Author: Paramita Giri & Dr. Kamlesh Kumar
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04030054
Abstract: The Lodha community is one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India and is predominantly concentrated in the districts of Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, and Purulia of West Bengal, with smaller populations in Odisha and Jharkhand. Historically marginalized due to colonial policies, social exclusion, poverty, and geographical isolation, the community continues to face significant developmental challenges despite constitutional safeguards and various welfare initiatives. This paper examines the major socio-economic, educational, health, cultural, and livelihood challenges confronting the Lodha community in contemporary India. The study adopts a qualitative and descriptive approach based on secondary sources, including government reports, census data, research articles, books, and policy documents. The paper argues that sustainable development of the Lodha community requires integrated interventions focusing on education, healthcare, livelihood generation, women’s empowerment, and preservation of indigenous cultural identity.
Keywords: Lodha Community, PVTG, Tribal Development, Education, Poverty, Social Exclusion, West Bengal.
Page No: 438-444