Ranibandh

Ranibandh (also spelt Ranibundh) (Bengali: রাণীবাঁধ) is a town, community development bloc and assembly constituency in Bankura district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Poor agricultural conditions resulting in severe poverty, force Santal villagers to migrate to other districts for work during the harvesting season. The dense forests in the area have become centres of violent political activity.
Contents [hide]
1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Administration
4 Politics
5 Economy
5.1 Forest
6 References
[edit]Geography

Ranibandh is located at 22.8667°N 86.7833°E. It has an average elevation of 162 m (531 ft).[1]
With single crops in a semi-arid region, even the cattle do not find much green to graze upon. Younger people migrate out of the drought prone zone, leaving the old to guard their hearths and homes. The Santal villages take on a deserted look as the people move on to find work as migrant workers in the neighbouring districts during the harvesting season. The migration continues even after the commencement of the much hyped National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and other welfare measures, which provide some guaranteed work for rural people for around 100 days in a year.[2][3]
[edit]Demographics

In the 2001 census, Ranibandh community development bloc had a total population of 104,317 of which 53,119 were males and 51,198 were females. Decadal growth for the period 1991-2001 was 11.27% for Ranibandh, against 13.79% in Bankura district. Decadal growth in West Bengal was 17.84%.[4]
Ranibandh Bloc had a total scheduled caste population of 12,037 and a scheduled tribe population of 50,129.[5]
[edit]Administration

Ranibandh is an intermediate panchayat in Bankura district, with Ambikanagar, Barikul, Haludkanali, Puddi, Rajakata, Ranibandh, Routora and Rudra village panchayats under it.[6][7]
[edit]Politics

In the 2006, state assembly elections, Deblina Hembram of Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) won the Ranibandh seat, reserved for scheduled tribes defeating her nearest rival Aditya Kisku of Jharkhand Party (N). In 2001, Makar Tudu of CPI(M) defeated Gopinath Saren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. In 1996, Deblina Hembram of CPI(M) defeated Anil Hansda of [[Indian National Congress] (INC). In 1991, Arati Hembram of CPI(M) defeated Sudarsan Baskey of INC. In 1987 and 1982, Rampada Mandi of CPI(M) defeated Chandra Mohan Murmu of INC and Jaleswar Murmu, Independent, respectively. In 1977, Suchand Soren of CPI(M) defeated Jadunath Murmu of Janata Party.[8]
Ranibandh is part of Bankura (Lok Sabha constituency).[9]
Ranibandh assembly constituency no. 249, reserved for scheduled tribes, is composed of Ranibandh, Hirbandh and Khatra community development blocks.[9]
Ranibandh has been centre of Maoist activity. In 2002, Ramapada Majhi, a senior leader was killed. In 2005, Raghunath Murmu, Ranibandh Zonal member of CPI(M) was gunned down along with another party member, Badal Mudi at Majhgeria in Barikul.[10] The officer in charge of Barikul police station was killed in a blast the same year.[11] Deblina Hembram, the MLA of Ranibandh, is on the hit list of the Maoists.[12]
Large segments in Bankura have tertiary links through the Kundalpahari jungle passage used by Maoist ultras for the last few years. The police say that NGOs have not dared to venture there. Dense forests dissuade even villagers from using the passage. According to police, ultras have taken advantage of the fact. The jungle under Belpahari range of Paschim Medinipur is believed to be the epicentre of Maoist invasion during squad movements.[13]
[edit]Economy

[edit]Forest
The forest in the Ranibandh region is spread over a dozen hills, as the Kangsabati River meanders through the hills and forests. Sal, mahua, shishu, kendu, palash and arjun trees are found in abundance. Lodging facilities are available at the Ranibandh Forest Rest House and the Zilla Parishad Bungalow.[14]
Wood is used as fuel by around 60% of the people in the district. Lac and tassar host tree plantation in forest areas. About 200 tonnes of lac is produced in the district, employing some 17,000 people, mostly Adivasis.[15]