CHAPTER - I
RESEARCH PROBLEM AND DESIGN OF STUDY
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Objectives of the Study
1.3 Significance of Study
1.4 Origin of the Study
1.5 Meaning and Definition of Empowerment
1.6 Importance of Women Empowerment
1.7 Scope and Delimitation
1.8 Definition of Important Terms used in this Study
1.9 Methodology
1.10 Tools and Techniques
1.11 Population and Sample
1.12 Action Plan
1.13 West Bengal as a Separate State and Study Area
1.13.1 Profile of Murshidabad District
1.13.2 Profile of Nadia District
CHAPTER – I
RESEARCH PROBLEM AND DESIGN OF STUDY
1.1 Introduction
Gender inequality is a global phenomenon, only the manifestations vary form
and degree in different cultures. In majority of the societies girls grow up with a
nation of temporary membership in her natal home and considered as a reproductive
machine in the family of ‘in Law’. This reproductive role becomes limited to
household chores.
The women's role has changed tremendously and is making its greatest impact
in our society today. Many years ago, women's contribution to society was limited and
controlled by men. Women are standing tall and are playing a major role in many
important areas. Women's role has changed at an accelerating rate and have part in
areas such as politics, professional training jobs, medicine, business and law.
Formerly they were not part of any political matter, but they have advanced in many
aspects.
‘Women’ – a word, a manifestation, a creation connoting itself into a multitude
forms, roles and expression. She is refined, pious, serene yet strong and magnificent
conception of Mother Nature. She is the generator, the nurturer and the destroyer. The
producer of new generations, molder of novices into adroit being, transformer of the
societies and destroyer of vils, sins and vices of communities – Women is the axle of
the mankind. She is the builder of homes, societies and nations. Sarvepali
Radhakrishnan is his outstanding contribution to the world of literature, a book,
Religion and Society, speaks about the creative cosmic energy that operates through
women. This cosmic energy was celebrated by the Indians a Shakti – the divine
mother. A poem of Swami Vivekananda shows us that women in general in India
came to be considered as the embodiment of Shakti rather an instrument of feminine
cosmic energy. He had composed a poem on Mother Goddess ‘Who Knows her
mother plays’, in the last stanza of the poem he says,
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‘To child may gloriesope
which father never dreamt;
May thousand fold in daughter
Her powers Mother store”.
According to UN Report, 1997 of the world’s 1.3 billion poor people, it is
estimated that nearly 70 percent are women. Between 75 and 80 percent of the world’s
27 million refugees are women and children. Women hold 11.7 percent of the seats in
the world’s parliaments. Of the world’s nearly one billion illiterate adults, two-thirds
are women. Two-thirds of the 130 million children worldwide who are not in school
are girls. Women are becoming increasingly affected by HIV.
From this statistical data it is evident that the women comprising half of the
world’s population are not entitled to experience both good and bad at a 50% rate.
They do not share equal human rights with their counterparts. The human rights are
the rights endowed to the humankind right from their birth yet women have to hold
protests, seminars, discussions, conferences, legislative bills debates and meeting to
attain their inherent rights. The rejuvenation of powerless with power to political,
economic, judicial, social and health resources is termed as ‘empowerment’ and when
the terminology is applied with context to women it is called as ‘Women
empowerment’.
Twenty first century is rightly called the age of women awakening in the world.
In every part of the world equality of sexes has been ensured and various laws have
been passed to improve the status of women. But on the contrary in spite of all
changes women can not be regarded as being emancipated from orthodoxy, the old
traditions and customs determinate to the flowering of their personalities. The social
and religious attitude towards the role of women in the family and society, which still
have a stronghold on the minds of the people are the main hurdle in the way of social
progress of women. In India, and some other countries society is still male dominated.
The double standard of morality graciously provide more social freedom to men than
the women. The major burden of adjustment and the household work falls mainly on
the women.
Actually in the 19th
century the women’s question became a part of the
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discourses of progress and modernity. Women work two-thirds of the world’s
working hours. These working hours of women are spent in multifarious works done
by them namely growing food cooking, raising children, caring for the members of the
family. In return of putting up such hard labour women earn only 10% of the worl’s
income. This is because women’s household labour is mostly unpaid. It has been
estimated that nearly 876 million adult population of the world can not read and write.
Women make up two-third’s of this estimated illiterate population. In writings of Karl
Marx, we see, from the beginning of the civilisation there was huge discrimination
between men and women regarding right to property. According to Karl Marx
“anybody who knows anything about history knows that great social changes are
impossible without the famine ferment. Social progress can be measured exactly by
the social position of the fair sex”. The feminists have emphasized on gender equality,
women empowerment, gender justice etc. According to G. G. Yates, “Women are the
most oppressed class”. Accordingly to Bovier, ‘one is not born a women, but becomes
a women’. In general, at that time, male are subject women are treated as object.
Barrack Obama, the President of the United States has rightly stated, “The best
judge of whether or not a country is going to develop is how it treats its women. If it is
educating its girls, if women have equal rights, that country is going to move forward.
But if women are oppressed and abused and illiterate, then they’re going to fall
behind”.
In the last 40 years, role of women in the society has changed dramatically.
Women comprise a large proportion of workforce and their status also rises as well.
Although the situation has improved, women are considered as different from men,
more precisely, gender inequalities still exist in both workplace and family. Women's
subordination was historically determined by their physical weakness and coercion.
Women's lesser capacity for violence as well as for work has been an essential factor
for determination. Women's biological capacity is much more limited than men. They
have not only been less able to perform certain tasks, but also have less ability to
protect themselves.
The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the
past few millennia. From equal status with men in ancient times, through the low
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points of the medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the
history of women in India has been eventful. In modern India, women have held high
offices in India including that of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok
Sabha and Leader of the Opposition.As of 2011, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of the parliament) were
women. However, women in India continue to face atrocities such as rape, acid
throwing, dowry killings, and the forced prostitution of young girls.
Religion in India is characterized by a diversity of religious beliefs and
practices. Indian Subcontinent is the birthplace of some of the world's major religions;
namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, Islamism. Throughout India's
history, religion has been an important part of the country's culture. Religious
diversity and religious tolerance are both established in the country by the law and
custom; the Constitution of India has declared the right to freedom of religion to be a
fundamental right.
In India religion has always been the most important factor in defining and
determining social relations. Muslim constitute the second largest religion and thus
the largest minority. Women since ages have been a victim of these outrageous
practices wherein India being a multi-religious society, every community has its own
personal laws because of which the women of that community suffer the most. The
women belonging to the Muslim community have been brought to the mainstream a
number of times be it because of unequal treatment from birth.
Now we have come out of those days of oppression of women, there is a need
for strong movement to fight for the rights of women and to ensure that they get all
the rights which men have or in other words a movement for the empowerment of
women.
Equality and empowerment of women are necessary to bring about an
egalitarian human society. Societies can not succeed by suppressing the talents of half
of their member. Promoting gender equality and empowerment of women was
declared as an important millennium development goal adopted by the Millennium
Summit held in New York in September, 2000. This summit stressed the need of
eliminating gender disparity in education and achieving universal primary education.
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Education constitutes the key instrument of social transformation and development.
Like other parts of the world there are large disparities in the economic, social,
political and educational opportunities available to men and women in India. Gender
discrimination begin early in life, with female infants having a lower chance of
survival owing largely to parental neglect. After 65 years of Indian independence, the
women of rural and urban areas have no power of decision making except a very few
because they still remain economically weak and socially handicapped and lack of
education. Except some higher educated conscious women, most of the women do not
know that they had a right to freedom and they can aspire for freedom. But it is the
21st century that brought about dynamic changes and new concepts which affected the
status of women, giving them fresh dignity and importance.
India has the third highest concentration of Muslim world wide after Indonesia
and Pakistan. The Muslim population was 138 million out of a total population of
1028 million in 2001. On the other hand, Muslim constitute the second largest
religious minority. No Country can afford development without considering woman
who constitute about half of the population women’s empowerment encompasses their
enhanced status in social; political and economic spheres. Empowerment of Muslim
women is imperative as Muslim women continue to the victims of traditional social
structure of the community.
Education is the birth right of every Muslim. Islam puts considerable emphasis
on its followers to acquire knowledge. Investment in education is the best investment
one can take, because it eventually leads to intellectual property.
There are a deep seated misconceptions among various communities that Islam
does not encourages women to receive education and does not allow employment of
women. But the very first word of the first verse in Glorious Quran emphasizes that
the need and importance of education. It is imperative on all Muslim men and women
to receive as much knowledge as could enable them to differentiate between what is
truth and what is false. Prophet Mohammed’s wife Khadeeja, in one hand, was a
successful business women and she was a devoted Muslim women at the same time.
So women education and employment is not restricted from the Prophet’s from the
very beginning.
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“It is the religious duty of every man and woman to seek knowledge” (Hadith
of Prophet Muhammad).
The role of the Quran guaranteed everyone his share, which was worked out in
a some what complicated fashion. Women were given the right of inheriting property
from their father and husband. It was the customs in Mecca. This customs was
vehemently opposed by the other parts of the Islamic world, because women did not
contribute to the wealth of the tribe or go to battle. Islam introduced shares of property
for the wife, daughter, sister and grandmother, though admittedly, their share is only
half that of men. A share is even allowed to a son’s daughter in the absence of any son
of the deceased and the presence of one daughter. However, in Islam, a fundamental
change was found in favour of women in that their consent to marriage was made
mandatory. Thus no Muslim marriage can be solemnized on the basis of consent given
by the girl’s parents or guardians alone. In many cases, she can also contract her
marriage, of course through agency of her father or some other paternal relative in
absence of her father.
But later on, this position of women in Muslim society is deteriorated. The
present gender-based discrimination, coupled with socio-cultural barriers, limits
access and participation of women in education as in other fields. It is truth that these
barriers have not sanctioned in the religion of Islam.
Education has been regarded both as an end in itself and as a means of realising
other desirable goals. It develops the personality and rationality of individual,
qualifies them to fulfill certain economic, political and cultural functions and thereby
improves their socio-economic status. It has been recognised as a major instrument,
which societies can use to direct the process of change and development towards
desired goals. Education has been recognised as one of the most important tools of
empowerment or it can says that education is a landmark for women empowerment as
it enables them to respond to opportunities, to challenge their traditional roles and to
change their lives. Improvement in women’s educational status leads them towards
empowerment.
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1.2 Objectives of the Study :
The following objectives are laid down for the study :
1. To find out the percentage of literacy of Muslim women in West Bengal.
2. To analyse the status of Muslim women in society.
3. To estimate the socio-cultural position of Muslim women in society.
4. To find out the economic studies of Muslim women.
5. To find out the participation of Muslim women in politics.
6. To find out the religious role on education of women.
7. To estimate the empowerment of Muslim women.
8. To estimate the growth and population of Muslim family and role of women.
1.3 Significance of Study :
The role of education in facilitating social and economic progress is well
accepted today. Education is an important factor to create a new social order. It is
considered as one of the most important indicators of social development. The literacy
rate among Muslims in 2001 was far below the national average. It is true that
different comprehensive measures have been adopted to improve the education of
Muslim women, but it is not adequate. Due to lack of education they are socially and
economically oppressed.
Empowerment of women implies process by which women power of self-
realisation is promoted and reinforced. They develop the capacity for self-reliance cut
crossing the relationship subordination on account of gender, social, economic status
and the role in the family and society. It encompasses the ability to make choices
control resources and enjoy participatory relationship within family and community.
Empowerment also encourage their ability to lead social movements in removing the
obstacles in their progress, in a proper way through different organised sector.
Women’s empowerment is closely connected with women’s education. It is not
possible for a women to acquire freedom without economic self-sufficiency. The
Muslim women are one of the weakest social group in Indian society. There always
has been a confusion about the status and rights of Muslim women. The confusion
arises due to the significant differences about the status and rights of Muslim women
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in textual Islam, in Islamic history and tradition and in Islam in practice at present.
This self-sufficiency depends on education. But Muslim girls remain deprived of
education owing strict pardah system. They could not free to take education as general
woman. Religious orthodoxy is very common feature for Muslim community. The
inherent backwardness of the general mass of Muslim remained the same. So very few
of them got opportunities to have education of proper standard. Muslim women
belonging to the lower ranks of the society practically had no education.
Education, is a powerful vehicle for bringing about change, a panacea of all
evils and a patient weapon for prevention plays a central role of the society. The
Government of India and Government of West Bengal provides some efforts for
improving the educational status of Muslim women. The Central Government’s
flagship education programme termed as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Total Literacy
Mission) has rightly focused attention to give impetus to minority education including
that of Muslim girls.
Education of Muslim women leads to their empowerment, since it removes
some of the obstacles to economic, social development and religious superstition also.
In West Bengal Muslim population is high. It is the responsibility of Government to
educate them and the education can help to enhance the capacity of Muslim women in
West Bengal. So this study was conducted on education and empowerment of Muslim
women in West Bengal, specially Murshidabad and Nadia, in which the Muslim
population is densed.
1.4 Origin of the Study :
Women empowerment can only be achieved through the provision of adequate
and functional education to the women folk. This is crucial because no matter how
rich or vast a nation is, without an effective, efficient, adequate and functional
education for all its citizens (men and women) education which is relevant to its
immediate needs, goals and objectives, such a nation would find it difficult to stand on
its own. The brand of education being advocated is that type of education in which is
embedded the spirit of self realization and all that are needed for the country’s over all
development like mass literacy, economic
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empowerment etc.
The need for women education is also informed by the fact that purposeful
occupational achievement and satisfaction is ensured by deep self-awareness and
understanding which can only be achieved through the provision of effective and
functional education and guidance & counseling. This, has been noted is likely to
guarantee women empowerment with its root based on women struggle to improve
their status. The empowerment suggested is such that entails the process of
challenging power relations and of gaining wider control over source of power. This,
however, cannot be achieved without the provision of reasonable access to formal and
functional education to the women folk. This is based on the premise that education
has been adjudged to be a viable instrument of change the positive direction. Provision
of formal and functional education is needed for the women folk, because:
• It would empower them to know and ask for their rights to education, health,
shelter, food clothing etc.
• It would empower them to fight against every form of discrimination against their
folk, assert themselves about their right to equal treatment with their men
counterpart as bonafide citizens of this nation.
• It would enable the women take decisions and accept responsibilities for taking
such decisions concerning themselves.
• It would give economic power to the women and there by enable them to
contribute their quota to the economic growth of the nation.
• It would empower the women scientifically through exposure to science and
technological education for the challenges of the present technological age and
information computer technology break through unfolding world wide.
• It would help women to reduce maternal and infant mortality through improved
nutrition, improved child rearing practice, health care and prevention against killer
diseases.
• It would avail women with the opportunity of participating keenly in the world of
sophisticated politics and governance as enlightened citizens.
In India, Muslim constitutes the second largest religion and thus the largest
minority (Table 1.1 and Table 1.2). With comparison to women from other faiths of
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India, the majority of Muslim women are the most underprivileged, least literate, most
indigent, economically oppressed and politically marginalised sections of Indian
society.
Table – 1.1
Population Trends for Major Religious Groups in India (1951–2001)
Religious
Group
Population %
1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001
Hindu 84.1% 83.45% 82.73% 82.30% 81.53% 80.46%
Muslim 9.8% 10.69% 11.21% 11.75% 12.61% 13.43%
Christian 2% 2.44% 2.60% 2.44% 2.32% 2.34%
Sikh 1.89% 1.79% 1.89% 1.92% 1.94% 1.87%
Buddhist 0.74% 0.74% 0.70% 0.70% 0.77% 0.77%
Jain 0.46% 0.46% 0.48% 0.47% 0.40% 0.41%
Parsi 0.13% 0.09% 0.09% 0.09% 0.08% 0.06%
Animist, others 0.43% 0.43% 0.41% 0.42% 0.44% 0.72%
Source : Census Report, Govt. of India
Table – 1.2
Census information for 2001 (Data not published for 2011 Census)
Composition Hindus Muslims Christians Sikhs Buddhist Jains Others
% of total
population
80.50% 13.40% 2.30% 1.90% 0.80% 0.40% 0.60%
10-year growth %
(est. 1991–2001)
20.3% 29.5% 22.6% 18.2% 18.2% 26.0% 103.1
%
No. of females per
1000 males
(average = 944)
944 940 1009 895 955 940 1000
Literacy rate
(71.7% for age 7
and above)
64.5% 60.0% 90.3% 70.4% 73.0% 95.0% 50.0%
Work participation
rate
40.4 31.3 39.7 37.7 40.6 32.9 48.4
Rural sex ratio 1000 953 1001 895 958 937 995
Urban sex ratio 922 907 1026 886 944 941 966
Child sex ratio
(0–6 yrs)
925 950 964 786 942 870 976
Source : Census Report, Govt. of India, 2001
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According to census 2011, though the number of Literacy rate of women in
India has increased over years, but still has a largest number of uneducated children in
India. The literacy rate of Muslim women is 53% according to 2011 census, which is
less than the national average literacy rate of women i.e. 65% and the literacy rate of
women of other Minority Communities i.e. Jain 90.6%, Christians 76.2% Sikh 63.1%
and Buddhist 61.7%. It clearly depict that the educational empowerment of Muslim
girls is very much vital for building an equal competent community and also for
creating an educationally empowered society.
The very first word of the first verse in Glorious Quran emphasizes the all
important need of education. It is imperative on all Muslim men and women to gain as
much knowledge as could enable them to differentiate between what is right and what
is wrong. This is taken to mean that Islam encourages women’s education. Here not
only does the prophet gives priority to the education of female but also by likening the
female with the nation he conferred a special position and by virtue of the position a
special role for the female.
But the Muslim women are among the least educated section of India Society
(Table–1.3). The Constitution of India in Article 15(1) on right to equality, provides
the basic policy frame work that enshrines the vision of girls education and spirit is
which their education is to be provided.
Table – 1.3
Literacy Rates of Different Religions in India
Name of Religion Literacy Rate
Total Males Females
Hindus 65.1 76.2 53.2
Muslims 59.1 67.6 50.1
Christians 80.3 84.4 76.2
Sikhs 69.4 75.2 83.1
Buddhists 63.1 72.7 61.7
Jains 94.1 97.4 90.6
Other religions 47 60.8 33.2
India 64.8 75.3 53.7
Source : Census Report of 2001, Govt. of India
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Historically, while there has always been gap between the education of boys
and girls in India in case of Muslims, the gap has been a yawning chasm. The
education of Muslim girls has always demanded higher investment in terms of more
facilities, more women teachers, separate schools, easy transport and scholarship to
provide the much needed incentives.
Employment is critical for poverty reduction and for enhancing women’s
status. However, it is potentially empowering and liberating only if it provides women
an opportunity to improve their well-being and enhance their capabilities. On the other
hand, if it is driven by distress and is low-paying, then it may only increase a woman’s
drudgery. The work participation of Muslim women are very least due to ignorance
and oppression (Table-1.4).
Table – 1.4
Work Participation Rates of Different Religions in India
Source : Census Report of 2001, Govt. of India
The empowerment of women has become one of the most important and
modern phenomenon of 21st century not only at national level but also at the
international level. After World War II, international treaties put great focus on
human rights, specially women’s right. In India the feminist activism picked up
momentum. During later 1970s and women participation in all activities, such as
education, politics, media, art and culture, service sectors, science and technology.
Name of Religion Work Participation Rate
Total Male Female
Hindus 40.4 52.4 27.5
Muslim 31.3 47.5 14.1
Christians 39.7 50.7 28.7
Sikhs 37.7 53.7 20.2
Buddhists 40.6 49.2 31.7
Jains 32.9 55.2 9.2
Other religions 48.4 52.5 44.2
India 39.1 51.7 25.6
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Table – 1.5
Trends in Total Fertility Rate of Different Religions in India : 1992- 2005
Source : National Family Health Survey, 2007
Muslims have high fertility rates than those in other religious groups based on
National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data (Table–1.5). Due to their ignorance,
many Muslim still believe that Islam does not allow the use of family planning
methods. The obligations of their religion require Muslim women to defer using any
birth control method, Male attitude to family planning is often negative and women
are helpless to motivate their husband in this regards. The low status and lack of
education of Muslim women and a strong preference for male family planning is
restricted. In this regard the Muslim women have generally little or no say in decision
making within the family. So, Muslim population is increasing highly.
Empowerment is a multidimensional process which should enable the
individuals or a group of individuals to realize their full identity and power in all
spheres of life. Empowerment of women may also mean equal status to the women,
opportunity and freedom to develop her. The concept of women empowerment was
voiced in the International Women’s Conference in Nairobi in 1985. The Fourth
World Conference on women held in Beijing, 1995, recognised the need of
empowering women’s participation in leadership and decision making in society and
improving well being.
West Bengal is a state of India also suffered the deprived condition of Muslim
women. According to the census, the Muslim habitat in West Bengal with comparison
to women from other faiths, the majority of women are most disadvantaged, least
literate and divorce are pertinent.
Particularly in the district of Murshidabad constitute a major part of the victims
Religious Group Total Fertility Rate (Number of Children per Woman)
1992- 93 2005- 06 Percentage%
Hindus 3.3 2.65 19.7
Muslim 4.41 3.09 29.9
Christians 2.87 2.35 18.1
Sikhs 2.43 1.96 19.3
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of women-trafficking. Early marriage and lack of education and means of livelihood
may be some of the causes of such menace. Considering this issue for the benefit of
destitute minority women. State Government adopted a programme for rehabilitation,
empowerment of livelihood of them.
Education is a force to reduce gender inequalities and access to mobility, share
in decision making and contribution to national development. Education enhances
women’s economic productivity in the form and non- form sector.
Despite pressures of religious orthodoxies, social prejudice and class or gender
bias, Muslim women at the individual determined to claim greater role in public
affairs. The theme of women’s education was taken up by all communities including
Muslims.
Women’ education and empowerment is not only essential to economic
development, but it will also have a transformative effect on the goals of both
economic and social development. Education, specially for women, is an important
agent of socialization and instrument of social transformation and a channel of social
mobility and equality.
1.5 Meaning and Definition of Empowerment :
Empowerment refers broadly to the expansion of freedom of choice and action
to shape one’s life. It implies control over resources and decision. Empowerment has
multiple, interrelated and interdependent dimensions – economic, social, cultural and
political. It can be understood in relation to resources, perceptions, relationships and
power.
Empowerment is clearly connected to the word ‘power’. Simply speaking
empowerment is derived from the word ‘empower’ meaning to give or to acquire
power or to increase power. Thus the word empowerment also implies a change in the
equation or level of power. The term ‘power’ in turn can notes control. In the context
of human society, it means control over resources, i.e. natural resources, financial
resources, human resources, intellectual resources etc. Power is relational dynamic
between individual or between groups, unequally distributed.
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Definition of Empowerment
Empowerment is a multifaceted, multidimensional and multilayered concept.
“Empowerment is a process of awareness and capacity building leading to greater
participation and better decision making power and transformative action” (Tangirala,
2009).
“Empowerment may be seen as a process where individuals learn to see a
closer correspondence between their goals and a sense of how to achieve them and a
relationship between their efforts and life outcomes” (Mechanic, 1991).
“Empowerment is viewed as a process : the mechanism by which people,
organisations and communities gain mastery over their lives” (Julian Pappaport,
1984).
“Empowerment involves inculcation of confidence in individuals about their
own capacities. It refers to enhancement of the intellectual, political, social, economic
and spiritual strength of people and communities to make them part of the mainstream
society (Rahmatullah, 2009)
Generally empowerment is considered as development of skills to make a
person more confident, self-reliant and to develop ability to take self decision.
“Empowerment is intentional, ongoing process centered in the local
community, involving mutual respect, critical reflection, caring and group
participation through which people lacking an equal share of valued resources gain
greater access to and control over those resources” (Cornell Empowerment Group,
1989)
1.6 Importance of Women Empowerment :
Empowering women usually involves giving them opportunity for better
education. With that fertility rates decrease, as well as infant mortality rates. Literate
women have other opportunities in life other than marriage and motherhood, such as
being part of the work force. Delaying marriage usually also means that women have
less fertile years, which naturally decreases the number of children they can have.
They are also better informed about family planning options, although it seems that
religion plays a stronger part in this aspects other than simple literacy. Literate women
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are more than another mouth to feed in poor families living in less developed
countries. Instead of being seen as a liability, and therefore being married off as soon
as possible, they can become a valuable asset to their families. Of course, at a personal
level, empowerment gives women a chance to make their own choices, challenge the
worthiness of old traditions, and to actually look for opportunities away from their
families and villages.
The most effective way of reducing the birth rate in a country is to empower
women and to reduce the childhood mortality rate. Options of other things to do with
your life besides being a mother causes women to choose to have fewer children in
poor countries just like it has in rich nations. Empowerment of women also reduces
the frequency of sexual activity.
Women’s economic empowerment – that is, their capacity to bring about
economic change for themselves – is increasingly viewed as the most important
contributing factor to achieving equality between women and men. But economically
strengthening women – who are half the world’s workforce – is not only a means by
which to spur economic growth, but also a matter of advancing women’s human
rights. When governments, businesses and communities invest in women, and when
they work to eliminate inequalities, developing countries are less likely to be plagued
by poverty. Entire nations can also better their chance of becoming stronger players in
the global marketplace.
Empowerment of Women Means :
Women’s empowerment primarily means having their contribution recognised
and valued. Empowerment of women means developing them as more aware
individuals who are socially developed, politically active, economically productive
and independent and are able to make judicious choices and intelligent decisions in
matters that affect them.
The phrase “Women Empowerment” is used in two broad senses, i.e. general
and specific. In general sense, it refers to empowering women to be self-dependent by
provident them access to all freedoms and opportunities which they were denied in the
past only because of their being as “women”. In specific sense, women empowerment
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refers to enhance their position in the power structure of the society. So it is
essentially means that the women have the power or capacity to regulate their day to
day lives in social, political and economic terms – a power which enables them to
move from the periphery to the center stage. But in no society do women enjoy the
same opportunities no men even in 21st century.
Empowerment of women is one of the latest concepts that have developed in
connection with improving the status of women but the empowerment is not a
commodity that can be handed of the women, Power is an analytical category which
denotes strength or control. It is something that has to develop from within . One
cannot empower women if they are disinclined or if they are not outfitted for it.
Empowerment comes to women when they strive hard for it.
The ‘empowerment of women’ is a vastly complex phrase which problem
alives the situation of women today in its social, cultural, religious, political, legal and
economical aspects. The term also implied an ongoing process which does not more
unilaterally but is a fluid mix of remarkable progress on the one side and a devastating
stagnancy on the other.
Women are the most powerful instrument to bring any change. Today’s women
are a smart lot and when they are empowered, it only gives them an extra edge.
Empowering women is empowering the family. And empowering the family is the
first stem for developing a country. Empowering women must be a united approach, a
cause that requires continued attention and stewardship by all.
Social Empowerment of Women
The dignity and culture of a society can be detected from the status of women
in that society. Empowerment of women is empowerment of family and in turn
development of a nation or a country. Empowerment of women leads to benefit not
only to the individual women and to women groups, but also to the families and
community as a whole through collective action for development.
Social empowerment means equal status of participation and power of decision
making at the house hold level and community level. Indicators like respect in family,
participation in public programs, social awareness, social mobility. decision making,
18
social respect, risk taking ability and entrepreneurial to measure social empowerment.
Social empowerment implies promotion of social capabilities such as
education, health, cultural aspects and women’s property, productive resources. Each
and every dimensions are inter linked.
It is a Sanskrit saying – That women is the home and home is the basis of
society. If the home is inadequate in material goods, if the women are apprised and
illiterate, it is impossible to provide quality child care and upbringing. Only education
liberates women from ignorance and enhance their self-esteem. It also brings about
awareness.
Social empowerment is understood as the process of developing a sense of
autonomy and self-confidence, and acting individually and collectively to change
social relationships and the institutions and discourses that exclude poor people and
keep them in poverty. Poor people’s empowerment, and their ability to hold others to
account, is strongly influenced by their individual assets (such as land, housing,
livestock, savings) and capabilities of all types: human (such as good health and
education), social (such as social belonging, a sense of identity, leadership relations)
and psychological (self-esteem, self-confidence, the ability to imagine and aspire to a
better future). Also important are people’s collective assets and capabilities, such as
voice, organisation, representation and identity.
Economic Empowerment of Women
Economic empowerment refers to access to financial resources, decrease of
vulnerability of women during crisis situation, eliminating the dependency of money,
increase in the income and the freedom to use the income, financial self reliance and
ownership of income generation assets. The important indications of economic
empowerment are income, saving, landholding, house ownership, consumer goods,
occupation, expenditure on food and non-food items. Income is the most important
indicators of economic development.
Women’s economic empowerment requires bold and sustained action to
advance women’s opportunities and rights and to ensure that women can participate
and be heard. To increase their economic opportunities, women need access to more
19
and better jobs, a business climate that supports them in starting and doing business, a
financial sector that gives them access to financial services tailored to their needs, and
greater livelihood security in times of food and fuel crises. This is especially true for
women living in rural areas and vulnerable environments.
Female work participation not only increase their family income but also bring
economic independence and self-respect among women in the household. This helps
them to participate more effectively in intra household decision making and have
better access to information. But, the economic empowerment of women is possible
only when they have full autonomy to spend their income and also control resources.
Even the women are in employment, in our traditional patriarchal society, her status as
wife, did not give her control over her family income which remain in the hand of the
husband who decides the expenditure pattern for the family. In a vast majority of
cases this traditional pattern of employment still continues to prevail due to lack of
awareness among the women about their economic rights.
Political Empowerment and Women
Historically many women have been active in the Indian National Movement.
The clarion call of Swaraj led many women to come to the forefront of politics and
sacrifice their lives at the altar of the nation. It is said that Gandhiji faminised the
nationalist politics by emphasizing Satyagraha and creating special space for women.
So political participation of women is started from the Indian National Movement.
Political empowerment is characterised by producer organising collectively and
attempting to enhance their influence and bargaining power not simply with respect to
other market actors, but also in terms of the development policy process itself and in
relation to bodies such as local, regional, national and global. Political empowerment
is about the capacity of producer to exert claims on such actors and institutions and to
hold them accountable.
The participation of women in the electoral process is an indicator of their
political consciousness as well as their aspiration for status enhancement. A quick
glance at women’s participation in elections will confirm the initial hopes placed in
them. Moreover, participation of women is an integral part of democratic process and
20
strengthening the quality of civic life. As they are half of the population, women must
be in decision making in all socio-economic and political organisations. But in reality,
women’s participation in decision making at all levels – nation to local is low. The
women gained power through legislation is the political power which enhances the
organisational and social leadership skills among the women in community action.
Out of encouragement it is estimated that a large number of women have
catered to local politics, directly and indirectly, in the last ten years. Entry this huge
number of women into decision making process should be changed the existing
scenario of world. If more and more women are associated at different levels, it is
bound to affect public policy women issues will be transformed into social issues. It is
hoped that the most critical role for women will be to resist inequality and injustice,
not merely for women, but for all. Political status of women can be defined as the
degree of equality and freedom enjoyed by women in the shaping and sharing of
power and in the value by society to this role of women. The Indian constitution
guarantees political equality through the adult franchise and the right to equality,
which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex. The equal political status will
not be realised by mere declaration in the constitution.
The women reservation bill was passed in India’s upper house of Parliament
just a day after the International Women’s Day, i.e. on 9th
March 2010 as politicians
overwhelming voted to amend the constitution to reserve one-third of all seats in
national and state legislatures for women. This bill was proposed more than a decade
ago, but has faced strong opposition from some political parties worried about losing
seats. But finally the idea of 33% reservation for women in parliament has actively
been endorsed by most of the major political parties and this has raised expectation
that many more women would be nominated to contest the elections.
Reservation of seats for women in Panchayet or in Parliament, however, is only
the first step to ensure that a certain number of women will be involved in decision-
making process of the government. The very next task and challenge will be to
develop their capacity so that they can perform their role properly and can make a
difference. This is a significant step towards achieving the constitutional goal of
gender equality.
21
But the Women Reservation Bill by itself can not impart empowerment.
Empowerment refers to increasing the spiritual, political, social or economic strength
of individuals and communities. Reservation becomes meaningful only when women
can sustain their political activities through repeated elections or make their presence
felt in the decision making bodies of all strata. In fact this continuity can only ensure
their ability to overcome the age-old mood of resignation and submissiveness before a
male dominated social ambience.
1.7 Scope and Delimitation :
The study was conducted to estimate the empowerment of Muslim women in
West Bengal with special reference to their education, economic and social status,
employment position, political awareness and participation, reproduction
consciousness and the conservative approach of society considering those points the
study was delimited under the following heads.
1. Geographical Area : If the study can be conducted through out West Bengal with
the huge number of Muslim women in different areas, then the study can not be
completed within a limited time and period. For this reason to make the study
intensive and to complete it the study have been done on the basis of statistics from
Murshidabad and Nadia districts of West Bengal.
2. Rural and Urban Women : The study was conducted with all types of women
such as students, teachers, home makers, politicians and other categories of women in
Murshidabad and Nadia districts. This study was restricted to some selected Muslim
women of rural and urban areas.
3. Dimension : The study was conducted for the estimation of development of
Muslim women and their position of empowerment on the society. In the present
study, education has been selected for assessment of development of women
empowerment.
22
1.8 Definition of Important Terms used in this Study :
Education
Education is a systematic process through which a child or an adult acquires
knowledge, experience, skill and sound attitude. It makes an individual civilized,
refined, cultured and educated. For a civilized and socialized society, education is the
only means. Its goal is to make an individual perfect. Every society gives importance
to education because it is a panacea for all evils. It is the key to solve the various
problems of life.
In English the term ‘Education’ has been derived from Latin words Educare
(English) and Education. Educare means to train on mould. It again means to bring up
or to lead out or to draw out, propulsion from inward to outward. The term
‘Education’ denotes the act of teaching. It throws light on the principles and practice
of teaching. The term ‘Educare’ or ‘Educare’ mainly indicates development of the
latent faculties of the child. But child does not know these possibilities. It is the
educator or the teacher who can know these and take appropriate methods to develop
those powers. Education in the traditional sense means controlling or disciplining the
behaviour of an individual. In modern sense education means all round development
of an individual.
There are so many definitions of education which was given by the great
educators of the East and the West which gave a clear picture of the meaning of the
term Education. The following definitions of education of great educators are selected
in this study.
“Education is the manifestation of perfection already in man. Like fire in a
piece .of flint, knowledge exists in the mind. Suggestions is the friction, which brings
it out” – Swami Vivekananda.
“By education I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in man – body, mind
and spirit” – Mahatma Gandhi.
“Education enables the mind to find out the ultimate truth, which gives us the
wealth of inner light and love and gives significance to life” – Rabindranath Tagore.
“Education is the creation of sound mind in a sound body” – Aristotle.
23
“Education is the child’s development from within” – Rousseau.
“Education is complete living” – Herbert Spencer.
Muslim
A Muslim is a follower of the religion of Islam. As believers, they worship the
one God and revere Prophet Muhammad, as the last messenger of God. Islam is a
religion founded by Muhammad, the prophet in the Arabian peninsula in the early 7th
century. It is an Arabic word and implies ‘submission’. It emphasises the oneness of
God, there is only one God “Allah”. The sacred book is the Quran. The followers
Muhammad came to be known as Muslim, i.e. those who has submitted to Allah.
Muslims follow the teaching of the Quran and strive to keep the Five Pillars, i.e.
Shahada (Testimony of faith), Salat (Prayer), Isakat (Alms giving), Swam (Fasting),
Hajj (Pilgrimage).
Empowerment of Women
The concept of empowerment flows from the power. It is vesting where it does
not exist or exist inadequately. Empowerment of women would mean equipping
women to be economically independent, self-reliant, have positive esteem to enable
them to face any difficult situation and they should be able to participate in
development activities. The empowered women should be able to participate in the
process of decision making.
Empowerment refers broadly to the expansion of freedom of choice and action
to shape one’s life. It implies control over resources and decision. The phrase ‘Women
Empowerment’ is used in two broad senses, i.e. general and specific. In general sense,
it refers to empowering women to be self-dependent by providing them access to all
freedoms and opportunities which they were denied in the past only because of their
being as “women”. In specific sense, women empowerment refers to enhance their
position in the power structure of the society.
Empowerment has multiple, interrelated and interdependent dimensions –
economic, social, cultural and political. It can be understood in relation to resources,
perceptions, relationships and power. To empower women literally speaking, is to
give power to women. ‘Power’ here does not mean a mode of domination over others,
24
but a sense of internal strength and confidence to face life, the right to determine one’s
choice in life, an influence in the direction of social change, a share in decision
making and capacity building to contribute towards national development.
1.9 Methodology :
The study have been carried out through descriptive survey method. The
present study have been based on mainly primary and partially secondary sources of
date which will be collected with the help of questionnaire & interviews from the
Muslim women in Nadia and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal.
Variables
In the present study the following variables have been considered this variables
can be divided into two categories.
1. Independent variables.
2. Dependent variables.
Independent Variables
In the present study the following are independent variables.
Educational level :
i) Illiterate.
ii) Primary.
iii) Secondary.
iv) Graduate.
v) Higher Education.
Dependent Variable
Empowerment is the only ‘Dependent variable’ .
1.10 Tools and Techniques :
The following tools will be used for collection of date for the study :
1. Structure of proforma to estimate the educational status of Muslim women.
2. Socio-economic status scale.
25
3. Questionnaire for participation of Muslim women in various profession (Teacher,
social workers, labour class, political leaders, Govt. employees and others).
4. Interview of all sections of Muslim women including students.
Construction of Tools
All the tools were constructed with the help of experts, resource persons and
available variables. Following general steps were adopted for the construction of
tools.
Step I : In the first step lists, items, and statements were collected from various
sources and these were classified and systematized after a through
discussion with the experts.
Step II : Necessary modifications of statements were made on the basis of
expert’s suggestions and the tools were made ready for try out.
Step III : First try out was made on one block and on a small group parallel to the
sample. On the basis of try out results further modifications were made
where necessary.
Step IV : For more sophistication, the tools were again administered on a parallel
group of Gen., SC and ST women of other block and data were
collected and the limitations of the tools were pointed out.
Step V : Tried and sophisticated form of the tools were finalized after removing
the limitations of the fourth step and the tools were ready for final
administration.
A detailed description of tools and their construction procedure is stated
hereunder.
Construction of Questionnaire
Three different sets of questionnaires were constructed for collection of
necessary data.
• Step I, a set of items and statements were collected from various sources and these
were classified according to the nature of statement.
• Step II, statements were scrutinized and modified with reference to the area of the
data.
26
• Step III, the set of items were presented before the experts to estimate the
rationality of the items. On the basis of experts suggestion, the items were
modified or altered for finalization of the questionnaires.
• Step IV, tryout of the questionnaire was made on a small group of women parallel
to the sample. On the basis of tryout results further modification were made where
necessary.
• Step V, tried and sophisticated questionnaires were again presented before the
experts so give the final form. As such the questionnaire was made for final
administration.
Socio-Economic Status Scale
Realizing the importance of Socio-economic status, the quantification and
rationalization in social sciences had led the formulation of scales for the
measurement of social sciences had led the formulation of scales for the measurement
of social phenomena. Among other variables of social phenomena, the quantification
of socio-economic status is an important one. Many variables have been identified in
relation to social status. In India social status is attached to the amount of income as
well as the source of income. .
1.11 Population and Sample :
Women of all categories, i.e. professional, home maker, political leaders under
all socio-economic status group, labour class, student, and participatory of different
political and social organisation were included as sample.
Sample Size
More than 400 Muslim women have participated in the present study.
Sample Character
Muslim women of different sectors of Nadia and Murshidabad districts.
27
Fig. 1.1 : Sample Size and Character of Study Area
1.12 Action Plan :
It is a survey type research. The survey made during the study comes to
supplement the facts known through different sources. The step to carry out the study
were as follows :
1. Selection of State.
2. Selection of Districts.
3. Selection of Samples.
4. Preparation of Tools.
5. Standardization of Tools.
6. Administration of Tools.
7. Collection of Data.
8. Analysis of Data.
Sample Size
253
Study Area 1
Sample Size
180
Study Area 2
� Agricultural Labour
� Labour
� Teacher
� Student
� Politician
� Home Maker
� Govt. Service Holder
� Private Service Holder
� NGOs
Study Area – 1 : Murshidabad
Study Area – 2 : Nadia
28
1.13 West Bengal as a Separate State and Study Area :
Fig. 1.2 : Map of India, West Bengal and Study Area
Location :
West Bengal is a state situated in the eastern part of India, which shares its
international border with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. West Bengal stands
surrounded by Assam and Sikkim in the northeast, Orissa in the Southwest and the
states Jharkhand and Bihar in the west. It stretches from Himalayas in the north to the
Bay of Bengal in the south. The state capital is Kolkata.
Geography :
West Bengal spread over an area of about 34,267 square miles i.e., 88,752
square kilometer. The Ganges is the main river, which divides the West Bengal, one
branch enters Bangladesh namely Padma and the other flows through West Bengal as
the Bhagirathi and Hooghly River.
29
History :
West Bengal was formerly known as Vanga and was spread over a vast area. It
was ruled by several powerful Samrats and Sultans from ancient period. The
prosperity and the importance of this state increased largely when the British East
India company took over this place after the Battle of Plassey in 1757. Bengal took an
active role in Indian movement for independence. In 1947, Bengal was divided into
two separate entities : West Bengal – a state of India and East Bengal, which initially
joined the new nation of Pakistan, before becoming part of modern day Bangladesh in
1971.
Islam made its first appearances in Bengal during the 12th
century when Sufi
missionaries arrived. Later, occasional Muslim raiders reinforced the process of
conversion by building mosques, madrasas and Sufi Khanaqah.
Population :
West Bengal is one of the smaller states of India (Table 1.6), in accordance
with its area, but it is amongst the largest states in the country in terms of population.
According to the census 2011, the population of West Bengal is 9,13,47,736), an
increase from figure of 8.02 crore in census 2001. Total population of West Bengal as
per census 2011 (Table 1.7) is 91,276,115 of which male and female are 46,806,027
and 44,467,088 respectively.
30
Table – 1.6
Population of India
Population
Rank State or Union Territory 1951
Census
1961
Census
1971
Census
1981
Census
1991
Census
2001
Census
2011
Census
1 Uttar Pradesh 60,274,800 70,144,160 83,849,775 105,113,300 132,062,800 166,053,600 199,581,477
2 Maharashtra 32,002,500 39,554,900 50,412,240 62,782,820 78,937,190 96,752,500 112,372,972
3 Bihar 29,085,900 34,841,490 42,126,800 52,303,000 64,531,200 82,879,910 103,804,630
4 West Bengal 26,300,670 34,926,000 44,312,017 54,580,650 68,077,970 80,221,300 91,347,736
5 Madhya Pradesh 18,615,700 23,218,950 30,017,180 38,169,500 48,566,800 60,385,090 72,597,565
6 Tamil Nadu 30,119,680 33,687,100 41,199,170 48,408,080 55,859,300 62,111,390 72,138,958
7 Rajasthan 15,971,130 20,156,540 25,765,810 34,361,860 44,005,990 56,473,300 68,621,012
8 Karnataka 19,402,500 23,587,910 29,299,015 37,135,710 44,977,200 52,734,986 61,130,704
9 Gujarat 16,263,700 20,633,305 26,697,488 34,085,800 41,309,580 50,597,200 60,383,628
10 Andhra Pradesh 31,115,000 35,983,480 43,502,710 53,551,030 66,508,170 75,728,400 49,665,533
11 Odisha 14,646,100 17,549,500 21,944,625 26,370,270 31,659,740 36,707,900 41,947,358
12 Telangana N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 35,193,978
31
Population
Rank State or Union Territory 1951
Census
1961
Census
1971
Census
1981
Census
1991
Census
2001
Census
2011
Census
13 Kerala 13,549,000 16,904,560 21,347,300 25,453,680 29,098,523 31,839,000 33,387,677
14 Jharkhand 9,697,300 11,606,504 14,227,493 17,612,000 21,844,550 26,946,070 32,966,238
15 Assam 8,029,100 10,837,700 14,625,157 18,041,250 22,414,320 26,638,600 31,169,272
16 Punjab 9,160,990 11,135,404 13,551,069 16,788,920 20,281,971 24,289,130 27,704,236
17 Haryana 5,674,400 7,591,190 10,036,430 12,922,122 16,464,600 21,083,900 25,753,081
18 Chhattisgarh 7,457,700 9,154,330 11,637,800 14,010,110 17,615,600 20,834,530 25,540,196
19 Jammu and Kashmir 3,254,650 3,561,100 4,616,632 5,987,389 7,718,700 10,070,300 12,548,926
20 Uttarakhand 2,946,900 3,611,200 4,493,800 5,726,550 7,051,600 8,489,100 10,116,752
21 Himachal Pradesh 2,386,940 2,812,300 3,460,434 4,280,818 5,170,877 6,077,453 6,856,509
22 Tripura 639,984 1,142,282 1,556,342 2,053,058 2,757,205 3,191,880 3,671,032
23 Meghalaya 606,300 769,990 1,011,699 1,335,819 1,774,778 2,306,540 2,964,007
24 Manipur 578,060 780,340 1,073,509 1,421,290 1,837,900 2,294,480 2,721,756
25 Nagaland 213,700 369,309 516,110 775,570 1,210,492 1,990,275 1,980,602
32
Population
Rank State or Union Territory 1951
Census
1961
Census
1971
Census
1981
Census
1991
Census
2001
Census
2011
Census
26 Goa 547,000 590,875 795,997 1,008,373 1,170,115 1,348,900 1,457,723
27 Arunachal Pradesh NA 337,300 468,885 632,502 865,900 1,098,328 1,382,611
28 Mizoram 196,970 266,200 332,190 494,440 690,963 889,690 1,091,014
29 Sikkim 138,093 162,863 210,205 316,840 406,000 541,902 607,688
UT1 Delhi 1,744,500 2,659,990 4,066,400 6,220,973 9,421,311 13,851,503 16,753,235
UT2 Puducherry 317,407 369,355 472,836 604,281 808,117 974,820 1,244,464
UT3 Chandigarh 24,948 120,480 257,100 452,960 642,374 901,080 1,054,686
UT4 Andaman and Nicobar Islands 31,480 64,160 115,874 189,496 281,990 356,650 379,944
UT5 Dadra and Nagar Haveli 42,846 58,020 74,880 104,300 138,290 220,963 342,853
UT6 Daman and Diu 49,482 37,587 63,000 79,842 102,110 158,080 242,911
UT7 Lakshadweep 21,000 24,370 32,900 40,250 52,820 61,300 64,429
Total India 361,088,400 439,235,720 548,160,050 683,329,900 846,421,830 1,028,737,690 1,210,193,422
Source : Census Report of 2011, Govt. of India
33
Table – 1.7
District-wise Population of West Bengal in 2011
District Population Percentage Share in
Total Population
of the State
1. North 24 Parganas 1,00,82,852 11.04
2. South 24 Parganas 81,53,176 8.93
3. Barddhaman 77,23,663 8.46
4. Murshidabad 71,02,430 7.78
5. Paschim Medinipur 59,43,300 6.51
6. Hugli 55,20,389 6.04
7. Nadia 51,68,488 5.66
8. Purba Medinipur 50,94,238 5.58
9. Haora 48,41,638 5.30
10. Kolkata 44,86,679 4.91
11. Maldah 39,97,970 4.38
12. Jalpaiguri 38,69,675 4.24
13. Bankura 35,96,292 3.94
14. Birbhum 35,02,387 3.83
15. Uttar Dinajpur 30,00,849 3.29
16. Purulia 29,27,965 3.21
17. Koch Bihar 28,22,780 3.09
18. Darjeeling 18,42,034 2.02
19. Dakshin Dinajpur 16,70,931 1.83
West Bengal 9,13,47,736 100.00
Source : Census Report of 2011, Govt. of India
34
Table – 1.8
District Wise Distribution of Minority Population of West Bengal
Sl.
No.
District
Name
Total
Persons
Minority
Persons
Percentage of
Minority Population
1. Murshidabad 58,66,569 37,35,380 63.67
2. Maldah 32,90,468 16,36,171 49.72
3. Uttar Dinajpur 24,41,794 11,56,503 47.36
4. Birbhum 30,15,422 10,57,861 35.08
5. South 24 Parganas 69,06,689 22,95,967 33.24
6. Nadia 46,04,827 11,70,282 25.41
7. Howrah 42,73,099 10,44,383 24.44
8. Cooch Behar 24,79,155 6,00,911 24.24
9. North 24 Parganas 89,34,286 21,64,068 24.22
10. Dakshin Dinajpur 15,03,178 3,61,047 24.02
11. Kolkata 45,72,876 9,26,769 20.27
12. Barddhaman 68,95,514 13,64,133 19.78
13. Hugli 50,41,976 7,63,471 15.14
14. Purba Medinipur 40,98,181 5,40,490 13.19
15. Jalpaiguri 34,01,173 3,69,195 10.85
16. Paschim Medinipur 46,86,264 4,43,325 9.46
17. Bankura 31,92,695 2,49,722 7.51
18. Purulia 25,36,516 1,80,694 7.12
19. Darjeeling 16,09,172 85,378 5.31
West Bengal 8,01,76,197 2,02,40,543 460.03
Source : Census Report of 2001, Govt. of India .
Economy :
West Bengal is primarily dependent on agriculture and medium sized industry,
although services and heavy industries play an increasingly significant role in the
economy of the state. 55% of the population of West Bengal depends upon
agriculture. In fact agriculture makes a substantial contribution to the State’s income.
35
West Bengal is still dependent on the Central Govt. for meeting its demand for food
and food product.
Government :
The Government of West Bengal also known as the State Govt. of West Bengal
is the supreme governing authority of West Bengal and its 19 districts. Like other
states of India, the head of the State of West Bengal is the Governor, appointed by the
President of India on the advice of the Central Govt. His / her post is largely
ceremonial. The Chief Minister is the head of the Govt. and is rested with most of the
executive powers. Auxiliary authorities known as Panchayats, for which local body
elections are regularly held, govern local affairs.
Religion :
West Bengal is the home to people belonging to a number of different
religions. In fact, people of almost all religions practiced in India lives in West
Bengal. However, Hindus and Muslims form the major chunk of the state’s population
– Hinduism is the principal religion, while Muslims about 25% of the population
(Table–1.8). The other minority communities of the state include Christians, Buddhist,
Sikhs and Jains, which together comprise less than 1% of the entire population. All the
people live here immense harmony and peace. The variety in the religious beliefs and
traditions of the people of West Bengal make it an interesting culture – conglomerate.
Education :
Schools of West Bengal run by the State Govt. or by private organisations. The
primary (I–V) and secondary (VI–X) education is free and compulsory. Schools
mainly use Bengali or English as the media of instruction though Hindi and Urdu may
also be used. The literacy rate of West Bengal is 76.26% as per 2011 population
census. In actual numbers of total literates in West Bengal stands at 61,538,281 of
which males are 33,818,810 and females are 27,719,471. The state has several higher
education institutes of national importance (Table–1.9).
36
Table – 1.9
District Wise Literacy Rate of West Bengal, 2001
Sl.
No.
District
Name
General Muslim
Person Male Female Person Male Female
1. Darjeeling 71.79 80.05 62.94 50.38 60.86 37.92
2. Jalpaiguri 62.85 72.83 52.21 55.34 64.98 45.01
3. Koch Bihar 66.30 75.93 56.12 56.07 64.59 47.11
4. Uttar Dinajpur 47.89 58.48 36.51 36.04 45.98 25.50
5. Dakshin Dinajpur 63.59 72.43 54.28 67.21 72.81 61.33
6. Malda 50.28 58.80 41.25 45.30 51.56 38.68
7. Murshidabad 54.35 60.71 47.63 48.63 54.21 42.76
8. Birbhum 61.48 70.89 51.55 59.86 68.28 50.97
9. Barddhaman 70.18 78.63 60.95 68.79 75.54 61.39
10. Nadia 66.14 72.31 59.58 49.41 54.42 44.03
11. North 24 Parganas 78.07 83.92 71.72 65.05 71.41 58.13
12. Hugli 75.11 82.59 67.21 73.50 79.43 67.31
13. Bankura 63.44 76.76 49.43 59.91 71.81 46.96
14. Purulia 55.57 73.72 36.50 53.44 71.32 34.14
15. Medinipur 74.90 84.91 64.42 64.97 75.05 54.36
16. Haora 77.01 83.22 70.11 67.80 74.13 60.78
17. Kolkata 80.86 83.79 77.30 68.06 71.25 63.61
18. South 24 Parganas 69.45 79.19 59.01 59.83 68.84 50.27
West Bengal 68.64 77.02 59.61 57.47 64.61 49.75
Source : Census of India 2001, Final Population, West Bengal.
37
1.13.1 Profile of Murshidabad District :
Murshidabad district is a district of West Bengal, in eastern India. This district
situated on the left bank of the river Ganga, so the district is very fertile. The
Murshidabad city, which lends its name to the district, was the seat of power of the
Nawabs of Bangla. All of Bangla was once governed from this town. A few years
after Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula lost to the British at the Battle of Plassey, the capital of
Bengal was moved to the newly founded city of Calcutta.
Fig. 1.3 : Map of Murshidabad District
Table – 1.10
Population by Religion in the District of Murshidabad, 1991 and 2001
Religious
Communities
1991 2001
Population Percent of Total
District Population
Population Percent of Total
District Population
Hindus 1819588 38.39 2107469 35.92
Muslims 2910220 61.40 3735380 63.67
Christians 6832 0.14 13723 0.23
Sikhs 261 0.01 402 0.01
Buddhists 69 0.00 244 0.01
Jains 2977 0.06 2934 0.05
Others 202 0.00 1779 0.03
Religion not stated – – 4638 0.08
All Religions 4740149 100.00 5866569 100.00
Source : District Statistical Handbook (Murshidabad, 2007), Bureau of Applied Economics &
Statistics, Govt. of West Bengal.
38
Population :
In 2011, Murshidabad had population of 7,103,807 of which male and female
were 3,627,564 and 3,476,243 respectively, i.e. male 51.07% and female 48.93%.
According to census 2001, the Muslim population of Murshidabad district increased
rapidly. Table–1.10 shows the population by religion in Murshidabad district (Data
not published for 2011 census).
Population Growth Rate :
There was change of 21.09% in the population compared to population as per
2001.
Density :
The initial provisional data released by census India 2011, shows that density
of Murshidabad district is 1,334 people per sq. km. Murshidabad district administers
5,324 square km. of areas.
Literacy Rate :
Average literacy rate of Murshidabad were 66.59 compared to 54.35 of 2001.
Total literates in Murshidabad District were 4,055,834 of which male and female were
2,177,187 and 1,878,647 respectively.
Sex Ratio :
With regards to sex ratio in Murshidabad, it stood at 958 per 1000 male
compared to 2001 census figure of 952. In 2011 census, child sex ratio is 968 girls per
1000 boys compared to figure of 972 girls per 1000 boys of 2001 census data.
39
1.13.2 Profile of Nadia District :
Nadia District is a district of West Bengal, in eastern India. The name of Nadia
is derived from Nabadwip. It is said that the name of Nabadwip is derived from nine
lands, i.e. Antadwip, Simantadwip, Gourunomdwip, Madhyadwip, Koledwip,
Ritwdwip, Madodrumdwip, Jagrudwip and Rudradwip.
Fig. 1.4 : Map of Nadia District
Population :
In 2011, Nadia had population of 5,167,600 of which male and female were
2,653,768 and 2,513,832, i.e. male 51.35% and female 48.64% respectively.
Table–1.11 shows the block-wise and municipality-wise population in Nadia district
(Data not published for 2011 census).
40
Table – 1.11
Block and Municipality-wise Break Up of Minority Population in Nadia District Sl.
No.
Block /
Municipality
Total
Population
Population
Minority % Muslim % Christian Sikh
1. Karimpur-I 166725 77241 46.33 77125 46.26 116 0
2. Karimpur – II 191948 91141 47.48 90998 47.41 143 0
3. Tehatta-I 217489 84124 38.68 81558 37.50 2566 0
4. Tehatta-II 134131 51881 38.68 50299 37.50 1582 0
5. Kaliganj 290957 162452 55.83 162433 55.83 9 0
6. Nakashipara 334989 172379 51.46 172312 51.44 67 0
7. Chapra Dev. 272289 200885 73.78 190664 70.02 10221 0
8. Krishnaganj 133359 6650 4.99 6615 4.96 35 0
9. Krishnagar-I 280386 40197 14.34 34982 12.48 4963 252
10. Krishnagar-II 124159 48583 39.13 48583 39.13 0 0
11. Nabadwip 121807 20639 16.94 20634 16.94 4 0
12. Santipur 217318 31011 14.27 30599 14.08 413 0
13. Hanshkhali 260969 29941 11.47 29881 11.45 60 0
14. Ranaghat-I 207394 12236 5.90 8089 3.90 4129 20
15. Ranaghat-II 330243 17708 5.36 17701 5.36 7 0
16. Chakdaha 362983 36371 10.02 34773 9.58 908 690
17. Haringhata 207976 55738 26.80 55384 26.63 354 0
18. Krishnagar
Municipality
139110 17959 12.91 15372 11.05 2462 125
19. Nabadwip
Municipality
115016 19489 16.94 19484 16.94 5 0
20. Santipur
Municipality
138235 19726 14.27 19463 14.08 263 0
21. Ranaghat
Municipality
68749 4056 5.90 2681 3.90 1368 7
22. Birnagar
Municipality
26597 1569 5.90 1037 3.90 529 3
23. Taherpur
N. A. A.
20051 1183 5.90 782 3.90 398 2
41
Sl.
No.
Block /
Municipality
Total
Population
Population
Minority % Muslim % Christian Sikh
24. Coopers’
Camp PNAA
17765 952 5.36 952 5.36 0 0
25. Chakdaha
Municipality
86999 8717 10.02 8335 9.58 217 165
26. Kalyani
Municipality
82135 8230 10.02 7869 9.58 205 156
27. Gayeshpur
Municipality
55048 5516 10.02 5273 9.58 138 105
Total 4604827 1226574 26.64 1193888 25.93 31162 1525
Source : District Statistical Handbook (Nadia, 2007), Bureau of Applied Economics & Statistics,
Govt. of West Bengal.
Population Growth Rate :
There was change of 12.22% in the population compared to population as per
2001.
Density :
The initial provisional data released by census India 2011, show that density of
Nadia District from 2011 is 1,316 people per sq. km. Nadia district administers 3,927
square kilometers of areas.
Literacy Rate :
Average literacy rate of Nadia in 2011 were 74.97 compared to 66.14 of 2001.
Total literacy rate in Nadia district were 3,480,555 of which male and female were
1,876,866 and 1,601,689 respectively.
Sex Ratio :
With regards to sex ratio in Nadia it stood at 947 per 1000 male compared to
2001 census figure of 946. In 2011 census, child sex ratio is 960 girls per 1000 boys
compared to figure of 972 girls per 1000 boys of 2001 census data.