West Bengal is a state located in the eastern part of India. Its population is estimated to be between 100 and 106 million, making it the state with the fourth highest population in all of India. West Bengal has historically had very high poverty rates. However, the number of people suffering has greatly reduced in the last few years. The poverty rate was 27% by 1999, which was already trending downward from previous years. This trend continued, dropping to 20% by 2012, and a further six (6) points to 14% in 2018. The trend of reducing poverty in West Bengal has mainly been due to social policy introduced from the late 1970s onward, along with the creation of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

Reducing Poverty in West Bengal

As with most places, rural areas have suffered the most from poverty in India. In 1973, 73% of West Bengal’s rural population was considered below the poverty line. A large number of farmers in the region work as sharecroppers; they rent land from landowners in exchange for up to half their crops. Many saw this as unfair, and it meant they were deprived.

In 1978, the left-wing government at the time, known as the Left Front Government, implemented Operation Barga. The policy set out four main goals: security for farmers, fair distribution of land, reducing exploitation and better farming and productivity. It achieved these goals by making sure the farmers were officially recorded, limiting the reach of powerful landowners, protecting farmers from high rents and limiting their dependency on landlords. This initiative was a big factor in reducing rural poverty in West Bengal, with it dropping from 73% to 31% from 1973 to 1999. It also helped increase output, with the farmers having a greater incentive to work and produce. Under the new laws, they could keep three-quarters of their crop and were protected from evictions as long as they provided the other quarter.

Food and Housing

Recent social policies guaranteeing food and housing have yielded positive results in West Bengal.

On Jan. 27, 2016, Khadya Sathi was a policy implemented by the Food and Supplies Department, intending to reduce food insecurity in the region. It benefits about 90% of West Bengal’s population. It ensures food security for 85 million (8.59 crore) people. Those belonging to disadvantaged sections of society, about 72 million people, receive a portion of wheat and rice, while the less disadvantaged, about 14 million people, can access food grains at half the market price.

In relation to housing, in 2018, the Bangla Awaas Yojana scheme was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. It was implemented in an attempt to provide housing to poorer areas both in urban and rural regions. Its objectives included providing housing for all, reducing poverty and promoting social equity. The Socio-Economic Caste Census determines who the beneficiaries are. There is a special preference for people with disabilities, seniors and women-headed households. It can manifest through financial assistance to construct or upgrade homes or focus on building environmentally sustainable and disaster-resistant homes.

NGOs

As important as government programs have been in reducing poverty in West Bengal, NGOs are also playing an essential role. Over the past few years, the role of charitable organizations has grown significantly. There is an array of NGOs that focus on sectors like education, health care and economic disparity. Nabatara Foundation – Save The Soul is one that makes it its goal to restore dignity to people in West Bengal. It covers a range of areas, including elder care, orphanage care, community development and women’s empowerment. Its food distribution program is especially effective. While partnering with donors, local businesses and volunteers, the Nabatara Foundation has served more than 1.2 million meals across West Bengal.

Conclusion

Reducing poverty in West Bengal has been a long and laborious process achieved through worker-centered social policy and NGOs like the Nabatara Foundation with compassion and dignity as their stated compass. The poverty rate is now approximately 8%, but as with all major policies, it has not been perfect, and the rate of poverty is still high for some in the region. However, the percentage of people under the poverty line continues to trend downward in West Bengal.

– Oisín Downes

Oisín is based in Galway, Ireland and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay