Homecoming After 12-Year Exile: A Case of Tribal Rehabilitation in Gujarat

✍️ By Suryavanshi IAS | UPSC-Oriented Blog

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🔍 Context

After 12 years of exile, 29 tribal families from the Kodarvi community in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district are finally returning to their ancestral village Mota Pipodra, thanks to a reconciliation initiative led by the police and district administration.

These families had been displaced due to an ancient custom called ‘Chadotaru’, rooted in revenge and social disharmony.

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🧾 What is ‘Chadotaru’?

‘Chadotaru’ is a customary practice among certain tribal communities in Gujarat, typically associated with revenge-based expulsion after disputes or deaths. While it may have had social regulation roots, today it stands in violation of constitutional values like liberty, dignity, and the right to life (Article 21).

Hindi: ‘चडोतारू’ एक पुरानी परंपरा है जिसमें झगड़ों के बाद बदले की भावना से परिवारों को गाँव से निष्कासित किया जाता है।

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🌿 The Journey of the Kodarvi Families

• Exile Period: 12 years

• Migrated to: Palanpur and Surat

• Total Members: Approx. 300

• Lost: Homes, land (8.5 hectares), cultural identity

• Suffered from: Social stigma, poverty, and fear

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🤝 Rehabilitation Through Governance

The Banaskantha police, in coordination with panchayat leaders and community elders, initiated a peace-building process. The district administration played a proactive role in:

1. Reconciliation Dialogues

2. Land Reclamation: 8.5 hectares of ancestral land revived

3. Housing Support:

   • 2 homes already built

   • 27 to be constructed under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

4. Social Support:

   • Educational kits

   • Ration kits

   • Long-term rehabilitation discussions

Hindi: प्रशासन ने जमीन को फिर से उपजाऊ बनाया और प्रधानमंत्री आवास योजना के तहत मकानों का निर्माण शुरू किया।

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📜 Constitution vs. Custom

This case reflects a deeper conflict in India:

Aspect	Constitution	Custom (Chadotaru)
Article 21	Right to life with dignity	Forced exile violates this
Article 19 (1)(e)	Right to reside and settle anywhere	Denial of this freedom
Article 15 & 17	No discrimination and untouchability	Social boycott elements visible

UPSC Mains Angle: Customary practices v/s Constitutional morality – critically discuss.

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🌱 Symbolism of Return

The symbolic sowing of seeds on Thursday will mark not just agricultural rebirth but social regeneration. It's a message of hope, dignity, and constitutional empowerment.

Quote by Minister Harsh Sanghavi:
“This is not just about bringing people back, but healing old wounds and building harmony.”

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📚 UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Connection

1. GS Paper I – Society

Q. Discuss how the constitutional framework safeguards the rights of tribal communities in India. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Relevance: The Kodarvi case shows constitutional and administrative intervention against oppressive customs.

2. GS Paper II – Governance

Q. Examine the role of civil services in resolving long-pending social disputes. (UPSC CSE 2017)
Relevance: Role of Banaskantha police in reconciliation.

3. Essay Paper

Q. Customs are not always moral. Discuss. (UPSC Essay 2018 Theme)
Relevance: Direct link with the outdated ‘Chadotaru’ custom.

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🧠 Points for UPSC Aspirants to Reflect

• ✍️ Ethics Case Study Potential: If you are the DM, how would you handle such a case of exile due to custom?

• 🧭 Governance Best Practice: Peace via dialogue, not coercion — key lesson for aspirants.

• 🧱 Policy Linkage: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Forest Rights Act (FRA), Tribal Sub Plan.

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📌 Conclusion

The return of the Kodarvi families is not just a news story — it's a model case study for UPSC preparation. It represents how inclusive governance, constitutional values, and community dialogue can defeat oppressive traditions and restore dignity to the marginalised.

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📘 Key Terms in Hindi (for Hindi Medium Students)

• अनुच्छेद 21 – जीवन और गरिमा का अधिकार

• प्रशासनिक पुनर्वास – Administrative Rehabilitation

• चडोतारू प्रथा – प्रथा जिसमें प्रतिशोध के कारण निष्कासन किया जाता है

• पुनर्स्थापन योजना – Rehabilitation Scheme

• सामाजिक समरसता – Social Harmony