Social Infrastructure

The Social Infrastructure of Chhattisgarh of today is a reflection of the tradition and History of Chhattisgarh. Unlike many other places in the country, the women in the state have always enjoyed considerable amount of freedom. No wonder, the modern Chhattisgarhi women will enjoy the same status. According to the Human Development Report of the Madhya Pradesh Government – 1998, the districts, which now belong to Chhattisgarh, fared much better in the Gender Development Index.

Traditionally also, the women in Chhattisgarh have been relatively liberal. The Purdah system practiced in many parts of the country is not so prominent in Chhattisgarh. There is even a custom called Chudi Pahanana, according to which a woman can terminate her marriage if she wishes. However, women of higher castes are not fortunate to enjoy this custom. Also, the presence of these customs does not prove that it is not a male dominated society.

The Chhattisgarh population is highly dominated by Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. The Schedule castes constitute 23.5 % of the state's population while the tribal people constitute almost 32.5 % of the total population. The tribal areas have witnessed quite a few rebellions against intruders, including the British. It has also witness the emergence of few reform movements like the Satnam and Kabir Panthi. However the non-tribal population is gradually on the rise and this evident in the Bastar region. Despite the tribal influence, vintage Hindu culture has flourished in the area. The Social Infrastructure of Chhattisgarh is distinct with its own characteristics.