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.