Bengal Govt Announces Special Cultural Boards for Munda, Kora, Dom, Kumbhakar, and Sadgope
Kolkata, March 13, 2026 — In a significant socio-political development just weeks ahead of the highly anticipated West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the formation of five new Cultural and Development Boards for marginalized communities across the state.
The newly announced boards will specifically cater to the Munda (Scheduled Tribe), Kora (Scheduled Tribe), Dom (Scheduled Caste), Kumbhakar (Other Backward Class), and Sadgope (Other Backward Class) communities.
Focus on Socio-Economic Growth and Heritage
According to the state administration, the primary objective of these new boards is to safeguard the customary rights of these communities and accelerate their socio-economic development.
Chief Minister Banerjee emphasized that these communities form an “integral part of the vibrant fabric of Bengal.” The dedicated boards are tasked with protecting the unique languages, cultures, and traditions of these specific ST, SC, and OBC groups, while simultaneously ensuring they receive better access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
A Push for Inclusive Progress
The ruling government has consistently utilized development boards as a tool for targeted community outreach. Banerjee noted that since 2013, her administration has successfully established numerous similar boards to ensure the all-around development of the state’s weaker sections.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring no community is left behind,” Banerjee stated, asserting that the ultimate goal of the initiative is to bring inclusive progress and unwavering support to every demographic in West Bengal.
The announcement is widely viewed as a strategic outreach effort to consolidate support among marginalized and tribal voting blocs before the state heads to the polls, which are expected to be held in April 2026.
I am pleased to announce that our government intends to constitute soon five new Cultural and Development Boards for the Munda (ST), Kora (ST), Dom (SC), Kumbhakar (OBC) and Sadgope (OBC) communities.
These communities are integral to the vibrant fabric of Bengal. My heartiest…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 13, 2026
