POLITICAL HISTORY OF PANGI SCHEDULED AREA: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

Abstract

Background: The Delimitation Commission of India under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952, Notified, Pangi Assembly Constituency in Himachal Pradesh. The Pangi Assembly Constituency had been represented by Late Shri Daulat Ram Gupta. As a Pangwala he represented the Pangwal community in Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1951 to November, 1966. Under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1962 the Delimitation Commission of India abolished the Pangi Assembly Constituency and merged it with the Bharmour Assembly Constituency and renamed as Pangi-Bharmour Assembly Constituency. Since its abolition no candidate from Pangi has been received opportunity to represent Pangi-Bharmour Assembly Constituency.

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to highlight the historical political status of Pangi. Emphasis has also been made to identify the challenges and future perspectives as there is no political representation of Pangwal community in Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

Methodology: The study was analytical in nature and was based on secondary data. To obtain the secondary data various sources like online and offline publications were consulted through digital platforms and manually. As there are others Scheduled Areas named Bharmour, Kinnaur, Lahoul and Spiti. But the study was restricted to Pangi Scheduled Area only.

Results: The results of the study will be helpful to society, government and policymakers to pay special attention to the Pangwal community of Himachal Pradesh with respect to the political representation in the State Legislative Assembly.

Conclusion: The Pangwala Tribe resides in remotest area of Himachal Pradesh. It experiences heavy snowfall and remained disconnected from rest of the world during winters. The basic infrastructure is also poorly developed. Therefore it is important to give representation to the Pangwala community in the State Legislative Assembly. A locale person can identify the problems easily and can raise the locale problems effectly in State Legislative Assembly.