CM Mamata announces 5 new cultural and development boards for communities ahead of Bengal elections

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced that the state government will establish five new Cultural and Development Boards for the Munda, Kora, Dom, Kumbhakar and Sadgop communities in West Bengal. The announcement comes just ahead of the anticipated Assembly elections in the state.

The chief minister shared the information through a post on the social media platform X, stating that these communities form an integral part of Bengal’s social and cultural landscape. She extended greetings to members of the communities and said the initiative aims to strengthen their identity and provide institutional support for their development.

According to the announcement, the proposed boards will focus on protecting the unique languages, customs and traditions of the communities while also promoting their cultural heritage. Alongside cultural preservation, the boards are expected to work toward improving access to education, healthcare services and employment opportunities.

The initiative has been designed to safeguard traditional rights and accelerate socio-economic development among communities that have historically faced social and economic disadvantages. By creating dedicated boards, the state government intends to address the specific challenges faced by each group.

Banerjee also noted that since 2013 the state government has formed several similar boards for weaker and marginalised communities. These institutions, she said, have contributed to inclusive development by enabling targeted welfare measures and community-focused programmes.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to the slogan “Maa, Mati, Manush”, the chief minister said the aim is to ensure that no community is left behind in the development process. She added that the initiative seeks to strengthen social inclusion while preserving the diverse cultural fabric of Bengal.