Socio-Economic Transition, Occupational Diversification and Policy Intervention among the Birhor PVTG in Purulia District, West Bengal

Abstract

The Birhor community, identified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), is one of the most marginalized indigenous communities of India. This paper, based on historical, socio-economic, and policy approaches, explores the transformation of Birhor communities of Purulia district of West Bengal, India. Through longitudinal data (1956-2017), survey research, and policy evaluation, it examines the occupational pattern, educational achievement, income pattern, and policy intervention outcomes of Birhor communities. A mixed qualitative methodology using longitudinal secondary data (1956-2017), ethnographic field research, household interviews, and policy document analysis are applied here. A transition policy mediation model will be used to interpret socio-economic and cultural change. This paper suggests a structural transformation of Birhor communities from forest-based subsistence economy to wage labour and diversified occupations, and improvement in literacy and economic status over time. However, it also suggests that poverty and policy and governance limitations are major challenges for the Birhor communities of Purulia. This paper suggests that the transformation of Birhor communities is not a linear process but rather a complex interaction of modernity and environment.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.66496/LCAP.9788168710108.2026.249-276