No Jobs, Healthcare and No PM-JANMAN Scheme: Bengal’s Lodha Shabar Tribes Are Dying of Starvation

The Union government has recognised 75 tribal communities as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) based on the recommendations of the Debar Commission (1960-61) and subsequent studies conducted during the fourth five-year plan. These communities were placed in a special category due to their significant developmental disparities compared to other Scheduled Tribes.

On November 15, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) aimed at the socio-economic development of these 75 communities residing across 18 states and one union territory. The mission seeks to provide essential facilities such as clean drinking water, housing, better access to education, healthcare, road and telecom connectivity, electrification of unserved households and sustainable livelihood opportunities within a three-year period. A budget of Rs 24,104 crore has been allocated for implementation by the 2025–26 financial year.

According to the PVTG list in West Bengal, the Shabar/Lodha, Birhor, and Toto communities have been recognised. Among them, the Shabar/Lodha population is the highest, numbering 1,08,707 individuals. Most of them reside in the Jangalmahal region – primarily in the districts of Bankura, Purulia, and Jhargram.

However, the PM-JANMAN scheme does not seem to have even reached the people to make any tangible impact on the conditions of the Shabar/Lodha people.

A daily struggle for drinking water

Binod Shabar, a 30-year-old unemployed youth in Jovi village, under Rudra gram panchayat of Ranibandh block in Bankura district, undertakes a perilous journey daily. To fetch just two buckets of drinking water, he climbs down a dangerous, roadless path nearly two kilometres from his hamlet atop a dungri (small hill). Carrying the water uphill, he struggles to maintain balance on the rugged terrain where injuries are common. 

“I’ve been hurt many times, and so have others, but we have no alternative,” he says.

Jovi village is home to 42 Shabar families. Two years ago, the panchayat installed a tap water system. However, according to Binod, not a single drop has come through the taps since their installation. 

“We still have to fetch water from a distant tube well or well for drinking and bathing,” he says. 

Children fetching water from a well in Baradanga village, West Bengal.

Despite repeated appeals to the Rudra gram panchayat and Ranibandh block officials, no solution has been offered. The contractor who implemented the scheme has reportedly withdrawn payment. “No one cares about our plight. The Panchayat member has never even visited our village,” says Baishakhi Shabar.

When contacted, Ranibandh block development officer Shibabrata Banerjee said the issue should be addressed by the public health engineering (PHE) department, which is solely responsible for drinking water supply. 

Repeated calls to the assistant engineer of PHE, Khatra Subdivision, also went unanswered.

The same story in Jhargram and Purulia

In the villages of Kodolboni and Dhengakusum under Simulpal gram panchayat of Belpahari block (Binpur II) in Jhargram district, the situation remains unchanged. Both villages are located atop forested hills and are inhabited by 35 Shabar families. There are no functional water sources within three kilometers.

“We have to climb down through forest trails every day to fetch water,” say Rajani and Bilasi Shabar of Kodolboni. “We’ve informed the Panchayat many times, but they don’t take our problem seriously. They believe we’re used to living this way.”

The villages also say that no political leaders or parties visit them – not even during elections. “We don’t even know who our panchayat member is. Earlier, CPI(M) activists would at least try to help. Now, no one comes,” laments Bilasi.

Asis Shabar having a wild fruit for lunch with his sons.

About 330 kilometres from Kolkata, the Shabar hamlet of Harjora, located in Barourma gram panchayat under Balarampur block in Purulia district, also faces similar hardships. Locally known as Shabortola, the area comprises 32 Shabar families who depend on a single tube well. A piped water connection was inaugurated a year ago but residents say the supply lasted only for the day of the inauguration.

“Government and panchayat officials came with cameras, gave us buckets, and took photos. But since then, the taps have run dry. The pipes are now abandoned,” says Tiya Shabar, a housewife.

Notably, between September and November last year, the village also reported seven alleged malnutrition-related deaths, underlining the seriousness of the situation.

Historical struggle for self-identity

The Shabar people (also known as Kheria) are part of the Adivasi Munda ethnic group primarily residing in Odisha and West Bengal. In the Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal, they are referred to as Kheria Shabar, while in Jhargram, they are known as Lodha. 

During the British colonial period, they were classified as a "criminal tribe" under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. This classification led to a long-lasting social stigma, where community members were often treated as criminals by birth. If a theft or robbery occurred, the police would frequently target Shabar villages, arresting individuals without warrants and subjecting them to alleged torture.

Although the Criminal Tribes Act was officially repealed in 1952, following the recommendations of the Criminal Tribes Enquiry Committee (1949-50), and replaced with the Habitual Offenders Act focusing on individual behavior, the legacy of discrimination persists. The Shabar and Lodha communities continue to face ostracism and are often forced to live in isolated hamlets, situated in forested hills. Nearby communities typically do not employ them, perpetuating the economic marginalisation.

Traditionally, the Shabar people have survived by consuming forest produce like wild fruits, leaves, and animals like rats and snakes. “For a handful of salt, Shabar people would come out of the forest and wait to exchange dry wood,” recalls Bijoy Lakshmi Mahato, an octogenarian woman from Keshra village in Ranibandh block, and Rathu Shing from Banwayan in Purulia.

The socio-economic inclusion of the Shabar and Lodha people began post-1977, after the Left Front came to power in West Bengal. “They were engaged in the Food for Work scheme, but due to the legacy of deep-rooted stigma, it was difficult for them to work alongside the mainstream population,” notes Upen Kishku, former minister in charge of the backward classes welfare department of West Bengal.

Most Shabar and Lodha families do not possess agricultural land. Instead, they cultivate babuighas (Eulaliopsis Binata), also known as Sabai grass, on forest slopes behind their hamlets, primarily used for rope-making. 

Previously, large cooperative societies (LAMPS) used to purchase this grass but this stopped in 2012. Today, cultivators are forced to sell to local traders at low prices. They also collect neem kharkia (neem twigs) for stitching sal leaf plates. 

“Most women in our community are involved in this work,” says Raghunath Shabar of Ledhapakur village under Ranibandh block. “We also keep a few goats for livelihood.”

A woman harvesting Mohul fruits, one of the income sources of Shabar commumities in Baradanga.

He further noted that although they had access to MGNREGS work four years ago, the scheme has since halted, prompting many youth to migrate in search of employment. Due to limited access to kitchen gardens and surrounding lands being owned by other castes, they grow a small amount of vegetables like chilli, brinjal and pumpkin in whatever space is available near their homes.

“This is how we live. Continuous unemployment is pushing our youth into frustration, leading to increasing alcohol consumption. Even when they earn, part of the money goes into buying country liquor. This has an adverse effect on children who lack access to nutritious food,” says Bholanath Shabar of Mithaam village under Ranibandh gram panchayat. He is also the secretary of the All India Aadim Jati Kheria Samaj Sebashram. 

Despite their efforts to build awareness among their people, he admitted that breaking a decades-long legacy is a challenging task.

According to Raghunath Shabar, occasional visits by NGOs with food and clothing offer short-term relief but do not resolve the fundamental issues. “If the government has a long-term plan for our development, then we can survive. Otherwise, we are at risk of extinction,” he warns, further pointing to a declining reproductive rate in the community.

When asked about receiving PVTG development schemes, neither Raghunath nor Bholanath were aware of them. “We just heard about it now. No government or panchayat official has ever come to our hamlet to discuss any such plans,” they said. 

Outsiders may observe their existence, but within, the Shabar people continue to live in conditions marked by chronic unemployment, illiteracy, and malnutrition. Their average life expectancy remains around 50 years.

Malnutrition in Jangalmahal areas

The Shabar community in the Jangalmahal region faces a severe health crisis. In these areas, individuals in visibly deteriorated health often belong to the Shabar tribal community. 

“Malnutrition is the main reason for this condition. They lack regular work and are unable to overcome their isolated legacy. They are simple-minded and often suffer from deep-rooted inferiority complexes. Many individuals and organisations have taken advantage of their simplicity. The Shabar community has not developed in the true sense, as they neither know their rights nor assert themselves before authorities. They continue to live in silent suffering,” says Ullas Chattopadhyay, former BDO of Ranibandh. 

Jostna, Unita, Barsha, Antora and Renuka Shabar, inhabitants of Bardanga village. They never go to school.

He emphasised that the government and local panchayats must maintain continuous engagement with the community, which is currently lacking.

Chattopadhyay also noted that the Shabars have their own mother tongue, which is on the verge of extinction. Most have shifted to Bengali and have forgotten their native language. A cultural team once formed by Shabar community members is now defunct.

In 2004, five members of the Shabar community reportedly died of starvation in Amlasole village under the Belpahari block of Jhargram district. This incident attracted national attention. Two decades later, questions remain about the current conditions in Amlasole.

No jobs, no healthcare

“Chief minister Mamata Banerjee visited Amlasole in 2014. A field was cleared to allow her helicopter to land, but she did not visit the Shabar locality. Nevertheless, the media reported that this was the first time a CM had come to Amlasole,” says Budhu Shabar, a resident.

Today, 14 Shabar families live in the village. Red ant eggs were once synonymous with Amlasole. When asked if they consume them regularly, Nimai Shabar responds, “Who told you that? We can’t afford to eat them; we sell them.”

Nimai’s wife, Sonamoni, explains, “The rice we get through the ration shop does not last the entire month. We go into the forest at 5 a.m. to collect ant eggs. The red ants stick to the sal leaves and can sting the entire body, especially the eyes and mouth. Sometimes, we collect only about 500 grams.” Red ant eggs are sold at Rs 300 per kg in the market, but wholesalers buy them at Rs 80 per kg from the Shabars.

Ant eggs collected by Asis Shabar at nearby forest, Baradanga.

As per the 2020-21 financial year records of the MGNREGS, a fruit garden was created in Amlasole for the nutritional needs of the Shabar people. However, villagers are unaware of its location.

Lakshmikanta Shabar presented a land lease deed (patta) issued by the Left Front government in 2005 to his late father, Gurupada Shabar, covering 89 decimals (J.L. No. 25, 144, 168). 

“Now, a resort is being built on this land. Whom do we approach to get our land back?” he asks.

A health center was introduced in Amlasole in 2005 by then backward classes welfare minister Upen Kishku. While doctors and health workers from Kolkata once visited the area weekly, they now come once every two to three months. The nearest government hospital is in Kakrajhor, 5 km away, and the primary health center is in Belpahari, 30 km from the village.

“No improvements have been made in the public healthcare system,” says Nimai Shabar. He reiterated that there are no job opportunities; collecting jungle wood and ant eggs remains their only source of income, exacerbating malnutrition. He also mentioned that he is unaware of the PVTG programme, as no government or panchayat official has informed them.

This is not an isolated case. In November 2018, seven members of the Shabar tribe reportedly died due to hunger and malnutrition in Purnapani village under the Lalgarh block of Jhargram district. The victims included Mangal Shabar (26), Kishan Shabar (63), Labu Shabar (46), Sudhir Shabar (63), Sabitri Shabar (51), Paltu Shabar (33), and Laltu Shabar. 

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee denied hunger as the cause of death, attributing it instead to lifestyle-related issues.

Between September and November 2024, Harjora village under Barourma gram panchayat of Balarampur block in Purulia district witnessed multiple alleged malnutrition-related deaths. The deceased included Kalipada Shabar (55), Kanso Shabar (45), Sankar Shabar (35), Mathur Shabar (55), Gopal Shabar (35), Ashoke Shabar (50), and Bhakom Shabar (50). Young residents like Buddheswar (35) and Peku Shabar (24) are bedridden due to prolonged malnutrition.

“My husband starved to death. We have no jobs, no ration cards because we don't have Aadhaar cards. What are we supposed to eat?” says Tiya Shabar, widow of Kanso Shabar. There are 34 Shabar individuals in this village.

Jobless Binod Shabar in Jovi village.

“Most villagers are so weak from starvation that disease consumes them. They also lack access to medical treatment,” says Binanda, Saradhi and Sabola Shabar. Many children do not have Aadhaar cards and therefore cannot access ration supplies.

“Many youth are forced to migrate to other states as labourers. However, due to financial exploitation, low wages, and harsh working conditions, many return home in poor health,” say Lalmohan and Gurucharan Shabar.

A community latrine was built in the village but has never been opened for use. Not a single child from the Shabar locality in Harjora attends school, according to Ganesh Shabar. He added that most residents live in dilapidated homes and that multiple appeals to the district magistrate of Purulia have not yielded results.

False promises

On April 2, 2024, villagers once again submitted their demands for Aadhaar cards, MGNREGS work, health facilities and housing under government schemes. BDO Sougata Ray of Balarampur block assured them that Aadhaar cards would be arranged to facilitate access to ration and medical aid. However, residents remain skeptical.

“We have heard such promises many times before,” said Ganesh Shabar.

Most Shabar villages in Bengal’s Jangalmahal region lack access to schools. Children from these communities are unable to attend educational institutions located far from their homes. Even in villages that have schools, there is a significant shortage of teachers. Several schools are non-functional or nearly closed due to neglect.

Twelve years ago, a girls’ hostel for Shabar students operated in Bethoyala village under Ranibandh block. Shefali Shabar, who studied there until class nine, had represented the state in high jump at the primary school sports meet in 2011 and won first place. However, her current situation reflects a stark contrast to her past achievements.

Shefali Shabar came first in high jump at the state level primary school sports meet in 2011.

"Now, I’m a housewife living in Moula Shabar Para village. My husband, Susanta, is a migrant worker. I live with my two sons in extreme financial distress. I’ve repeatedly requested the block and subdivision officers for a daily-wage job like civic volunteer, but haven’t received any opportunity," says Shefali, looking at the medals and certificates she had once proudly won.

Another resident of Moula village, Kalyani Shabar, completed her graduation from Ranibandh College two years ago. Her elder brother Srimanto is also unemployed. Kalyani has been job hunting ever since, but without success. 

"I worked very hard to complete my graduation. Now, I have no job. People from our community hesitate to send their children to school after seeing my condition. They ask, 'What’s the use of education?'," she says.

Unemployment has driven many Shabar families into despair. The situation has worsened further due to the suspension of MGNREGS work over the last four years in Bengal. "No alternative employment has been arranged by the panchayat," says Subal Shabar from Barodanga village under Ranibandh block.

In Ranibandh block, among the 523 Shabar families, only 13 have received housing under government schemes. Although solar-powered electricity has been installed in a few hamlets, most of these villages remain dark after sunset. In Barodanga, not a single child currently attends school. Fourteen-year-old Jotsna Shabar confirmed she is set to be married in the Bengali month of Baisakh.

"We can’t even afford two meals a day," says Gour Shabar, an elderly resident. "Our sons are jobless. How do we survive?" 

Gour Shabar with his grandchildren in front of his dilapidated house in Baradanga village.

Villages such as Saresdanga, Jovi, Boroda and Kulyam in Bankura, Puncha and Manbazar in Purulia, and Lodhasuli, Nayagram and Lalgarh in Jhargram, paint a similar picture of deprivation.

In this context, Dr. Pulin Bihari Baske, All India and Bengal State Secretary of Adivasi Adhikar Mancha, criticised the lack of implementation of the Union government’s initiative for PVTGs. 

"The Centre had announced an allocation of Rs 24,104 crore for the socio-economic development of 75 PVTG communities across India – Rs 15,336 crore from the Centre and Rs 8,764 crore from respective state governments. However, only Rs 5,000 crore has been allocated per financial year over the last two years. Where has all the money gone? Shabar and Lodha people have been living in distress for over a decade now," he said.

Responding to these concerns, Arindam Biswas, additional district magistrate (development) of Bankura district, stated, "We have not yet received any directive from higher state authorities regarding the development of PVTGs.” However, he said that he will speak to the block administration about resolving the water crisis in Shabar-inhabited areas.

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