to elucidate various aspects of vertical mobility, examine the factors contributing to the mental gap experienced by SC students in higher education, and explore strategies to address these challenges to promote both personal development and upward mobility. To accomplish this objective, we employed qualitative documentary analysis and conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature, policy documents, and relevant case studies to gain a deeper understanding of the socioeconomic realities and educational trajectories of SC students. Our findings indicate that vertical mobility encompasses multiple dimensions, including educational attainment, career progression, and diverse social perspectives. Furthermore, we identified key contributors to the mental gap, such as internalized biases, economic constraints, and the pervasive influence of caste consciousness. By elucidating these critical factors, this study sought to propose effective strategies for bridging mental gaps and enhancing upward mobility among SC students. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding social equity and empowerment for marginalized communities, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions that facilitate the full integration of SC students into mainstream educational and social spheres.

Breaking the Silence: Fighting Injustice with Anti-Marginalization Advocacy

This article delves into the persistent issue of human rights violations against Scheduled Castes SC and Scheduled Tribes ST in India, despite the country’s celebration of its 75th anniversary of independence from British rule. It critically examines the historical and ongoing suppression of marginalized communities through the lens of modern - day slavery under the rule of law, with a focus on the legal and societal frameworks that perpetuate such atrocities. The author, a law student, employs a multidisciplinary approach to explore the gaps in the enforcement of legal protections and the stark inequalities that exist within Indian society. Drawing on reports, legal statutes, and the Constitution, the article highlights the increase in crimes against SC and ST communities, underscoring the need for stringent enforcement of laws and a coordinated effort among various stakeholders to address these violations. It proposes remedial measures aimed at systemic transformation, including building capacity, streamlining processes, and sensitizing the public. The article concludes with a call to action for every citizen to contribute to the fight for equality and dignity for marginalized communities, embodying the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Exploring the Socio-economic Conditions of Potato Farmers in Farrukhabad District of Uttar Pradesh, India

This study investigates the socio-economic profile of potato growers in Farrukhabad district, Uttar Pradesh, aiming to understand their demographic composition, educational background, caste distribution, marital status, family structure, landholding size, occupation, income levels, social participation, and possession of farming resources. A sample of 100 respondents cultivating potatoes as the main crop was selected from Kamalganj block, Farrukhabad district. Data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-structured schedule and analyzed using percentages. The results reveal that the majority of respondents are middle-aged, literate, and belong to scheduled castes. Most respondents are married and come from joint families with medium-sized households. Marginal and small landholdings dominate, and agriculture is the primary occupation, supplemented by subsidiary activities such as dairying and business. Income levels vary, with a significant proportion falling within the medium-income bracket. Social participation is moderate, with most respondents engaging in multiple organizations. Farm resources such as farm power and implements are moderately possessed. Extension services and information sources play a crucial role, with most respondents exhibiting moderate contact. This study provides valuable insights into the socio-economic landscape influencing agricultural practices among potato growers, which can inform policy formulation and extension activities aimed at fostering agricultural development and rural prosperity.

Trends and predictors of severe and moderate anaemia among children aged 6–59 months in India: an analysis of three rounds of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data

BackgroundChildhood anaemia remains a significant public health problem in India, as it adversely affects child development and overall health outcomes. This study aimed to analyse the prevalence of severe and moderate anaemia among children aged 6–59 months and identify consistent predictors of this condition over the past 15 years.MethodsData from the three most recent rounds of the NFHS were used for this analysis. The final weighted sample included 40,331 children from the NFHS-3 (2005–2006), 200,093 from the NFHS-4 (2015–2016), and 178,909 from the NFHS-5 (2019–2021). Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted, followed by binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with severe and moderate anaemia in children aged 6–59 months. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 14.ResultsOver the past 15 years, the prevalence of severe and moderate anaemia among children in India has shown a slight decline. However, the influence of various predictors has changed over time. Young children (aged 6–23 months), those from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, and children born to mothers with high parity and low educational attainment remain particularly vulnerable to anaemia. Additionally, short-term illness significantly increases the risk of anaemia. Furthermore, women’s autonomy, indicated by higher education and lower fertility rates, along with maternal nutrition education, have emerged as key factors in reducing anaemia burden in the future. Notably, children whose mothers had no education were 1.4 times more likely to suffer from severe or moderate anaemia. Similarly, children born to mothers with four to five children (OR 1.1, p < 0.05) and those with six or more children (OR 1.2, p < 0.05) had an elevated risk of anaemia.ConclusionThe findings highlight three key areas for programmatic focus to accelerate anaemia reduction in India: [1] targeting young children (aged 6–23 months); [2] ensuring the inclusion of SC and ST communities in all relevant interventions; and [3] promoting women’s autonomy. These strategies are essential for reducing the burden of anaemia across the country.

From Census to Commission to Life Narratives: Tracing the Nat Community&amp;apos;s Socio-Economic Status

This paper delves into a comprehensive exploration of the macro-level socio-economic landscape characterizing the Nat community, a de-notified tribe categorized as a scheduled caste in the state of Rajasthan, India. The primary aim is to furnish a nuanced understanding of the life and livelihood dynamics and the contemporary circumstances of the Nat community both at a national level and, more specifically, within the confines of Rajasthan. Historically, the Nat community is a nomadic group of entertainers who performed for Rajput kings and their subjects through dance and acrobatic skills. Drawing upon an amalgamation of existing scholarly works, the most recent datasets, and pertinent information from sources such as the 2011 census and reports issued by the National Commission on Nomadic, Semi-nomadic, and De-Notified Tribes, the paper unfolds across various thematic sections. These segments include an examination of the historical trajectory of the Nat community, an assessment of their social standing across different states, an exploration of the diversities, divisions, and deprivations experienced by the Nat community in Rajasthan, and a macro-level reflection on their demographic, educational, and economic profiles. Through this multi-faceted approach, the paper aspires to contribute valuable insights into the intricate socio-economic fabric that encapsulates the Nat community in the Indian context.

Political Participation Among Scheduled Castes: A Study on West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh

Political Participation Among Scheduled Castes: A Study on West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors”. ―Plato “Plato had no perception of the uniqueness of every individual, of his incommensurability with others, of each individual as forming a class of his own. He had no recognition of the infinite diversity of active tendencies, and the combination of tendencies of which an individual is capable.” ― Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Annihilation of Caste KONDAPALLI SRINIVASU, M.A. Research Scholar Department of Political Science and Public Administration Andhra University, Visakhapatnam PETETI PREMANANDAM M.A., B.L., B.Lisc., PGDSM., Ph.D. Professor and Head of the Department Department of Political Science and Public Administration Andhra University, Visakhapatnam ABSTRACT India's democracy is the largest among countries in the world. The National Election Commission Report of India listed 900 million eligible voters, 468 million male and 432 million female. These Indian voters were spread over 29 states. A notable element of the 2019, 17th Lok Sabha Election was the participation of 15 million first-time voters aged 18–19. Only 14.39 percent of the 2019 Parliament was female, with 78 MPs. In comparison, 85.61 percent of the group was male (464). General Elections 2019, the National Election Planner, reports 3,66,61,315 Andhra Pradesh voters. According to NEP data, AP has 18,123,437 men, 18,474,714 women, and 3,745 others as voters. The Electoral Roll 2019 contains 56,908 services and 2,511 abroad Indian electors. Female voters grew by 3,51,277, or 1.93 percent. Andhra Pradesh has 539,804 18–19-year-old voters. Political engagement and understanding are essential to any political system. These tools make voters efficient and link them to politics. The International Encyclopaedia of Social Sciences defines political involvement as the main way a democracy grants or revokes consent and holds power accountable to the people. It includes voting, acquiring information, discussing and persuading, attending meetings, donating, and communicating with representatives. Democracy and political participation are linked. Participation lets citizens express their interests. It fosters national stability and organization. It maximizes benefits for most people. Scholars define political participation differently depending on how they understand the different sorts of political activity. Growth generally requires involvement. The UNDP's "Human Development Report 1993" lists four interconnected forms of involvement: family, economic, socio-cultural, and political.

Cross-sectional study for profiling health status, health-related demographics, and health-seeking behaviour of the Scheduled Caste Population in selected areas of Chennai and Chengalpet Districts of Tamil Nadu

Background: Scheduled Caste (SC) population forms a large section of the Indian population who are often marginalised and deprived of social, economic and health benefits due to ignorance and socio-cultural milieu. Though various studies have been conducted on the socio-economic and political conditions of the SC population in Tamil Nadu, limited data is available on the status and determinants of their health. Objectives: The study's objectives were to estimate the health status of the SC population, health-related socio-demographic conditions and the population's health-seeking behaviour. Method: The observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in five SC-predominant areas of Chennai and Chengalpet districts of Tamil Nadu. Their health status, socio- demographic conditions, including household conditions, and health-seeking behaviour were estimated. Result: A total of 1452 households and 6072 participants of the SC community were studied, mostly belonging to the Adidravida community. Most households were of Upper-lower socioeconomic class with basic household amenities. A total of 11.54% of the adult population had a history of diagnosed chronic illnesses. Nearly one-fifth of reproductive-age women had menstrual irregularities. Non-communicable and infectious diseases were the most frequent reason for health care centre visits. Conclusion: Extensive and continuous screening of health status and chronic diseases is essential for early diagnosis and intervention. Focused interventions on improving socio- demographic status can further strengthen the health condition of the SC community. Integrating all systems of medicine in public health can help cater to the health requirements of all sections of the community. Concerted efforts can cut down the burden of chronic diseases.

Social Justice in Reservation - An Analysis

Reservation is one of the mechanisms of protective discrimination for eradicating the present institutionalized effects of past discriminations, through positive governmental steps awarding preferential treatment in favour of certain weaker sections of the society. Reservation is applied only in graded societies, where certain groups enjoyed more powers and privileges, while the other sections have been wholly or partially neglected. It involves encouragement sharing in favour of certain weaker sections of the society. It involves encouragement sharing of opportunities in the executive, legislative bodies, in educational institutions and in public services. Demand by the unprivileged classes to enjoy the same opportunities of the privileged class resulted in social conflict in the earlier stages. In course of time, the unprivileged section came to enjoy social, political and economic and other privileges on par with others. As per the Constitution of India, it is a temporary phenomenon used for some special achievement. In course of time, the unprivileged section came to enjoy social, political and economic and other privileges. Thus, everybody in the beneficiary categories Viz., Other Backward Classes in all India level, Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes in Tamil Nadu, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes did not enjoy the same status in the society. Due to the reservation policy, there are tremendous transformations in the social structure. It is evident that, there are noteworthy rich people among the backward and depressed castes. Similarly there are poor people in the forward castes as well. Not only that as per the Constitution of India, it is a temporary phenomenon used for some special achievement. In this research paper, an attempt has been made to examine and compare the concepts of exclusive reservation and creamy layer and to study the changing trends in the reservation policy towards social justice.

Exploring the Balance: Cultural and Medical Perspectives on Cousin Marriages in Scheduled Castes and Other Communities

Exploring the Balance: Cultural and Medical Perspectives on Cousin Marriages in Scheduled Castes and Other Communities

Impact of Mgnrega on Employment Generation in Karnataka

This study examines the impact of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on employment generation in Karnataka. Using secondary data from official websites, the research highlights MGNREGA's significant role in providing wage employment and enhancing livelihood security for rural households. As of September 2024, over 80 lakh job cards have been issued, with a high employment fulfillment rate exceeding 98%. The program actively supports marginalized communities, with 18.15% of workers from Scheduled Castes and 10.71% from Scheduled Tribes. Overall, MGNREGA is a crucial mechanism for economic stability and poverty alleviation in rural Karnataka.

Hypertension in India: a gender-based study of prevalence and associated risk factors

BackgroundHypertension, a major non-communicable disease, is responsible for a significant number of global deaths, including approximately 17.9 million yearly. The Global Burden of Disease 2019 (GBD 2019) estimates that 19% of global deaths are attributed to elevated blood pressure. India, with a population of over 1.4 billion, is facing a serious challenge in combating this silent killer. This study aims to analyze the gender-based prevalence of hypertension in India and explore its associated risk factors using data from the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).MethodsNFHS-5 collected data from 636,699 households across all states and union territories. The study includes standardized blood pressure measurements for 17,08,241 individuals aged 15 and above. The data were analyzed using Stata, employing descriptive statistics for the assessment of the prevalence and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of hypertension.ResultsThe study found the overall prevalence of hypertension in India to be 22.6%, with men (24.1%) having a higher prevalence than women (21.2%). Prevalence increased with age, reaching 48.4% in individuals aged 60 and above. Urban residents had a slightly higher prevalence (25%) than rural residents (21.4%), indicating the rapid spread of hypertension across all populations. Regional variations were observed, with the highest prevalence in Sikkim (37.9%) and the lowest in Rajasthan (16.5%). Increasing age, urban residence, belonging to certain religions (Muslim and other than Hindu or Muslim), and being classified as Scheduled Tribes (ST) were associated with a higher likelihood of hypertension. Conversely, belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Other Backward Classes (OBC), being currently unmarried, and having higher education were associated with a lower likelihood of hypertension. Wealth index analysis revealed that those in the richest quintile were more likely to have hypertension. Behavioural risk factors, such as alcohol consumption, overweight, obesity, increased waist circumference, and high blood glucose levels, are positively associated with hypertension.ConclusionHypertension is a significant health burden in India, affecting both men and women. Age is the strongest non-modifiable predictor for both men and women. However, ageing women have higher odds of hypertension than ageing men, and this distinction becomes much more evident in their older ages. Obese women, based on BMI, have higher odds of hypertension than men. However, hypertension prevalence is slightly higher among men who are overweight or obese compared to women. BMI, waist circumference, random glucose level, alcohol use, and education level emerged as major predictors. Health education and awareness campaigns are critical to control the growing burden of hypertension in India. Policymakers must focus on preventive measures, targeting lifestyle changes and improved healthcare access for both men and women. By addressing these risk factors, India can make significant progress in controlling hypertension and reducing its impact on public health.

Contribution of Dalit Women to the Indian Freedom Struggle

As we all know, the Indian National movement was a series of historical events with the ultimate aim of ending British rule in India. The Indian independence movement was in constant ideological evolution. Essentially anti-colonial, it was supplemented by visions of independent, economic development with a secular, democratic, republican, and civil-libertarian political structure. Women's participation was a pillar of a national movement. Their participation in the Indian freedom struggle is a significant area of contemporary historical inquiry. Dalit women's roles, opinions, motivations, specificity, and extent in shaping the freedom movement were rarely acknowledged because they were part marginalised group of people who make up part of what is officially known as Scheduled Castes in India. This research will highlight how Dalit women contributed to such a valuable historical legacy of independent India.

Impact of natural disasters on educational attainment in India: a panel data analysis

Natural disasters are known to adversely affect welfare, especially education. This can lead to a loss in human capital, reducing future growth and development. We use data from two of the latest rounds of the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) and employ a panel difference in difference regression model with continuous treatment fixed effects at the individual level. This allows us to examine the impact of natural disasters on education outcomes between 2004-05 and 2011-12 at the individual level. Our estimates improve upon all earlier studies on this theme that have relied on cross-section or pseudo-panel data at the district level. We provide first estimates of the impact of natural disasters on educational attainment disaggregated by social (including caste, religion, and gender) and economic groups (consumption quintiles). Natural disasters significantly and negatively affected education for women and three Consumption Quintiles (including those below poverty), Other Backward Castes, Scheduled Castes, Muslims, and other Minorities. We also find that the number of household assets, the number of children in the household, school fees, school type, Confidence intensity, health insurance, and life insurance influence educational years. Our results have significant implications in the context of quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and climate change (SDG 13). The study evaluates the impact of the rising incidence of climate extremes vis-a-vis natural disasters as external shocks on educational outcomes. Educational attainment is directly linked to earnings and is well-established in the literature. We thus believe the negative impact of natural disasters on educational attainment, especially for the marginalized, may have long-term disruptive effects beyond immediate losses and may last through generations.

Socioeconomic inequalities in adverse pregnancy outcomes in India: 2004-2019.

Although India has made substantial improvements in public health, it accounted for one-fifth of global maternal and neonatal deaths in 2015. Stillbirth, abortion, and miscarriage contribute to maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. There are known socioeconomic inequalities in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study estimated changes in socioeconomic inequalities in rates of stillbirth, abortion, and miscarriage in India across 15 years. We combined data from three nationally representative health surveys. Absolute inequalities were estimated using the slope index of inequality and risk differences, and relative inequalities were estimated using the relative index of inequalities and risk ratios. We used household wealth, maternal education, and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe membership as socioeconomic indicators. We observed persistent socioeconomic inequalities in abortion and stillbirth from rates of 2004-2019. Women at the top of the wealth distribution reported between 2 and 5 fewer stillbirths per 1,000 pregnancies over the study time period compared to women at the bottom of the wealth distribution. Women who completed primary school, and those at the top of the household wealth distribution, had, over the study period, 5 and 20 additional abortions per 1,000 pregnancies respectively compared to women who did not complete primary school and those at the bottom of the wealth distribution. Women belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe had 5 fewer abortions per 1,000 pregnancies compared to other women, although these inequalities diminished by the end of the study period. There was less consistent evidence for socioeconomic inequalities in miscarriage, which increased for all groups over the study period. Despite targeted investments by the Government of India to improve access to health services for socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, disparities in pregnancy outcomes persist.

Utilising GIS for studying urban entropy, population dynamics, and ventilation disparity: A case study of changing land use, land cover, and socially vulnerable hotspots in Hyderabad, India

Citywide ventilation studies are challenging because they involve complicated interactions between various variables, including anthropogenic variables, housing conditions, and socio-economic considerations. The present paper aims to clarify the complex interactions between these three vital variables and the restricted ventilation zones. The ventilation patterns from 1990 to 2020 are meticulously examined in the first half of this research. This study observed the expansion of built-up areas, which increased from 13.7% in 1990 to 51.8% in 2020. The remainder of the paper explores population dynamics in locations with poor ventilation. In severely ventilated areas, the population increased from 10.7% in 1990 to 16.6% in 2020. The percentage of severely ventilated areas increased from 0.7% in 1990 to 31.6% in 2020, highlighting the urgent need to address ventilation inequities in urban planning. The research uses Spearman correlation analysis, which shows that industrial areas have a substantial positive association with ventilation disparities among anthropogenic factors, indicating the effect of industrial zones on decreased ventilation. The absence of toilets is a powerful and substantial housing variable contributing to poor ventilation. Additionally, the existence of the Total Scheduled Caste population within the socio-economic variables exhibits a strong and significant association, indicating that social issues are intricately linked to ventilation disparities. This research provides critical insights that can inform urban planning and policy decisions to improve ventilation and living conditions in densely populated cities.

Global Health Management: Addressing Health Disparities And Inequalities

It is the state's responsibility to provide access to public health care management for the poor and vulnerable, as the cost of curative care is disproportionately higher among lower income groups, the majority of whom are Dalits. India's population health has significantly improved during the past 70 years. The disparity across social groupings is still rather large, though. Low health status is clearly associated with poverty, being a woman, living in a rural area, belonging to a tribal ethnic group, being a scheduled caste (SC), and belonging to particular minority groups. In order to guarantee health fairness, it is necessary to review the environment and policy implementation regime. The purpose of this article is to provide context for relevant healthcare concerns and challenges by examining a few key health, poverty, illness-related costs, and coping techniques across social groupings indicators. The conceptual foundation for the health effects of public health care management's globalisation is described in this study. An examination of the main social determinants influencing population health is known as the social determinant of health.

Private Space and Scheduled Caste Colonies in Kerala

Central and state governments have been spending huge amounts year after year for the development of scheduled caste people in India. The state of Kerala is also a good role model in this regard. Social integration of the Scheduled Castes in India with the rest of the communities is still an unfinished agenda of independent India. In this regard, Kerala, one of the states in India having highest rate of social development, is not an exception. The present article tries to theoretically contextualize the socio-economic backwardness of Scheduled Castes in Kerala by analysing to what extent a scheduled caste house property in Scheduled caste Colonies is an economic good. The study uses a theoretical concept-private space which is extracted from Henri Lefebvre’s social space.

“Future Uncertain!” — Dispossession by Mining and Young Men - Mining Company Engagements in Eastern India

A protracted movement emerged in Southern Odisha, eastern India, in 1993 that stalled for over 18 years India’s first private bauxite mining project, Utkal Alumina International Limited, in Kashipur. The movement went through several ups and downs and finally declined in 2010. The project involved the dispossession of 32 villages. The movement’s decline coincided with many young villagers turning to the mining company to obtain low-paying jobs and paltry benefits. Most of the villagers who did this were earlier at the forefront of the movement. This article explores why and how these young, semi-educated, and dispossessed men from Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes responded to this situation. It critically explores their actions and utilizes the sociological concept of responsibilization to understand the actions of these young men facing acute uncertainty about their futures in a context where their existing and familiar economic and social world was rapidly dissolving before their eyes.