THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF ASSAM WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE CHAR DWELLERS OF WESTERN ASSAM

Abstract

Assam is a land of potential in sphere of socio-cultural and economic aspects. The total char (Reverie Island) area in Assam is approximately 3,608 square kilometers, which is about 360,800 hectares. This figure is derived from the directorate of char areas development govt. of Assam. Its population of approx. 40.90 lakes (as per report of the govt. of Assam) The Brahmaputra and other river of Assam are replete with numerous sandbars, which is locally called chars. Almost 10% population of Assam are living in char areas. Char dwellers live a precarious life, Battered by current floods and soil erosion, chars have an impermanent existence. In western Assam, the char dwellers, mostly belonging to the migrant Muslim community of East Bengal origin, live in backwardness and poverty. The article examines two questions pertaining to their economic life and their problems in daily life. Through a primary data survey and statistical analysis, the article seeks to delineate the salient factors which influence their income and migration decision. Hence, emphasized is given to highlight the socio-economic condition of the people of char area in western Assam.