West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has announced the establishment of five new cultural and development boards for Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities in the state. These boards, initiated by the CM-led Trinamool government, aim to support one SC, two ST, and two OBC communities in Bengal. Specifically, the Munda and Kora ST communities, along with the Kumbhakar and Sadgope OBC communities, are set to have dedicated boards. Additionally, the Dom community has been selected as the lone SC community for this initiative.
Political analysts view this move as significant, especially given recent tensions between the Centre and the West Bengal government following an alleged protocol breach during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit. CM Banerjee emphasized the importance of these communities in Bengal’s cultural tapestry, expressing her congratulations to them. She highlighted that these boards would preserve their languages, traditions, and ensure access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, aiming to promote socio-economic progress and protect customary rights.
CM Banerjee recalled the establishment of similar cultural and development boards for marginalized communities in 2013, underlining her government’s commitment to inclusive development. She reiterated the state’s dedication to leaving no community behind, with a focus on holistic progress and unwavering support to bring smiles to every face. However, state BJP leaders have criticized this announcement, labeling it as a pre-election tactic ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections and a diversion from the recent protocol controversy surrounding the President’s visit.
