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Mamata Announces 5 Cultural Boards for Marginalised Bengal Communities

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the formation of five new Cultural and Development Boards for specific Scheduled Tribe, Scheduled Caste, and Other Backward Class communities. The boards are intended to protect the unique languages and traditions of the Munda, Kora, Dom, Kumbhakar, and Sadgope communities while ensuring their socio-economic growth through better access to education, healthcare, and jobs. The announcement comes in a political climate ahead of the 2026 state elections and follows a recent controversy during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to a Santhal conference. The ruling TMC government frames the move as part of its commitment to inclusive progress for all communities in Bengal.

Key Points: West Bengal Announces 5 Cultural & Development Boards

  • Boards for 5 marginalised communities
  • Aim to protect language & tradition
  • Ensure education, healthcare & jobs
  • Safeguard customary rights
  • Move ahead of 2026 state elections
2 min read

West Bengal govt announces five Cultural and Development Boards for marginalised communities

CM Mamata Banerjee announces new boards for Munda, Kora, Dom, Kumbhakar & Sadgope communities to protect language, tradition & ensure development.

"These boards will protect their unique languages and traditions while ensuring better education, healthcare, and jobs. - Mamata Banerjee"

Kolkata, March 13

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced five new Cultural and Development Boards for marginalised communities in the state.

Taking to X, Mamata Banerjee announced Cultural and Development Boards for the Munda (ST), Kora (ST), Dom (SC), Kumbhakar (OBC) and Sadgope (OBC) communities.

She said that the boards will protect their unique languages and traditions while ensuring education, healthcare, and jobs.

The West Bengal CM wrote, "I am pleased to announce that our government intends to constitute soon five new Cultural and Development Boards for the Munda (ST), Kora (ST), Dom (SC), Kumbhakar (OBC) and Sadgope (OBC) communities. These communities are integral to the vibrant fabric of Bengal. My heartiest congratulations to all of them."

She added that the boards' aim is to safeguard customary rights and bring socio-economic growth to the communities. "These boards will protect their unique languages and traditions while ensuring better education, healthcare, and jobs. They will safeguard customary rights and bring further socio-economic growth. Since 2013, we have established many such boards for our weaker communities, ensuring their all-round development," she said.

"Our commitment to Ma, Mati, Manush means we remain dedicated to ensuring no community is left behind. Our goal is simple: to bring a smile to every face through inclusive progress and unwavering support. Jai Bangla," the X post read.

This comes ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections, where the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will look to defend its fortress against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which would want to secure a victory after winning 77 seats in the last elections.

The move also follows the political row surrounding President Murmu's recent visit to West Bengal. During a Santhal conference held on March 7, the President expressed disappointment over the arrangements at the event and questioned the choice of venue, saying many members of the Santal community were unable to attend because it was located in a remote area. She also noted the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other state ministers during the event.

While the ruling TMC rejected allegations of protocol lapses, the BJP called it a "disrespect" towards the President and tribal communities.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but the timing is suspicious. Announced right after the President's visit controversy and before 2026 elections? Feels more like political damage control than genuine commitment. Actions matter more than announcements.
A
Aman W
Jai Bangla! Protecting languages and providing jobs is crucial. The Munda and Kora communities have rich histories. Hope this brings them better healthcare and educational opportunities. Development should be inclusive.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this focus on cultural boards. As an outsider, I appreciate efforts to protect minority cultures. The connection to the recent political tension is hard to ignore, though. Hope the communities truly benefit.
K
Karthik V
The Dom and Kumbhakar communities have contributed so much to Bengal's society and crafts. They deserve recognition and support. Let's see if these boards get proper funding and aren't lost in bureaucracy.
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Nisha Z
Ma, Mati, Manush... good slogan. But after the President's event, trust is low. Was the CM really too busy to attend a Santhal conference? These boards are needed, but respect must be shown consistently, not just before votes.

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