Micro Level Demographic Zoning and Regional Disparities in Rural Bankura District, West Bengal, 2011

This study examines the spatial pattern of demographic development across rural Community Development Blocks of Bankura district in West Bengal by applying a composite index-based approach. The analysis is based on selected demographic indicators such as literacy rate, gender disparity in literacy and work participation, child population in the age group zero to six years, proportion of non-agricultural workers, marginal workers, social composition in terms of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population, and sex ratio. These indicators collectively reflect the level of human development, economic diversification, and social inequality in the rural landscape. The methodology involves normalization of each indicator using minimum and maximum values, followed by transformation into a standardized ten-point scale. The composite score derived from the aggregation of all indicators enables a systematic classification of rural blocks into different levels of demographic development. The results clearly indicate the existence of strong spatial disparities and a distinct core and peripheral structure within the district. The eastern and central parts of the district, particularly Kotulpur, Bankura, and Joypur, represent relatively advanced zones characterised by higher literacy, lower gender disparity, and greater participation in non-agricultural activities. In contrast, the western and south western plateau regions, such as Saltora, Khatra, and Indpur, exhibit lower levels of development with high dependence on marginal employment and significant social disadvantage. The study highlights the importance of demographic indicators in regional planning and emphasises the need for targeted policy intervention for balanced development.