Though scrapped elsewhere in the country, five tribal rulers from the tribal-dominated Dangs still get political pension from Gujarat government during the Dangs Darbar festival, which commences today.
"Political pension ranging from Rs 46,000 to Rs 76,000 would be handed over to five erstwhile rules from the region during the festival," Sudeep Kumar Nanda, additional chief secretary, environment and forest ministry and in-charge of Dangs district told PTI.
The three-day festival, held at Ahwa, headquarters of Dangs to mark Holi, would be inaugurated by Governor Dr Kamla.
The five Dangi rulers are Kishanrao Yaswantrao Pawar of Gadhvi village, Tapanrao Anandrao of Daher, Bhavarsingh Hasusingh of Amla-Linga, Trikamsinh Sahebrao Pawar of Pipri village and Dhanrajsinh Pandersinh Suryavanshi of Vasorna.
As per an agreement signed between these five rulers and Sir Otam in 1842, Dangs was brought under a separate Foreign Territory and Administration of Foreign Jurisdiction Act of British empire.
While it enabled the British to gain right over the rich forest land and its produce in Dangs, on the other hand, it entitled these rulers for an annual political pension.
Other princely states were under direct British rule while Dangs was governed under separate provision of the Act. Hence, when the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi abolished privy purses in 1969, Dangs rulers were still out its ambit and they still continue to get aid without any break.
The total amount of beneficiaries including the administrative staff last year was 682, Nanda said.
Nanda said the festival is also a rare opportunity to see tribal communities like Bhils, Kunbis, Waris and Gamits in their traditional attires, performing traditional dances.
Besides, the state sports authority has organised 'Gramin Olympics' for tribal youths and vie for a Rs 1.5 lakh prize money.
