41. The Kurmi Community’s Movement for Rights: Background and Relevance

Joydev Barman
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Political Science
Khejuri College, Khejuri, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India
Email: joydevbarman8348@gmail.com

Abstract: Kurmi is a distinct ethnic community of West Bengal. For centuries they are residing here with their own customs and culture. The Royal British Government recognized them as Primitive Tribe in 1931 census of India. Their property succession rights also were protected by Chotanagpur Tenancy Act. But the problem arises, when new Indian Government made a new list of Scheduled Tribe communities of India in 1951 following the Primitive Tribe List of British Government except Kurmi community. Since 1951 this Community is depriving by our decision makers. As a result, these deprivation feelings emerged as a social unrest. Various social organizations have formed by this community. They are going through various Social Activities like, protests, Agitations, Written Applications, electoral nominations etc. to induce Indian Government to rescheduled them.

Keywords: Kurmi, Jungle Mahal, Deprivation, Tribe, Movement