Chapter-4

A BRIEF HISTORICAL, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL

ACCOUNT OF THE DISTRICT OF PURULIA

The main domain of governance is society where people live.

Society is composed of network of relationships among people. This

relationship further develops through different types of organizations and

institutions. In this way, the study of governance is accompanied by

different types of organizations and institutions of the people. The nature

of organizations and institutions varies according to their social

environment. Social environment composed of human beings with their

divisions, and different types of associations, organizations, such as, trade

unions, N.G.Os, C.B.Os, families, tribal groups, charities, political

organizations, co-operatives, cultural groups, environmental groups,

professional associations and many other organizations like these. The

role and activities of these organizations and institutions together create

the social-environment. This social environment further creates specific

pattern of culture with values, beliefs, norms of the people belonging to

the society. The study of governance varies from one society to another in

accordance with the contextual variations of the societies. There is

difference among the societies in terms of people, history, culture, values,

socio-economic structure, development, geography, and politics and so

on. Growth of different types of social associations and organizations in a

society makes healthy atmosphere of governance. We have pointed out in

our chapter 2, that organizations and institutions are the social

122

our chapter 2, that organizations and institutions are the social

composition through which human life is organized and coordinated.

Organized social environment is the pre-condition of socio-political and

economic development of any society.

Again, development of organizations and institutions alone cannot create

an environment of creative healthy society. Role of the organizer is also

important in this regard. So, the role performed by the members of theses

social as well as political organizations is very much crucial in the

making of governance. Effective performance of the representatives of

the institutions improves the quality of the society with its organizations

and institutions. Healthy society can produce quality leadership for the

governmental institutions. Thus, institutions and the actors together

played important role in the formation of a healthy society. Healthy

society produces good governance for their people.

So, the political question of governance has to be taken down to

the level of society. It is the 'context' which will explain the variations of

governance from one society to another. Governance relies on the perfect

designing of the governmental institutions in a particular set of society.

As the political, social and economic environment of the society vary

within time and space, the performance of the governmental institutions

also varies according to that level. Governmental institutions enact

legislations, and enforce those legislations with the help of its members

and its organizations. So, it is the quality of the members and the

performance of the institutions which can develop the level of governance

of a particular society at a particular time. A rich network of socio­

economic structures of any society helps to produce quality leadership

and can create ideal atmosphere of co-operation and governance. The

123

main task of the institutions is to deliver goods and services to the people

by making arrangements for them: shelter, medical facilities, education,

· drinking water, roads, electricity, jobs and so on. Thus, in the making of

governance, the role of the political institutions and their leaders as well

as the informal institutions of the society is very much crucial.

Under these contextual variations of social domains and within the

limit of time and space, the changing patterns of governance in the district

of Purulia are studied here. For this purpose a panoramic view of the

historical, social, economic and political conditions of the district of

Purulia has been given in the following pages as a back-drop of the study

of governance. This chapter, therefore, outlines a short profile of the

district of Purulia. Information relating to the district profile has been

collected from various sources like books, journals, periodicals,

newspapers, official records and reports, district gazetteer and so on.

A brief historical account of the district is necessary for

understanding the formation of the Purulia district. Purulia was formerly

known as Manbhum district, of Bihar. Prior to that, it was the part of the

district of 'Jungal Mahal' (A forestry territorial estates in India). The

erstwhile Manbhum district became Purulia as a part of West Bengal, in

the year 1956. In order to know the formation of the district as an

administrative unit, we have to go back to the history of 'Jungle Mahal'

(estates) and subsequently Manbhum district.

"Jungle Mahals" (estates) were too large an area covering the districts of

Bardhaman, Bankura, Birbhum, Midnapore, Panchet etc. and many of the

Parganas (A group of towns in West Bengal) to maintain law and order

simation. In order to protect frequent uprisings by the Zamindars, their

former Pailcs and dacoits at the same time, it was realized by the British

124

Government that a new district has to be formed to maintain law and

order situation of the Mahal (A territorial division in India) areas in an

appropriate manner. From this urge, the Jungle Mahal district including

the part of today's Purulia was formed as a part of the large areas of

Jungles (forestry).

The tribal people inhabited the area. These tribal groups were organized

under village heads known as 'ghatwals', 'Mundas', and divisional heads

known as 'Mankis'. Ethnically, the aborigines are the Kurmis, Santals,

Bhumijs, Bauris, Koras, Majhis, Kheria, Sabar and Mundas. Their

descendants are the large part of the present day's population of the

district ofPurulia (About 19.2 percent). 1 The number ofBhumijs has been

gradually decreasing during the last few decades. In the year 1872, their

numbers were 90,216 in the Manbhum district and in the year 1881 they

were 1, 04,358 and at present time (1991) their number has been reduced

to below 50,000.2 They are economically backward, living in rural areas

often below poverty line, illiterate and mostly landless laborers. They

were being deprived from almost all kinds of social amenities to lead a

normal social life. The main purpose of the British Government was to

collect revenue from this area and build an appropriate administrative set

up for their protection and to control the rebellion of this communities.

'Jungle Mahal' district was formed in 1805, consisting of the forest

areas of the districts Burdwan, Bankura, Midnapore, and Panchet, and 23

'Mahals' and 'Parganas' with its headquarters in Bankura, by the

Regulation of XVIII. 3 There was a small military establishment at Jhalda

1 Bhattacharyya, Tarundev, Purulia (in Bengali), (Calcutta: Farma K.L.M, 1986), PP. 214, C0,228, 2 Ibid. PP. 229-31 , 1.) District Gazetteer, Purulia, (Calcutta: Government of West Bengal, 1985), P. 99. 2.)

I . Bhattacharyya, Tarundev, Purulta (Calcutta: Farma K.L.M, 1986), P. 363.

125

and Ragunathpur of the newly formed district and with this military

arrangement the police organization of the district was successful in the

management of law and order problem of the new district for some time.

But, the administrative purpose of the British Government to form

the Jangle Mahal district did not last for a long time. Formation of the

Jungle Mahal district had brought under the district close control of

administration and temporarily helped in maintaining law and order

problems of the district. It has been found that within 25 years of its

formation, the disturbances increased gradually and it culminated in the

revolt of famous Ganga Narayan Hungama (disturbances) in the year

1832. Basically, it was a dispute of two brothers i.e. Madhav Sing and

Ganga Govinda of the estate ofBarabhum as a matter of succession to the

estate of Barabhum Raj. Ganga Narayan was cheated and deprived of

panch sardari (A group of five village leaders supervising land system) by

his brother who was a Diwan of Barabhum and was & blessed child of the

British Government. From his grievances, Ganga Narayan attacked his

brother Madhav Sing and killed him. After killing him, Ganga Narayan

proceeded to grab the whole estate of Barabhum. He started with a force

of three thousand Chuars (A rude, unruly schedule tribes of West Bengal)

from Barabazar of the estate and burnt down the Munsiffs cutchery

(Court of an Officer trying suit at the lowest Civil Court), the office of the

salt darogas (Head of the Police) and also the police Thana. Not only

that, he also compelled the District Magistrate Russel to leave Barabazar

for Bankura. Then he attacked one after another estate like Akro,

Ambikanagar, Raipur, Shyamsundarpur, and Phulkusma giving a great

trouble to the 13ritish administration. The Local Bhumijs also joined the

insurgents of Ganga Narayan. This garb movement was launched

126

throughout the year 1932 and known as famous Ganga Narayan

Hungama. At last Major Braddon and Lieutenant Trimmer arrived with a

force and succeeded in stopping Ganga Narayal)'s grab movement.4

Actually, the Ganga Narayan Hungama was an outburst of

discontents and grievances of Bhumijs (Kole's) against the British

arbitrary power. It will be relevant to mention here that prior to the Ganga

Narayan Hungama; a series of revolts were organized by the Chuars (A

rude, unruly schedule tribes in West Bengal) against the arbitrariness of

the East India Company's rule during the periods 1769, 1771, 1783 and

1798, as their traditional rights, privileges and independence were being

violated by the East India Company. These rebellions were called as first,

second, third, and fourth Chuar revolts by the British Government. 5 The

Chuar rebellions spread out throughout the regions of Ran chi, Hazaribagh

and Palamou districts of the Jungle (forestry) areas.

As a result of Ganga Narayan Hungama, the British government

came to realize that the formation of the 'Jungle Mahal' district was not

sufficient enough for managing law and order situation of the jungle

areas, and a further change of administrative structure was required as

such.

The Chuar rebellions added a new urgency to the re-organization of the

district and as a result of this realization the district "Manbhum" was

formed in the year 1833, with the abolition of the Jungle Mahal district by

the Regulation VIII of 1833. At that time, the geographical area of

Manbhum district was 7896 Sq. kilo meters and 31 Jamindaris were

4 Bhattacharyya, Tarundev, Purulia (in Bengali) (Calcutta: Farma K.L.M, 1986), P. 21. 2. District Gazetteer, Purulia, (Calcutta: Government of West Bengal, 1985), PP. 101-102. See also Statistical Account ofBenf!al. vol. IV. Calcutta. 187:::. 5 District Gazetteer Puruiia, (C-;.lc~tta: Go~emment of West Bengal, 1985), PP. 95-98.

127

included within this district. Manbhum district had two sub-division i.e .

.Purulia and Govindapur.0 The whole administration was brought under

the control of a new agency, called South-West Frontier Agency. The

Officer of the agency was the agent of the Governor General. The main

functions of the South West Frontier Agency were collection of revenue,

civil and criminal justice, the superintendence of police and so on. The

post of officer, the agent of the Governor General, was renamed as

'Deputy Commissioner' in a further change of regulation in 1854.

In the mean time, the 'Sepoy Rebellion' (Rebellion of Indian

military serving at British Force) took place in 1857. The local garrison of

Purulia (Ramgarh Battalion of the Bengal Army) rose in revolt, and drove

out the English officer, looted the treasury and released the prisoners from

jail of Ranchi. This revolt of Sepoy was successful to hit the British

hegemony to a great extent.

Consequently, a further administrative change was made by which

a large portion of Ramgarh estate was separated from Parganas (A group

of towns in India) of Supur, Raipur, Ambikanagar, Simlapal, Bhalaidiha,

Phulkusma and Shyamsundarpur and transferred to Bankura district. In

this change, the South West Frontier Agency (A part of Parganas) was

renamed as ~ Manbhum' with its headquarters at Manbazar. At the time of

formation of the Manbhum district there were two sub divisions i.e.

Purulia Sadar and Govindapur (presently Dhanbad). The Deputy

Commissioner, the agent of the Governor General, was in charge of

administration of the area.' Within five years of the formation of the

6 I. Bhattacharyya, Tarundev, Purulia (in Bengali) (Calcutta: Farma K.L.M., I986), P. 22. 2. o~:S.. Hari 5adhan. Purulia Darpan fin Bengali) (Midnapur, West Bengal: New Book Supply Agency, 1998), Part 1, P. 3. ' I.) Bhattacharyya, Tarundev, Purulia (in Bengali) (Calcutta: Farma K.L.M, 1986), P. 22. 2.) District Gazetteer Purulia, (Calcutta: Government of West Bengal, 1985), P. 103.

128

district, in the year 1938, its headquarters was shifted from Manbazar to

Purulia, the -eentre of Jungle, mainly because of lack of water and

communication hazards.

There is a debate and some confusion among the historians

regarding the name of 'Manbhum'. It appears that the name of present

Manbhum has been derived from the rulers of Mana family. Some

historians asserted the view that 'Manbhum' evidently derived its name

from Mahavira who was called the "Venerable Ascetic Mahavira".8

Now we shall try to understand how and when the 'Manbhum'

became 'Purulia' as a part of West Bengal. At the time of formation of the

Manbhum district it was a part of West Bengal. But, after 78 years of its

birth, in the year of 1912, this district was transferred to Chhotanagpur

division of Bihar as a result of the Partition of Bengal. It was the 'divide

and rule' policy of the British Government. In the year 1912, a separate

Province of Bihar and Orrissa was created and Manbhum district was

transferred as a part of Bihar Province, and upto 1953, it had remained as

a part of Bihar. After the inclusion of Manbhum into Bihar, a Constant

effort was made by the regional leaders of the Congress Party of Bihar to

impose 'Hindi' language over Manbhum district. During the year 1912,

at the time of transfer of Manbhum district it was partitioned into two

separate districts i.e., Purulia and Dhanbad. The next history was the

history of freedom struggle.

Purulia district joined in the freedom struggle in 1928, with the

Manbhum district political conference at Ramchandrapur, organized by

the Nibaron Chandra Dasgupta, the editor of the local weekly 'Mukti'

patrika, in which veteran Congress leader Subhas Chandra Bose was

8 Bhattacharyya, Tarundev, Purulia (Calcutta: Farma K.L.M, 1986), P. 9.

129

presided. The second Manbhum district political conference was held at

Jhalda in 1929, with its president Jatindra Mohan Sengupta and the third

. conference was held in Dhanbad in 1930, with its president Nibaron

Chandra Dasgupta. ~

In the year 1930, Bihar Prodesh Congress Committee observed

'Independence Day' with a great enthusiasm, and as a sequel of this

incident, Purulia Congress Committee also observed the same in the

different parts of the district. In the same year, Purulia Congress

Committee decided to join the 'non-cooperation' movement of the

Congress, which was adopted at the Lahore Congress in 1930. At the

same time, Manbhum district 'Satyagraha Committee' (A committee of

the followers of Gandhiji's non-violence method) was formed. As a

consequences of these conferences and movements, the Manbhum district

Satyagraha Committee was declared by the British Government as

unlawful association and a number of Congress leaders including Nibaron

Chandra Dasgupta were arrested.

After his release in 1931-32, Nibaron Chandra Dasgupta,

Bibhutibhusan Dasgupta and others formed an organization called 'Lok

Sevak Sangha'. The 'Shilpa Ashram' of Purulia was the centre of

activities of 'Lok Sevak Sangha". This organization had played a vital

role to preach the ideals of Gandhiji and the real meaning of swaraj

among the people ofPurulia.

9 1.) Das, Hari Sadhan, Purulia Darpan (in Bengali) (Midnapur, West Bengal: New Book $t.tppty Agency; t998), P. 4. 2.) Bhattacharyya, Tarundev, Purulia (in Bengali) (Calcutta: Fanna K.L.M, I 986), PP. I 82, 185-86. 3.) Bhowmik, S.C. Sekal Ekal Purulia (in Bengali) (Calcutta: Granthana, 1999). PP. 24-25.

130

Since its birth, 'Lok Sevak Sangha' had launched vanous

movements during the periods 1932-1956 for the incorporation of

Manbhum district into a part of West Bengal and against the imposition

of Hindi language over Manbhum. In the year 1942, along with the whole

of India, the Purulia district also joined in quit India movement under the

leadership of Lok Sevak Sangha. As the 'Shilpa Ashram' was its main

centre, police raided this Ashram and the important leaders of the

Congress Party were arrested. The movements ~UP.read out

throughout the district. In the Purulia district, leaflets were distributed;

demonstration and picketing etc. were launched by 'the Satyagrahis

(Followers of Gandhiji's non-violence method) Sayta Kinkar Mahato

gave leadership in the movement of Manbazar Thana. The Manbazar

Thana was attacked by the five hundred Satyagrahi, and police firing took

place, consequently, two persons were killed.

In Barabazar Thana leadership was given by Mandol Mahato,

Mathan Mahato, Vim Mahato and many others. Here also Thana was

attacked and the records of the Thana were burnt down. Police firing took

place and many persons were assaulted and were arrested.

In Bandwan, leadership came from Bhajohari Mahato and Padak

Chandra Mahato. Here a large section of the Bhumijs joined in the

movement, the Satyagrahis planted National flag on the roof of the Thana

and police firing took place, consequently, many of the Satyagrahis were

assaulted.

In Bagmundi and Bhujudi, there were Military observation post;

both were attacked by the. Satyagrahis.

131

It is found in the government report that 452 people were arrested

and 91 were jailed after the movement of Quit India in 1942, in the

Purulia district. 10

Although, between 1930 and 1947 many other organizations

developed in the district of Manbhum, the Lok Sevak Sangha was the

main organization that took part in the freedom struggle.

As, most of the people of the district ofManbhum were Bengali speaking,

there was a general tendency of Manbhum district to become a part of

West Bengal. After independence (1947), the government of India faced

different movements throughout India on the question of state re­

organization. Prior to these movements a 'States Reorganization

Commission' was appointed on the basis of language of the majority in

different areas of the country. (Resolution No. 53/69/53, dated 29

December, 1953.n

In 1948, Atul Chandra Ghosh moved a resolution in the Manbhum

District Congress Committee for the inclusion of the district of Purulia in

West Bengal. But this resolution was defeated in the vote. He along with

Bibhutibhusan Dasgupta and other followers resigned from the Congress

and turned the Lok-Sevak Sangha into a district political party. The

immediate object of the party was to build up a mass movement in

support of the district's inclusion in West Bengal.

10 I.) Bhattacharyya, Tarundev, Purulia (in Bengali) (Calcutta: Farma K.L.M, 1986), PP. 196-(}7.

2.) Das, Hari Sadhan, Purulia Darpan (in Bengali) (Midnapur, West Bengal: New Book Supply Agency, 1998), P. 4. . 3.) District Gazetteer, Purulia, West Bengal Government, 1985, P.l05. 4.) Mahato, Bhaja Hari, and Mahato, Padak Chandra. Rakte Ranga Manbhum (in Bengali) (Purulia: Padak Ch. Mahato, 1995), PP. 36-37. d 1. District Gazetteer, Purulia, 1985, P. 105. 2. Bhattacharyya, Tarundev, Purulia (in Bengali} Calcutta: Farma K.L.M, 1986), P. 29.

132

After the formation of the 'States Reorganization Commission~ in

1953, the Govt. of West Bengal, West Bengal Prodesh Congress

Committee, Lok Sevak Sangha and many other organizations submitted

memoranda to the Commission in favour of the inclusion of the district in

West Bengal. At the same time, from Bihar, different organizations along

with the Bihar Government, submitted memoranda opposing the move.

Under these circumstances, report of the 'States Reorganization

Commission' was submitted to the Union Government in 1955.

Commission asserted the view that in Purulia there is an unmistakable

evidence of Bengali influence even today. This sub-district had the largest

concentration of Bengali-speaking people outside West Bengal.

''The transfer of Purulia can be justified on the ground that it will

facilitate the implementation of a flood control-cum irrigation project

which has recently been taken up in West Bengal. The Kansabati (kansai)

river, which rises in Purulia, is of no real importance from the point of

view ofBihar."12

Considering the circumstances referred to above, in which West

Bengal's claim to Manbhum was made, it was proposed that the Purulia

sub-district, excluding the Chas Thana, should be transferred to West

Bengal.

The final decision of the government of India was contained in

clause (b) of sub section I of section I of the Bihar and West Bengal

(Transfer of Territories) Act of 1956, according to which the areas

comprising Purulia sub-division of Manbhum district, excluding the thana

areas of Chas and Chandil and the police out post area of Palamou within

12 District Gazetteer, Puru1ia, 1985, P. 106.

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Source: Office of the District Magistrate, Purulia, West Bengal

JHARKHAND srATE

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BlocK NAME

ARSHA BAGHMUNDl BALARAMPUR BARABAZAR BUNDWAN HURA JHALOA-1 JHALDA-11 JOY PUR KASHIPUR MANBAZAR-l MAN BAZAR-II NETURIA PARA PUNCHA PURUUA-1 PURULIA-11 RAGHUNATHPU!t-1 RAGHUNATHPU't-11 SANTURI

Purulia District (Siwwing Different Blocks)

JHARICHAND STATE

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Sub-division

CJ PURULIA EAST 0 PURULIA WEST D RAGHUNATHPUR

10 0 20 Kilometers ~,........,!!'iiii __ iiiiiil'~~-~

10

Source: Office of the District Magistrate, Purulia, West Bengal

133

Barabhum thana was. transferred to West Bengal. Thus, the new district of

Purulia in West Bengal carrie into being on November, 1st, 1956.13

Geographical Location:

The district of Purulia is included in the Burdwan Division of West

Bengal. It is the westernmost district and lies between the latitudes of

22042'0" to 23042'0" North and the Longitudes of 85042'25" to 86054'3711

East, the tropic of cancer passes through the district. The Bay of Bengal

and the Hooghly estuary are within 220 kilometers from the centre of the

district. Its physiographic location .is also distinguished as a zone of

transition betwe~n the young alluvial plains of West Bengal and the

ancient plateau of South East Bihar. The height above the main sea level

of this district is 58 meters. 14

General Boundaries:

Geographically the district is surrounded by a hundred kilometers of the

river Damodar in the North and the Subarnarekha in the West, Bankura

and part of Midnapur in the East, on the North, are Burdwan district of

West Bengal and Dhanbad district of Bihar. On the North-West, the west

and the South-West lies Hazaribagh, Ranchi and Singbhum district of

Bihar respectively. A part of the Northern boundary runs through the

centre of the Panchet reservoir. Similarly, the eastern boundary runs

partly through the centre of the Kansabati reservoir. Map of the district is

attached here showing its geographical boundary and location.

The total area of the district is 6,249 Sq. kilo meters, i.e., 6, 25,900

hectares. Number of Zilla Parishod, Block, Gram Panchayats and Gram

13 1. District Gazetteer, Purulia, 1985, P.I06. 2. Sengupta, Amiya Kr. Amader Purulia (in Bengali) (Bankura: Lubdhak, 1999), Pl87.

14 District Gazetteer, Purulia, West Bengal1985

134

Sansad are 01, 20, 170 and 1925 respectively. There are 18 police

stations, 3 Municipalities, 2,687 villages and 2,452 Mouzas in the district. 15

The climate of the district is characterized by extremely high

temperature in summer and very low temperature in winter. Rainfall is

comparatively low in the district as compared to other districts of West

Bengal. The normal rainfall is 1,363.1 mm. (53.67") of which 1189 mm.

occurs during the moon soon, from June to September. The temperature

ranges from 40.30c (104.50F) to 21.20c (8l.O(JF) during the summer

season, the day time temperatures are sometimes pushed upto about 450

to 460c during the winter season, the minimum temperature to about 70c

to 60c by cold winds. Climate aberration is common in the district. More

than 47 percent of the total area is usually drought prone. 16

Soil Pattern:

The district falls naturally into two sub-tracts, one completely different

from the other in natural characteristics. Laterites soil has been marked in

the eastern part of the Purulia district. Laterites are known to have formed

by the sub-aerial weathering of almost all alternate dry and wet seasons.

The older alluvium of Pleistocene to Sub-Recent age can be marked at the

northern base of the Baghmundi hills near the western boarders of the

district. These are coarse grained generally reddish in color and contain

abundant limonitic and calcareous concretions. The newer Alluvium of

Sub-Recent to Recent age also occurs in patches along the Subamarekha,

the kansai and the Damodar Rivers.

15 Annual Administrative Report 2000, Purulia, West Bengal. Pas, Hari Sadhan, Purulia Darpan (in Bengali) (Midnapur, West Bengal: New Book Supply

Agency, 1998), P.IO

135

The district is mostly covered by residual soils formed by

weathering of the bad-rock and have remained in site. Weathering process

is destructive, but soil forming processes are constructive. In Purulia, the

weathering processes are more active and the plains are mostly eroded

with their soil cover. There are also found Gneissic soils in some parts of

the district. These soils are usually sandy loams of low fertility. Most of

the Gneissic soils of Purulia are subject to cauterization. In the other parts

of the district like Manbazar, Barabhum and Jaipur are Gondowana­

transition soils which are usually dark in color, fme in texture and more

fertile than the other two groups of residual soils. 17 Though the economy

of the district mainly depends on agriculture, but the overall soil pattern

of the district are not fertile and suitable for agriculture.

Demographic profile of the district:

The total area of the district of Purulia is 6,259 Sq. km. i.e. 6, 25,900

hectares. Total population and the density of population which have been

recorded in 1991 census is 22, 24,577 and 354 respectively. About 90%

of the total population lives in rural areas and remaining 10 % people live

in the urban areas. The geographical area, total population, population

density and decadal change of population of the district from 1961 to

1991, are shown in the table below,

Table: 4.1

Geographical Area, Population, Population Density per Squire Kilometer

and Decadal Change of Population from 1961-2001

17 Das, Hari Sadh&n, Purulia Darpan (in Bengali) (Midnapur, West Bengal: New Book Supply Agency, 1998), PP.10-11

136

Year Area Population Population Decadal dens_!!y change

1961 6259 13,60,016 218 +16.33 1971 6259 16,02875 257 + 17.86 1981 6259 18,55429 296 + 15.76 1991 6259 22,24577 354 + 19.61 2001 6259 25,35,233 405 + 13.96

Source: Census Report of India, West Bengal Series-1961, 1981, 1991, 2001

Table No 4.3, shows that from 1961 to 1981, change of population

density was nominal and there was a consistency in the change, but from

1991 to 2001, the density curve was upwards, i.e. 405-354= 51. The

decadal change was highest during the period 1991 (19.61) and lowest

during the period 2001 i.e. 13.96 percent.

The composition of population in the district of Purulia is shown in Table

below.

Table: 4.2

Distribution of Population by Sex, S.C., S.T. and Rural and Urban Basis

(1991, 2001) (Figun!s in the table are in number and percentage within

brackets)

Population Male Female Scheduled Scheduled

(Total) caste (1991) tribe (1991)

Total 25,35,233 12,98,079 12,37,154 43,0,513 42,7,766

(51.20) (48.80) (19.36) (19.22)

Rural 22,79,994 11,65,029 11,14,965 3,85,630 4,23,415

(91.00) (46.50) (44.27) (17.34) (19.22)

Urban 25,5,239 13,30,50 12,21,89 44,883 4,315 (0.20)

(10.00) (04.97) (04.47) (02.02)

Source: Census Report of India, 1991, 2001.

Table: 4.4 shows that male and female population in the district is almost

equal, their difference is about 2.20 %, and the scheduled caste and

137

scheduled tribe population in the district are also almost same. It is seen

in the table 4.4 that more than 91 % people of the district live in rural

areas and only 10 % people live in urban areas. It also reveals that the

scheduled caste and the scheduled tribe people together comprise about

39% (according to 1991 census) of the district's population which is very

significant in understanding the social composition of the district. Not

only that, according to the census report of 1991, percentage of S.C. and

S.T. people in the state of West Bengal was 20.01 % and 05.31 %

respectively. It also indicates that the percentage of S.T. population in the

district of Purulia is much higher ( 19.22%) than the average of West

Bengal while the S.C. population is slightly lower (19.36) than the state

average.

From this account, it would be very interesting to investigate into the

level of governance and the modernization process of the district, like

Purulia where a large portion of the total population belong to tribal

groups (19.2%) having their own language, customs., religion, culture and

superstitions etc.

It would be incomplete, if we do not consider the demographic

patterns of the district of Purulia in terms of different categories of

workers and non-workers. This account may help us in understanding the

level of economic development of the district to some extent. The

distribution of population according to different categories of workers and

non-workers in the district ofPurulia are given below,

Table: 4.3

Distribution of Population According to Different Categories of Workers

and Non-Workers in the District ofPurulia{l991), (Figures are in number

and percentage)

138

Total Main- Cultivators Agricultural Other Marginal Non-

population Workers labourers Workers Workers Workers

22,24,577 7,86,387 3,89,078 2,00,211 1,75,296 1,73,517 12,64,672

(35.35) (17.49) (9.0) (7.88) (7.80) (56.85)

Source: Census Report of India, 1991

Table 4.5 indicates that the main worker is 35.35 % of the total

population, and 17.49 %population is cultivator. Not only that, it also

reveals that both the cultivators and the agricultural labourers together

comprise (17.49% + 9.00 %) = 26.49 %, who are directly engaged in

agriculture and agriculture-allied activities for their livelihood. Though,

agriculture is the main source of income of the people in the district, yet it

provides only 26.49 % people job opportunity in the district. It is

indicative that a large portion (56.85 %) people in the district are non­

workers; and they did not produced anything for economic development, ··-

and depend upon others for their livelihood. This large segments of non­

working people depend upon the remaining 35.35 %working people for

their livelihood in the district; consequently, the average income of the

people in the district is very low. From this account, it can be said that the

economic development of the district is poor and yet to be developed. In

such a backward socio-economic atmosphere chances are there to be

involved in the unlawful activities like theft, robbery, dacoity, burglary

and so on by the poor people for their livelihood which may hamper the

governance of the district.

Agriculture and Irrigation:

Agriculture is the primary source of income and livelihood of the people

in the Purulia district. Almost 70 percent of the working population is

employed in agriculture either as cultivators or as agricultural labourers.

A major portion of the district's income comes from the agriculture and

139

agricultural sectors. So, the development of agriculture of the district is

important for the growth of economy of the district as a whole. It depends

upon very much on the use of agricultural inputs and improvement of the

irrigation system. To some extent, the governance of the district is related

to the development of agricultural in the district because; the employment

and income of the people are mostly rests on the agriculture. If the

agricultural production of the district falls due to natural causes such as

low rain fall, drought etc., then it will readily affect the public life at the

societal level. In that situation people from their uncertainties and

insecurities may take risk of breaking laws and may be involved in the

illegal activities for their earnings and livelihood.

In the district of Purulia labour participation ratio in the field of

agriculture is significantly high, but the average income of a cultivator or

a labourer is very low. It signifies the poor progress of agricultural

development of the district. According to the census report of 1991, the

total population of the district is 22, 24,577 and out of the total

population, 7, 86,387 are main workers i.e. (35.35%), and 389300 persons

are cultivators i.e. ( 17.49%) and 200211 persons (9 %) are agricultural

labourers. 18

The district is characterized by the presence of a largely waste

land. The general topography of the district being highly undulating, the

lower belt is generally utilized for cultivation and the plots are made by

individuals on the slopes. The top regions are generally less fertile and the

waste land which is known as trand or gora. The main problem which

stands in the way of recovery of these waste land is scarcity of water

18 Das, Hari Sadhan, Purulia Darpan (in Bengali) (Midnapur, West Bengal: New Book Supply Agency, 1998), P. 9-11.

140

resources which causes poor irrigation system and the high cost of

reclamation.

Consequently, m the district of Purulia, only 46.79 % (2, 92, 890

hectares) of the total area is used for agriculture purpose. The

geographical area of the district is 6, 25,900 hectares, of which net

cropped area is 2, 80,342 hectares, i.e. (44.79 %). The percentage of

agricultural labourers of the total population of the district is 9 %, and out

of total population the cultivators are 17.68 %. The percentage of

marginal farmers in the total population of the district is 7.39. The gross

irrigated area covered in 1989-90 i& 88,327.62 hectares (14.11 %). The

major crops grown in the district are paddy, wheat, potato, maize, til,

pulses, Sugarcane, mustard etc. It is clear from the conditions of

agriculture of the district that though agriculture is the main source of

income of the people in the district yet, the scenario of the agriculture of ~

the district as a whole is not yet good due to inadequate rainfall, limited

irrigation facilities, and unfertile land structure.19

Minerals and Industry:

Mineral is one of the important component for making industry in the

district. In her mineral wealth, Purulia ranks first amongst the district of

West Bengal. Of her wide range of minerals, the most important are the

china clay, coal, and copper, Felspas, yellow moulding sand, limestone,

road materials and quartz. Other minerals which are found in the district

are asbestos, calcite fire clay, garnet, graphite, mica etc., but they are

inadequate from a commercial point of view. 20

19 Das, Hari Sadhan, Purulia Darpan (in Bengali) (Midnapur, West Bengal: New Book Supply Agency, 1998), PP. 22-27. 20 I. Das, 1-lari Sadhan, Purulia Darpan (in Bengali), (Midnapur, West Bengal: New Book Supply Agency, 1998), PP.l2-13,

2. District Gazetteer, Purulia, 1995, (Government of West Bengal), PP. 37-40.

141

In the State of West Bengal there is a Marxist-led Government.

Industrial working class is an important segment of population of the

society for Marxist. Because, according to Marxist theory working class

is the most advanced and politically conscious class in the society. As a

social force, working class can play an important role in organizing trade

union movements of the society. The activities and movements of the

working class under the leadership of the Communist Party influence the

politics tremendously of a particular society. From this point of view, the

growth of industry vis-a-vis industrial labour in the district of Purulia may

be an important factor for understanding the nature of governance. The

district ofPurulia is rich in her mineral-wealth yet, till now, the district is

knoWQ as industrially backward one. Some of the medium size industries

such as, Modhukunda Cement Factory, Santaldih Coal Washing and

Thermal Power Plant have been set up during the period of the Congress

Party rule. Factories form a very small part of the industrial sector. No

more large and medium scale industries are set up in the district

thereafter. The old time industries are lac, tassar weaving, brass and bell

metal utensils, bidi-making and cutlery etc. Apart from the old time

factories some new industries have developed in the district of Purulia

since 1980 onwards during the regime of the Left Front Government.

Among them, food processing, tobacco and tobacco-products, wood and

wood-products, furniture, rubber and plastic products, petroleum and coal

products, chemical and chemical products, non-metallic mineral products,

basic metal and allays industries etc are to be mentioned. The overall

industrial picture of the district has undergone little change during the

past three decades.

142

Table given below will shows the number of Units and Employment in

these Industries during 1981- 89

Table: 4.4 /, "

:Employment in Registered Factories during 1981-98

Year Unit Em_Qloyment 1981 48 4919 1986 48 4793 1987 51 4936 1988 54 5005 1989 53 3534 1991 NA NA 1992 NA NA 1993 NA NA 1994 74 4993 1995 74 4993 1996 64 5207 1998 65 5ll0 2001 68 4937

Source: Chief Inspector ofFactones, Government of West Bengal

From the table 4.1 it is found that there is a slow but steady growth of this

sector has been done during the period 1981-98. But there are ups and

downs~in the increase of units and of employment. It is seen from the

tab~.1 dtat in the year 1981, there were 48 units in the district and the \.=. -~~'

employment of these industries were 4919, but in the year 1989, although

the number of factories increased from 48 in1981 to 53 in1989, yet the

employment has decreased from 4919 in 1981 to 3534 in1989. Again,

during the next few years both, the industrial units and the employment

have increased, but not significantly.

Small and Cottage industries comprises a large part of the overall

industrial activities in the district of Purulia. Among them tanning and

shoe-making, carpentry, pottery, bidi-making, basket-making, musk­

making are some of the main industries.

143

Table below will shows the number of units and the employment in the

small and cottage industries during 1981-89

Table: 4.5

Registered Working Small Scale and Cottage-Industries and

Employment (1981-98)

Year Units Em_Qioyment 1981 4831 25611 1986 7724 40623 1987 6475 45270 1988 9323 49734 1989 10180 56031 1991 NA NA 1992 NA NA 1993 NA NA 1994 13177 75,514 1995 13,408 76,496 1996 14,107 81,719 1998 7817 47,602 2001 8360 51,119

Source: Directorate of Small Scale Industries, Govt. of West Bengal.

From the table no 4.2, it is seen that a steady development has done in

small scale and cottage industries during the period 1981-89. Between the

period 1981 and 1989 the number of units has increased from 4831 in

1981 to 10,180 in 1989; the employment has also increased accordingly,

from 25611 in 1981 to 56031 in 1989. This statistics indicates that

potentiality of small and cottage industries are high in this district in

comparison to large and medium size industries. It has been noticed that

the total number of persons engage in all types of industrial activities in

the district ofPurulia is only 2.6 percent of the total population.

The number of industrial workers in the district is significant for

understanding the governance of the district because labour movements,

labour strikes and labour unrest normally originated from the demands for

better ways, bonus and amenities, as also retrenchment of worker and

144

disciplinary action taken against employees. These type of activities

sometimes affects ~e governance factor. From this point of view we can

say, that the labour unrest in the district ofPurulia is limited as the district

is backwarp industrially. It is also indicative that the economy of the

district is basically dependent on agriculture and agriculture allied

activities.

Education:

Education is an important index of development of any society. Education

improves personal endowments, buil(ls capacity level and helps to

overcome the constraints around the individual. Simply it meant the

ability of one's reading and writing. Development of education meant,

"Achievement of full literacy, raising the quality of education at all levels,

upliftment of educational status of socially disadvantaged groups"2'

through formal and informal arrangements of facilities. But, the

achievement of the district in this sector is not yet bright.

W.W Hunter's and H. Copland's observation was that up to 1860-

61, only one government school was at Purulia. Copland's observation

( 1911) was more detailed, he wrote that the total number of primary

schools for boys in the district (Manbhum) was only 676, apart from that

4 Guru training schools were there. Total number of attendance at these

schools were 22,585 consisting of21,435 boys and 1150 girls and the rate

oflit~rary was 4.2 %, male 8%, and female 0.3%.22

For the next fifty years, the primary edueation of the district has been

improved due to various measures undertaken by the government,

21 Chatteljee, Biswajit and Ghosh Dilip Kumar, Towards a District Development Report for t'Jesr Bengal (Kalyani: State Institute ofPanchayats and Rural Development, 2003), P.73. 22 District Gazetteer, Purulia, West Bengal, 1985, Ch. XIV, P.352

145

although, the rate of literacy in the district is yet bellowing in comparison

to the other districts of West Bengal. Educational facilities available in

the district from 1960-61 to 1997-98 are given below

Table: 4.6

Educational Facilities Available in the District ofPurulia during 1960-61

to 2000-2001

Year No. of No. of No.ofH. No. of

Primary Secondary S. Schools College

Schools Schools

1960-61 1393 89 29 02

1970-71 1441 98 32 05

1980-81 2165 108 36 08

1990-91 2914 126 46 11

1997-98 2959 134 55 12

1997-98 2959 134 55 12

2000-01 2973 148 59 19

Source: (1) Directorate of Public Instruction, Govt. of West Bengal. (11) District Inspector of Schools, Purulia, (111) District Primary School Board, Purulia (iv) Census Report 1991, 2001.

Literacy

Rate(%)

17.79

21.50

29.65

35.53

43.29

43.29

56.14

From the above table it is seen that the number of primary school in the

district rose from 1393 in 1960-61 to 2973 in 2000-2001; and the increase

of primary school has been noticed from 1980 onwards. Table 4.6 also

indicates that the rate of literacy has been increased from 17.79 % in

1960-61 to 43.29% in 1997-98 and during the next ten years it has been

increased by 12.86 %. It is seen in the table 4.6 that the growth rate of

higher educational institutions in the district is higher than the primary

education. Till now, facilities of primary education are limited in the

146

district in comparison to the other districts of West Bengal. High illiteracy

is one of the important symptoms of low economic development.

Table: 4.7 Students by Sex in Different Types of Educational Institutions in the

District ofPurulia, (1995-96)

Types of Formal Institutions Male Percentage Female percentage I

Primary Schools 1,56,353 (7.03) 1,04,771 (4.70)

Middle Schools 12,611 (0.57) 7,207 (0.33)

High Schools 71,947 (3.23) 30,533 (1.37)

H. S. Schools 7,496 (0.33) 1,843 (.08)

College 4,400 (0.19) 2,352 (0.10)

Total 2,52,807 (11.36) 1,46,706 (6.59)

Source: District Statistical Hand Book ( 1997 -98)

It is seen in the table 4. 7 that from primary to college education, the

attendance of male candidates is much higher than the female candidates.

The male attendance is 11.36 % while the female attendance is only 6.59

%. In the primary level 7.03 % male and 4. 70 % female candidate

appeared respectively. Female illiteracy is another important sign of low

level development.

Table: 4.8

Literacy by Sex among SC and ST People (Age group 7 years and

above) in the District ofPurulia 1995-96

Total Total Persons Literate Percentage Literate Percentage

(Literate) (Male) (Female)

Scheduled Caste 1,08163 (4.86) 86,041 (3.87) 22,122 (0.99)

Scheduled Tribe 95,407 ( 4.28) 77,597 (3.48) 17,810 (0.80)

Source: Census Report of India West Bengal, 1991

Though the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe people together

consists of 39 % population in the district, yet it is clear from the table no.

147

4.8 that the literacy rate among them is very low. The literacy rate of the

scheduled caste and scheduled tribe people are only 4.86 % and 4.28 %

respectively, including male and female candidates.

From this picture of education in the district of Purulia, it is clear

that the district's performance is poor in the education sector in

comparison to the other districts of West Bengal. From 1990 onwards,

several measures have been undertaken by the Education Department of

the district and the Government of West Bengal to overcome the problem

of illiteracy. To attain the goal several schemes like mass literacy

campaign, introduction of national literacy mission scheme, mid-day meal

scheme, and a number of innovative non-formal education schemes as a

supplementary to the formal system of education has been undertaken and

are being implemented. We will try to evaluate the impact of such

measures in our next chapters.

Medical facilities and Public Health:

Making a healthy society is very much depends upon the medical and

public health facilities available in the society. Productivity of the society

and the ability of the people are interrelated factors which depend upon

the good health and sufficient nutrition system of the society.

Improvement of health and medical facilities contribute to increase the

productivity by reducing worker's illness and lethargy. It also increases

people's energy level and improves their mental process. The success and

failure of these programmes affected directly other development

programmes like growth in agriculture sector, demand and supply of food

and essential commodities, education, and other basic infrastructural

facilities.

148

In the nineteenth century, epidemic diseases prevailing of the

erstwhile Manbhum district, of which the present districtJormed a part,

'Yere cholera, intermittent and remittent fevers, diarrhla and dysentery.

Malaria-fever was started to be decreasing with the continual extension of

cultivation, cholera had a tendency to become epidemic at the beginning

of the hot weather and at the end of rains. There was an epidemic of

small-pox almost every year during the cold weather. According to W.W.

Hunter, there were ''four classes of native medical Practitioners in Purulia

viz. the Baidays, Hakims, Ojhas, and Sakhans".2:; In 1966, there were 13

male medical graduates and 1 female graduate in the public hospitals and

dispensaries in the district. There were 35 medical officers altogether in

such institutions of the district. 24

The birth rate, death rate, infant mortality rate, doctor population ratio,

bed population ratio are the index for measuring public health of the

district which are show in the table below.

Table: 4.9 ~-

Birth Rate, Death Rate and Infant Mortality Rate in the District of Purulia

(1987-89) (Figure indicate in percentage)

Year 1987 1988 1989

Birth rate 29.80 29.60 28.50

Death rate 10.96 10.80 10.60

Infant Mortality rate 79.00 79.00 71.00

Rate has been calculated per thousand population.

Source: District Annual Plan Book, 1990-91, Purulia District, West Bengal,

P.292.

23 Quoted from, District Gazetteer, Purulia, West Bengal, 1985, P. 382-83

24 District Gazetteer, Purulia, West Bengal, 1985, P. 382-83.

149

From the table 4.9 it is seen that the birth rate and death rate is almost

same and no significant change took place during the period from 1987 to

1989, but the infant mortality rate decreased significantly by (8 %), from,

79.00 % in 1987 to 71.00 % in 1989. It signifies a positive sign of

improvement of health condition in the district.

Table: 4.H)

Doctors-Beds-Nurses as Ratio of Population in the District of Purulia,

(1991)

Category 1986~87 1987-88 1988-89 1989-90

Doctor-population ratio 1:14197 1:13480 1:12386 1:12560

Bed-population ratio 1:3144 1:2144 1:1963 1:1990

Nurse-population ratio 1:6782 1:6422 1:6321 1:6139

Source: The Chief Medical Officer of Health, Purulia.

From the table No. 4.10, it is found that the doctor-population

ratio, nurses-population ratio, and beds population ratio have not

improved satisfactorily during the period from 1986-87 to 1989-90. As a

result, the people of the district are forced to go outside the district like

Bankura, Asansol, Burnpur, and Bardhaman or even outside the state for

better treatment. So, in order to establish a healthy society more

improvement in this sector is necessary.

During the periods 1989-90, the Health Department of the district

of Purulia has undertaken some initiative to extend medical facilities in ~

the district. As a result, the number of primary health centre rose to 19

with 440 beds, rural hospital rose to 4 with 150 beds, and the sub centres

(health) functioning are 334. Beside these, there are 1 State General

Hospital having 68 beds and 1 District Hospital with 390 beds in the

Purulia district. Side by side a good number of health centers are running

150

without medical infrastructures in the rural areas, consequently, the rural

people are not getting proper help from those centers.

Co-operation & Banking systems of the district:

Governance of the society very much depends upon the

development of different types of secondary institutions of a society. Co­

operation and Banking system of the society are playing important role in

this respect. Co-operation and banking system helps to develop credit

network system of the society by fostering economic development. The

farmers and business man of a society may receive loan frm,n these _....... -~· .......... _

institutions for the development of agriculture and business. The economy

of the district of Purulia is agrarian. More than 90% of the people live in

rural areas. So the economic development in rural areas depends mainly

upon the development of the agriculture. Agriculture needs investment;

the poor farmers require credit during the period of cultivation for

purchasing agricultural inputs, for which they were compelled to borrow

loan from the money lenders at a high rate of interest during the past.

Banking and co-operative societies may play important roles in this

respect by liberating the poor farmers and small business man from the

clutches of the money lenders. Co-operative societies and commercial

banks provide loan to the poor farmers and business man at a reasonable

rate of interest. Co-operation helps to create a broader social context in

which democratic culture of the society may be developed.

In the Purulia district, there are 920 different types of registered

co-operative societies, among them some are agricultural and non­

agricultural credit societies and some are non-credit societies.

Table: 4.11

151

Number of Co-operative Societies and Membership during 2000-200 l

Type of Societies No. of No. of % ofthe

Societies Membership total

population

Central Co-operative Bank 01 507 0.5

Agricultural Credit Societies 222 82900 3.72

Non-agricultural credit societies 335 48000 2.15

Non-credit Societies 362 22879 1.02

Total no. of Credit and non-credit 1010 17,0061 6.94

societies

Source: Assistant Registrar, Co-operative Societies, Purulia, WB.

It is found from the above table that I 0 I 0 co-operative societies are there

in the district and 17, 0,061 people (6.94%) are associated with these

societies during the period 2000-2001. It indicates that the network of co­

operation is not yet good in the district ofPurulia. Only 6.94% people are

associated themselves with the co-operative societies. But the actual fact

is that out of920 societies, a large portion i.e. 387 (42 %) societies are not

functioning for various causes like, lack of experience, lack of capital,

and lack of leadership and so on. So, the members associated with those

non-functioning societies are not getting benefit from the societies. It

signifies that the progress of co-operative movement in the district is not

up to the mark and satisfactory.

In the creation of credit and supply of loan to the poor farmers, the

role of the commercial bank is also important. So, the extension of

banking network can be seen as an effect of economic development.

During the year 1971 to 1972, 14 branches of commercial banks served

the district. In the year 1981-82, total number of banks rose from 14 in

152

1971· 72 to 59 in 1981-82, out of which, 19 served in rural areas and 40 in

urban areas. During the next 15 years total number of banks rose from 59

in 1982 to 118 in 1998. Average population coverage per bank branch

was 15,000 in rural areas and less than 15,000 in urban areas.25

From the above discussion it is clear that the overall economic

condition of the district is not yet good. A large sections of people of the

district in the rural area cannot afford even the minimum requirements of

livelihood. Most of them are schedule c~te and schedule tribe people (39

% ). They are either small and marginal farmers or agricultural labourers.

Agriculture of the district depends upon the weather condition and rain

falling. The average rainfall of the district is very low, water retentive

capacity of the soil is also low, and most of the lands are not fertile.

Moreover, there are no sufficient irrigation arrangements. As a result,

about nine months of the year remains as lean period. During this lean

period poor village people did not have any job and income. They

compelled to migrate to the neighboring district like Bardhaman, Hooghly

and Bankura for searching work as agricultural labourers. Poverty,

Physical weakness, isolation and powerlessn~ss are common to their life.

The objective of the rural governance of the Purulia district is necessarily

accompanied by the upliftment of these backward sections of the society

through democratically elected panchayat system.

In West Bengal, panchayat institutions are working as an important

instrument of socio-economic development. The success of the panchayat

institutions can be seen as performance of the institutions in delivering

goods and services to the common people. Before 1977, the panchayat

institutions in the district had been failed to achieve trust of the ordinary

25 Statistical Hand Book, Purulia District, Government of West Bengal, Series 1971, 1981,98.

153

people because they failed to deliver goods and services to the people.

The elections of the institutions were not held years after years. But, in ~~--

the post 1977 periods, the panchayats have be_~n succeeded to establish its .-

own identity by delivering goods and services to the common people and

raising their hopes and aspirations to a considerable extent. It is the policy

and strategy of the Left Front Government, more particularly the CPI-M,

which have made the panchayat institutions viable, active and people

centric to a great extent.

Different policies of the L.F .Government such as land reforms

programme, literacy programme, health care programme, programmes of

social re-construction and employment generation schemes for the

backward people in the rural areas are being implemented through the

panchayat institutions.

Village people show their interest greater, especially; in the

election of the panchayats rather than the National and State level

j;!lections because; ~eir immediate local interests are being served through

these institutions/

Table: 4.12

Number and Seats of the Panchayat Institutions in the District of Purulia

Number of Gram Panchayat 170 2140

No. ofPanchayat Samiti 20 391

No. of Zilla Parishod 01 34

No. of Gram Sansad 1925 -Source: District Panchayat Office, Purulia.

It is found from the table 4.12 that there are 170 Gram Panchayats,

20 Panchayat Samities, and 1 Zilla Parishad in the district and the number

of seats of the bodies are 2140, 391 and 34 respectively. Beside these,

there are 1925 forums, called Gram Sansads, for public meetings in the

i

1S4

district of Purulia. These Gram Sansads consist of every constituency of

the Gram Panchayats. Governance in the district of Purulia can be

understood with the performance of these rural institutions on the basis of

their responsiveness, effectiveness and accountability to the common

people. The efficacy of these institutions further depends upon the

capabilities of the representatives of these institutions. Strong leadership

of the representatives of the institutions can ensure the responsiveness and

accountability of the institutions in delivering goods and services to the

common people. The democratic governance of the district, as a whole,

depends upon the democratic functioning of these formal rural

institutions. In our studies we shall examine the functional procedure,

leadership pattern and the performance of these formal institutions with

the help of different variables such as institutions, participation,

development and law and order.

Apart from these formal political institutions there are many

informal community based organizations, non-governmental

organizations, trade unions and various para-political organizations in the

district of Purulia. Although, the density of these civil societal

organizations is not yet rich, yet slowly, people of the district are

organizing themselves under these associations and are involving

gradually in the associational activities. The Peasant organizations

(Krishak Sabha), Youth organizations (D.Y.F.I), Women's association

(Mahila Samiti), Primary teach associations; Tantubai Samiti (Weaver's

association), Matsyajibi Samiti (Fishefii\an's association), Porter's

organizations, Musk-making organizations and many others are

organizing the rural people through political and org~ization~l activities.

These informal institutions play vital roles in articulating the interests of

155

the rural people by influencing the decision-making process of the local

self-governments to a large extent. Not only articulate the demands of the

people but also promotes the sense of democratic values in the minds of

the members of the organizations. In the activation of rural politics, the

roles of these organizations are crucial. The local leaders (elites) of the

organizations also play important roles in making the. rural people aware

and conscious about their rights and duties regarding panchayat

institutions. Thus, informal institutions and the local elites together with

their effort are trying to make the Purulia district governable. So, the

democratic functioning of the panchayat institutions depends upon the

emergence and movements of these social organizations to some extent.

Profiles of the Non-Governmental Organizations in the District of

Purulia are given below

Table: 4.13

N.G.Os in the District ofPurulia (2000)

Block NameofNGO Operational Nature of Activities Areas

Santuri All Backward classes Santuri Primary education Relief & Development Mission

Jhalda-11 Bamnia Bengal Tiger Club Jhalda-11 Vocational & skill development training in agriculture

Naturia Bhamuria soci~l welfare Naturia Block 1. Eye-camp 2. Blood Society donation 3 .Awareness

generation programme m health (AIDS, Malaria etc.)

Bundwan Bundwan Yuba Bharati Bundwan 1. Literacy 2. Health club programme.

Purulia-1 Centre for Environmental Purulia district Democratic Survey, and Socio-economic Re- participatory appraisal, generation pre-primary education,

training programme, small savings, pulse polio etc.

156

Kashipur Co-ordination, Liya Kashipur Block Sanitation & bio-technology, watershed.

Manbazar-1 Gopalnagar Subhayan Manbazar-1 Child education. Block

Source: Profile of NGO 's in Purulia District, Office of the Distnct Magtstrate

Purulia.

These organizations also help to develop interpersonal

communications of ideas from the party activists, neighbors, and rural

elites, and play an important role in increasing of knowledge, skill, rights,

and faith of the village people by making them rule-bound to some extent.

The development of NGOs in the district of Purulia is recent and these

NGOs are trying to develop socio-economic condition of the people in the

district.

According to Almond and Verba, "these voluntary associations are

helpful for avoiding parochial attitudes of the people and unwanted

political influences and with the help of these they are rather mobilized

and are made politically informed. Thus, these organizations help the

people to build up a rich set of political resources which grow out

according to their varied interests."26

If a society is enriched by different types of social and political

organizations, the level of political and economic development of that

society will also be high. In fact, the success of local self-government

depends upon the strong networks of organizational and associationallife

of the people because, associational life of the people helps to produce

efficient leadership and the atmosphere of co-operation for development.

In this way, the informal institutions and organizations like

professional bodies, trade unions, sports and cultural organizations,

26 Almond and Verba: The Civic Culture (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1963), P.243.

157

community based associations, women's associations, non-governmental

organizations and many others have slowly but steadily grown up during

the post 1977 period in the district of Puruiia. As a result, alongside the

traditional way of living, the pattern of social life of the people are also

changing and coordinating under the banner of different socio-political

organizations of the district. In this way, a favourable social atmosphere

of rural governance is generating slowly in the district ofPurulia.

In every society there are more or less governance disturbance

/forceses. In order to control those forces and to maintain peace and order

of the society appropriate legal machinery is required. Maintenance of

law and order is an important task: of making governance. In the Purulia

district there are 20 Police Statio9:,Strengt.\l of police force is given in the I

table below.

Table: 4.14

Strength of Police force by category in the district of Purulia (1997-

1999) (Figures are in Number)

Category of Police force 1996 1997 1998 1999

1. Superintendent 01 01 01 01

2. Addl. Superintendent 01 01 01 01

3. Dy. Superintendent 04 04 04 04

4. S.D.P.O 01 01 01 01

5. Inspector 14 14 11 14

6. Sub· Inspector 97 97 87 96

7. Asst. Sub- Inspector 119 119 116 118

8. Head Constable 57 57 47 47

9. Constable 1019 1019 941 957

Total 1313 1313 1209 1239

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Source: District Statistical Hand Book, Puru1ia, 2001, (Bureau of

Applied Economics and Statistics, Government of West Bengal), P.144.

From the table 4.14 it is found that in 1996-98, the strength of police

force of the district did not increased, rather it is decreased to some

extent. In the year 1996, total strength of Police force was 1333 in the

district. But it is reduced from 1313 in 1996 to 1239 in 1999. If we

consider the strength of police force in respect of the total population of

the district and the poor socio-economic condition of the district, it will

be found that the existing strength of police is not yet sufficient to tackle

the law and order problem of the district.

We have discussed a brief profile of the district of Purulia as a

background of the study of governance of the district. This profile will

help us in uQ.derstan/ing the historical, political and socio-economic

nature and the balc problems of governance of the district of Purulia.

From this profi!f we come to know that the district lags behind in almost

all aspects with regard to governance. Agriculture and industry are the

basics of development of a district. Purulia is backward from both side.

Even, the service sectors i.e. health, education, co-operation, banking and

credit etc. of the district are also poor and yet to be good. The

composition of population of the district indicates that the non-workers or

dependent people of the district are very high. The emergence of

secondary social institutions, like co-operatives, self-help groups, and

community based organizations, non-governmental organizations are not

up to the mark.

All these are to be considered as more or less negative aspects for

making governance. Secure, peaceful life requires sound socio-economic

environment with different types of institutional arrangements for

159

delivering goods and services to the people. Governance factors are to

some extent related to the issues of human development like health,

education, safe drinking water, food, shelter, standard of living etc. But

the human development aspects of the district of Purulia are not yet good.

Throughout the discussion of this chapter, we have found that the social

contexts of the district in terms of demography, geography, socio­

economic structures and the problems related to governance are not yet

ideal. It also appeared from our discussion that the causes which may

hamper or disturb governance of the district, such as poverty, illiteracy

etc. is more or less active in the district of Purulia. But interestingly, the

district of Purulia, in West Bengal, is more o less peaceful, politically

speaking.