"Livelihood Crisis and Social Exclusion of Tribal Communities in Bankura and Purulia Districts, West Bengal"

Abstract: The present study critically analyses the challenges affecting tribal livelihoods in the Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal. Although both districts have a substantial percentage of Scheduled Tribe (ST) residents, they confront entrenched challenges like poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, relocation, and cultural degradation. The essay evaluates factors such as income, literacy rates, migration patterns, healthcare access, and land alienation using secondary data from the 2011 Census, NFHS-5, NSSO, and numerous governmental and academic papers. Research indicates that indigenous groups in these regions are economically and socially marginalized and possess restricted access to vital services and welfare programs. Displacement caused by industrial and mining initiatives has exacerbated their circumstances, resulting in the erosion of traditional livelihoods and the dilution of indigenous identities. The research demands immediate policy focus and sustainable development frameworks that safeguard tribal rights, guarantee livelihood security, and foster social inclusion.