The Problems of Economic Development among the Hiras, an Occupational Caste of Assam

Assam, the fascinating land of blue hills and red rivers, is inhabited by a number of communities belonging to various ethnic origins with diverse cultures. These communities can broadly be divided into two categories viz. tribals and nontribals and they are found spread on the hills as well as the two valleys of the state. The non-tribal category of inhabitants can again be sub-divided into high caste Hindus, O.B.C.’s, M.O.B.C.’s and Scheduled Castes (SC). Numerically, Hiras occupy the fifth position among the Scheduled Caste of Assam. They are traditionally an occupational Caste who make pottery by means of hand. Economic backwardness of the Hiras can be attributed to their low income occupation. The people should be made realize that education is the only way to equip oneself for Socio-economic development.