Exploring the Demographic and Socio-Economic Realities of Char Areas in Barpeta District, Assam, India

Abstract The Char areas of Assam, formed by sediment deposits along the Brahmaputra River, are uniquely dynamic yet highly vulnerable regions characterized by frequent flooding and socio-economic challenges. These areas, home to a significant rural population, face persistent underdevelopment, prompting widespread migration and economic instability. This study examines the demographic and socio-economic realities of four villages in Barpeta district: Kanchanpur, Garala Gaon, Chenglidia, and Pub Khata Kuchi. A household census survey covering 503 households and 2,212 individuals analyzed key indicators, including population distribution, literacy rates, household size, landholdings, income levels, access to basic amenities, and disaster preparedness. Findings reveal severe disparities in infrastructure and socio-economic conditions. Average monthly household incomes range from INR 6,925.59 in Village 2 to INR 9,719.16 in Village 4, reflecting income gaps closely linked to land ownership. Gender disparities in literacy are pronounced, with overall literacy rates varying from 24.13% in Village 2 to 57.34% in Village 4. Access to basic services such as healthcare, sanitation, and electricity remains inconsistent, underscoring infrastructural inequalities. The study also highlights the widespread impacts of flooding and erosion, affecting 89% of households across all villages and causing average income losses of INR 15,000 to INR 22,000. Migration, driven by economic necessity and environmental pressures, emerges as a critical coping strategy but often fragments households and exacerbates vulnerabilities. Correlation analysis reveals strong linkages between landholdings, income, and access to infrastructure, emphasizing the critical role of resource ownership in shaping socio-economic outcomes.