RF_WH_11_13_PART_1_SUDHA.pdf

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RF_WH_11_13_PART_1_SUDHA
°WTJ>.y, FO R. THE PREPARATION OF REPORT ON TQT.tT, Ha^IZHX

’CARE PRO-Trnc, jtc fr^Trppzt run, CAIiCTJTTA

introduction
a)

b)

Interaction between the Family Planning Foundation and
Amiadevi Charitable Trust.
Sanctiorjaj? projects and relative matters

history of the clinic before tile Foundation's assistance
Initial plan to extent: the clinic on the part of the Ami^levi

Charitable Trust - their perceptions for extensions and

development.
Target designs as evolved on the basis of discussions between
Family Planning Foundation and Trust
Survey of the research and survey exercises by Dr
report and implications for replications.

Overall review of the work of the project
d S

Current-status

Future Plans

^-<2

p

Assessment and recommendations to ■the Family Planning Foundation.

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FAMILY

’LANNING

TOTAL HEALTH CARE PROJECT,

FOUNDATION
CALCUTTA

Assessment Report and Suggested Action

Observation:^
This report pertains to assessment of the progress of the
programme with regard co completion of baseline survey, preparation
of operational design, working out requirements of the programme,
defining concept of Total Health Care, determining various components
of the health package and identifying target groups for them, and the
progress made with regard to implementation of recommendations made
earlier (refer previous note by the Foundation staff).
This report also
contains suggestions and recommendations for future action.

2,
The baseline survey in the project area was to be carried out
in two rounds.
The first round has been completed for all the 13 project
villages; four villages have also been covered under the second round of
die survey.
Data collected under the survey has a variety of inform­
ation which can be used for programme planning, implementation and
measurements.
What is needed is to glean from thia relevant inform­
ation which can be of immediate use to the programme.

3.
A preliminary report, based on the sur”ey data, has been
prepared.
It is a fair description of the social situation as it prevails
in the area.
However, it would have to include more details to be able
to provide effective indications for programme planning and development.
This information has not been given in the preliminary report and perhaps
because of this the operational design could not be formulated.
As the
things stand at. present, it would take another two months time (end of
February 1975) to complete tire survey and a few more months to
finalise the report and recommendations.
If the implementation of
action programme haa to wait for completion of the survey report, it
can not be launched before the month of May 1975.
4.
The project has been sanctioned for a period of three years, of
which a little more titan one year has already passed.
If the action
programme is to be initiated from the month of May 1975, it would hardly
leave 18 months time to assess its impact and formulate recommendations.
No action research programme, more so in the field of health and family
planning, can t-.ow impact on the behavioural practices of the people in
such a short time.
The primary need, therefore, is to launch ths
action programme as early as possible.
This can ba done in the four
villages where second round of the survey has been completed.
This
can be treated as a pilot experiment which would help in getting necessary
experience for extending the project activities in other villages when the
baseline survey is also completed there.
The second round of the
survey should be continued simultaneously with ths action programme.
The flexibility of approach, however, needs to be maintained so that the
methodology of programme operations could be changed, modified or
adjusted according to the needs of the programme from time to time.

2.

Recommendations and Suggostions_
P. a commendations pertaining to Research Components^

5.

a

The first step would be to define the concept of Total Health Care
as applicable under the project.
Efforts should be made to
formulate a package of programme which could be reached to
the maximum number of people.
Only those programmes should
be included which could regularly and easily be provided to people
for the G—.ire tenure of the project.

b The family should be i->ken as a unit for providing necessary services^
Since it is a total health care project.
This would help to reduce
the mobility and duplication of visits by the workers which may
otherwise be if action staff tries to tackle various target groups
individually for different components of the programme.
It is
recommended that such target groups should be indicated within
the family record/addition to listing them in a register.
/in
c

The data for the four villages where second round of the survey has
been completed should be compiled and tabulated on priority basis
for extracting essential information to prepare a programme plan.
The following types of information would be necessary

i)

ji->ist of pregnant women (those in the last trimester of
pregnancy may be taken as high priority group).

ii)

iuist of children upto five years of age (infants may be
taken as high priority group).

iii)

x.ist of children under five years of age who had had their
primary vaccination, those who also had secondary vacci
nation and those who never underwent any type of vaccination
(the lust mentioned may form tits high priority group).

iv)

List of couples with wife's age ranging from 15 to 44 years.

v)

^iat of couples with three or more children and those with
less than three children; list of women with youngest child
upto five years of age; list of pregnant women (Ute women
with youngest child upto five years of age should be taken as
high priority group.
Pregnant women should be assigned
second priority).

vi)

Cist of couples where either of the spouses had been
practising one or the other method of contraception.

vii)

iuist of common diseases prevalent in the area as reported
by people and also list of diseases for which people generally
come to the hospital.
The first type of information can be
compiled from the survey data.
For the second type of
information analysis of a 5% sample of hospital records is
recommended.

viii)

Peoples' conception about causation, prevention and treatment
of common disease in the area; what diseases are considered
to be of serious nature and the stage at which they are usually

reported at tho hospital; analysis and comparison of this
information with the diseases recorded at the hospital
(Dr ? X Bhowmick should visit the project villages and
carry out depth interviews with the village people).
ix)

Sources and type of medical care generally resorted to by
the village people.

x)

Total number of births and deaths in the villages and illness
in the family during the past 12 months (this information can
be compiled from the survey data).

xi)

A general report about the environmental sanitation and
hygeine (Dr Bhowmick may visit villages and conduct
depth interviews and observations on the topic).

xii)

Village wise list of community leaders.

xiii)

List of available medical and health facilities from the
Government's side.

xiv)

A general report about economic, educational and
occupational structure of the community.

d It would be possible to take out above information from the survey
records..
For additional information, Dr Bhowmick should visit
the project villages along with other investigators.
The patient
records at the Amiya Debi Hospital should also be analysed to
compile information on the type of diseases for which people come
to the hospital, stage of the disease at which institutionalised
medical care is sought, distance from which the patients come,
general educational and income level of the patients, and their
sex and age composition.
The above information would be useful
for planning the programme, for working out the quantum of
services that the different target groups would need and also for
developing suitable programmes for educating the people.

e Evaluation:

Evaluation is defined as a method of judging whether a particular
programme is moving in the right direction according to the
envisaged goals and to find the causative factors in case its not
being upto the expectations.
This makes it imperative, that
before embarking upon any action research programme, its goals
and objectives are clearly and specifically defined in terms of
"what is proposed to be done' and "how it is proposed to be done".
The success of such programmes mainly depends upon a built-in
system of evaluation to assess the impact of the programme as a
result of efforts and performances by the workers.
Programme
evaluations are carried out at two stages, that is toe "impact
evaluation" and "performance and effort evaluation".
The
impact evaluation is directly related to the ultimate objective of
the programme.
On the other hand, the evaluation of the
performance and efforts goes on concurrently with toe programme
with the sole aim of improving its operations and is based on
analysis of the reports and records of the workers, field observa ­
tions of the programme and the staff meetings.
The main aim

5.

of health and family planning.
The research support, presently
available to the programme, has been appropriate and useful to
the existing needs, that is, completing the baseline survey related
to social or behavioural aspects and preparing the report.
The
time has come to identify and engage expertise of an action oriented
kind in health and/or development.
Efforts may be made to
locate consultants, if possible with requisite experience in Calcutta
itself.
The consultants should be associated from the beginning of
the action programme and should be continued for the rest of die
tenure of the project.
Their specific functions would include
development of project design, preparation of operational programme
plan, development of indices for measurement, evaluation plan,
development of instruments for documentation, suggestions for
development of suitable educational material, description of roles
and functions of different functionaries of th© project, the type of
help needed from ofccr government functionaries, suggestions for
training of project workers and provide necessary help in
periodical evaluation of die project work.
6.

Recommendations pertaining to toe .Action Programme
a Determining a Package of Health Services

The final package of health services would be based on the needs
of the people, as emerging out the survey and on toe basis of toe
data collected from hospital records.
tentatively, thefoliowing
services can be included as partof total health care to be provided
to people.
i)

Maternal and Child Me alm Gare Services:

These services should include immunisation of pregnant women,
ante-natal, natal and post natal care, and nutritional supple­
ment where clinically indicated.
ii)

Immunisation and "vaccination:
This should include ail children under frive years of age, to
be covered under primary vaccination, intensive immunisa­
tion drives during epidemics and secondary vaccination of
those children who come to hospital.

iii)

General Medical Care:
This should include in-patient and out patient medical care.

iv)

Family Planning:
This should include male and female sterilisation and
termination of pregnancy at toe hospital, and distribution
of condoms at toe community level.

v)

Me alto Education :

This should be based on individual group and mass education
through various media and methods, and should form part of
each of the health component of toe programme.

b Operational Steps
The subsequent step would be to draw out a plan of action consisting
of various operational steps and their sub-steps.
In this connection
the foilowing are recommended

c

i)

Identification of various target and priority groups for each
individual component of the programme.

ii)

Based on the needs of various target groups as emerging
out of the survey data, the minimum package of services
should be defined.

iii)

Determine suitable methods for providing the services.

iv)

Determine a suitable staff structure on the basis of the needs
and requirements of the people and the methods for delivering
the services.

v)

Arrange for training of the research and action staff.

vi)

Describe various steps in starting the programme and a
time schedule for it.

vii)

Decide about a system of coordinating the activities of
research and action staff.

viii)

Lay down procedures for recording and reporting, decide
about evaluation mechanism, develop instruments for
documentation.

ix)

Identify educational needs of the people and make efforts to
collect/develop educational material accordingly.

a)

identify and try to mobilise human, physical and organisa­
tional resources for the programme.

xi)

v/ork out a realistic time schedule for entire tenure of the
project including that of the pilot experiment in four villages.

xii)

Prepare a physical map of the entire project area, showing
situation of all the project villages, Amlya .Debi Hospital,
important landmarks, place of posting of the Government
functionaries, educational institutions, available medical
and health facilities (both modern and indigenous), and
approaches to different project villages from the project head­
quarters.
This would help in planning die programme for
different villages, development of staff and chalking out
their movement schedule.

Method of working

The action programme is to be launched within a period of two
m<>r. months.
Efforts should, therefore, be made at this stage to
define and describe the methods of working and approaches to be
adopted for the programme.
These would include determining
a package of health services, systems for delivering the services,
mobilising necessary resources, describing roles and functions of
the staff, defining the role of Amiya Debi Hospital etc.

7.

i)

Package of Health Programmes:

As has been discussed earlier, efforts should be made to
include only those services in die package whose continuity
sufficiency, regularity and easy accessibility to people could
be ensured for the entire tenure of the programme.
As
such, the programme would centre around maternal and
child health care, immunisation, family planning, general
medical care and health education.
Presently, some of
these services are being provided at the Amiya Debi
Hospital.
However, a system should be evolved out for
domiciliary care.
ii)

Method of delivering die services:

The subsequent step should be to evolve methods of delivering
these services.
Thf.t would include education for creating a
demand for the services and developing a system for their
delivery.
A part of these services, as has been mentioned
earlier, would be provided at die hospital whereas others
would be provided at the door-steps of the people.
Services
for male and female sterilisation, termination of pregnancy
and general medical care would be provided at the hospital.
On the other hand maternal and child care, distribution of
condoms and immunisation services would form part of
domiciliary care.
The system thus evolved out would
have to be based on a mix of hospital based as well as home
delivery services.

d Mobilising Resources for die Programme
Human Resources

The success of the programme would be contingent on efficiently
and regularly reaching the needed services to people.
Although
die project would be engaging a number of workers, there would
also be a number of Government functionaries in the area and
unless efforts are mads to coordinate work of the project staff
with them, there would be confusion and overlapping.
Besides,
the services of the Government staff can also be utilised for the
programme.
For instance, the school teachers can be made to
participate in educating people and act as community leaders.
Similarly, the resources of the teaith workers like vaccines for
immunisation and condoms for family planning can also be
procured for the project.
They can also be mobilised during
the intensive campaigns like mass sterilisation programmes and
mass immunisation during epidemics.
It would be advisable to
identify these resources and make efforts to use them for the
programme.
Organisational Resources
The health and agricultural extension departments usually produce
educational material for free dostribution.
The project organisers
by maintaining a liaison with them, can, as and when necessary
and possible, procure these inputs.
Likewise, the Government
functionaries can also help project staff in establishing rapport
with the people and mobilising support of the community leadership.

8,

A cautious approach is recommended, ho waver, while trying
to seek support of the Government functionaries.
The efforts
should be to maintain effective liaison or a sort of working relation­
ship with them.
If necessary, senior officers of the concerned
departments may be approached informally to seek their sanction.
At no stage the Government staff should be made part of die project
by assuming their technical or administrative control.
Their co­
operation would be necessary only to avoid confusion and duplication
of efforts, avoid overlapping in the area of operation and to procure
necessary inputs for the programme which may be difficult to
obtain in open market.

e

Supervision

Documentation, evaluation and supervision are closely interlinked.
Documentation provides clues for evaluation and, in its turn,
evaluation provides necessary information for supervision.
Together these three contribute to improvements and thus lay
foundation for success of The programme.

Supervision helps in developing staff capabilities for better
performance.
For the project work, it should include both
field supervision as well as headquarters or hospital based
supervision.
Again this can be both technical and administrative.
The technical supervision should be the direct responsibility of the
Assistant Project Director (senior social scientist) who would
operate under the guidance of the project director.
His
responsibilities would include both supervision of action programme
as well as research.
Specifically this would include field guidance,
help in accurate documentation,assistance in solving work problems
of the staff, help in establishing rapport with the leadership etc.
The supervisory responsibilities of the project director would
include providing technical guidance in matters related to health,
solving administrative problems and periodically taking suitable
decisions for smooth running and successful completion of the
programme.
It is recommended that the mechanisms for
supervision and the supervisory responsibilities at different
levels should be described in specific terms before taking the
programme to field.

f

Education

Education of the people for motivating them to avail the services
provided by the project, to inculcate healthy habits and to provide
correct information on different aspects of the programme would
be an important component.
Health education would form part of
each of the individual programmes like family planning, immunisa­
tion etc.

The first step in planning educational programmes would be to
identify needs of the people in terms of their attitudes, levels of
knowledge and awareness, the linguistic contents and the methode
and media to be adopted.
This information should come out of
the baseline survey.
The subsequent step would be to identify
the sources from where needed educational material could be
collected.
In case necessary material is not available or is
not suited to the tastes of the people, efforts should be made to
develop it within the project.

c).

Presently, there are a few agencies like Red Cross, the Health
Education Bureau, the Family Planning Department, the All
India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health and a few other
voluntary organisations from where such material could be
collected.
This is, however, likely to be a routine type of
educational material created for wider use.
The project staff,
therefore, would have to develop and produce suitable literature
and aids with the help of the available technical expertise in
Calcutta,
Two types of educational material would be needed.
Firstly,
die project would need some aids and literature for individual or
group education which can be used by the field workers.
The
second type would be for mass education and would be used with
hospital as the centre with the objective of creating general aware­
ness.
Specific knowledge should be given through individual or
group communication programmes where ths audience can be
selected specifically for the purpose and where die mode of
communication would mainly be interactional.

7.

Recommendations pertaining to staff structure

Effective and efficient delivery of services would be basically
contingent on suitable deployment of trained staff.
The project staff,
based on the requirements of the programme, would consist of three
types of functionaries, that is, the hospital staff, the field or action
staff and the research staff.
The needed strength of the hospital staff
can be assessed only by the organisers of the programme according to
the in-patient and out-patient load on the clinic.
Here a staff structure
is recommended only for the action and research parts of the programs

a Action or Field Staff:
Total population to be covered under this project has been estimated
to be around 21,000.
According to the latest thinking on toe
subject, there should be at least one Auxiliary Nurse Midwife
(ANM) *
1 per 5000 population to take care of the maternal and
child health care, family planning and health education services.
In addition, the project would also need at least two male workers *
2
(equivalent to health assistants) for immunisation services,
distribution of contraceptives (mainly condoms) and health
education services.
Thia would give an average of three workers
per 10,000 population (one male and two females).
Taking toe
birth rate to be around 350/00 in the project area (national
average), there would be nearly 175 births in 5000 population
in a year giving an average of nearly 15 births per month. This
would also mean that there would be around 273 *
3 pregnant
women in a year within toe operational area of an ANM.
This
should be the endeavour of project workers to roach MCH and
immunisation services to ail new born children and pregnant
women and, thereby, make this programme a foundation for
boosting family planning acceptance.

*1 and *
2
The main aim is to treat these functionaries as male and
female multi purpose workers. As such the functions of ANMs
and health assistants would essentially be like that of their counter­
parts under the proposed governmental pattern.
The old nomencla­
ture, however, is retained till suitable designations are decided.
*3
The number of pregnant women in a given area is generally
calculated at one andhalf times of the number of births in a year
within a given area.

10

The project would also need a Health Education Officer.
His
responsibilities would include developing and organising
educational programmes and providing needed technical guidance
to field workers.
b Research Staff:

The primary objectives of this project are twofold.
Firstly, to
find out whether integration of family planning with maternal and
child health care can augment its acceptance by the people.
Secondly, to develop a methodology for delivering a package of
health programmes with a voluntary clinic as nucleus for
providing these services.
The ultimate aim being the replication
of such programmes in other areas, based on the methodology
evolved under Shis project.

The success of the programme would depend upon experimenting
with different delivery systems, assessing their impact,
establishing a correlation between maternal and child health care
and family planning acceptance, developing a programme for
training of workers, collecting essential information for developing
educational material, conducting special studies related to
different aspects of the programme, evaluation of theprogramme
progress both at the terminal and concurrent levels etc.
As
such, the project would have to have suitably competent and
experienced research staff.
Considering the available resources
with the project and the needs of die programme, it is recommended
that there should be at least one senior social scientist designated
as Assistant Project Director and one statistician.
The former,
in addition to his responsibilities described earlier, can also help
in organising the action programme, prepare education material,
write reports pertaining to the project work, supervise the
workers and assist in evaluation of the programme progress.
In fact his supervisory functions would include both supervision
of action programme as well as research work including report
writing.
The statistician, on the other hand, can help in
compiling and tabulating research data, scrutinise field reports
under the supervision of the social scientist and provide all the
necessary statistical support to die programme.
c

Qtaff Structure
The overall staff structure of the project would be somewhat like
the following:

Research Consultant


Project Committee
-Project Director
Assistant project Director
{(senior social scientist)

{
Statistician

J
Health Education
4 ANMs
Officer
2 Male workers

!
Hospital Staff

11.

d Role of the existing Research Staff

It is recommended that the question of retaining the existing
research staff for their employment as field or action workers
may also be considered at thia stage. On the positive side, some
of them may be having the requisite competence and their retention
in the project would help in saving time, energy and money which
may be needed for training and orientation of the new workers.
By now, they must have developed understanding of the basic aims
of the project, and should also have developed a working relation­
ship with the leadership of the area, besides having complete
knowledge about the area and people of the project villages.
Before taking a decision, however, the needed expertise for the
project work, like training in Health Education Maternal and
Child Care, techniques of vaccination and statistical experience
be considered.
The existing staff would be useful for action
programme only when they have undergone tire necessary training
for these activities.
Therefore, implications of this in terms
of finances and time be assessed before taking a final decision.

Budget Implications:

8.

The following is the likely item-wise break-up of the project

budget:

a Recurring:

i)

ii)

iii)
iv)
v)
b

Staff Salary *1

(see footnotes on page 12)

9,600
plus 4 ANMs @ R?. 200 each
300 x 12
6,000
" 2 male workers @ R? 250 each
500 x 12
9,000
" Asstt. Project Director
750 x 12
(senior social scientist)
4, 800
" Statistician @ R 400
400 x 12
4,800
" Health Education Officer @ R-400 400 x 12
" Stenographsr/Acctt. Asstt./
4, 800
Clerks @ FO 400
400 x 12
2,400
" Driver @ R? 200 x 12
1,200
" Messenger @ R? 100 x 12
12,000
" Hospital Staff © R> 1,000 x 12
(including honoraria for doctors
and petrol expenseon their transportation)
54,600
Travel expenses (travel by project staff,
including expenses on movement of vehicle
5,000
on their travel)
1,000
Stationery, postage, printing etc.
2,400
Maintenance of vehicle (repairs)
4, 000
Misc. (including purchase of education
67,000 per year
material)
Total

Non- recurring: *
2
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)

8,000
500
10,000
2,500

Coat of Vacurette
4 ANM kit boxes
Educational equipment
Bicycles for field workers
Annual expenses on medicines *
3
© K 10,000 x 3
Total

30,000
51,000

12.

c

The grant sanctioned by the Foundation is Rr. 1, 50,000 for three
years or R*. 50,000 par year.
As would be seen, the annual
recurring expenses on the project come to R
*. 67.000 leaving a
balance of R5.17,000 per year.
In addition, non-recurring
expenses would also come to nearly R. 51,000 if we also count
expenses on medicines as part of it.
Thus, the total amount
of money to be managed from other national or international
agencies for the remaining period of two years would come to
R». 85,000.

d The organisers of the project should work realistic requirements
of the project and approach OXFAM for the same.
The
Foundation, in its turn, should also make efforts to interact
with OXFAM to help the project.
In this connection, it would
be advisable to approach the regional officer of the OXFAM to
visit the project and discuss the requirements.
Considering
the fact that some of the inputs would be needed even to initiate
die programme, efforts should be made to have this meeting at
the earliest possible opportuni ;y.

*1

The suggestions with regard to scales of different functionaries
are only indicative of approximate expenses.
The salaries
would finally be determined on the pattern of the salaries and
scales as prevalent in West Bengal.

*2

Non-recurring expenses as given in this report are only
tentative suggestions.
Actual expenses would depend on
the market prices.

*3

The Family Planning Foundation does not provide budget for
purchase of medicines, equipment etc.

TOTAL HEALTH PROJECT - BUDGET

a) Banerjee Charitable Trust
b) Family Planning Foundation
Total

Promised

Already Paid

To Be Paid

RS.

R?.

RS.

50,000
1,50,000
2, 00,000

30,000
75,000
1,05,000

20,000
75,000
95,000

Money already spent a) On Research
R§. 50,000
b) On Hospital work R'. 36,000

86,000

Money at Hand

19,000

Promised money yet to be paid

95,000

Total available fund for Budget
(for next if years)

1,14,000

Expected Expenses in Hospital As per present activity
Proposed increase of
M.T.P. (with instal­
lation of Vacurette)

R5. 36,000

R*. 12, 000

Money avaliable for Action Programme :

48,000
66,000

Expenses required for Action
Programme
Items to be taken up :

A PROPHYLACTIC
1. Small Pox vaccination
2. Triple Antigen inoculation
3. T.A.B.C. injections
4. Multi-vitamins/Calcium for babies
s cuRfVrrw medicines
1.
a.
b.
c.

Against Gastro Enteritis - 30%
Antiamoebic
Antidysenteric
Antihelmantic

2,
B CURETIVE MEDICINES (Contd. )
2,
a.
b.

Anti Infective drugs - 20%
Sulpha group
Broad Spectra group

3.

Secondary to malnutrition - 40%
Supplementary vitamins/nutrition

4.

possible

Skin conditions and others - 10%

At present we are not taking up adult health education due to lack of capital
for aduio-visual set up and no certainty for future recurrent expenses. (We
have purchased an old Jeep for transport of doctors, but we are still using
our personal car as the Project cannot afford a driver or petrol for the same).

C
The family planning operations, including tubectomy and medical termination
of pregnancy, are being carried out and will continue in the Amiya Debi Hospital
as before, but with Vacurette the M.T.P. work will increase.

Though a concrete plan is not possible without a knowledge of financial resources
and rising price index, the minimum requirements are given below.

In formulating a provisional Budget our aim would be a.

To protect the families where the mothers have been ligated, particularly
babies.

b.

To give incentive to our Project population for family planning operations.

c.

To allow some coverage to fringe areas outside the Project zone on
humanitarian grounds.

The action programme plan is based on our knowledge of research already
carried in the first schedule and analysis of hospital attendance over the years.
We have taken for the purpose of calculation an average daily attendance of
100 in our out-patients department and average distribution of cases. This
is in addition to the expenses for operations and indoor patient care being
carried out in the Amiya Debi Charitable Hospital and which will continue.

Expected Expenses of Action Programme
(very provisional)
A.
1.

PERSONNEL

-

RL 26,100

Social Workers R5. 15,300
We shall require at least 3 Social Workers who would carry out house visits
including inoculations and medicine distribution. They will be recruited from
the field workers who have already carried out dosr-to-door data collection
and are conversant with local conditions. They are known to the local
populace and the latter will feel more at ease in dealing with them. We intend
to employ 3 of the female field workers whose services would be terminated
otherwise, now that data collection for research is over. Though we have
allowed them free accommodation in our residential house next to the hospital,
their salary would be R5. 850 per month. So for 1| years: R5. 850 x 18 - RL 15,300.

3,

A.

PERSONNEL (Contd. )

2.

Record-keeper cum Typist
Rd 300 per month

-

R?. 5,400

3,

Driver for jeep @ R456. 300
per month

-

R5. 5,400

B.

METHODOLOGY

1.

Small Pox - door-to-door visit for all

2.

Inoculations - part by home visit and part hospital based.

3.

Distribution of medicines

-

Rd 3,600

- mostly hospital based.

So some Peripheral working and use of the Jeep will need rough estimate for
conveyance @ R5. 200 per month
R?. 3,600.
C.

COST OF MATERIALS

If the Action programme is to be properly completed and, more important,
evaluated in accordance with the Family Planning Foundation's guidelines,
it is estimated that the following items of medicines with their quantities
will be required. Against each item the cost has been worked out on the
basis of wholesale prices quoted by pharmaceutical companies. It will be
noticed that on this basis the total cost of medicines for the remaining if
years works out to nearly Rd 9 lakhs. This is obviously impracticable.
What we intend to do is to tailor the work in this field to the quantities of
medicines that we can procure with donations from international and other
organisations. Needless to say, any part of this that can be supplemented
by cash donations will be welcome.

Materials
- will be available from State Govt, sources

1.

Small Pox vaccine

2.

Triple Antigen inoculation - 5% of 20,000 - 1000 children
@ 3 ampoules - 30,000 ampoules (from 2 to 5 years old
children)

Cost Nil

45,000

T.A.B.C. injections - 2000 10c.c. phials @ 6 monthly
injections - 3 x 2000 - 6000 phials (for whole population)

12,600

4. Multivitamin tablets - for 1000 babies one daily - roughly
3,50,000 tablets

63,000

3.

5. Calcium tablets

-

35,000

- do -

6. Against Gastro Enteritis - 30 patients daily - roughly
400 days - so total is 12,000 patients in if years
a. Antiamoebic tablets @ 10 tablets of Enteroqiunol per
patient - 1,20,000
b. Antidysenteric tablets @ 10 tablets of Thalazol per
patient - 1,20,000
c. Antihelmenthic - Decaris 1 tablet/patient - 12,000

12,000

adults

15,600
45,000

Anti-infective drugs - 20 patients per day @ 400 days in
1| years - total number of patients 8,000

25, 200

a. Sulphanilamide @ 2 tablets twice daily for 5 days, i. e.
20 tablets, therefore for 50 patients - 4000 x 20 - 80,000 tablets
10,400
b. Terramycin
- do - 4000 x 20 - 80,000 capsules 54,000

8.

Secondary to Anaemia
(and malnutrition)

April 23, 1975,

40 patients per day @ 400 days in 1| years
Total number of patients 16,000
@ 1 tablet daily for 1 month 16,000x30 - 4,80,000
Fero-redoxin or the like

8, 89, 600

3

a... 2

2

8

caotodarnblo usd i .too.

s..to

eo.tsisttot;

to '.a: . .atoll :

' la's:’, It ;;ec caas.toostol a suitable ylaco ilzn: .-a

to.. ta -• a to-

too.o stootoo.

J.

ObjopMvafi
:.a.to. toto stovs. u?,s a; ioa atosto tout it was joaatolo to havo cn

.'

a.a oto‘. ■ a aaaaaa i ..a <a -.to' to? J.ly totos.to.o-,

aa. a... to .. .so

.

to...-a : ?ao 000.00 .coos-., af a aa.vaa: aa.Jaa aa,; --.0.000 00 aaaday asa..

. a.j. ■ ato a \a of" .asa

■ a;.

*to
to,;.to
..

.1 oa?a.. to s..to? of tooto,-;:.:.totoi

co..: ccatoftotos of jototolv-s ;. .J. ;,;a v.'avsivo stoical rjuiL hoalfZi er.XG, .

'".a stoato. a?

a.: a-'-a ■ aoy.

, a'. ;ja!?a. acaa.ai :a

. to o to.;-.., ..-toss

a .

-a,-, a.....

a.

,a;atoa'!. as.'. a.aaSf, ,.a:

.'aads.'-J. o.o as ;;-a a of zabj. aatod

. . . . c.a.. a:x as y Ivtiiiioiaf ..slT ;0.. as.-aizf.
defcoaojo-y

a a as. la

v....; •. jJ.,: a’ ■LO-.:.;-.a; oarisoo.

a:-,'.'; ;... 70.00 to _i' ,l

0 '

.. ..too . Io ;.toa.to;;y .aicjri-toas

aa.:-:-,) '.so ~ -■. souvoy of

a . ..jiC-O.S.SOOJaO?..'.;; aad.J.a.a XOf tUO
soal'to os', xto-ily toaoitoj jiaeilu mto

r. iso i . a;.:l atoao.'toioatoos os totoa:;toa-.:toad 3t;.<.oaLj disto oadl ha
'too ' aa/,;-^as a a too as a a uiai to? as ajojoot:.

ctovolop q naojcot; d-atoai basal oii t'o? a'i ato..

.'ov.2.a_:i/o ■ toaoos-ffl-srcitioji project,
iG' to3.
*'O.,

isinoc toss -

of toe tojnae q ;:j fox

totase adc- _ .-to.ivo <tooo a-todto:.

JC o*
of

a --xo-jocs

tola oxojco-e 'jo;; co-ioidarcxl iioxj.xto. si '.ox‘ oj’roxs.'l s..’oeo.;o.\so (1) to.ilo

u. ; :sto:. of is.'to as -.too Siodiii usxo xsa:'; aocayttol to bhco.ey, toicxo veo do

soot pxtaiticol a s; to.ia> fox- aiux-a’.so-.i of aotofsl isiiiJlcs^nto-idon.

s.iis

saxtiotolcifly toaci io too case af voXusttoto o-jjanliJaticuio '.la.icli ac-edotl in tos;
Coa.-td.».5

5

>

8

Hie project, therefore, had special

th:.t would suit; th-mi.

up th.- ido?. in •.

value for this

(ii)

the project would help to identify ways and means

of ,;. Ivsocial norvice mimed citisons with or without medical oxyartiso to
ho i_./olvjd in t’:

*
..ro^rnoae

ihe project if iisnonstratod well would have ropli~

oum pre ;r :.. .....:•

Ceti;.:, v ;luo for the

^pomtfon-liantl&n of the ■■iclrrao;
who -chow, . ;ot up to s - cod sturt.
.;'.. the- project

>< f.j i.
tJav.-.wnor of •■? .t

Eie ‘hnasetiGnt Cow.iittoe of the project

also launched by no loss ..-, parson than the

- Jr fir-s.

2i.i h»di:l had from the v.'wy ■.>;■
n:..;.-.’. .1 ..'...• ^

tho

u stro-rj bias in favour of

’..j.j./ ah,o utrokply imbum-1

t.’ti lawn of oervi-rj t?:o people,

■; of i .o well-to-do : JLplty th.;- xio-sdy and/or helpless.

mity’

; £•.'j . ;.-J os . . Ii.. owl-jzitation for hsultu services whore people’s i nvolvement
r . '..- ,...’ alien to some of the hey iniividr/ls.

rz.tt

;• tyl)

o :s.;y
nr.pwcol

providers of charity.

it also scored to

Oriontation of the key pooplo to

■ s:e med ...nd relevance of tb.c- uo. munity hoziluh approach continues to

bo ;j real cli:.ll.;.n.:o to the foundation,

' ho positive support of i-w Irani and one

or two •..i~..ioow3 ol tie Committee has boon r; helpful one in continuing tho project.
I’oun .;tio.•’. .'jtaff, ti.orafoi-e, had to nuh. a few visits to Calcutta and help

t;. j ,Pi-..-..'etsrs t..- conceptualize as having innovative possibilities,

.dco it i?as

dcoidwl Is rc;nii;;itic»i the services of a I'rofessor of Social Anthrojolosy in

conructin;., xhe initial survey for deaipni. . the project.

Hio normal work of tho

boa.it.-l. widi ucoent on sterilization continued for most of t-c- time, except
i\:w L..;c period ci‘ f.;o cmae.'£psncy uho»i ate work slowed down conaidorably.

Arininiatratian & Ptaanam
2ie Covarninp -hoard at its rnjotinp hold on 12th i^ptoubor, 1972 sanctioned
Contd....4

s

a grm:.t ox

4

t

Out of this a sun of ks 1,20,000

1,50,000 for ■ t -is project.

has alreray boon disbursed.

"•ator in ,;\v<rast 1374» tie Governing Board sanctioned ts sun of Bs 36,000
to cover ■■•.■:, .■ . ....;e;.-. ozi soHoasch consultancy.

-hie mount has not boon

utilised ::o far.

xollcia u~; '■-. - 7i.i.uro hetioa
.h.ic project for good part of tie tine lias boon a difficult one.

t’.io vJu.'hc ■; .' t

eiil.i

hospital has boon kept at a steady pace, iho e^peri-uontal

part of it, did not pick up in tins or sufficiantly.

~''-Q difficulties, sons

which h.-.d bion indicated above c:v. bo sumaricod so follows s
(2)

ih_ shift fraa ■ clinic oriented hospital to

c

difficult process paxTciculsrly b .cr.’ce of the ’.cental attitude of uedicol

co.rrani'sy hospital has bean

-.iho .-.lii’.oirri deeply co .: ittc.' to COkrnmity aexvice, it was difficult

for t;. ■'cnnlatlon to help them siove ir this direction 3?a;idly raid adequately,
'■ills delrynil

Co,.:::'.i ttoc

. -.ru^reso.
ell

It

ba added that L'.u (Xmin.an, 1 '.n.'.c;in...

; aporcciative of ire cor.unity approach.

influence in ;;re.;ter p- rt helped, in ilia

His

slow ahanjo that currently is

fchi: : pl.;rso.
r j,.orl iiroparod fo.-..’ purposes of projeot v.’ork ;.<•- the social

(2)

cci-.r.tict we;.; toe i-rii-ojolopicully oriented irr-. did not provide adccuato
i'-ifaaxition foe dcvaloniri; a pro.;X5.-.ne with strom; propra'.'.r.e oontent.

lie,'..' '.ci.
(?)

Shis is

u :•. xdicJ ?•;■ p'aiiiariiv; irius facie for i’.c pre Joab work.

'A'-o p'..’oj‘.ct was expected to pot . adical and oikor support fror on

intourrtlcr."?. u;;? .m, uhlc’i did not u/iorii’lfau st all.

-sic is u.'d was a

contizui. \; problem, and has not helped to increase tl.o iU’oprun.^ content.
(4)

Th© project ;-lt -j jh dolcyod is now beir-.; recast to rofleot co- unity

orientation including identification of local conmr.il ty health woxkora to

■ /. ■

pit

■ - il

'-■ a, "CJV;... .

;eti ,<

. 1 tixn <■ si.-sx:.:

likely- to so hoj.':; liooivl rrr.i iialp£ul.

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Ccil^
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*-

AUft^TlTlQdfc fl.

3_on ^’*e Total Health Care Project in 24 ?arganas, West Bengal

INTRODUCTION

The Banerjee Charitable Trust was founded by Dr. Tarun Banerjee and
his wife, Dr. Anima Banerjee, in 1966.
In 1969, the hospital called
the Amiya Debi Hospital was built in the rural setting at Narendrapur,
24 ’’arganas district, 9 miles from Calcutta.
The hospital contained
12beds, an airconditioned operating theatre, and an out-patients clinic
with a dispensary; all medical services, both for indoor and outdoor
patients, are absolutely free.
The hospital is run mainly on the
voluntary services of Drs Tarun and anima Banerjee and their friend.
Dr. Ajit K Dutta.
As the hospital became popular, it was necessary
to take on some salaried staff a part time medical officer, a resident
qualified trained nurse, two female nursing assistants, three male
duty assistants and a part-time pharmacist.
All expenses are borne
by the Trust and medicines and other medical help is provided for the
village population, but the main emphasis is on family planning
operations on females.

In early 1972, through some mutual friends contact was established with
the Family Planning Foundation in New Delhi.Q$A scheme was presented
for a Total Health Care ’reject serving a population of about 20,000
people spread over 13 villages in this predominantly rural area,
comprising both Hindus and Muslims.
Professor S.C. ;.<avoori,
Executive Director of die Foundation, visited the hospital and its
surroundings soon thereafter.
He inspected the activities of the
hospital and discussed the feasibility of the Total Health Care Project.
The Foundation ultimately decided to provide R?'. 1, 50,000 over a period
of three years with the Trust contributing ft". 50,000 over the same
period.^
A programme was drawn up, divided into three phases :

Phase I

To have a research programme for deriving certain basic
data (base-line of this population) through the work of
research assistants who will be collecting these datas
by house-to-house visits.

-?hase II

The dates were to be further qualified and specified with
more emphasis on family planning and in relation to
other health care like immunisation, sanitation, health
education etc.

'base III There will be an action programme with a view to provide
prophylactic and curative health care, the quantitative and
qualitative measures of which were to be assessed from
scanning of die datas collected from the first and second
research programmes.
These activities were to be directed from the Amiya Debi Hospital.
It has been the experience of die Trust that the motivation for family
planning operations can be generated very satisfactorily by providing
comprehensive medical care and attention for die entire family.

2.

®//a s the Trust was now involved with the finances provided by the Family
Planning Foundation, the trustees of the Banerjee Charitable Trust
decided that a separate organisation should be set up to undertake the
The Total Health Care .Project.
A committee consisting of the following
was brought into being:

Mr. C.R. Irani

Chairman

Dr Mrs Anima Banerjee

Hony. Treasurer

Dr Tarim Banerjee )
Mrs Threety C Irani )
Dr Ajit X Dutta
) )

Members

On die 30th September, 1972 His Excellency die Governor of West Bengal,
Shri A.L. Dias, formally opened the ?rojact at the hospital premises
where Dr. J.C. £<avoori handed over a cheque for R>.50,001),being die
first contribution from the Foundation, to the Chairman of She Project,
Mr. C.R. irani.^/

The plan of the x reject is set out below :
Action Programme:

Planning Programme:

Phase I

Collection of basic data of the
population and analysis

Medical service and family planning
operation at autniya Debi Hospital

Jhase II

Collection of data with emphasis
on family planning

Phase III
Preventive aspect

Medical service and family planning
operations at Amiya Debi Hospital

(i)
immunisation
(ii) child health care
(iii) adult health education
The first phase of the work was completed on 31st December, 1974 and
included (1)
the appointment of the Research Scientist, Dr. P.K. Bhowmick,
D.Sc. (Calcutta), Reader of the Department of Anthropology, Calcutta
University.
He was entrusted with the research work on an honorarium
of FA 400 per month.
(2)
the appointment of research field workers and statisticians
after scrutiny and selection by the Project committee.
A field super­
visor was provided on an honorarium of K. 325 per month and the other
workers K.275 per month.
In addition, Dr and Mrs Banerjee made
available the ground floor of their house adjacent io the hospital to
enable the workers to stay on the project.
(3)

drawing up of the pro forma incorporationg door to door visits

3.

visits covering the entire population of about 20,000 people spread over
13 villages in an area extending over five miles from the hospital,
£he
mass of information collected in this fashion is now being statistically
analysed and a preliminary report prepared by Dr. P.K. Bhowmick is
attached.

The second part of the programme of the research wing consisting of
data collection with main emphasis on family planning and health care
is in progress.
This will be completed by the end of March 1975.

As for the curativeaapect of the work of the hospital, we have to report
the average out-patient attendance is noted in a register kept for the
purpose and is 60 per day; ligation operations were performed on 74
females during the period und-.-.r review.
The working committee of the Project is set out below:

Project Chairman:
Director:

Dr. A. Banerjee

Surgical Specialist
Gynaecological Specialist
Medical Officer
Nursing Sister
Female Assistant
Male Assistant

Mr. C.R. Irani
Dr. Tarun Banerjee

Co ordinator:
Dr. Ajit K, Dutta

Social Research Scientist:
Dr. ?.K. Bhowmick
Demographer
Statistician
Male Field Worker
Female Field Worker
Auxiliary Nurse

Before commencing work on the Project, Dr. Ajit i< Dutta and Dr. P.K.
Bhowmick and two field workers visited Gandhigram by courtesy of the
Family Tanning Foundation to watch their operations.
Recently,
Dr. S.iC. Misra, Research Specialist attached to the Foundation, visited
the Project twice, once in the company of Commodore Mehta and again
with Prof J.C. aCavoori.
Dr. Misra spent two days at Narendrapur
watching the field workers in action and helped to assess and guide diem
in their field work.
We are anxiously awaiting his report, on the basis
of which we propose to plan the third phase of the Prophylactic Health
-Programme.

Problems ^^Difficulties
A major difficulty encountered by field workers is lack of cooperation
from the population due to ignorance and exaggerated expectations.
Initially, there was some resistance to the concept of family planning
largely baaed on communal considerations, but this has been gradually
overcome and the confidence of die villagers has been earned by the work
done in the hospitalmainly in the out patient department.
It would be of
great help if slide projectors and other audio-visual aids could be made
available.

The ’roject considered providing a skeletal nutrition programme for
under-nourished children but has decided to put this off for the time
being because of administrative problems.

4.

I
As regards the curative aspect, the Project is trying to secure a Vacurette
and if we are successful in this effort we expect a major dent to be made
in the task of limiting families.

A dm ini s irative and Financial aspects

The programme commenced in October 1973 and by the end of March 1975
the Family Planning Foundation will have contributed PJ.75,000 and the
Banerjee Charitable Trust R.30,000.
We accept the need for adequate
statistical data but cannot help making the observation that most of the
assistance provided by ths Foundation has been absorbed by the research
programme and the curative aspects of the work at the hospital has not
received any direct benefit.
We are apprehensive that in the third
phase die action programme related to prophylactic care, including
consultancy fees, is likely to be so expensive that all the financial
commitments made by die Foundation will be absorbed, with no direct
benefit to the curative work at the hospital - so vital for the achievement
of our common objectives.
Also, it would be of great assistance to the doctors if the Foundation felt
able to give some indication, as to what is likely to happen at the end of
the three-year programme.
If the Foundation feel that it will not be
able to assist thereafter, the Trust will have to take decisions now on
the future work of the Amiya Debi Hospital.
Needless to say,
continued work on these lines is imperative if the results achieved so
far are not to be lost and for work of thio kind a sligHliy longer perspective
is also, in our view, necessary.

23. i. 1975.

MH- 13-

TOTAL HEALTH CARE PROJECT 5 1973—74

REPORT
On
FAMILY PLANNING ACTIVITIES
/' in 11 villages and 2 Semi-urban
Settlements of Sonarpur P.8.,
24--Pa.rga.nas district,

West Bengal, 1974/

EXPOSITIVE REPORT

(September 197 6)

fUlMARY OF THE FINDINGS ON FAMILY PLANNING ACTIVITIES
BY THE ELIGIBLE COUPLES IN SONARPUR P.S. (1974)

In Sonarpur P.8. 11 rural and 2 semi-urban settlements
were investigated in the beginning of 1974 to elicit information

about the extent of family planning activities by the eligible

couples.

Altogether 2856 eligible couples were found in these

settlements.

Social group wise breakdown of these couples was

as follows
*

Rural

Semi-urban

Total

1521 (75.4)

450 (24.6)

1751 (100.0)

:

957 (93.6)

65 ( 6.4)

1022 (100.0)

c) Christian:

85 (100.0)

0 (0.0)

85 (100.0)

Total :2561(82.7)

495 (17.3)

2856 (100.0)

a) Hindu

b) Muslim

:

Out of 2856 couples only 19 per cent were found to

have ever-practised any family planning

method.

Social group-

wise classification of these couples reporting use of F.P. methods
reveals the following picture:

Rural

Semi-urban

Total

a) Hindu:

307(71.2)

124(28.8)

451(100.0)

b)Muslim:

83(91.2)

8(8.8)

91(100.0)

c)Christian:

22(100.0)

0(0.0)

22(100.0)

Total:

412(75.7)

152(24.5)

544(100.0)

Out of 544 eligible couples who had sone F.P.

3.

experiences 51 per cent declared to have adopted sterilization

measures.

was

Socialgroupwise distribution of the sterilized coup!

as follows:

Rural
a)Hirdu:
152(70.0)
b)Muslim:
41(91.1)
c)Christian: 14(93
3)
*

Semi-urban
65(30.0)
4(8.9)
1 (6.7)

Total
217(100.0)
45(100.0)
15(100.0)

207(74.7)

70 (25.3)

277(100.0)

Total

Out of 277 sterilised couples 56 per cent declared

4,

to have opted, for sterilization of male sponses (vasectomy) and
the rest 64 per cent was for sterilization of female spouses

Social group-wise breakdown of the cases of vasectomy

tubectomy).

and tubectomy showed the following picture:
VASECTOMY
CASES
Semiurban
Rux•al
15=54
25
1=24

TUBECTOMY
CASES
Semi-urban
Rural
105
50=155
IS
5= 21

a) Hindu
b)Muslim:
c ) Christi axi:

5

12

0=12

54=177

84

16*«100

2

1=

x£&
125

Out' of 177 sterilized wives 67 per cent

5.

to be 51 years and more in age.

were found

Classification of these wives

by social group, age and location showed the following picture:
Sterilized wives

age 31 years and more

age 5O.vears and less
Rural

semiurban___ Total
12
49

a) Hindu:

57

b) Muslim:

7

1

c) Christian:

1

1

Total

45

14

Rural
66

8

2

55

Semiurban
58

Total
104

11

2

15

1

0

1

78

40

118

Out of 100 sterilized husbands 86 per cent were

observed to be 56 years and more in age. Distribution of these male

spouses by social group, age and location reveals the following:

a) Hindu:

Sterilized
husbands
age 56 yrs.and more
age_J_5_ yas.and less
Dural Semiui’ban
Total Rural Semiurban
7
6
1
14
45

b) Muslim:
c) Christian •

5

Total:

12

Total

57

0

9

0

20
g

72

14

86

1
0

4

20

5

2

14

7.
Among 177 sterilized wives the large majority were
relatively aged and these wives were observed to possess already
4 and more fcliving children to look after in high as 69 per cases.
They were, thus, sustaining larger families before they got
themselves sterilized to st6p for ever further childbirth
disbribution of the sterilized female spouses by social group,
number of living children and location has been shown below:

a)
b)
c)

Sterilized. 'lyes_____________________
with 5 and less
with, .4, and_more
living children
living. chilsren
Rural
Semiurban____ Total Rural Semiurban.
Total
Hindu:
29
18
47
74
52
106
Muslim:
5
1
6
15
2
15
Christian:
2
0
2011

Total:

56

19

55

87

55

122

6.
Among 100 sterilized husbands those who were relative­
ly aged were again dominating and 51 per cent of these husbands
reported to have already 4 and more living children. Sterilized
husbands with smaller ar larger famulies were found in almost
eaual strength. Classification of the sterilized male spouses by
social group, number of living children and location is noted below:

a) Hindu:

Sterilized husbands
with 5 and less
living children
Rural
Total.
Semiurban
10
54
24

with 4 and more
living children
Rural Semiurban. Total
5
50
25

b) Muslim:
c)Christian:

9
5

1
0

10

14

5

7

0
0

14
7

Total:

58

11

49

46

5

51

9.
Family planning activities of the eligible couples
over the eleven villages under study were not at all uniform.
Proportions of the couples who reported to have ever-practised
any F.P. methods varied from a high 29/i (village Kumarkhali) to
a low 2# (villages da.gannathpur and Ukhila).

In the following six villages it was found that 200

10.

or more of the eligible couples concerned ever-practised F.P

methods: a) Kumarkhali (290), (b) Jayenpur (270), (c) Bingolpota 270)
(d) Chowhati (.250), (e) Hischintapur (250) and (f) kamchandrapur
(200).
In the semi-urban settlements of BLACHI the eligible

11,

couples having some F.P. experiences explained for 290 cases, where
as in semi-urban Jagaddal the comparable couples accounted for

only 240. Bulk of the couples without any 1?.P» activities dominated,
thus, both rural and semi-urban areas under study.

12.

As far as sterilization experiences of the eligible

couples having ?.P. activities are concerned it has been obtained
that in 8

out of 11 villages such experiences had duly been recorded

1n semi-urban settlements sterilisation cases were also available.

In the following four villages adaption of sterilization method by
the eligible couples for the most effective family planning was

most markedly noticed, (a) Hamchandrapur, (b) Jayenpur, (c) Bingelpo-

ta one (b) ^ischintapur.
15.

In this context, special attention is drawn to the

villages Jagannathpur, ukhila and Kusumba. Eligible couples of

these three villages appeared to be apathetic to ary family
planning activities.

An

agannathpur as good as 169 eligible

couples were found and among them only end only 5 Hindu couples

reported to have ever-practised any F»P. methods, --one of these
couples had also opted for sterilization.

In Ukhila out of 176

eligible couples only 4 couples (2 Hindu and 2 Muslim) evinced

practise of F.P. method and here agan, more of these couples
went for sterilization.

Lastly, in Kusumba 99

..ere found and only 5 couples
experiences.

eligible couples

(1 Hindu aid 2 Muslim) had B.P.

here also no case of sterilization was reported.

Eventually, the eligible couples of these three villages should

have the topmost priority in aiy family planning programme that
might be in operation in the area.

In the sample villages when 82 per cent of 2561
eligible couples reported no family planning activities it goes

wh without saying that enough groundwork is still needed to motivate
the couples towards birthcontrol. Of these couples 57 per cent were
found to procs:: possess alreacjy 1-5 living children and they must

be reached immediately with a hold family planning programme and
action-programme for sterilisation has to be
er delay.

This programme

launched without furth

is equally urgent for the semi-urban

couples.

15.

Favourable attitude towards and effective adoption

of F.P. methods had already been shown by a segment of the total
eligible couples of Sonarpur P.S. and the same needs now to be

intensified among the non-adopters.

in this direction, the

Hindus of both higher aid lower caste groups had given the lead.
Initial resistance against family planning measures had noticably

been broken.

More perusation and patient shall no doubt, help in

the longuun to remove this resistance in favour of the programme of
population control.

16.

It was

true that relatively a little aged male

ar female spouses among the group of eligible couples with F.F.
experiences and more than three living children

majority opted

had in

for stei’ilisation method to do away fully ri th

further procereation, yet these sterilized couples shall play the
most vital role in the local society in motivating their neighbour
families as well as their counterparts of younger age-groups.
Family Planning education for sterilisation must he intensified

among the eligible couples, especially among those who had already
three or more living children in their individual family.

REPORT ON FAMILY PLANNING ACTIVITIES IN
SONARPUR VILLAGES AND SEMIURBAN AREAS

Luring the survey for family-oriented basic Health

Services in the selected 11 villages and 2 semi-urban settlements

of Sonarpur

P.S., 24-Farganas district, ttest Bengal (1974) an

attempt was made to collect information about Family Planning (F.P)

activities of the eligible couples per household of the survey­
areas.

From each male sponse of the couples relevant records

were also taken on following items of information: a) Religion

and caste affEEix affiliation, (b) Occupational, status, (c) age,

(d) education, (e) number of living children^

For the purpose of the present study a couple has been
defined as follows: a husband and a v/ife, both living together

with or without any living child at the time of survey formed

a couple.

If a husband had more than ene wife, therewere as

many couples as the number of wives.

Further, only those husbands

whose wives were between 15 and 45 years in age constituted

the group of eligible couples.

Family planning activities of

these eligible couples have been studied

here with special

reference to social group,, age, occupa.tion, education, number of

living children of each male sponse.

Family Planning activities have been measured by the
practice of different birth control methods either by tile male
or female sponse.

Ssp Special attention was given to sirinit

elicit information about vasectomy and /or tubectomy cases among

the eligible couples of both rural and semi-urban areas under
study.

Husbands reporting 0-3 living s’lldrc." children have

been examined in terms of smaller family, where as those reporting
4 and more living children were considered to posses larger
families.

Age-wise distribution of the husbands has been shown

in terms of three braad age-group, namely, (i) 30 years and
below, (ii) 31-40 years, and (iii) 41 years and above.

the basis of religions

On

affiliation the husbands have been

:i-rnined under three broad social groups: (a) Hindus, (b) Muslims,
and (c) Ohristiqns.

Occupation-status wise the husbands have

been classified under five principal groups: (l) Agricultural

workers (cultivations, agricultural labourers and other workers
related to agricultural activities taken together), (2) Service,
(3) Manual labours, (4) Others, and (5) Ho Occupation.

Education­

ally the husbands have been classified into two major groups:

(1) Illiterate and (ii) Literate.

A) FAMILY ELANMI'IG IN GENERAL:
After a through shifting of the information elicited by
the couples it has been formed that altogether 2856 couples

satisfied the criterion of eligibility.

Of these eligible

couples 82.7 resided in eleven villages under survey and the
rest was from two semi-urban settlements of Elachi and Jagaddal.
Among the rural-bred eligible couples only 17.5 reported that

they practised one or other methods of family planning.

The

large majority never practised any F.P. iiethods to check family

size.
Among the

ever-practised sub-group of households those

who were 41 years and more in age dominated as a single major
group (82 8.2?0 .

Those who were 30 years and below in ghd

age a very negligible portion (1.4/0 reported to have some
form of F.P. activities.

As a matter of

part, it is found

that in villages out of 412 husbands who ever-practised F.P.
methods as mary as 378 were 31 years and more in age.

Young

adult husband aging 30 years or below had yet to respond

favourably for birth control measures.
Among the x ever-practised sub-group as high as 74-5$

were the Hindus.

The Muslims accounted for only 20.2$.

The

remaining psr proportion was explained by the Christians.

Within the ever-practised sub-group of the Hindu husbands
(507) it is

interestingly observed that those who maintained

smaller families (1-3 living children) reported use of B.P.
methods in majority cases (S2$ 52.1$) and next was the position
of those having larger families (4 and more living children).

Among this sub-group only 3 per cent reported no living children
and even then they practised F.P. methods.

The Hindu husbands

who declared to ps prossess smaller families and to practise
P.P. methods were mostly middle aged (31-40 years).

In contrast,

the Hindu husbands who were practising P.P. methods and prossesing

larger families were mostly 41 years or more in age.

Within the ever-practised sub-group of the Muslim husbands
(85) the majority reported to have larger families (54.2$) and.

they were 41 years and more in age.

Similar trend was also

true for the ever-practised sub-group of the
Thus, it may be

Christian husbands.

summarized that in rural areas the middle

aged Hindu couples having smaller families showed greater

inclination towards P.P. activities, were as the aged Muslim

couples possessing larger families evinced Stronger inclination
towards P.P. activities.

In general, the Hindu couples, inespective

of age and family size, were more motivated to ever-practise
some form of P.P. method.
On the otherside, among the never-practised sub-group of
the rural couples (1949) the large majority (37
1$)
*

to prossess smaller families.

was found

But those reporting to have larger

£2Ei±±ESXxB^ikHSHKxnpmstiKsxfcsxhH3JEx£RxgEX

families

were not insignificant in magnitude (54.50)
*

important to

It is

note that of this never-practised sub-group

as good as 11 per cent declared to prossess no living children.

On the other hand, it is also

observed that with the increasing

age of the hushands who never practised any P.P. methods the
magnitude of larger families increased in each of three social

groups in question.
Within the never-practised sub-group of the Hindu husbands
1014 smaller families dominated in the majority cases (47
50)
*
Wn-i 1 e within their

’.

counterparts of the Muslim husbands (874)

larger families (45.10) dominated, this very trend was also
true among the Christian

husbands.

In general, it may be observed that the 'never-practised’sub-group of the group of couples living in the villages

under survey should form the target group sf for F.P. activities
and of this sub-group those who declared to possess already 1-5
living children must be the immediate target group.

Since within

this immediate target group the eligibile husbands aging 51-40

years formed, inespective of

religion and caste

affiliation,

the dominant segment, F.P. education and services has to be

concentrated first among this particular age-group.
Husbands with smaller families but no family planning
activities were found to fall mostly within the age-group 51-40

years in every social group and eventually they are to be given

topmost priority in any action-programmes related to family
planning.

Through

relatively speaking, the Hindu husbands

had shown greater inclination towards F.P. activities than the
Muslims or the Christians, yet the over-all social climate was
not found

encouraging enough

to favour any quick change

in traditional motives which guide family building activities
of the rural couples of the area.

Scanning the level of F.P. activities of the eligible

couples

of the sample 11 villages we find that they evinced

a wide variation.

Unequal- response for and acceptance of F.P.

methods were markedly present within the villages.

Ingeneral,

the villages which were dominated by the Muslim families showed

quite a lower level of us response as well as acceptance.

On

the other hand, the Hindu-dominated villages maintained a good

level.

The range of variation in the magnitude of the husbands
the sample villages was from a very

practising P.P. methods

low of 20 (villages Jagannathpur and Ukhila) to as high has

290 (village Kumarkhali).
Villages Jagannathpur and Ukhila are both pzs populated
mostly by the Muslims.

Though the Muslims are the major

inhabitants of village Kumarkhali, yet the Hindus reported
use of P.P. methods in greater number of cases.

In village

Kumarkhali out of 508 eligible couples the Muslims explained
for 55-50 and th rest.was for the Hindus,

29 per cent reported to

Hindu husbands

of these couples

have practised P.P. methods.

The

who practised P.P. methods accounted for 20.8

per cent out of the said 29 per cent.

Thus, though village Kuma­

rkhali happened to be dominated by the Muslims, yet the highest

level of P.P. activities as was observed in this village: .
was due to the Hindus.

Next to Kumarkhali were the position of the villages

•Jayenpur and Pingelpota « Jayenpur yielded 81 eligible couples
and 2? per cent of these couples were found to practise one or
other kind of P.P. method. On the other hand, Dingalpota had
120 eligible couples and again, 27 per cent of these couples,
declared to have followed some P.P. methods.

Villages Chowhati and. Kischintapur were found to occupy
the

Chowhati is a populars

third x rank in this respect.

village and 462 eligible couples were record from here.

was the

This

second best concentration of eligible couples in any

one village.

Among these couples only 25 per cent were

to have practised F.P. methods.

Quite a big chunk of the couples
They deserved immediate

were yet to go for family planning.

attention.

observed

In contrast, village Uischintapur is relatively a

small settlement.

It yielded only 61 eligible couples.

But

the couples showed greater awareness for B.P. activities.

thsse couples as good as 25 per cent

Of

admitted use of family

planning methods.

In contrast ’to the above, villages Jagannathpur. Ukhila
and Kusumba exhibited a deplorable si±uxaixExc< situation as
far as family planning behaviour of the eligible couples,are

concerned.

In Jagannathpur and Ukhila as high as 98 per cent

of the couples were found to have practised no B.P. methods,
while in village Kusumba such proportion was 977°.

The eligible

couples of these three villages were, no doubt, extremely

apathetic towards family planning .

These villages were

inhabited most dominaitly tai by the Muslims. But for their

own religions attitude and social education these

Muslims were

still hesitant to accept modern family planning practices and

accordingly, we can not expect to find any noticable progress

in family planning activities in their settlements.

Special attention is drawn to the village Bcnhoogly which
is fairly a big rural settlement.

In this village the largest

magnitude of eligible couples was met with.

But, the level of

F.P. activities among 604 couples was not satisfactory.

84 per

cent of these couples reported to have practised no family planning
methods.

Bor this state of development one factor is important

to note that the village was inhabitated by the Muslims in majority
strength.

Another interesting feature is noted here.

In. 5 villages,

namely, Ukhila, Kusumba, Hogalkuria, Chowhati and Kumarkhali

the eligible couples who reported use of family planning
methods in varying magnitude (2$ to 29^) were found to
possess already relatively more smaller families with 1-3 living

children.

But in another 5 villages, namely, Bonfcoogly,

Ramchandrapur, Rischintapur, Jayenpur and Dingalpota, the
ever-practised sub-group of the eligible couples were observed

to have already relatively more larger families with 4 and

more children.

It appears them that in the former
*

group of 5

villages the eligible couples with relatively more smaller
families are to be encouraged to sustain their current family

size,

but in the

latter group of 5 villages the eligible couples

with relatively less smaller families have to be strongly

activated to go for family planning methods in checking further
increase in their individual family size.
It is further noticed in the first 5 fillages the husbands

of ’ever-practised'sub-group were mostly falling in the age-gtoup
51-40 years and they were ma^iifting smaller fanilies with 1-5

living children.

In contrast, in the second 5 villages the

husbands of ’ever-practised’ sub-group were mostly 41 years and
above in age and they reported to have larger families with.

4 and more living children.
Brom the above it

becomes, thus, evident that in going for

B.P. practices two district patterns were upheld by the eligible
couples of the sample villages under study.

One pattern was

developed by the husbands of young adult ages (51-40 years) in

small sized families and they were mostly the Hindus.

The second

pattern was generated by the husbands of older ages (41 years and

more) in large sized families and they were mostly the Muslims »

-8-

In tv/O semi-urban settlements, namely, ELACHI and

Jagaddal the Survey could locate altogether 495 eligible

couples.

These semi-urban couples accounted for 17.5 per

cent of the total 2856 eligible couples of the areas under
Of these 495 couples the Hindus explained for 86.9

study.

per cent and the remaining 15.1 per cent were the Muslims.
Among the Hindus (450) only as good as 28.8 per cent reported

to have practised one or other E.P. methods.

In contrast, among

the Muslims (65) as low as 12—5 per cent evinced use of some
form of F'.P. methods.

That the Hindu husbands practised

P.P. methods in larger magnitude than their Muslim counterparts
was beyond any debate.

A closer look reveals that anong 124 Hindu husbands
reporting F.P. practices as good as 60 per cent had already

1-5 living children to look after in their individual smaller
family, whole in only one case the husband concerned was

found to have no living child.

In the remaining 59 per cent

cases the Hindu husbands possessed already 4 and more living
children, but reported to have practised some family planning

methods.

Among the semi-urban Huslim eligible couples (65)

only 8 husbands reported to have practised P.P. methods.

Of

these 8 husbands as many as 6 had already 4 and more living

children in their individual larger family.
On the other side, among the semi-urban husbands of the
sub-group of 'ever-practised' those who were 41 and more

years in age formed the most dominant segment.

Of the total

152 of husbands having P.P. experiences as high as 58 per cent
were found to fall in the age group of 41 + years.

distribution was

This age­

true for both the so cial groups of Hindus

and ^iislims.

Thus, it becomes clear that in Elachi aid Jagaddal
jrhftSQ who accepted P.P. practices were mostly of higher ages

and possessed already 4 and more living children at the tine
of survey.

But those who were in middle ages (51-40 years)

■.:ere

were not insignificant in numerical strength, but they

were noxgly observed to have already 1-3 living children during
survey.
In this connection

it may be pointed out that among 363

semi-urban husbands who did not practise any F.P. methods in

checking family size as many as 44 (12 per cent) reported to
have no living child at the time of survey.

uf this 12 per cent

the Hindu husbands also accounted for about 11 per cent.

These

childless Hindu husbands were mostly within the age group 31—40
years.

Among the Hindu eligible couples (430) as many as 306 husbands

had no ?.P. experiences.

54 per cent of them reported to have

already 1-3 living children, while 33 per cent had already 4 and
more living children.

Those who reported smaller families (1-3

living children) were mostly of the age-group 31-40 years, but

those who had larger families (4 and more living children) were

very larvely aged (41 years or more). On the other hand, among
the Muslim husbands (65) of Elachi and Jagaddal as many as 57
declared that they did not practise any F.P. method.

Of these

65 Muslim husbands 25 and 26 had smaller ai d larger families

respectively.

Muslims Mxh Husbands with 4 and more living

children were mostly 41 years and above in age, while those
with 1-3 living children weremostly 40 years and below in age.
Thus, it may be

mpzta noted in general that in semi urban

areas of Elachi and Jagaddal only a little more one fourth of
the total eligible couples formed the sub-group of 'ever-practised
*
and the large majority was yet to go for any F.P. methods.

Under

the circumstances, it is needless to emphasise that this large
bulk of 'never-practised1 eligible couples sz has to be properly

motivated for F.P. practices.

In this direction, performance of

Jagaddal couples seemed to be less encouraging.

-10-

In Jagaddal

the Hindu couples were virtually the group
the level of development in F.P. activities..

that determined

Of the total 2J0 eligible couples of this semi-urban settlement

only

1 I-'uslim couple was met with .

Among the Hindu couple^

(242) as good as 24 per cent reported to have practised some

F.P, methods.

Those Hindu husbands who formed the 'ever practised'

sub-group were mostly 65 per cent having already smaller families
with 1-5 living chilsren andthey were 51 years and above in age.
The remaining husbands had larger families with 4 and more

living children and they v/ere mostly 41 years and above in age.
On the other hand, among the nmdus the husbands who never
methods (181) were in majority cases mainting

practised

already 1-5 living children.

But 21 out of these 181 husbands

reported that they had no living child at the time of survey.
Those who maintained already 4 and more living children v/ere

not insignificant in

numerical strength.

In ELACHI altogether 245eligible couples were encountered.

Among them 181 were the Hindus. Of the Hindu husbands as good

as 55 per cent were found to have practised some E.'P. methods,
where as of the Muslim husbands (64) only 12.5 per cent showed

practice of E.P. methods.

The 'ever-practised’ sub-group in

the Hindu group was mostly possessing already 1-5 living
children (56%).

Those who maintained smaller families were in

majority 51—40 years in age.

with 4 and

But those v/ho formed larger families

those w living children were most naticably 41 years

and more in age.

On the other hand, among the

'ever-practised’

sub-group in the Muslim group large majority had already 4 and
more living children, and they v/ere also 41 years and more in age.
Among the Hindus those husbands (l 17) who never practised
any r.P. methods were mostly (61 per cent) having already 1~5

living childrenr

But those Hindu husbands who had no living

-11-

children and never practised F.P. methods accounted for 14.5

per cent cases.

The remaining 25 per cent of the 'never practised'

sub-group reported to possess already 4 and

more living children.

Cn the other hand, among the Muslims a large majority (87.5 per
cent) of the husbands formed the sub-group of
in Slachi.

They were found to maintain

'never practised1

smaller families

(with 1-5 living children) and larger families (with 4 and
more living children^ in matching strength.

Those Muslims

having smaller families were mostly 40 years and below in age,
but those with larger families were in majority cases 41 years

and more in age.
In summary it may be observed that family planning activities
were maintained more organizedly by the eligible couples, especially

the Hindu couples, of Elachi than their counterparts of Jagaddal.
In such organization the middle and more aged husbands 51 years +

above ,

pee

particularly the Hindu husbands, played a more

dominant role.

But those who practised B.P. methods and at the

same time had already 1-5 living children

smaller families)

were most dominantly 51-40 years iilmage.

In contrast, those

who practised F.P. methods and possessed simultaneously 4 and
more living children (larger families) were mostly 41 years or
more in age

.

This feature was shared by the semi-urban

male sponses of the

group of eligible couples, irrespective of

their religions status.

Though the Muslim couples were lagging

behing their Hindu counterparty in adopting B.B. methods, yet

in the over-all context of their own social way

of life and

family-building attitude their performances are suite remarkable.

They need abviously and persuation to make a break through.

This can certainly be achieved by making their Hindu counterparts
more family planning minded.

More the Hindu eligible couples

would go for regular family planning practices, more

the

apathetic altitude of the Muslim couples would begin to dissipiate.

-15-

But in two semi-urban settlements out of 495 eligible couples
26.7 per cent declared to have some

experiences.

Thus,

relatively speaking, the semi-urban couples of Sonarpur P.a.
were observed to be more family planning minded that their

rural counterparts??

And there is no speciality in this state of

development, as the non-ruralc couples are generally expected to

be socially advanced to catch innovations.
In the above ground it is further most

interestingly

noted that m 8 out of 11 sample villages cases of both tubectomy

and vasectomy were reported.

The families of only 5 villages,

namely Jagannathpur, Ukhila and Kusumba
case strilization.

did not cite any single

These were the three rural settlements

which showed the minimum level (2-5/9 of family planning practices.
These three

settlements were on the otherhand, inhabited most

dominantly by the Muslims.

Number of eligible couples in each-

one of three villages was not meagre.

Under the circumstances, it

appears that the eligible couples of the three villages do
require a special treatment in bringing them within the orbit of

the country-wide i;.B. movement.

In any case, sterilization

programme has to be concentrated in these three villages as
the top-most piority at the sametime intensive F.P. education
has to be especially spread over these villages.

Now for the remaining 8 villages we have 402 eligible
couples who ever practised F.B. methods. Of these couples in
84 cases (20.9/9 sterilization by Vasectomy method was reported,
while in 125 cases (50.6/9 sterilization by tubectomy method

was declared.

This was certe&ily no mean achievement.

When

about 52 per cent of 402 eligible couples of eight villages

reported to have undergone (by 1974) a permament family planning
device through sterilization, the prospect of a sizable decline in

future population increase in these settlements can be well understood

That noi'e than half of the eligible couples of at least 8 villages
of Sonarpur P.y. could be permanently proctected from further

childbirth is nodoubt the most encouraging development in '.he

local society.
Examining the vasectomy cases by social and age-groups

it is further obtained that out of 84 sterilized husbands 58 per cent
were the Hindus, 27 per cent the Muslims and the rest being the

Among the Hindus the higher castes accounted for

Christians.

24 per cent of the given 581^! the remaining proportion being
due to the Hindu husbands of lower caste group.

As far as age

structure of these sterilized males was concerned it is found
that as good as 86 per cent were 36 years and more in age and

of this 86 percent as high as 49 per cent reported to have already
4 and more living children in their individual larger families.
The rest 57 percent possessed already 1-5 living children in

their individual smaller family. Those sterilized males who were
55 years and below in age (14/0 were mostly having smaller families

and the Hindus were in majority.
It is thus very clear that in 8 villages in question

as many as 38 male Spouses having 1-3 living children got themselves
sterilized to enjoy the opportunities of a better family life

with lesser number of children.

On the otherhand, the remaining

46 male spouses with already 4 and more living children could

through sterilization ensure permanent check in the growth of
their u individual family size.

But for these sterilized persons,

at least 84 rural families shall have a permanent, negative role
£Hz:3a5±±Hgxanyxfux±}iEXX8nf&txQKx±HxpHpiixa±XGn::HfxtfeB
for making any further addition to population of the given

8 villages.
Similarly, another 123 rural families of these 8 villages

shall have the same negative role since in these families the
wives concerned were reported to have

undergone tubectomy operation

Of these 125 sterilised female spouses 34 per cent were the
Hindus and 15 per cent only the Kuslims.

Among the

Hindus

only 52 pei’ cent belonged to the higher caste group and the
remaining 52 per cent originated in the lower caste group.

On the otherhand, of these 123 sterilized wives as high as
65 per cent were 31 years and more in age and again, of this
63 per cent 52$ were found to possess already 4 and more

living children.

Thus, it is found that as a dominant group

the relatively more aged winces with more than 3 living children

under went sterilization.

But this should not mean that the

relatively less aged wives were lagging behind in this respect.

As a matter of fact, of all the sterilized wives
those who were 30 years and below in. age constituted as good
as 37 per cent cases.

These younger sterilized wives were found

to have smaller (with 1-3 living children) and larger (4 and
more living children) families in almost matching strength.
Among these younger wives the Hindus were of course, dominanting.

Irrespective of age, the sterilized wives were observed.

to maintain at the time of survey smaller families in only 29
per cent cases, whereas in the remaining 71 per cent cases the

sterilized wives were already possessing larger families.
Thus, in Quite a good

number of cases further increase in

family size was definitely checked but for

these sterilized

wives.
In general, it is evident that the husbands or
wives having already 4 and. more k living children showed
relatively greater inclination for permanent family planning
method of sterilization.

That is, the number of surviving

children per eligible couple seems to have a major role in
determining the favourable attitude towards sterilization,
and in this respect both the Hindu and Kuslim couples evinced

the same behaviour.

Another feature is important to reveal that

sterilisation, appermanent device of birth contra, was favoured

-lore perhaps

by the aged married women who had already satisfacto

number of surviving children to look after.

In 8 villages out of 402 eligible couples as good as 52

per cent were permanently protected from

for the children, birth.

But it should be noted that 33 out of 52 per cent had 4 and more
living children,

they

'these couples had already contributed what

could in the rural population-reaorvoir, but they won't

contribute any further.

planning

Here lies the real success of the family

movement of the state.

On the otherside, in the two semi-urban settlements of

ELACHI and Jagaddal we have found that out of 495 eligible couples

only 27 per cent reported to have everpractised F.B. methods. Of

these couples 132 who had same experiences of family planning
ashigh has 55 per cent were perticularly met with sterilization.
experiences.

It is, indeed, q quite revealing that 53 out of

every 100 eligible couples of the given semi-urban settlements of
^onarpur

of 24 Parganas district were

by vasectomy and tubectomy methods.

permanently protected

But in

comparison to the

achievement of the rural couples shown in adopting sterilization

the above performance of sterilization activities by the semi-

urban couples was definitely not spectacular,

in eight villages

as good as 50 per cent of 402 eligible couples reporting use of

family planning methods got themselves sterilized to

avert ary

further children birth.
Again, in these semi-urban areas the cases of tubectomy were

irrelatively mere frequent.

Out of the total 70 cases of steriliza­

tion as high as 77 per cent were constituted by the sterilized

wives the Hindus were almost the single contributory group (93/’).

Only 3 sterilized .sx muslim wives and 1 sterilized dhiistian vife

were met vith ik in the settlements.

Whatever progress in

-17-

promoting a permanent family planning device among the semi-urban
ever-practised sub-group of eligible couples could be achieved was
devir.itely due to the

Hindu couples, especially the ^indus of

lower castes.

Among the Hindu, sterilized wives (.50

as good as 64

per cent were found to belong to lower castes.

in number)

Further, among the given sterilized wives of semi-urban
settlements as high as 74 per cent reported to be 51 years and.

more in age and 67 per cent of these relasively more aged but
tubectomised-wives were found to possess already 4 and more living
children.

Those sterilized

wives who happened to look after

1-5 living children account for 35 per cent cases.

In any case,

it becomes clear that the sterilized wives, irrespective of age,

were mostly maintaining already larger

families with 4 amd more

living children. Nevertheless, it is quite noteworthy that about

two thirds of the total sterilized wives above JO years in age
did adopt the permanent method of birth control to put an end

to production of addition child. Paucity of

relatively younger aged

wives among the strelized group of the married women presents
itself as a distressing clement.

Necessary actions tire, no doubt,

forth with called for to improve the situation.
Another disturbing finding relates to the pressence of

only andonly 16 sterilized husbands among 495 eligible couples found
in the given two semi-urban settlements.

accounted for

These 16 male spouses

only 12 per cent of the total 152 husbands who

reported to have some I'.P. experiences-

Only 1 Muslims: husband

having sterilization was found during survey.
lized

husbands as good as

more in age.

Of these 16 steri­

14 (all Hindus ) were 56 years or

Sterilized husbands

of relatively younger ages

were practically negligible.
Of these 16 sterilized husbands 9 were found in ELACHI and

the love case of Muslim husband with vasectomy record came from this
semi-urban settlement-.-

In Elachi 72 eligible couples reported ‘

use of F.P. methods and of these couples 57 per cent adopted

sterilization to register permanent birth®ontrol.

In Jagaddal

-13OO eligible couples reported practice of F.P. methods and anong

then 48 per cent underment sterilization.

Nevertheless, the

family planning activities are still required to be intensited

anong the semi-urban eligible couples and campaign for more and

more sterilization has to be accelevated without delay.
closely to the family planning

Looking

behaviour of

the eligible couples, irrespective of their E religion -/caste or
age, of the sample villages under study it is immediately noted that

the couples of four

villages namely Jayennur,

Ramchandraour,

Singeloota and Kischintapur evinced relatively the most remarkable

achievement.

These four villages stood distinguished from the

remaining villages under examination registering relatively
a higher level of motivation and inclination towards effective
control of procreatice activities of their married couples.

In

aven our village 27 per cent of 81 eligible couples

reported to have ever-practised family planning methods in contro­

lling family size.

■Lt is, indeed, remarkable that as good as 25

per cent of these eligible couples did adapt sterilization as a
permanent device for birthcontrol.

This was the largest single

concentration of sterilized couples.

1n comparison to the smaller

magnitude of eligible couples of the village such greater concen­

tration of sterilized cases was no mean

achievement.

This

achievement was effected, of course, relatively more by the
Hindu couples having already 4 and more living children in

majority cases.

■Ln this village only 5 1,Juslim husbands reported

to have undergone vasectomy operation.

There was not a single

case of tubectomy among the Muslim couples of Jayenpur.

On the

otherhand, among the sterilized group the cases of vasectomy

amd tubectomy were present in almost equal strength.

Though 75

per cent of the eligible couples of Jayenpur were yet to adoptsd
P.P. methods, yet those who Ekiid did practise such method had
very largely opted to go for a permanent method of birth control.

-19-

These sterilized couples are expected to influence the 'never
practised-sub-group anorig the eligible couples of Jayenpur
moreover, all the sterilized Hindu couples happended to
belong to lower caste group only.

"ext was the position of village Ramohandrapur»
the

Here also

number of eligible couples was relatively not many. Out of

128 eligible couples 20 per cent were observed to have practised

F.P. methods. But the most interesting fact was that all the couples

’.-.ho belonged to the 'ever-practised' subgroup had already experienced.
sterilization to have a permanent F.P. method.

This village

happened to record a special state of development in adopting
sterilization as the only device of birthcontrol.

Other

conventional methods of family planning were yet to become popular

among the eligible couples.

To achieve such state of development

the Hindu couples especially the lower castes having already 4
and more living children played relatively the saiax salutory role.

Only 6 Muslim couples of Ramohandrapur reported to have sterilization
experiences and they were also possessing

already 4 and more

living children in large majority cases.

The eligible couples of

Ramohandrapur should be treated on a special footing so as to
popularize sterilization more.

The third important village was Bingelpota.

Here the

magnitude of eligible couples was also small. Out of 120 such

couples as good as 27 per cent reported practice of F.P. methods
and again, 19 out of this 27 per cent were fsound to have steri­

lization experiences.

In this village, the tubectomy cases were

reported relatively more (13 per cent).

such a high order of
noteworthy.

That Bingelpota pro possessed

concentration of tubeatomized cases is really

Most of the sterilized wives of the village were, of

course, found to maintain already 4 and more living children,
the same feature was also exhibited by the sterilized husbands.

Hot a single non-Hindu couple was met with sterilization record

in the village.

This is a development to be noted carefully.

All the sterilized couples were the Hindus of lower caste group
only.

The sterilized wives were mostly 31 years and more in age.

-20-

village ^ischintapur occupied the fourth rank in offering
the sterilized couples among all the eligible couples (61). 23

Per cent of rhe total eligible couples were found to have ever-

practised 7.P. methods and out of this 23 per cent as high as 18

-t - oent re orted sterilization
*

11 the sterilized couples were

the Hindus and they belonged to the higher castes Only, The large
majority of the sterilized, couples were found to have already 4

ana more j-iving children
*

On the otherhand, among the sterilized

group the cases of tubectomy was relatively more in number and
the sterilized wives were mostly 31 years and more in age
*

In

any case, 77 per cent of all eligible couples of Nischintapur still

required intensive P.P. education.
In this connection immediate attention is drawnts the

villages Bonhoogly and Ohowhati•

These two villages are relatively

more largely populated, though in the former village the Hindus
and in the latter village the Muslims dominanted.

In

Bonhooghly as good as 604 eligible couples were found and. only
16 per cent of them reported to have ever-practised any P.P. metho­
ds. of this 16 per cent about 10 per cent declared to have

undergone sterilization,

"hen as high as 84 per cent of the

eligible couples of thels

populars village had no family

Planning

experiences it was no wonder that shh such a poor

respouse for permanent device of birthcontrol would be exposed
by the couples concerned.

Under the circumstances, it is

imperative that intensive campaign for sterilization as well as
for other conventional methdds of P.P. has to be concentrated

in this village.
Among the sterilized couples of Bonhoogly it is interesting
that the Muslims were present relatively in greater strength./

when one-half of the sterilized couples of the village were
found to be the Muslims, one has to rethink about the plan
and programme of family planning which might havebeen drawn

for Bonhoogly
*

On the otherhand, within this Muslim group though

the cases of Vasectomy were found relatively more, yet the

magnitude of tpbectomy-cases were not insignificant, an ong the

Hindu sterilized couples we find relatively higher concentration

of tubectomy cases.

In both Hindu and Muslim groups the sterilized

wives were mostly 51 years and more in age and .per possessed
already 4 and more living children.

AmOng the Hindu group of ste­

rilized couples it was the lower caste couples who dominated

relatively more.

Again, among both Hindu and Muslim groups the

sterilized husbands, were mostly 56 years and more in age.
Village Chowhati is

and the family large settlement and

here we find 462 eligible couples.

Only 25 per cent

of these

couples reported to have ever-practised F.P. methods.

11 out of

25 per cent were found to have undergone sterilization operation,

of 51 cases of sterilized couples only and only 1 was explained by t
the Muslim.

The Hindus played the single dominant role in sterili­

zation-front. 74 per cent of 50 sterilized -hiindu couples reported
that they had opted for tubectomy operation.

Among the sterilized

Hindu wives those who were 51 years and more in age concentrated
maximum and they were possessing already 4 ana more living children

in most of the cases.

On the other hand, in going for sterilization

the Hindu couples of higher caste group evinced relatively greater
inclination than their counterparts in the lower caste group.

Inspite of this level of achievement the Ohowhati

couples did

not in general register any remarkable sir progress in family

planning field.

Village Kumarkhali
ilization-activities.

presented the poorest

picture of ster­

Here though 508 eligible couples were

recorded and 29 per cent of them reported to have ever-practised

F.P. methods, yet the sterilized couples were found in less than
one

;er cent cases.

The village was dominated mostly by the

“uslimg and none of the Muslim couples had opted for sterilization,

only a single cases of vasectomy and a single case of tubectomy

were evinced by two ^indu couples belonging to lower caste group.
-■one of the Hindu couples of higher caste group was also observed to

have sterilization.

In general, family planning activities were not of low
order in village KumarKhali, yet motivation for permanent method
of birth control was extremely lacking,

khen Kuniarkhali presented

relatively speaking the highest proportion of eligible couples
with F.j?. experiences among all the eight villages under study,
the same village should offer lesser resistance towards sterilization

programme.

This village

must be given top priority in augmenting

proper action programmes fro permanent birthcontrol method.

In any

case, the Hindu eligible couples who had already some F.P. activities
but larger number of swinting

children can be made the target

for the said sterilization programme.

For the Muslim couples of

the village extensive F.P, education programme has to be launched

to motivate them more and more within a short span.

TABLE: 1
DISTRIBUTION OB HUSBANDS REPORTING SMALLER FAMILY
(0-3 liVIiig CHILDREN) OR LARGER FAMILY (4 + LIVING
CHILDREN) BY SOCIAL GROUP. AGE GROUP AND FAMILY
PLANNING EXPERIENCE IN ELEVEN VILLAGES AND TWO
SELZ-URBAN SETTLEMENTS OF SONAHPUR P,S.,24PARGANAS DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL, 1974
Husbands reporting
Husbands reporting
no use of F.P.methods
use of F.P.methods

Social
Group/
age group

Ci)

Small Family Large To^al 3
witho- child- family chut ch- ren
ildren
ild
0
4+
1-3
■ (2J__ __ (J)____ _kA)___ (5)

VILLAGE:

9
53

47
51

62

42

-30
Muslim 31-40
41+

Total

41+
Total

G.Total
$

62
13.4
VILLAGE

-30
Hindu 31-40
41+

6

18
18

7

33
89
60

1
26
97

133
164

215

104

43

182

124

349

453 '

1

1

1

1
2

2
2

3
4

3
6

1

1

1

3

4

8

9

43
9.3

105
22.7

44
9.5

185
40.0

128
27.7

357
77.3

462
100.0

2

2

4

1
4

52

58
180

KUSUMBA

1

J

Total

Large Sub
Total
fami- Total
ly children
4+
(8)
.19)
(10) ■

CHOWHATI

6
38
18

Q
-50
Hindus1- 40

Small
Family
withchildout ch- ren
Ekild
0
1-3
16)
m___

1

1

4

Io. 2

2

7.14

L15

1
1

1
1

4
1
2

15
20
18

16
16

19
37
36

■ 38
56

E, Total

2

2

7

53

32

92

94

G.TOTAL

5
3.0

3
3.0

7
17.1

55
55.6

34
34.3.

96
97.0

99
100.0

-30
Muslim 31-40
41+

%

X

3.0

Continued

20

-2VILLAGE:

&
(2)

(-1)

(3)

HOGALKURIA

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

-30
Hindu 51-40
41+

7
1

7
20
6

1
10
38

19
37
45

20

2
1

1
7
3

11

5
2

X 0 u Q.~l

8

3

11

19

33

49

101

112

3
5

2
1

2
7
1

7
13

4
15
14

4
18

4

3
1

19

Total

4

4

8

3

10

20

33

41

G.Total

12
7.8

7
4.6

19
12.4

22
14.4

43
28.1

69
45.1

134
87.6

153
100.0

7
17
15

4
20

10
28

22
60

35

55

1

r30
ChrisiyanS1 -40
41+

VILLAGE:



'

44
48

KUMARKHALI

4
8

12
32
20

3
7

1

8
27
11

Total

6

46

12

64

10

59

24

73

»>7

-30
Muslim 31-40

1

6
9

4
4

7
13
4

7
6

25
51

16
57
74

25
70
78

147

171

308
100.0

-30
Hindu 31-40
41 +

4

4

9
26
19

Total

1

15

8

24

17

' 54

76

G.Total
$

7
2 .3

61
19.8

20

88
28.6

27
8.8

93
30.2

100

220

6.5

32.5

71.4
20

41+

VILLAkGE:

-30
Hindu 31~40

6
10

7
4
1

11
22

2
7

5

16

24

12

3

1

1
1

if

.12

Total

8

-30
Muslim 31-40
41+

1

Total
G. Total

1
9

n

7.0

13.3

41+

$

RAMGHALRRAPUR

1
12
11

1
6
1

20.3

-

20

33
26

21
45
37

38

29

79

103

2
5
2

2
9

5
7
11

5
8
12

- . .. .9 .
47
36.7
11.7

P

1.115’

_J2Xl _25_
128
102
79.7 ' 100.0
31.3

ITT
40

Continued,

VILLAGE:

(2)

(1)

(3)

5
6
11

4

4
6
2

9

9

18

12

19

1

1

1
10

G.Total

(7)

6
12

Total

12.4

3

3

i CT

J4

12
14.8

22
27.2

(8)

(6)

1
8

5

Total

(5)

6
7
6

-50
Hindu 31-40
41+

-30
Muslim 51-40
41 +

(4)

JA^HPUR

2
1

'3
15
18.5

2
5
1

(9)

(10)

10
18

10

14

24
26

42

60

4

1
5

7
6

4
8
9

■8

‘6

27
33.3

17
20.9

17
59
72.8

21
81
100.C

VILLAGE: NKIHIKTAPUR



-30

Hindu 31-40
41+

4
1

3
6

7
7

3
1
1

9
11
6

1
2
11

13
14
18

13
21
25

Total

5

9

14

5

26

14

45

59

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

26
42.6

15
24.6

47
77.0

61
100.C

18

-30
Muslim 31-40
41+

Total
GsTotal
5$

1

77

5
8.2

~r

9
14.8
VILLAGE

1
14
22.9

6
9.8

BjybAjbPOTA

-30 M'S
Hindu 31-40
41 +

1
5

1
6
19

2
11
19

3
5

14
17
8

1
15
25

57
53

20
48
52

Total

6

26

32

8

39

41

88

120

6
5.0

26
21.7

32
26.7

8
6.7

39
52.5

41
34.2

88
75.3

120
100.0

-30
Muslim 31-40
41+
Total

Go.Total

Continued

-4VILLAGE:

17

21
8
9

16
51
30

1
19
65

104

39 94
121

21

34

38

97

85

220

254

5

9
23

1
20
28

14
4
4

23
59
37

7
29
85

44
45
92 112
124 152

17

32

49

22

119

119

260

2

2
11

3
1
1

5
1

4
11

5

8

-JO

1

Hindu 31-40

7
5

9
12

Total

15

-JO
Muslin 51-40

1
11

41+

41+

Total

B0KH00GLY

1
16

-30
Christian 51-40
41+

1
4

Total

5

8

13

35
5.8

61
11.0

96
15.9

Gs.Total

1
7

65
10.8

224
37.1

38
78

309

5
10

5

13

12
24

15

28

41

219
36.25

508

60 4
100.C

84.1

VILLAGE: JAGANATHEUR
Hindu

-30
31-40
41+

3

3

3

Total
-50
Muslim 51-40
41+

Total
ro

K'CO

tv
Hindu

Total
-30
Huslim 51-40
__
41+
Total
G.Total


1

2
4
7

5

7

13'

5

5

2

7
5

19
35
18

14
50

27
56

27
56

73

73

18

72

66

156

156

18
10.7

77
45.6

71
42.0

166
98.2

169
100.C

6

VILLAGE
-30
51-40
41+

2

1
2

10

3

3
1.8

2

UKHILA

2

2

2

1

3

5

2
1

2
1
1

2
19
4

2
4
2.3

5
28
50
16.5

1
18
24
20
62

3
37
51
81
169
172
97.7

5
38
52
81
171
176
100.C

1

1
3
1.7

1
1
0.6

63
56.4

23
56
79
79
44.9

Oontinued.

............

-5-


Hindu

(1)
-50
31-40
41+

Tot 8.1
Liuslira

-50
51-40

4
1

ALL VILLAGES
(No. of eligible husbands: 2361)
(6). .
UF (52
(3J
70
105
1
18
23
58
40
100
144
235
140
140
21
42
97

7
88
290

182
381

451

205 '
525
591

9

160

158

507

149

480

385

1014

1321

1

9
23
5

10
36
37

56

88

13
32

23
21

175
117

9
112

153
310

273

411

165
346
448

37

45

83

100

380

394

874

957

5
2
1

4
12
'2

11

10
30

24

9
25
27
61

83

(2)

4

41+

1

Chr- -50
istan 51-40
41 +

1
8

1
4
8

1
5
16

Total

9

15

22

8

18

55

206
8.7

196'
8.5

412
17.4

257
10.9

878
37.2

814
54.5

W

Total

~T97j

3
10
48

ZB

G.Tot al

10
0.4

45

1949 2361
82,6 100.0

-50

du

31-40
41+

Total
Jfris- -30
31-40
xim
41+

Z

1
22
1

15

1

36

2

Total
G.Total
0.4

Hindu

-50
31-40
41 +

Total
Muslim -50
51-40
41+
Total
G.Totai
%

2
38
15.5

4
17
18
....3.9

39
15.6

7
20
27
Z
2
4

1
29
34
64
2
6

13

6
23

13
62
42

14
91
76

J,7
3
2
1

71
11
9
5

29
1
11

117
15
22

181'

13

19

25
96
39.2.

25
54
22.0

175
70.6

17
44
34
95

12
61
73

25
29
66
86
98 _121
189 _249

95
38.0

1
1
74
29.6

1
1
190
76.C

CO

Hin­

CA

SEMIURBAN: ELACHI

6
8
6
72
33
23
9.4
29.4
.... .15»5
SEMIURBAN: JAGABDAL
8
4
20
10
3
18
. 36
3
21
60
21

21
8.4

60
24.0

21
8.4

Continued

56

15
24
25

* 64_
245
100.

1
1
250
100C

-6-

SEKIURBAN AREA (ELACHI & JAGADDAL)
(No. of eligible couples: 495)
(1)
Hin-

-JO

du

31-40
41+

Total
Kuslira

-50
51-40

B

41+

(2)

(5)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

10

9

27
92
47

18

58

5
49
70

11
18

1

5
59
51

84

58
128
140

45
177
210

3

75

48

124

58

166

102

306

450

2

5
2
1

11
9
5

1
11
14

15
22
20

15
24
26

65

Total
G. Total

1
0,20

2

4

2
6

2

6

8

6

25

26

57

77
15.6

54
10.9

152
26.7

44
8,9

191
38.6

128
25.9

565
495
75.5 100.C

kJ H - 13-G
\

1

TABLE

Z

DISTRIBUTION OF HUSBANDS AND LIVES REPORTING
VASECTOMY OR TUBECTOMY BY SOCIAL GROUP,AGEGRCUP ALT NUMBER OF LIVING CHILDREN IN
DIFFERENT VILLAGES OF SONARPUR P.S., 24-PARGANAS
DISTRICT, VEST BENGAL, 1974.

i"o. or wives tbpomhg........ " “

----- NO Ui"WSbahd YeRbii'ing-

Vasectomy
Social
age-group
-55
56 +
group
children-?-0-3
4+
0~3
(3)(4)
(1)

total
4+
(5J___ 6)

Tubectomy .
age- group
-30
31 +
0 —3
4+
0—3
(7)
(8)
(9)

total
4+
(10) (11)

I
U
C
D
(12

VILLAGE: RAI.1CHAIIDRAPUR

(No,of eligible coupless 128)
1.Hindu hi­
gher Caste
2.Hindu Low6r Caste
■.All Hindus
4.Non Hindu
(Muslim)
All-groups

-

1

2

3

-

&

2

2

4

-

-

5

4





7
1

-



8

-

1

5

3

1

2

5

6

3

1

4

8

2
2

4
1

1
-

7
5

14
6

0
0

4

5

1

10

20

0

37.50 62.50 100.C 0 20.0025.00 5 ,00

50.00. 100.OC

VILLAGE: CHOWHATI
( No. of eligible couples: 462)

t.Hindu hig­
2
her Caste
«==»
2.Hindu Low­
er Caste
51-11-Hindus
2
^ILfon Hindu
,(muslim)_______

-



2

5.All-grpups
#

3

15 .38

12

7

2

4

q

22

0

1

1

2

2

4

7

15

0

8

13
-

9

4
-

8
-

16
1

37
1

0
0

8

13

9

4

8

17

38

0



5
-

7

23.08 61.54 100.C '0 23.68 10.53 21.05 44.74 100. )0

VILLAGE: KUMARKHAIjIUR
(No.of eligible coliples:308)

1.Hindu hig­
her Caste
2.Einc(u Lower
3.All-Hindus
4. Non Hindu
(Muslim)

5.All-groups

-

-

-

-

-

0

-

1
1

-

1
1
-

-

-

1
1
-

-

2
2
-

0
0
0



1

-

1

-

1

2

0

- 10C .0

0

50 .00

-

-

-

-

-



-

-

■r-

1
1
-



-

1

-

-

100.00

-

50.00 100.6 D

Continued

-2VILLAGE: NISCHIITTAPUR

____ (ifo .of eli pi bl e couples? 61)
15)'.() (5j
(6) T?7 (7/ CT)
1 • Hindu hig­
her-caste
~
2. Hindu Lower
Caste
3.All-Hindus

2

5

4

Ci O’) (TT?

777

6

0

1

7

0

2

y .lTcn Hindu
k Muslim)
5 .All-groups

4

2

2

50.0

2
50.0

7

6

1

4
1
100.0 14.

0

6
7
85.7 100.0

4
4

vj

T. Hindu higher
Caste
2. Hindu Lower
Caste
K .A1j -Hindus
4.Non Hindu
1
(Muslim)
All-groups
1
10.00

7

3

2

4

Q

ro vi

VILLAGE JAYANPUR:
(No. of eligible couples? 81)

7
3

3

2

4

9

4
44.5

100.0

5
3
2
10
4
40.00 50.0 100.0 '53«3 22.2

VILLAGE: LINGAL POTA
(Ho.of eligible couples? 120)

1. Hindu higher
Caste
2. Hindu Lower 1
Caste
3.A11-Hindus
1
4. Non Hindu
(Muslim)

5.All groups

5

7

1

4

11

16

1

5

7

1

4

11

16

1
14-3

5
71.4

1

1
14-3

1
4
7
100.0 6.3 25.0

16
11
68.7 100.0

VILLAGE: HOGALKURIA
(No. of eligible couples? 153)
1. Hindu higher
Caste
2. Hindu lower
Caste
5.All Hindus
4.Non Hindu
Christian)
5. All Caste

3

>3

3
3

3
3

1
1

3
3 ~g~

6
9
100.0

1
33.3

5

35.3 66.7

2x.-

3

s

2
2

3
3

5
5

5
2
2
66.7 100.0

0

VILLAGE: BOIT-HOOGLY
(No.of eligible couples: 6O4)
(2)

(1)

(.3.)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

1

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

1

1

2

4

1
2

1. Hindu bigher Caste

1

2.Hindu Lower 1
Caste
3. All-Hindud 1

1

3

1

6

1

3

2

5

11

2

3

1

7

1

4.

3

7

15

6

11

19

2

2

1

6

11

5.Christian

2

4

6

1

6. Non-Hindud 2

8

15

25

3

2

11

16

32

4

34.4

50.0

100.0

2

4.Muslim

3

2

9.4

6.2

7.All-groups
%

1

2

2

6

6

5

13

28

14.3 21.4

17.9

46.4

100.0

4

13

7

*
ALL VILLAGES • 8 VILLAGES
(No.of eligible couples: 1971)
(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

.(.1.0) . (11)

1,Hindu high- 2
er Caste
2.Hindu Lo~
2
v/er Caste
5.Hindu-all
4

1

6

11

20

10

4

5

20

59

1

1

14

12

29

7

16

7

54

64

7

2

20

23

49

17

20

12

54

103

8

3

1

10

18

(1)

3

t.Muslim
5.Christian

6

14

23

4

3

5

4

12

1

1

'12)

2

7

7

6.Non Hindus

3

3

11

18

35

5

3

2

10

20

7 rAll-groups

7

5

31

41

84

22

23

14

64

123

52.0

100,0 |

0

8.3

6.0

36.9

48.8

100.0 17-9

18.7

11.4

^A'V€UVlvv£>Cl

* 3 Villages: J agannathpur , Ukhila,

Vasectomy or "Jubectomy c ase •

did not report any

|

15

SEMIURBAN:

ELACHI

(No.of eligible couples:245)

(1)

(2)

1.Hindu hig­
her Caste
2.Hindu low­
er Caste
J.All-Hindus
4.Muslim
1

.(5)

(4 )__

(6)

2

6

1

1

2

5

5

8
1

4

UtTl.

(11)

(12)

4

5

10

1

5

3

2

10

18

2

3

4

6
1

15
1

28

3

1

1

11.11

3
1

2

1

1

4

3

6

7

16

52

100.0 9.4

18.8

21.9

50.0

100.0

SE’MI- URBAN: JAGGADAL
(No .of eli gible couples:250)
1
2
1

2

5

8

1

1

7.All groups 1
0

(10)

1

5.Christian

6.Non Hindu

(8)

5

3

55. 6

33.3

9

3



1.Hindu big- 1
her Caste
2.Hindu lower
Caste
3.All-Hindus 1
4. Mu slim
5.Christian
6.Non H-;ndu

2

3

2

5

2

2

4

6

14

4

2

7

3

2

6

11

22

7.All groups 1

4

2

7

5

2

6

11

"22" '2

14.5

57. 1

28.6

100.0 13.6

9.1

27-3

50.0

100.0

0

2


SEMI-URBAN AREAS
(No. of eligible couples

1.Hindu higher Caste
2.Hindu lo­
wer Caste
3.All-Hindus
4.Muslim

1

1
1

2

8

1

1

6

10

18

4

5

7

5

5

6

16

32

9

5

15
1

6

6
1

12
1

26
1

50

*

1
2
8

1
13

1
1
4
27-- --54- -

100.0 11.1

14.8

24.1

50.0

5.Christian
6.Non Hindus 1
7.All groups 2

$

0

56 .5 51.3

12.5

495)

5

5

1
16

3

100.0

3

TABLE Z

DISTRIBUTION OF HUSBANDS AND LIVES REPORTING
VASECTOMY OR TUBECTOMY BY SOCIAL GROUP,AGEGRCUP AND NUMBER OF LIVING CHILDREN IN
DIFFERENT VILLAGES OF SONARPUR P.S., 24-PARGANAS
DISTRICT, REST BENGAL, 1974.
'

TT6"' SI W1V6S ffepWtlh^
N6 'd'f' HU'febAha ieporcing
I
Tubectomy .
„ . ,
Vasectomy
age- group
._
social
age-group
U
-30
31 +
total c
group
~ 35
36 +
total
D
0-3
4+
0-3
4+
^children-? 0-3
4+
0-3
4+
(l)
"C'2T (3)
(.4)
(5) .. (6)
(7)
(»)
(9) . CIO) (Ji.). . .. (12
VILLAGE: RAMCHAIJDRAPUR
(No,of eligible couples:128)

1.Hindu hi­
gher Caste
2.Hindu Sowfer Caste
■ All Hindus
4.Non Hindu
(Muslim)
All-groups

%

-

-

1

2

-

&

2

2

4

-



7



3
-

4

-

1

1

-



3

8

3

5

2

1

6

3

1

4

8

2
2

4
1

1

7
-z
J

14
6

0
0

4

5

1

10

20

0

37.50 62 .50 100.C 0 20.0025 .00 5.00



5

50.00: 100.0C

VILLAGE: CHOWHATI
( No. of eligible couples: 462)

t.Hindu hig­
2
her Caste
<=.
2.Hindu Low­
er Caste
3.All-Hindus
2
^ffuon Hindu
.(Muslim)_______

7

12

7

2

4

9

22

0

<”



1

1

2

2

4

7

15

0

5

8





13
-

9



4
-

8
-

16
1

37
1

0
0

3

8

13

9

4

8

17

38

0

2

5.All-groups
0

3

23.08 61 .54 100.c '0 23.68 10.53 21,05 44.74 100. )0

15 .38

VILLAGE: KUMARKHALI’-1(No.of eligible couples:308)

1.Hindu hig­
her Caste
2.Hindu Lower
3.All-Hindus
4. Non Hindu
(Muslim)

5.All-groups
%

-

-

-

-


-

-

1
1
-

-

1
•J

-

-

-

-

1

-

1

-

-

100.00

- 100.0

-

-

-

-

0

-

1
1
-

-

1
1
-

2
2
-

0
0
0

-

1



1

2

0

0

50 .00



50.00 100.d

Continued.

-——------

_____
i» -ij.'cou nJ p-—
hercaste
°

V ILLA GE: I-TISCH1NTAPTJR

n. - -(Np.» of eligible couples: 61I)

(£>

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(&:I

(9)

(10) (11)

(12)

670

2541

2.Hindu Lower
Ccis “fee

0
2

5. All-Hindus
f»_Non Hindu
k I'-Iuslini)
5.All-groups

2

2
50.0

4

2
50.0

6

1

4
1
100. 0 14. 2

0

7

6
7
85-7 100.0

V'I1LAGS J A YANPUli:
(No. of eli cibl e counles: 81J

i» Hindu higher
Caste
2. Hindu Lower
Caste
ME.All-Hindus
4.Hen Hindu
1
(Muslim)
All-mroups
1
10.00

4

3

7

3

2

4

o

3
2

7
3

3

2

4

9

.4 _
44.5

g
100.0

4 .5
2
10
3
40.00 50.0 100.0 33«3 22.2

.

VILLAG3: DINGAL POTA
(No.of eligible couple s: 120)

1. Hindu higher
Caste
2. Hindu Lower 1
U 16
5ZAll-Hindus
1
4. Non Hindu
(Muslim)

1

5.All groups
1
fb
14.3

7

5

1

5

1
14.3

5
71.4

7

1

4

11

16

1

4

11

16

1
4
7
100. 0 6.5 25.0

16
11
68.7 100.0

VILLAGE: HOGALKURIA
(No. of eligible couples: 153)
1. Hindu higher
Ca ste
2. Hindu lower
Ca
3 • All Hindus
4. Non Hindu
Ch ristian)
0 • All Caste

A'

2x

3

1
1

2
2

•z

1
33.3

7
*
66

>3

3
3

3
5

3
b

55.3 66.7

3
3

6
9
100.0

2

3
100.0

5

0

VILLAGE: B01J-H00GLY
(No.of eligible couples: 6O4)
(1)

(2)

b)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

1

1

2

4

1

2

1.Hindu hig­
her Caste

1

2.Hindu Lower 1
Caste
S.All-Hindud 1

1

3

1

6

1

3

2

5

11

2

3

1

7

1

4

3

7

15

6

11

19

2

2

1

6

11

5 .Christian

2

4

6

1

6. ITon-Hindu4 2

8

15

25

3

2

2

6

11

16

32

4

6

5

13

28

34.4

50.0

100.0

17.9

46.4

100.0

4.Muslim

2

3

2

9.4

6.2

7.All-groups

1

1

14.3 21.4

4

2
13

7

*
ALL VILLAGESt 8 VILLAGES
(No.of eligible couples: 1971)

. (2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

. (7)

.(8)

(9)

.(.10).

(ll) . . J21

1•Hindu high- 2
er Caste
2.Hindu Lo2
wer Caste
5.Hindu-all
4

1

6

11

20

10

4

5

20

59

1

1

14

12

29

7

16

7

34

64

7

2

20

23

49

17

20

12

54

103

8

3

1

10

18

(1). .

3

fc..Muslim

5.Christian

6

14

23

4

3

5

4

12

1

1

2

7

6. Hon Hindus

3

3

11

18

35

5

3

2

10

20

7

7 vAll-groups

7

5

31

41

84

22

23

14

64

123

15

6.0

36.9

48.8

100.0 17.9

18.7

11.4

52.0

100.0

0

8.3

* 3 Villages: J agannathpur , Ukhila,
Vasectomy or ■Jubectomy case.

did not report any

Table B: distribution of population by age and sex in 10 out
of 13 villages surveyed in Sonarpur p.s., 24-Barganas 1974

Sex

T£7
*" ■-{ f )

AGE GZiOUPX&siXri v? POPULATION

Total
15-24 25-34 35-44 45-59 60+
___ L2J __QL_JLil___ GJ....—___ QLL—Jjj
0-4

5-14

1 • KI SC Ki TA x'U it

sale
female
total
percent­
age

54
40.
94

23
20
43

94
80
174

8.51

34. 46 18.61 4
13
*7710.30
\

33'
35
68

16
13
29

23
22
45

27’
25
52

270
235
505



3.9.1'- 5
71
*

3QO4OO

60
44
104

36
35
71

677
619
1296

5.48

100.00

2. UKii-. AA

a&le
feiuele

90
72

199
222

total

162

421

percent­
age

12.55 32. 49 16.82 14.35 10.34 8.02

130
- 88
218

83‘
103'
186

79'
55
134

3. JAGArtaAi’HPbH

male
female

71
93

200
177

121
85

77
90

total
percentage

164
13.77

377
31.65

206
17.30

167 ' 112
14.02 9.40

4•
male
female
total
percentage

132
136
268
12.56

351
317
668
31.30

a .* - * * i u.~

204
135
339
15-88

66
46

53
47

33
32

621
570

100
8.40

65
5-46

1191
100.00

95
75
170

50
65
115
5.39

1139
995
2134
100.00

34
27
61
3.92

826
729
1555
100.00

35
25
60

571
526

A i4 J.

163
174
337
15.79

144
93
237
11011

7.97

5«KuSUMBA
male
female
total
percentage

115
113
228
14.66

271
213
484
31.13

x149
123
272
17.49

100
117
217
13.95

72
62

85
74
159
10.23

.134
8.62

35
56
111
10.12

56
41
97
8.84

6. HOGOLKJklA

male
females
total
percentage

78
67
145
13.22

190
195
385
35.10

67
78
168

55
64
131

15.31

11.94

5.47

contd

1097
100.00

f

4'0
Table B:

continued

7. JAYAAfUa
30
32
62

male
female
total
percentage

11.52

0
male
female
total
percentage

56
42
98
18.22

91
85
176
32.71



percentage

25
17
42
7.81

9

20

280
258

29
5.39

538
100.00

40
42
62

7.74

29
36
op
6.13

520
540

137
12.92

61
43
104
9.81

141
136

125
66

59
74
133
7.68

59
48
107
6.18

916
815
1731
100.00

12.27

8>• HA -xC HAisJJRAPUH
79
72
151
14.25

90
93
183
17.26

152
186
338
31.89
9.

male
feaale
total

38
27
65
12.08

31
35
66

112
87
199
11.50

283
249
532

30-73

69
68

1OdO

10b.GO

11 AC HI
137
155
292
16.87

277
191
16.00 11.04

10.SlaGALPOfA

sale
51
female
total
percentage

47
51
98

10.73

170
59
151
321
35.16

99
55
59
158
17.31

60
11
55
115
12,59

40
12
41
81
8.87

44

23

483

42
86
9.42

31
54
5.92

913
100.00

121
100
221
241
12.83 11.76

93
64
157
8.36

59
68

979
90C

127
6.76

1879
100.00

155
157
312
9.41

128
122
250
7.54

1736
1579
3315
100.00

213
172
385
8.97

121
85
206
4.80

2234
2056
4290
100.00

988
859
1847
8.59

632
607
1239
5.76

11252
10252
21505
100.00

430

11.JAGADDAL'
male
female
total
percentage

94
80

262
281

174
9.26

543
28.89

male
female
total
percentage

185
171
356
10.74

480
471
951
28.69

female
feiale
total
percentage

278
324
602
14.03

731
706
1437
33.50

able
female
total
percentage

1334
1318
2652

3474
3333
6807
31.66

231
185
416
22.14

119
122

12. 0o/u. .IA'1’1

12.33

200
348
240
182
323
153
422
671
353
20.24 12.73 10.65
'Gitl
13.
246
220
425
259
217
293
718
505
437'
16.74 11.77 '10.99
AXiXj V
1261
2134 y1429
1440
996
1699
2669
225.7
3833
17.62
13.34 10.50



'r.cle C: Distribution of household by its size in 10 out of 13
villages surveyed in Sonarpur p.e., 24-parganae, J974
size of household
4—6
7-9 . . 10+
1-3
villas©

Total

__

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

1. Hischintapur

10
12.82

35
42.31

25
32.05

10
12.82

78
100.0C

2. Ukhila

66
27 • 50

92
38.33

67
27.92

15
6.25

240
100.0C

3. Jagannathpur

35
17.10

87
45.08

50
25.91

23
11.91

193
W0.0C

4. V.uaarkhali

S3
22.31

158
42.47

99
26.61

32
8.60

372
100.OC

5« Sususiba

48
17.39

138
50.00

73
26.45

17
6.16

276
100.0C

31
16.'9 4

82
44.81

55
30.05

15
8.20

183
100.ee

7« Jayenpur

20
20.62

52
53.61

. 17
. 17.52

8
• Be 25

97
100.0C

■3. fiarachandrapur

38
21.59

71
40.34

49
27.84

18
,
10.23

176
100.0C

9. Elachi

67
22.04

133
43.75

79
25.99

25'
■ 8.22

304
' 10.00

10. lingelpota

31
19.87

61
39.10

53
33-97

11
7.06

156
100.0C

1’. Jagaddal

41
13.76

137
45.97

90
30.20

30
10.07

298
100.0C

12. Chauhati

112
19.6b

237
41.65

165
29-00

55
9.67

569
loo.OC

13. Bonhogli

127
17.86

30g
42,76

217
30.52

63
8.86

711
100.0(

ALL VILLAGES

707
19.35

1585
43.39

1039
28.44

322
8.82

3653
100. OC

(D

6.

.ogolkvria

Table L; distribution of family and average numbar of person per
family by community/caste affiliation in 10 out of 13
villagee surveyed In Sonarnur p.e., 24-ptrgannB, 1974
Go^iiunitv
Caste affiliation.

number of
families

_1JJ_____________ _ ____ L2J_________

persons
..

pu. TGOn pe rfeiJ 11

. . (3)

14)

1, ki 5 C it I .■< 1’ .. ? U k

f

(a) Hindu;
High or ste
'iddle n
Low

All Hindus

4
64
8
76

18
441
30
489

A. 5
6.9
3.8
6.4

(b) Muslims
Total (a
b)
*

2
78

16
505

8.0
6.5

2. Uruil'LA

(a) HSndii i
High cacte
r iddle '*
Low ”
-on-Bengali
All Hindue
(b) Husiis:
Total(as b)



3
3
8 .
3
17
223
240

5
20
56
7
81:
1208
1296

1.7
5-3
/ ♦' '
5.2
5.4
5.4

3. J AG ASi ■■ A ? i s i U ii

)Hindus
High caste
Ed. dale "
Low "

4
11
0

29
71
0

i •3
6.5

X

All Hindus
(b) Huhlim :
Total (a+b)

15
178
193

100

6.7
6. 1
6.2

1091
1191

4. hb'ik.i.ri.Aiil

(a) iJinau :
High baete
aidale "
Low "
i.on—lL ngali

All Hindus
(b) Muslin:
Total (a+b)

76
25
55
9

417
126
323

■ 165
207
372

■ 893

B* Z

1241
2134

6.0
>* i

5.5
5.0
5.9
wO

27

Continued

1

r

1+

-able

(a) Hindu:
High caste
Biddle
Low ”
.'on-ik ngali

Ds

(continued)
5. K u s ’J

is a

48
11
57
1

5.6

278
53
340
6

9
*
6
6.3

All Hindus

117

677

>.8

ft) Muslim;
Total (&+b)

159
276

878

5.5
5.6

6. hOQuLHU.-.IA

(a) Hindu:
ic,h caste
middle "
Low
M



0
151
0

0
788
0

6.C

All Hindu

151

788

6.0

(b) Christian ;
Total ( e+B)

52
183

309
<097

5.9
6.0

0

7. JAYBHPUR
(a) Hindus
High caste
middle "
low n

0
0
68

0
0

All-ilindue:

68

573

5.5

(b) Muslim:

28

159

5.7

(c) Christan :
Totil (a+b-J-c)

1

6
538

6.0

97

«

. —
373

8.A A M. 0:. A AL..‘■i PL *



(a) Hindus
High caste
middle "
Low "
Non-Bengali

1'5
50
81
1

All Hindus 44

145

(b) Muslins
Total (a
b)
*

>1
176

!

75
285
474
2

5.8
5.7
5.9
0

836

,j.e

224
1060

6.0

b. SL AC H 1
(a) Hindus
igh caste
middle "
Low "
Mon-Bengali
All Hindus
(b) Muslin:
Total (a+b)„

69
67
88
9
233
71
304

561
379
518
31
1289
442
1731

i'.i
> •9
3.4
5.5
6.2
5.7

'

Table: I).

10. DIWGEL20TA
(a) Hindus
High caste
Ciudlt ”
Low
«
All Hindu

0
0
155
155

0
0


907
9u7

j.g

6
913


5.9

104
23
168
2

630
130
1101
9

6.1
5.7
6.6
4.5

297
/ 1
298
12. UHAifilAXl

1870
9
1879

6.3
9.0
6.3

(a) Hindu:
High caste
middle n
Low ”

259
54
241

1514
312
.1417

5.8
5.8
5.9

All Hindus
(b) -luslim:
Total (a+b)

556
13
569

3249
66
3315

5.8
5.1
5.8

(b) Christian
Total (a+b)

1
156
11. Jagaddal

(a) Hindus
High caste
middle "
low
'• on-15 eng al i

All Hindus
(b) Muslim:
Total (a-rb)

13. BOfcfiUGLI
(a) Hindu:
High caste
middle **
Low caete

21
32
256

125
207
1519

6.0
6.5
5-9

All Hindus
(b) Muslim:
(c) Christian:
Total (a+b+c)

309
348
54
711

1851
2131

6.0
6.1
5.7
6.0

4290

ALL VILLAGES
(a) Hindu:
High caste
middle "
bow "
Son-Bengali
All Hindus
(b)(j.'uelin :
(c) Christian :

601
471
1185
27
2284
1261
108

3452
2812
7058
88
13410
7465
629

5.7
6.0
6.0
3.3
5.9
5.9
5.8

Total (a+b+c)

3653

21504

5.9

Table E. Dietribution of persons lay level of education in
10 villages surveyed in Sonarpur p.e., 24-pa.rganrie, 1974

Village

(1)

J.evel of education
Illiterate literate School
(4)
(2)
(3)

Total

College
(5)

(6)

1. Kischintapur

209
(41.4)

91
(18.0)

194
(38.4)

11
(2.2)

505
(100.0)

2. Ukhila

736
(56.8)

224
(17.3)

318
(24.5)

18
(1.4)

1296
(100.0)

J. Jagc.nim.tbpur

768
(64.5)

148
(12.4)

253
(21.2)

22
(1.9)

1191
(100.0)

4. KuMarkhali

934
943.8)

272
(12.7)

854
(40.0)

74
(3.5)

2134
(100.0)

Kusuaba

730
(47.0)

154
$9.9)

621
(39.9)

50
(3.2)

1555
(100.0)

6. .iogolkuria

875
(79.8)

89
(8.1)

131
(11.9)

2
(0.2)

1097
(100.0)

•7. Jay en our

371 ,
(69.0)

21
(3.‘9)

133
(2 .7)

13
(2.4)

538
(100.0)

8. ^amchandjapur .

547
(51,6)

97
(9.2)

399
(37.6).

1?
(1.6)

IvtO
(100.0)

9.Elaohi

698
(40.3)

137
(7.9)

719
(.1.6)

177
(10.2)

1731
(100.0)

W.Singolpota

577 •
(63.2)

50
(5.5)

268
(29.4)

18
(1.9)

913

11. Ja^eddal

649
3A6

196
10.4

933
49.6

101
5.4

1879
100.0

12. Chauhati

1248
37.6

426
12.9

1519
45,8

122
5.7

3315
(100.0)

13. Loniiugli

2778
64.8

347
8.1

1126
26.2

39
0.9

32
(100,0)

XjuXsAUi^S

11120
51.6

2252
10.5

7468
34.8

664
3.1

21540
100.0

5o

"

0)

kb
xaVlc r. Distribution of total labour force and persons gainfully
employed by sex and agc-groups
□ e x



tttcT

’ total" i?oroc-ns "persons gainfully'””' eapIoyEcl
in age-group (working force) in age-group

working

force
15.^A™.A$=5X„.. GOi
A —ZEl«_j£L_. IZZXvIZZZ
JZEZLZZZGlIZZZZZ

...

1. illsohintapur
2
"48
0
2
52
~2

49

9

53

9

108

male
female
total

140
_ 119...
259

male
female

352
290

2. Ukhila
3
152
131
23
309
0
6
21
4
31

^

~H^8
----------------------------~
------_
'

male
female
total
percent

517
268
585

3. Jaganna tli.;.>ur
9
0
‘ 9
CL<U

male
female

606
477

sale
female
total
percent
male
female

£erSeSl„_(j^0taL_^._8X_^

8
Hb

(4£.8),.

TotaX""'''"”'"T42’
^2£S£Sk™ra3120j£).--„



4.

Kumarfchali.
232
5

238
13

30
7

391
___ ?85_,„
776

5. lusuaba
0
174
0
6
0
180

155
13
466

22
__ 1 _
2T~

268
23.9

6, Uogolkuria
7
130
1
22

110
24

29
2

4
1

ToEZT~’~~‘“"ToW7...” 530 —

504
26

_

351
20
Th

276
49

percent

7. Jayenpur
xesaxe
total
jwreont

iz 1
s
"J
4
V _ »V
_r(r
271
3
__ (100.0)... . _ (1.1)
(24.4) (26.2) .,.(2.6)., ____ (54 <5)

male
female
total
percent

260
246
5O6

male
female

462
430
892
(100.0)

total

percent
□ale
female
total
percent

243
440'
(100.0)

8 * i-iaachondranur
114
95
7
3
». 22
10
f33
117
(2.0)

,

22

6
C.<3
15a2L-_



238
50
&QO
.Jil_

9. Elachi
34
181
19
201
6
49
- 22_- 1
35
210
25
250
(2.8)
(28.0) _JA2.s^L-Jjiail

435
85
520

10. Bxngelnota
19
8
117
85
2
16
1
11
Tf
T
^28
T01
.81
(2.0)
(29.1). .J^sOJL

2 9
30
&9

M-7
lablv F. (contd.)
t. tul persons
persons gainfully employed.
in age-group
(working force) .n age-gr up
15-59
. 15
60+
- 15-34 3^9
..161__ __
___
_LLL_

sex

J£L

....... ....11) _

male
fcm:?.lc_ _
total
rorcent

564
m
iW
(100.0)

1
1

male
female
total
pox’cent

943
815
1758
.. (.100.01..

male
female
total
percent

1104
941
"2(115
(100.0)

male
female

5800

_

""total
working
f 0:
.(T)ce


11 • £02105^21
198

42
209
450
16
. 43
S
225
493
^£21^1,_J11 -11.. C4..5.). .. .
(47.6)

21

2
±0^.2)-

219

12. Chauhatl

uOK-lJ.

________________

6

6
12
,(o?zi

76
334
339
28 _ 47
10
3<72
386
86
(20.5) (22.0) 14.91

755
91
846
..

13. Ban Iluflli
34
537
423
99
11
80 .....93
4.
516
1 To
38
617
JLL..91 ..... (30.1) ..(25.2) (5...41
ALL
102
24

VILLAGES
2432
268
CfW

2193
2LL
fjut

436
56

JL48±11~
1093
188
1281
(62.6)

....

„.

5163
662
30^2

fable G, Distr bution of persona by aux and marital ototua
a e x

unmarried

ZH_

atatua of
mar > ■ Led

persona
widowed

JjJL. _

<£)

male
18V
female ...
ISl.
total
306
:ercent „J61.0J .

total
divorced
__ _________

CJ) .

0
......... 0
0
•*

270

1• Hisehin;ts&as
88
i
22
_ 86.
174
23

. .(MsSL

male
x dnctXc
total

441
329
770
(59.4)

2. Ukhila
223
225
448
(34.6)

male
female
total

415
_J08
723
(60.7)

male
£em:.4Lp.
total

747

...

505
(100.0)

15
62

0
3

75
(5.8)

(0.2)

677
619
1296
(100.0)

5. Jara:nnathpur
197
61
... 199. ...
396
69
(35.2)
(5.8)

1
2
3
(0.3)

621
_ 570
1191
(100.0)

1139

4. Kumarkhali

male
female
total

male
female
*boixi X

.

379
-32Z
756
(35.4)

13
X4
107
(5.0)

0
1
•1
(0.1)

948
(61.0)

5. Kusumba
259
259
518
(33.3)

11
75
86
(5.5)

2
3
(0.2)

366
291
657
(59.9)

6. nogolkurlt
6
199
198
37
397
43
(36.2)
(5.9)

1270
(59.5)

__

555

_.Ji23 .

2134
(100.0)

1

0
0
0



826
729
1555
(100.0)
571
526

" "■ WF“
(100.0)

7.
male
female

93
' 96

184
130

3

0

280

(6.5)

-

(100.0)

52
—-- .....
. 0Q-- — 258

(58.4)

(35.1)

male
female
total

334
312
646
(60.9)

8* kamch^ndrapur
170
13
174
66
344
(6.2)
(32.5)

male
female

593
.A.1.8
1011

□ale
female
Total

325
... 229
.
554
(60.7)

_52_

.

9. Olaohl
308
14
□2
£10
(35. *7)
(5.5)
10. Qin.°:elpota
6
152
.. .145. _ _.....
54 60
297
(6.6)
(32.5)

3
1
4
(0.4)

520
____ _ 540
wdo^
(100.0)

1
5
(0.4T^

916
815
(100.0)

0
2
2
(0.2)

483
430
,9b
(100.0)

___

3J8
(60.8)

11 f z^ap,addal
323
316
T54T0T

(4)
12
86
(5.2)

(5)
0
0
-

(6)
979
900
~Tioo.o)

male
female
total

1128
8.57
1965
(59.3)

12. Chaubati
586
577
1163
(35.1)

19
161
180
(5.4)

3
4
7
(0.2)

1736
1579
3315
(100.0)

male
female
total

1468
1136
2604
(60.7)

737
7J8
1475
(34.4)

28
_U5._______
203
(4.7)

1
7
8
(0.2)

2234
2056
4290
(WO.O)

male
female
total

7381
5531
12912
(60.0)

ALL VILLAGES
3714
3700
74U
(34.5)

145
-J24
1141
(5.3)

10
27
37
(0.2)

11252
10252
21504
(100.0)

(1)
male
female .

(2)
*164

13. Ban Hugli

Table H.

Distribution of family type over the villages

Village
with
identification
V2
V1
o
A
LZ)___ (8)___
___ ■bJ__ (6)
(1)________ (5) . (5)_
1
6
1
16
1. Single member 2
4
15
2.2
2.1
1 .0
2.6
0.5
4.3
6.3
2
1
2
2
5
2. Single member 3
3
5.2
1.6
0.8
0.5
3.8
0.7
& •complex'
0.5
11
21
6
12
1
3
3
3. Married
2.2
6.0
5 «6
3.1
couple
1.3
5-() 1.6
1
0
0
0
0
3
4. Married couple 0

0.4
1.7
&•complex'
-

Family type

number
Zs
V10
*8
__ LloL.___ LLU._
6
10
4
2.6
3.3
3.4
2
0
4
1 .1
2.6

12
6
2
3.9
5.4
1.3
2
1
1
0.6
0.6
0.7

V

11
LlgJ__
6
2.0
1
0.3
4
1.3
1
0.3

V

12
(W_
27
4.7
6
1.0
20
3.5
2
0.4

v13
. (14)
26
3.7
2
0.3
24
3.4
5
0.7

All.
villages
----- (15)
124
3.4
33
0.9
125
3.4
16
0.4

5. Nuclear

138
125
44
56 »4 57.5 64.8

222
59.7

187
67.8

12$
66.1

62
63.9

1B2
105
59.6
59.5

S0S98
62.8

185
62.2

393
53.3

4ft?
62.5

2216
60.7

6. Nuclear +
'Complex'

2
2.6
20
25.6
6
7.7

8
2.2

10
3.6
45
16.3
19
6.8

4
2.2
50
16.4
12
6.6

0

16
. 16.5
10
10.3

7
4.0
36
20.5
13
7.4

10
3.3
49
16.1

5
3.2

35
21 .2

40
13.2

9
5.7

6
2.0
49
16.5
46
15.4

22
3.9
111
19.5
78
13.7

17
2.4
130
18.3
62
8.7

105
2.9
669
18.3
365
10.0

711
569
(100.0) (100.0)

3653
(100.0)

7. Joint
(extended)
8. Joint +
'complex'

13
5.4
42
17.5
18
7.5

1
0.5
33
17.0

75
20.2

24
12.4

28
7.5

176
276
372
304
97
Q. ALL TYPES
78
183
240
193
(percent) (100.0) (100.0)(100.0)(100.0)(100.0)(100.0)(100.0)(100.0)
___________________ . _______________________ (100.0)

156
298
(100.0)(100.0)

5{
Table I. Disti’ibution of gainfully employed persons by occupation ~
affiliation
Village :

_J2X

. —

Occupational affiliation of the gainfully s
employed pors-jna ~
Agriculim-e : Labourers Service : Business
HI . ....
(2T
V5J. ...

Total

44
14.2
241
45.4
155
41.8
19
5.8
24
16.3

32
27.6
50
14.7
36
11.7
95
17.6
76
20.5
12
3.7
15
10.2

116
(100.0)
340
(100.0)
309
(100.0)
530
(100.0)
371
(100.0)

154
53.5

92
32.0

41
1 »2

£288
(100.0)

1
0.2

155
29.8

298
57.3

66
12.7

520
(100.0)

10. Dingel: ota

4
1.5

190
73.4

48
18.5

17
6.6

259
(100.0)

11. <T ui£jciddul

4
0.8

136
27.6

248
50.3

105
21.3

493
(100.0)

12. Chaukati

0
0.0

259
30.6

4? 7
50.5

160
18.9

846
(100.0)

13. Ban Hugli

5
0.4

917
71.6

159
12.4

200
15.6

1281
(100.0)

AZiJj v ZI>«u.xG&b

47
0.8

2974

1901
32.6

903
15.5

5825
(100.0)

1 . Mochintapur

1
0.9
19
5.6
3
1.0
9
1.7
0

0
“»
0


50
43.1
156
46.5
226
73.1
187
35.3
140
37.3
294
90.5
108
73.5

a. hamchandra pur

1
0.3

9. Blacbi

2

Ukhila

3. J agannathpur
4. Kumarkhali

5. Kusumba



6 . liogalkuria

7. Jayenpur

51.1

33
28.4
113
33.2

325
(100.0)
147
(100.0)

TOblc J.

’ ■ >;rlbutiwH of !<•
• v. • Seine
c..-.:
Ity/c?. V: gfoup ver'

B e a g al" j." - "a p
ex

a te

T.' •■■:"■£JTTcV;,3™......
caste crate
oaatt

m. :zl:

234
sale
11
f riale 7
207
•‘.'.■T
both
18
sexes (>•<'.} (37.5)

.•

50

>6

J

T

ri H

both

11

1 ‘ Sitchin TO,our.
261
9
228
7
4'iT ‘ - "‘"TO '
(5.9)
(T.j)
(5.2)
16
i.

s -le
16
£<,3 le 1>
both
2’9
exes (2.4)

34
57
71
(6.0)

(.:,;0
(6.5)
56
81
■J • T:^' i.(l Ml J’
0 ’
50
0
5v
0
TOO
(8.4)

Bale 218
iu-..
rrtT 7T7
;exeo(13.0}

77 '


175
14B

Eith TO. J (1.6)
20
sexes
5

<5 .*

a le 150
fun lei23
bow
(18.0)
*
,cxc<

sale
■fetn -lc
Krth
sexes

(6.3) (15.3)

€23
...
G-. 7}
1208

■37.1
1091
Cyl.5)

..ilAOdO'S^Li

!

470
,
"•.TGCj
(41.1)

655
17:^1"’”'
(58.9)

5. , a.H;:aba
23
177
355
467
„ JTO
163
25 6____>VL
>> ““Tro
6’71
* oTO
(;.4i (21.9)
(4>.5)
(56.7)

7. iftXdiEiil,
123
0
193
180
m _ 0
TOO ... . .
_
0
0 ' ^373 ''
w
69.3
69.3

0

84

TO 9
29.6 .

S • -;ar:iohar4ir?irur
137
226
sale
41
fe-v?le .4
146
248
■?5
28$
both
se ®s (7.1) (26.5)t (45.0)

both

sale 182
fc»ale179
sexes
>61
21 .2

sale
0
feaale 0
both sexes
0

206
175
>79
2: ,5

5.
271
...247
5W
30.5

u04

114
110

eTO4
(79.0)

(21.0)

659
74.0

241
201
4TO
26.0

10. Dlp^lbota
0
475
479
0
0 . . AT______ Age....______ 0
0
T7
>07
0

..

»1. fngaS&gX

... .................................. 1±
;,..
J! 4
f: " It .0:
:;

70
60

. ■■ ■
525

6.9

58.9

it'.

: "‘1

saxes 3 .7

/2>

7

‘->
0

970
891

■:■
4
J

■,■

99.5

0.5

-

I

<ffl
695
.

i

(1QO.C?)

T^,ble 13:

Distribution of women by marital status
Village: lifflHHOOGLY

age-group

Marital status of women
unmarried
married
widowed
(5)
(2)
(4)

(1)

*
HINDUS
420

0-14
13-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

1

77
97
82

45
1
1
-

51
308

467
53.9

35.5

1
6
20
65
92
10.6

Total
(5)

(48.5)
(14.2)
(12.0)
(11.9)
(13.4)
867 (
(100.0)
421
123
104
103
116

MUSLIMS

552

)0-14
15-24

39
-

25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

-

1
10?
155

**

78

7
50
68
6.6

55
376
36.2

593
57.2

2
1

553
148
136
85
115 ■1037
(100.0)

(53.3)
(14.3)
(13.1)
(8.2)
(11.1)

67
21
15
23
21
145
(100.0)

(46.2)
(14.5)
(9.0)
(15.9)
(14.4)

CHRISTIANS

67
8
1
-

0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

76
52.4

-

-

13
12
21
8
54
37.2



2
13
15
10.4

* 7 Hindu women with, ’divorce’ status not included
age—group

Distribution of married women
by numb ox* of cMldTcn"Tsurviving)
0
1
2
4
5+
3

0—14
15-24
25-34
35-44
*
45
all
ages

0
33
7
2
1
43
14.0

0-14
*
15-25
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

1
29
3
4
4
41
10.9

HINDUS
0
0
0
0
0
10
14
5
11
24
19
33
16
11
12
35
2
22
12
5
81
38
45
67
14.6
26.3
12.3
211.8
MUSLIMS
0
0
0
0
0
20
29
17
9
3
46
11
30
14
31
8
12
5
45
4
11
11 10
6
13
64
63
55 46
107
14.6 12.2
17.0
16.8 28.5

1
15
5
5
8
34
11.0

Total
1 (0.3)
77 (25.0)
99 (32.2)
81 (2b.3)
50 (16.2)
308 x
(100.0)

1 (o.3)
107 (28.5)
135 (35.9)
78 (20.7)
55 (14.6)
, 376 (
(100.0)

TOTAL HEALTH CARE PROJECT : 1971
*
Supplementary Motes to the INDEX. REPORT (February 1975)
SOME ASPECT OF NATALITY BY SOCIAL GROUPS

In the villages and semi-urban settlements surveyed in Sonarpur P.S.
the

households were found to possess on average about 6 persons and the small

(1-3 persons) and medium ( Lp — 6 persons) - sized households together accounted

icr 63 out

of every 100 cases.

On the other hand, in the total population the

ever—married persons of both sexes explained lj.0^ cases.
rural and

The population size of these

semi-ruban habitats was, thus, very largely depended on the natality

behaviour of these ever-marrieds.

Currently the married

couples formed not

mor than 35 per cent and eventually they would continue to influence future pop­

ulation magnitude along with those who would commence new procreative families.

On the

other hand, out of total 10252 females found in 3653 households

of the given survey area we find that the married females alone (irrespective
of age) stood for 36 percent.

These married females were distributed in varying

strength over the villages.

Consequently, it is imperative that one should know

the specific numerical strength of the married females in each village where any
family welfare programme may be organised.

Moreover, spa social group wise strati­

fication of the married females has to be

sifted out in giving effective service

to the families concerned.

From our

survey—findings it is noticed in each of

the villages Kumar khali and Hogalkhuria as well as in semi-urban Elachi the
proportion of married females to the total female

population was relatively

highest (38$), where as in villages Ramchandrapur and Dingelpota

2

the married females explamied only 32)? and 34$ respectively

of the total female population of individual

village.

In

Kumarkhali village the Muslim families dominate, but in Hogal—

kuria it is the low caste Hindus who were the major Social Group.
In Elachi the Hindus and the Muslims were present in patching strength.

the circumstances, it is quite evident that family welfare programme
meant for Kumarkhali has to be largely oriented to suit primarily the

family building attitude and procreative behaviour of the Muslim

couples, but the same has to be different for Hogalkuris or Elachi.
Taking kkx cue to these examples, some general and some particular
family planning activities are required

to be organised in time with the

population characteristics of each habitat under question.
The second Socio-demographic indicator of natality
performances of the couples concerned is immediately related to the

magnitude of women who were in the child-bearing ages between 15 and

i|2| years.

There might be some child-bearing women below 15

44 yrs, but their strength would

yrs or above

not be decisive to influence the

general fertility ratio ( child—women ratio) in the given papulation.

In many parts of the world where systems of registering births are
eit .er lacking or very inadequate the measure of general fertility
ratio is especially useful to reflect on the nature and trend of
fertility in the population consumed.

In this respect two

Tables A and B are appended below to indicate social group-wise
general fertility ratio in each of the rural and semi-urban settlements
under survey.

The quantitative findings given in these two tables are

expected to help the adminisstratbrs of any family welfare planning pro­
grammes in fixing priority of work.

Under

3

In general it is interestingly found that the general

fertility ratio among the Hindus as a whole was relatively the lowest
(5I4), but among the Muslims the same was very high (8I4).

The Christians

Now looking into the state of affair

came in between these co inn unities.

per sample village it would be evident that the child-woman ratio among

the Hindu s only fluctuated very widely between the low of 2I4 (Jagannathpur)
and the high of 76 (Hogulkuria).

Naturally, the women of child-bearing

ages in Hogalkuria village have to be accorded the first priority in making
them understood the boon of smaller number of children per couple.

This

Hogalkuria is a village of low caste Hindus among whom the poor, illiterate
families of Teor caste dominate most consipiciously.

In this village only 137

omen falling within 15-IpU yrs were found among the Teors.
In contrast, number of children under 5 yrs per 100 women
of child-bearing ages among the Muslims only varied between a low of 50

(Nischintapur) and a high of 92 (Kusumba).
in Kusumba village have to be given
general fertility ratio.

Eventually, the families residing

foremost attention to curb down the

There were in Kusumba only 170 women in ths

given child-bearing age and they should immediately be contacted by the
family planning workers.

Another point of

interest is

that in each sample

village where the Muslims formed a sizable group general fertility ratio was
alwaysmuch higher than what was found for other communities.

In this situation

general family planning education has first to be

imparted to the

Muslims before any particular action oriented programme may be envisaged.

The

Christian families resided in villages Hogalkuria

and Ban Hugli and among them general fertility ratio varied between 67 and

68.

Since Hogalkuria encompasses only low caste teors and Christians, they

together presented child woman ratio on a little higher side (73).

In conjunction to what has been noted above it is recorded
here that among the Hindus only the High caste women showed the minimum

ratio (3^|) and the

highest ratio (6L|) was registered by the low caste

women. The middle caste women come in between them in showing ratio of 5h»
It is, thus, quite clear that the stress and strain of bigger load of

children was relatively lowest among the

high caste people.

From the

point of family welfare planning activities it is <he low caste families

who need topmost attention among the

Hindus.

Among the low caste

population under examination the general fertility ratio ranged

betwen a low of 1|4 (Elachi) and a

high of 117 (Nischintapur).

In

the middle caste people child-women ratio varied between a low of 25 (Kusumba)

and a high of J2 (ELACHI), while in the high caste Hindus the

ratio was between

a low of 2(4 (Elachi as well as Jagaddal) and a high of 1|5 (Chauhati).

(5)

From the above picture of child-woman ration amonth each
caste group of the Hindus and again among the Muslims it may be

suggested that for the given sample habitants the priority of

family welfare planning activities should be shared at the
beginning as follows :

Community/

LEVEL OF PRIORITY OF F.P.PROGRAMS IN
SURVEY AREA
High Priority for
Low Priority for

Ca S "t 6

settlement of

settlement

Chauhati

Elachi

Ban Hugli

Jaggadal

b) Middle caste

Elachi
Banhugli

Kusumba
Jagaddal

c) Lov/ Caste

Nischingapur
Hogalkuria

Elachi
Jayenpur

Chauhati

Nisohintapur

I.THE HINDUS:

a) High caste

II.THE MUSLIMS :

Kusumba
This schematic arrangement of the rural and semi-urban
settlements under study does not mean that the other settlements
should remain out side the focus of the general family planning

education and/or action-oriented programmes.

In Summary, it may

be noted that as the first and foremost target group the women in

the child bearing ages 15 to 44 Yrs. have to be roped in the fold

of F.P. programmes that might be developed for the given households.
Altogether 2652 women of the said child-being age-group were found
amon$ the Hindus only of these the Low caste women alone accounted

for 56 percent,

(6)

while the middle caste women explained only 15 per cent.
rest 29 percent was for the High caste women.

The

Since the Low caste

(15-24 yrs.) were dominating among the Hindus, it is quite

obvious that they would demand greater attention as well as
higher resources from the Family Planning Welfare programmes as

may be outlined for the given 13 rural and semi-urban settlements of
Sonarpur p.s.
With respect to the total female population surveyed as

good as 4135 (40 per cent ) were found to be within the

child-bearing ages 15 to 44 yrs.

Of these strength (4135) the

Hindu women and the Muslim women accounted for 65 percent and
32 percent respectively.

They need to be given all care and

education in favour of small family. The Muslim women do require

a more organized plan in this respect since they evinced
a very high child-women ratio.

Now, coming to the third aspect of the natality
situation in the survey area it is to be noticed that among

the Hindu women falling within the child-bearing ages (15-44)
as good as 43 percent were in young ages (15-24 Yrs.)

But

the same aged women among the Muslims were found in 38%

cases.

Among the Christians the young aged women were

ralatively dominating most (44 percent).

Naturally, it is

the Christian young women of child-bearing ages do need

the most concentrated attention for imparting necessary

F.P. education.

In contrast, about the middle aged women

( ?)

coining under the age-group 25-34 it may be noted that the

Muslim women of this age group concentrated maximum (39%),

the minimum being among the Christian women (26%).

As far

as the advanced aged women under the age-group of 35-44 Yrs
are concerned, their strongest presence was among the

Christians, while among the Hindus and the Muslims such

Women were present almost in equal strength.

From this it may be suggested that F.P. programmes
have to be pinpointed for the young aged women who consti­
tuted 41% of all the women in child-bearing ages.

Since

the Hindus formed the strongest social group in the area

they would, of course, draw greater attention.

In the

Table C detailed distribution of the women of child-bearing

ages by community/Caste affiliation as well as residential
attachment has been shown.

A careful study of the findings

of this table is expected to give fruitful lead in the

enactment of F.P. programmes in any village under study.

As

for example, in comparison to all the habitants in question
Chauhati

village presented the largest concentration of

young aged women (50%) among all women of child-bearing

ages.

And hence, highest priority h- s been suggested for

this village in the over-all out-lay of F.P. programmes
that may be envisaged.

Similar such Judgement may be made

after due checking of the magnitude of child-bearing women of

different ages.

In conjunction with this the social identity

of the population of any village has to be taken up in order

to mark efficient line of actions.

Table: A Child-Woman Ratio (no. of children under 5 years per 100 women 15
to 44 years old) among the Bengali castes found in 13 sample villages,
Sonarpur p.s., 24 Parganas, 1974.

Bengali Hindu
caste

No. of children
under 5 years

No. of Women
15 to 44 yrs.old

No, of children
per 100(Cci.3)

(1)

<2)

(3)

(4)

4
86
6
96

25
38
117
43

2
6
10
18

0
50
60
50

7
18

0
33

25

24

98
28
55
181

32
61
76
50

62
12
69
143

29
25
70
48

137
137

76
76

76
76

*
55
55

1. Nischintapur

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

1
33
7
41

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

0
3
6
9

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

0
6
6

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

31
17
42
90

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

18
3
48
69

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste£
All castes

104
104

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

42
42

2. Ukhila

3.

Jagannathpur

4. Kumarkhali

5. ifetmba

6. Hogalkuria

7. Jayenpur

Table: A (contd.)

(1)

(2)

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

5
36
70
111

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

22
54
53
129

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

37
8
125
170

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

143
31
170
344

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

8
23
182
213

(3)

(4)

8. Ramchandrapu-r

13
61
89
163

38
59
79
68

93
59
120
272

24
92
44
47

-

-

98
98

155
155

63
63

152
29
222
403

24
28
56
42

320
63
261
644

45
49
65
53

19
38
282
339

42
61
65
63

7?0

9. Elachi

10. Dingelpota

11. Jagaddal

12. Chauhati

13. Ban Hugli

14. All Villages

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste

265
214
947

1482

34
54
64

All castes

1426

2652

54

. Table B:

Child - Women Ratio (no. of children under 5 years.
per 100 women 15 to 44 years old) in different
communities found in 13 sample villages, Sonarpur
p.s., 24 Parganas District, 1974

Community/
Caste

1
1.

86
10
96

38
80
43

b) MUSLIM s
Total (a * b)

2
43

4
100

50
43

All Hindus

10

152

19
227

53

b) MUSLIMS
Total (a + b)

162

246

66

i) Goala
ii) Others
All Hindus

5
5
6

15
10
25

33
10
24

MUSLIM :

158

196

81

Total (a + b)

164

221

74

i) Kayastha
ii) Others
All Hindus

21
74
95

74
113
187

28
65
51

MUSLIM :
Total (a + b)

173

216

80

268

403

66

i) Brahmin
ii) Others
All Hindus

10
61
71

34
110
144

29
55
49

MUSLIM :

157

170

92

Total (a + b)

228

314

73

All Hindus

104

137

76

Christian

41

61

67

145

198

73

Ukhila

67

HINDU •

Kumarkhali
a)

b)

HINDU :

Kusumba

a)

b)

6.

HINDU ■

Jagannathpur

b)

5.

HINDU :

33
8
41

a)

4.

(| No. of children
(i per 100 women
(; (coi.3)
[1
4

i) Goala
ii) Others
All Hindus

a)

3.

jj No. of women
() 15 to 44 yrs.
|1 old
1
3

Nischintapuia)

2.

(| No. of children
j| under 5 years
1
2
(

HINDU :

Hogalkuria

a)
b)

HINDU i

Total (a + b)

7.

Jayennur
HINDU :

a)

b)

8.

b)

MUSLIM :
Total (a + b)

19
61

27

70

103

59

HINDUS :
i) Paundra
ii) Others
All Hindus

63
48
111

82
81
163

77
59
68

MUSLIM :
Total (a + b)

40

41

98

151

204

74

39
96
135

60
221
281

65
43
48

HINDUS :
i) Paundra
ii) Others
All Hindus

b)

MUSLIM

64

76

84

Total (a + b)

199

357

56

70
28
98

115
40
155

61
70
63

50
21
101
172

86
111
208
405

58
19
49
42

106
123
116
345

230
191
226
647

46
64
51
53

11
356

11
658

100
54

i) Heor
ii) Others
Al}. Hindus

157
56
213

250
89
339

63
63
63

MUSLIM i

356

373

95

Dingelpota

HINDUS :
i) Paundra
ii) Others
All Hindus

a)

11.

57
19
76

Elachi

a)

10.

33
9
42

Ramchandrapur

a)

9.

Jagaddal

a)

HINDU :

i) Paundra
ii) Brahmin
iii) Others
All Hindus
12.

Chauhati
a)

HINDU :
i) Kayastha
ii) Jugi
iii) Others
All Hindus

b)

13.

58
47
55

i) Paundra
ii) Others
All Hindus

MUSLIM •
Total (a + b)

Ban Hugli
a)

b)

HINDUS :

3.

~T~

2

Chi-istian
Total (a + b)
+ c

33

57

58

602

769

78

1

13.

3

o

4

Ban Hugli

c)

14

j

ALL VILLAGES

a)

HINDUS

1443

2674

54

b)

MUSLIMS

1132

1341

84

c)

CHRISTIANS

74

110

63

Total (a + b + c) 2649

4133

64

x'aole c : Distribution of women in child-bearing ages by
community /caste over 13 sample villages, Oonarpur
p.s., 24-Parganas District, 1974-________

Cormunity/
Oaste
(1)

■..'omen in child-bearing ages
55-44
25-54
15-24
(2)

(5)
1.

Total

Total females in
the habitat

(4)
(5)
Nischintapur

(6)

228

HINDU

59

55

24

96

1IUSLIK

1

2

1

4

7

Total

40
(40.0)

55
(55.0)

25
(25.0)

100
(100.0)

255

2.

Ukhila

HINDU

8

7

4

19

54

.IUSLE.5

80

96

51

227

585

Total

88
(55.8)

103
(41.9)

55
(22.5)

246
(100.0)

619

3.

Jagannathpur

HINDU

15

8

4

25

50

MUSLIM

72

82

42

196

520

Total

85
(58.5)

90
(40.7)

46
(20.8)

221
(100.0)

570

4.

Kutnar khel i

HINDU

65

83

59

187

409

CUI DIM

70

91

54

215

596

Total

155
(55.6)

174
(45.5)

95
(25.1)

402
(100.0)

995

5.
HINDU
HUSUM
Total

54

Kusumba

58

52

144

318

69

59

42

170

411

12J
(59.2)

117
(57.5)

74
(25.5)

514

729

157

579

6,

Hogalkuria

HINDU

51

46

40

CHRIST IM

27

18

16

61

147

78
(59.4)

64
(52.5)

56
(28.3)

198
(100.0)

526

Tbtal

2

Table C :
7.

J ay on pur

ircjou

*2

25

19

76

180

.■nrSLl;.!

10

10

7

27

75

GE iIJ'i'IAlI

0

0

1

1

3

27
(26.0)

104
(100.0)

258

Total

42
(40.4)

35
(33.6)

8.

Ramchandrapur

74

57

32

163

430

?njo'Jiri

19

11

11

41

110

Total

93
(45.6)

68
(33.3)

43
(21.1)

204
(100.0)

540

9.

Ria chi

HT-W

122

115

46

281

614

:iUSr,L,l

33

23

20

76

201

Total

155
(43.4)

136
(38.1)

66
(18.5)

357
(100.0)

81 5

428

HTKU

10.

hingeIpota

HlbTW

59

55

41

155

CHRISTIAN

0

0

0

0

2

Total

59

55

41

155
(100.0)

430

HI5DU

184

122

99 '

405

896

'OToLTT

1

0

1

2

4

Total

185
(45.4)

122
(30.0)

90
(24.6)

407
(100.0)

11.

12.

Jagaddal

Chau’nati

HIJDU

319

177

151

647

1547

!JUo 6 IM

4

5

2

11

32

Total

323
(49.9)

182
(27.6)

153
(22.5)

658
(100.0)

1579

13.

Ban Hugli

HIJOT

124

107

108

359

871

:tUoLr.I

147

139

87

373

1039

22

13

22

57

146

293
(38.1)

259
(33.7)

217
(28.2)

769
(100.0)

2056

CHRISTIAN
Total

lable C :

1

VI.GUGflS

HINDUS

1144
(42.8)

891
(55.5)

659
(25.9)

2674
(100.0)

6584

•lusGns

506
(57.7)

518
(58.6)

518
(25.7)

1542
(100.0)

5570

CHRISTIANS

49
(44.1)

51
(26.0)

59
(29.9)

119
(100.0)

298

Total

1699
(41.1)

1458
(55.2)

996
(25.7)

4155
(100.0)

10252

YA ~ 13> %

■. :?.b
■—.j t:....hr

-j.u . i>7it

. l;..

. ..-tvs 1, ■• t1..:

.h" C\

,.'

.

'.,i... bl'ii

..' ... '

■-

(t e;>r us r; 1.?5)

.■ ■■ ii'L. ...-.

.d

..-. t-x. villa. ca and sc:■<i-uruen settlcr.ents surveyed in i.-or®rptir
the

uauaeholus ..ere found to poMOtss on average about 6 parsons and the strall

(1—3 persona) and . ediusa ( 4 - 6 persons) - sized households together accounted

.or t;3 out

...in the other hand, in the total population the

of every 100 cases,

cwr--urricd -.croons of uot'i sexes explained 4Q cases,

rural and

'..m population size of these

ser.i-ruban baljitats was, thus, vary largely depended on the natality

bv .c.vi . ;r of these ever—r.err lede.

Currently the >•tarried couples formed not

. .cr than 35 per cant and eventually they would continue to influence future pop—

tie.: ’?=; nitude ulor:^ wit'. thosu who would cos.once new procreative itiwilies.

i: too

other hand, out ci' total 10252 forales found in 3$53 households

Gi the ,ivon survey area we find that the : erried female;; clone (irrespective
of ..,e> .tood for 36 percent.

'Hieso serried .-.e.M.lea were distriluted in varying

strength over the villa-,vs.

s onscCiUently, it is i:zpersitivo that one should know

tne a pacific nuu.er ioal strength of the r.crriod i'v.-.^'.las in each village where any

social group wise strati—

i'm.iiy welfare prograa :Q ..ay be orgenised.

Moreover, *
p

1icaticn of the nsrried feraales iwia to bo

sifted cut in giving affective service

to tho iariilics concerned.

rot. our

survey—findings it is noticed in oticn of

the villa, es imar kbali and ;juf;elhia.iria cb well us in serai-urban
proportion of > arrled fspalos to trie total £ grain

lachi the

population was relatively

higtwst (3-. ), where os in villages hatphandrapnr and . lr..-.clpg»ta

A?'

2

the tairried females explamicd only 32 and 3b

respectively

of the total .i'ecalo population of individual

village.

In

-umarkfcali villa o the J.uslira families dominate, but in Hogal—

uuria it is 'the low caste Hindus who were the major social Group.

in ;..lac/;i the Hindus and the x'.ualimo were present in matching strength.
the olrcutastanoes, it is quite evident that family welfare programme
meant fc/r

utaarlthali las to be largely oriented to suit primarily the

family'building attitude and procreative behaviour of the ' uslin

cduplbe, but the same has to so different for Itogallcuris or Klachi.
foiripg «kk cue to these examples, some general and some particular
family planning activities are required

to bo erganised in tiro with the

population characteristics of each habitat under question.
t .e second Socio-demograpnic indicator of natality
performances of the couples concerned is irr.odiately related to the

I agnitude of women who were in the child-^jct.ring ages between 15 and
bb years.

There mijjht be some child-bearing worsen below 15

bb yrs, but their strength would

yrs or above

not be decisive to influence the

,;-oneral fertility ratio ( child-women ratio) in the given population.
In many parts of tte world where systems of registering births are

eit er lacking or very inadequate the measure of general fertility

ratio is especially useful to reflect on the nature and trend of

fertility in the population concerned.

In this respect two

Tables 2 and B art, appended below to indicate social group-wise
general fertility ratio in each of the rural and semi-urban settlements

under survey.

Vh. quantitative findings given in these two tables arc

expected to help the adminisstratore of any fatally welfare plaining pro—
gramas in fixing priority of work.

Under

3

In general it is interestingly found thrt the general

fertility ratio among .the

indue as a whole was relatively the lowest

(5U)» but among the “usliss the same was very high (Bit).

or.:.a in between these cora'iunities.

Ihe Christians

Mow booking into the state of affair

per s topic villi'..;e it would be evident that tiio child-woman ratio strong

the .indu 3 only fluctuated very widely between the low of 2lj (dbgennathpur)
and the -iigh of 76 (hogulkuria). Naturally, the vemn of child-bearing

ages in lo, alkuria village have to be accorded the first priority in raking
then understood the boon of smaller nut her of children per couple.

1 !iis

..ogalkurla is a village of low caste Hindus anong wuom the poor, illiterate
families of I cor caste dominate most consiplciously.

In tills village only 137

ossa falling within 15-4^ yrs were found anong tlw ‘leers.
In contrast, number of children under 5 yrs per 100 women
of child-bearing ages among the I uslims only varied between a low of 50
(i.lschintapur) and t-. high oi’ ?2 (’ usuoba).

in . usuriba village Slave to be given

general fertility ratio.

■ ventuaJly, the families residing

foremost attention to curb coim the

’Iharc were in .usurcbc only 170 women in th?

given child-bearing ago and they should immediately bo contacted by the
foully planning workers
*

village where the

-another point of

interest is

that in each sample

usIImb formed o sizable group general fertility ratio was

alweysssucii higher than what was found for other communities
*

in this situation

14.

tenoral family planning education haa first jto be

iuparted to the

-.uslics before any particular action oriented programme nay be envisaged.
She

Christian families resic/od in villages ■icgalkuria
I

and ban .ugli and anon; then general fertility ratio varied between 67 and
68.

bir.ee iioittDraria encompasses only lot caste toors and Christians, they

|or ether presented child wosnan rat/io on jti. little higher side (73 )•

in conjunction to what h(4fl been ircted above it is recorded
here that arrong ths ;indus only the Hfgr caste wren showed the minimi'.

ratio (jh) and the

highest ratio (6^) was registered by the low caste

worsen. The riddle caste wasen cone In batwe n then in showing ratio of 5h.
-t is, t.-ais, tjuits clear that the stress end strain of bigger load of
children was relatively lowest mxnig the high caste people,

point ci’ laoily welfare planning nativities it is
who need topreost attention ur.ong she

hi'ndue.

i’rati the

he lot; caste families

-«ong the low caste

population under examination th# g.cinoral fertility ratio rang,ad

betwen a low of

( .lachi) and a thig)a\of 117 (hiuchintapur).

In

tire siiddio caste people child-woreu rut log varied between a low of 2$ (t'ueunba)
and a high of

while In tire iiigh ca.to .iindus the

ratio was between

a low of 2a (ol&chi as bell as Jhgaddal) and » high of 1^5 (Cinuheti).

(6)

} rcn ti e

bove picture of child-woman ration tuaonth each

custe -roup of the Hindus and again among the :.uslins it may bo
rug ested that .for the ;iven sample habitants tint priority of

fr-.ily welfare planning nctivitiou should be shared at the
beginning . e follows
I...Vi u

a'-.' !■'’!
• ,i-.i' /■. .A
■ :.;Vl...
i;-A

. Id

Community/

-iif.h Priority for

Lew -'riority ;

Caste

settlement of

settlement

Chsuhati

Elachi

3an Hugli

Jaggadal

b) . idcle caste

Elachi
JMnhugli

Kueutiba
Jagaddal

e) Low c ste

Nisching&pur
bogalkuria

Elachi
Jayenpur

Chauhati

Niaohin tapur

I. ....

I

a) High caste

II.Thl: . iklLIlin s

Kueumba
'ibis schematic a:crasiger.ent of the rural and semi-urban
settlc.’ents under uti?dy does not :.ea,t that the other settlements
.hould remain out side the focus of the general family planting

edvc- tion and/or action-oriented programmes.

In Summary, it nay

be noted that as the first and foremost target pr. up the women in
the child be-iring ague 15 to '-.4 Yrs. have to be roped in the fold
of r.i . program?,.ca that ..-.I bt be developed for the given household
Altogether 265? women of the said c.ild-using uge-group wore found
a:.oiig the Llndua o>ily of these the Low caste women alone accounted

for

>ent,
*


(6)

while the middle oaate wowen explained only 15 per cent.

rest -'9 percent wro for the high caste women.
(15-24 yrs.) were don .noting among the

The

oince the how caste

ind-.s, it is quite

obvious that they would demand greater attention ao '.ell as
igher resources from the Family Planning Welfare program-.es as
m.-.y be outlined for the given 13 rural and semi-urban settlements of

-onarpur p.s.

•ith respect to the total fenale population surveyed as
good as 4135 (40 per ceat ) were found to be within the
child-bearing ages 15 to 44 yrs.

Of these strength (4135) the

. indu women and the .’.uslin women

ccountod for 65 percent and

32 percent n apectively.

They need to be

Ivon all ca: e and

education in favour of small family. 1’he . uslim woiaen do require

more organised plan in this respect since they evinced
a very ? igh child-women ratio.

liow, coming to the third aspect of the natality

situation in the survey area it is to be noticed that among
the ; indu worsen falling within the child-bearing ages (15-44)
as c.ood ns 43 percent were in young ages (15-24 Yrs.)

the same aged women among the

cases.

But

v.slias were found la 38/'

Among the Christians the young aged women were

ralatively dominating moat (44 percent).

Naturally, it ia

the Christian young women Of child-bearing ages do need
the tout concentrated attention for importing necessary

I-'.P. educ tioa.

In contrast, about the middle aged women

( ?)

coft.h,

under the age-grcup 25-34 it aay be noted that the

iluslim women of this ago group concentrated .axlmum (33 ),
the minimum being among the Christian women (26/).

As fer­

ns the advanced aged nomen under the age-group of 35-44 Yrs
are concer.st d, their strongest presence was along the

Christians, while among the iiindus and the

uslirnn such

omen r.-ere present almost in equal strength.

From this it say be suggested that F.F. programmes
h ve to be pinpointed for- the young aged women who consti­
tuted 41

of oil the wo men in c ild-oeai’lng ages.

Since

the ..in us formed the stmi. cot social group in the area
they would, of course, draw greater attention.

In the

Table C detailed distribution of the women of child-bearing
ges by com unit-y/Caste affiliation ■ n •roll as reside..tial
• tt ci-meat his been shown.

c refill study of the findings

of this table is expected to give fruitful lead in the
en< ctrrtc.it of F.P. program .x-a in any village unuer study.

As

for example, in comparison to all the habitants in question

Cbaubati

villa;e presented the lar;.eat concentration of

young t.ged women (50.') among nil woaea of child-bearing

;'; C-o.

And hence, highest priority h s been suggested for

t. is vill-,-;e In the over-all out-lay of • .?. program-as

that may be envisaged.

irnilar enob Jud.e ent may be made

after due check ng of the magnitude of child-bearing women of

different ages.

In conjunction wit; this the social Identity

of the population of any village 1ms t

to mar; efficient line of notions.

ue taken up in order

fable: A Child-Woman Ratio (no. of children under 5 years per 100 women 15
to 44 years old) among the Bengali castes found in 13 sample villages.
Sonarpur p. s.,, 24 ’arganas , 1974.
Bengali Hindu
caste

No. of children
under 5 years

No. of Women
15 to 44 yrs. old

(1)

(2)

(3)

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

I
33
7
41

a) Higa caste
o) Middle caste
c) -ow caste
All castes

0
3
6
9

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
AU castes

0
6
6

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

31
17
42
90

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes

13
3
48
69

No. of children
per lOOfCci. 3)
(4)

1. hiiachintapur

36
6
96

25
38
117
43

2
6
10
18

0
50
60
50

7
18

0
33

25

24

93
28
55
131

32
61
76
50

62
12
69
143

29
25
70
48

4

2. Kabila

3. Jagannathpur

4. tvumarldiali

5. Asuriba

6. Hogalkuria

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low castet
All castes

104
104

a) High caste
b) Middle caste
c) Low caste
All castes


42
42

-

-

137
137

76
76

*
*"
76
76

55
55

7. Jayenpur

'iabie St

Chil.. -

Coanunity/
Caste

3.

(l

HINDU s
41

86
10
96

38
60
43

b) MUSLIM •
' otal (a v b)

s
43

4
100

50
43

33

a

ukhila
a)

HINDU :
All Hindus

10

19

53

b)

MDSLI c

152

227

67

Total (a + b)

1*32

246

66

15
10
25

33
10
24

150

196

81

164

221

74

21
74
95

74
113
lb?

26
65
51

MUnLIa t

173

Total (a + b)

268

216
403

80
66

34
110
144

29
55
49

MUSLIM :

10
61
71
157

170

92

Total (a + b)

228

314

73

All Hindus

104

137

76

Christian

41

61

67

Total (a ♦ b)

145

198

73

Jaxuunathpur

HINDU i
5
5
6

i) Goala
ii) Others
All Hindus
b) .MUSLIM :
Total (a

bj

Kwaajpkli&H
a)

HINDU s
i) Kayastha
ii) Others
All Hindus

b)

5.

Kusuoba
a)

HINDU :
i) Brahaln
ii) Others
All Hindus

b)

5.

(> Jo. oi children
i;i per 100 women
i■ (col.3)
ii
4

i) Goala
ii) Others
All riindue

a)

4•

....
2

G Jo. of women
y 15 to 44 yrs.
. 0 old
.
0
3

Jischin tanur

a)

2.

V ,.o. of children
£ under 5 years

G

1

1.

omen .at io (no. of children under 5 years.
per 100 »'Mea lb to 44 years old) in different
con;,uni ties found in 13 sample villajjeo, 3onarpur
n. s.. 24 i-’ar. ,anas ibtrict, 1974

HOfr'ulkuria
a)

b)

HINDU i

7•

Jayen >ur
a)

b)

0.

57
19
76

50
47
55

19

27

51

103

70
59

1) raundra
11) Othera
All hindue

33
9
42

MU :3LX i-: Eotal (a •»- b)

i) Paundra
ii) Others
All Hindus

S3
48
111

82
81
163

MULLIN i
xOtal (a + b)

40

41

77
59
68
90

151

204

74

39
96
13b

60
221
281

65
43
48

t-cancliandraour

&)

b)

9.

iiH.lHJ i

dlwDUS *

Elachi
Hlii’BUO t
i) Paundra
ii) Others
All Hindus
b) MUSLIM

a)

54

76

199

357

84
56

70
26
9b

115
40
155

61
70
63

50
21
101
172

86
111
208
405

58
19
49
42

106
123
116
345

230
191
226
647

46

11
356

11
658

100
54

1) door
ii) Others
Alj. Hindus

157
S6
213

250
89
339

63
63
63

MUSLIM »

356

373

95

lotal (a ► b)
10.

bin- eloota
a)

dlbDUS s
1) f-aundra
ii) Others
All Hindus

11.

Ja^raddal

a)

HUi»U :

i) Paundra
ii) Brahmin
iii; Others
All Hindus

12.

Caauhati

a)

HINDU s

i) Kayastha
ii) Ju l
illJ Others
All Hindus
b)

13.

MUSLIM i
Total (a + b)

64
51
53

han Htu;li
h)

b)

liliiDUS »

..0. ....

1

13.

9

3

...9

4

Ban Eufcli

c)

14

p

Christian

33

57

58

iOtal (a + b)
+ c

602

769

78

ALL VILLAGES
a)

HINDUS

1443

2674

54

b)

JiULLIlii

1132

1341

84

c)

(LiRlLTIABS

74

lid

63

c) 2649

4133

64

’l'o tai (a + b t-

TOTAL

HEALTH CARE

PROJECT : 1974

Additional Rotes to the REPORT Oil SOLliJ ASEJCT
OF NATALITY BY SOCIAL GROUPS (March 1975 )

BIuSOCIAL HlOFILE OP SIBIL FAMILIES
A little over than one-third of all females (10252) found
in 5653 households

which vzere surveyed in 11 rural and 2 semi-

U

urbah settlements fasting under Sonarpur p.s. of 24-Parganas
nrr

district, were married» respective of age, these married women

concentrated in varying strength sx±± within different social

groups namely the Hindus, Muslims or Christians. Their concen­
trations varied also highly between the settlements in question

In addition to these married females the widowed (9»7/J) and
divorced women wore present in 10 percent oases only. Thus, the

evcr-r&ried women

as a whole were responsible to account for

not more than 46 percents of total 10252 females enumerated in
the survey.

These evermarried women presented differential natality

behaviour dipending on their individual age and social group
affiliation Met outcome of this behaviour was reflected in the

very size of progenies per mother. Here on attempt has been

made to examine the distribution of married women only by

number of children (surviving) in each village. Since number
of nnr married women differed greatly in

magnitude between the

Hindus,the Muslims and the Christians, first consideration

was laid upon the dominant, more populaup social group of a
village and then among that dominant group the distribution of

married

women by number of children was exmined over different

age-group of the mothers concerned.

Primary purpose of this study it to locate the trend in
the formation of small families (with not more than 3 children)
by the couples under survey. To what extent, social group wise
variations in the formation of small families were in existence
in the local Society? In which village the small families were

dominant or vjee versa?To sustain small families which social

group of any village demand) immediate Family Planning welfare

2

ncarjres? The jasnfe±±jm quantitative findings of the present

empireiol study are expected to provide with the Basic
refers no c -frame of the above problems, hi th this frame in

Mud appropriate family Hanning measures may, be tried in tu^o s

v.ith the prevailing socia^oultural values of the social group
concerned. Village wise concentrations of small families have

been studied hereafter in terms of the dominant social group
of the rural society.

1.

In fischintanur village 86 out of total 235 females were

married and the Hindus formed the domincat groun. Among the

Hindus the middle castes constituted the basic strata®!. Thus,
the natality behaviour of the Hindu couples as observed in this

village was very largely influenced by middle caste households.

Among the married women those whqwere 25 to 34 in ago formed the

single major group and about one-half of them were already
enjoying small family. This ege-group (25-34) needs foremost

family I-lanning attention, since they were still rcproductively
protent enough to add more children to augment population

pressure. In general, in the village in every 49 out of 100

cases the married women were found to report already 4 and more
children. It is noted further that as 22 percent of total

married^ women of the village ta had meanwhile entered the age
grou: 45+ years they can bo left outside the perview of any
family planning program© •

2.

In th© village ukhila 225 out of total 619 females were

reported to be married. In this settlement the Hueiims were the

dominant social group.iSccordingly fertility behaviour of

married women of the village was chaje d strongly by this social
group. There were 592 Muslim women and 36 percent or then were

married. The married women falling under the age-group 25-34
accounted for the single major group (430). V/ithin this agc-

group the married women luxving 5 and more ciiildiren were most

eonspicue. In general , infcvery 100 cases only 41 ndf were
observed to mintain small family with 1-3 children. l'hus,in
Ukhila it is. conspicuons

that the married musliui Women were

3

possessing higher number of children (4+) and under the circu­

mstances, -Ukhila requires intensive family planning education to
impress upon the boon of small family per couple
*

3 .Ji. In Jagonnathpur village the dominance of Muslim households
was again found. Out of the total 570 women of the village

199 were married and again, of tlrls 193 the Hindu women shared
a small portion (15 souls only). Here again, the muslim married
women of the age group 25-34 constituted the single major block

(45/>), but among them the women having 1-3 children were consp­
icuous« Ingeneral, in this village presence of small families

was shown by a little more than one-half of all Muslim married
females. But as these women were still in reproductive ages they
should be imparted with family^lanning education and appliances

to resist further expansion of the agerage family size, In their

natality behaviour the J agarmathpur Muslim married women showed
a difTerence from their counterparts living in Ukliila.
4.

Village Kumarkhali presented ths Hindus aid tie Muslims

in matching strength, through the Muslims were

numerically

larger. Thue, in this settlement natality behaviour vis-a-vis
formation of &uall family had to be evaluated separately for the

social group in question. Among the Hindus the High, caste Households
dominated on the other hand. $f the total 409 Hindu women recorded
in the settlement 43 percent were married, where ae among 587

Muslim women only 34 per cent were married. Among both the Hindus
and the Muslims the married women of the age group 25-34 formed

the single major group. But among the Hindus the married -women
oir this particular agdjroup showed higher incidence of small

families. Among the Muslims the married women of 25-34 age-group
presented families with higher number of children (4+4 in majority
<

"S

cases. Ingeneral, th.. Hindu married vzomen had in 585^ cases small

families inhonstrast to thoir Muslim counterparts who possessed

bigger sized (4 and more children) families in 49.8^ cases.
Thus, in this village the Hindus are to he greatly motivated to

sustain small families through family Planning activities,

4

While the Muslins are to be imparted with intensive family

pl aniri ng education so as to sake them biosocially oriented
towards small family
*

j
is another settlement were the Hindus and

5.

Viliggs Kusumba

the

Muslims were quite numerous. Again, among the Hindus the

low caste households wer
Hindu women and

predominant« 36 percent of total

35 per cent of total Muslim women were found

|

to be married. Among the Hindus the married females of the agee

group 25-34 explanied almost half of the total married women.

But among the Muslims though the married females of 25—34 age—
group shared 36 percent of total married women, the married

;

females of 15-24 age-group were not insufficient in number.

j

Younger married women falling between 15-34 yrs. accounted
for as high as 67 percent of all married women among the Muslims'.

Such a dominant ©courre^nco of younger married women is an
indicator of the future fertility load among the Muslims of the}

village.

The majority of the Hindu married women (25
34)
*

yrs

;

reported to possess 1 to 3 children , where as the majority of ’
the muslim married women (25-34 yrs) was observed to possess

4+ children. In general, Email families werv dominant among
the Hindus (54%), but among the Muslims larger sized families

!

were more frequent (43%).

6.

In Hogalkuria village Low Caste Hindus and the Christians

were the occupants, through the former was numerically stronger.
Of the total 526 females of the village the majority (579) belon­

ged to Hindu social group,0f these Hindu females 38 percent were
married, while among the Christian females 36 percent were
married. Among the Hindus the married women (25
34yrs)
*

formed

the single major group (30%) and within them both small and lerge

families were distributed equally. In general, irrespective of
age, the Hindu married women were ‘formed to possess 1 to 3

children in matching strength to 4+ children. But, among the
Shristians the married women showed, in general, irrespective of

age, 4+

children in greater proportion (53%). Thus, for this
/-4-

village the Christian families are required to/greater amount of

5
W&hfXlyXfclE

of family planning welfare measures.

7.

Jayenmsr

village was predominantly inhabited by the Low

Caste Hindus and they were associated with Muslims. Of the total
females (258) the Low 'Caste females account for major portion
(180), while only 75 Muslim females were there, Inspite of

differential population size the Hindus and the Muslims had
\

toc-ct

similar-

or gsarried women (370). -ingeneral,among the Hindus
J-Vu

the married women possessed, i^iespcctive of age, 1-3 children in
majority eases (490) and witiiin this married group those belonged
to the age-group 25-34 fenced the single majority (370)» though
s

married women of younger ages (15-242 ..ere quite conspicuous (300) •

binder the circumstances, the Low Caste families of Jayenpur
village should be exposed under a more intensive family planning

programme.
b.

home hand ramg is a village where the Hindus were a

dominant social group (790), out the muslims were present not
frehly. Jfeong the Hindus Low Caste families concentrated most.

bf all the females (540) of the village Q0 percent were accounted

by the Hindu. Of these Hindu females 32 percent were only married •

The Hindu married women of the age group (25-54) formed the single
major block and among them 4+ children Occurred in greater

proportion. In general , among the Hindu married women, irrespe­

ctive of age, 1-3 children

were reported in majority cases (45

percent), tut 4+ children were found in as good as 42 pe rcent cases
Eventually, immediate fomily^anning care has to be taken to moti­
vate the couples rewards small family to arrest further popu­
lation increase.

9.

In the semi-urben settlement of Elachi the Hindus were the

most dominant social group (740) and among

them families

belonging to different caste group wore not insignificant.
Besides the Hindus, presence of the Muslims was marked.tgE
•noticEbl'css u'itliin the Hindus 38.50 of total 613 females were

found to be married, while within the iiuelims their cqnuterprts

explained 37
60.
*

Among the Hindu married women those who belonged

6

to the age group 25-33 34 were very conspicuous (430) ana they

were ooserved to possess 1-3 children in majority cases. On the

other hard, among the Muslim married women those were in the

age-group 15-24 constituted the single majority block and they
were found to possess again 1-3 children in majority cases. In

general, among the Hindu married women, irrespastive of age,

smaller family (1-3 children) was more frequent (580), while

among the muslin married women larger family (4+ child .cn)
was dominant, In this situation, the Hindu families have to be

encouraged to Sustain the trend ox small family through family

planning nebhods, while the muslim families need rxirough family
tv

planning education to achieve small family per couple.

10.

Dingelnota village is a Low Caste village. Here the Hindus

belonging to different low castes dominated as a Single social
group 428 females were recorded among them and only 340 of them

were married. He regain, among the mangl'd females those who
were ^.efween 25 and 34 in age formed the single majority having
4+ children in greater1 number of cases. In general, among the
Hindus the married women were foamed to possess 4+ children in

51 nercent cases. This ±s-.-how& how

they were maintains their

natality behaviour. They require immediate family planning
education to todify the prevailing iiiatality attitude and behavi­

our which favoured more children per couple.
11.

Jagaddal is the semi-urban set clement where the Hj^gus

were the saleH Occupants. Among them the Low Caste families
concentrated maximum, through the High caste families were not
insufficient in number, Gf the total Hindu females of the settle­

ment 35 P= r cent mere married and among them those who were in ithe
agegroup 23-34 formed the single majority block and theyx showed

1-3 children in majority cases. In general, among the Hindu
married warae 52 percent presented, i^espective of age, small
families, naturally, the couples of this settlement have to be

educated

sustain this trend oi small family

7

through family planning education.
Village Showhati is fairly populate and the Hindus, espe­

12.

cially the lor; Caste Hindus, formed the most dominant social

group. Among the Hindus, 37 percent of all females were married

and those married women who

belonged to

age-group 25—34

were present in majority cases (30?)• But the youngei
*
married
women of the agcpgroup (15-24) wer not insignificantly found.

^ general, the Hindu married women ±h vi th 1-3 children vzere
1.
found in greater proper^&as-tion (52?) and the contribution

;

made by

younger mothers ((15-24) in this aspect was extremely f

/family planning activities have to be intensifier; among this

'x-

younger mothers in preventing further rise in the size of the
families concerned.

Village Bonhoogly was inhabited by the Hindus, muslins

13.

and Christians in varying strength. The muslins accounted for

one-half of total village population. The Hindus were explained
43 per cent of the population. This village is highly populated
*

In all 2056 females werg^ recorded. Among the nuslim females

36 per cent were married, while among their Hindu counterparts
35 percent vzere married. But, relatively sparing among the

chirstans married females were present in greater proportion.
Among the muslin married women those who were between 25 and

34 yers in age concentrated maximum (35?0, e£xse were“as within the
A-

i

Hindus married women of such age-group were found in 32; cases

I^general, the Hindu married women presented 1-3 children in
majority cases (45?), while their counterparts among the muslins
• pXAJLO .

showed small families in 44%
*
Thus, in foming small families

I

the Hinuds and the Mulliss showed not much difference. As such,
in this settlement family planning activities in favour of small
s

/

Owu^

family canbe initiated for both the Hindus ad the muslims -sth
'

Vs

equal emphasis. Only point is t©b$E noted here that SLovz Caste

families dominated within the social group of Hindus-.

8

SUMMARY OBSERVATION
Reviewing the nature and magnitude of small families over
the given 11 rural and 2 Semi-urban settlements surveyed in

Sonarpur p.s. 24-parganas district (1974) the following
observations may be made! (vide Summary Table)
1.

In 6 out 13 settlements presence of small families were

shown by more than 50 percent of the married women belonging

to specific social group. In this respect the Hnidus of village

Kumarkhali and of the

Semi-urban settlement of Elachi possessed

relatively the highest magnitude of small families (58%). Next
was the position of the Hindus (53%) of the village Kusumba. T&e
Hindus of village Chowhati aid of semi-urban settlement of

Jagaddal came after the above Hindus in possessing small families
in 52$ cases. Along with the last named settlement^ came the village

Jagannathnur where the Muslims married women showed 1-3 children
in 51$ cases. Thus, in these villages primary objective of any

family® planning welfare measures should be to motivate the couples

concerned in keeping the currently occuring trend of small sized
families un^disturbed.
II.

In 2 rural and 1 semi-urban settlements the married women

belonging to specific social group presented larger families
( with more than 3 children) in 50 percent or more cases. In

this respect the Christians of Hogalkuria village draw immediate
attention since 53 percent of married women among this social

group related 4+ children. Next come the Hindus of Dingelpota
village the ^uslims of Elachi and the piuslims of Kumarkhali

village. The Hindus of Nischintapur village showed dist^ot
tendency towards larger sized families. Under the circumstances,

the couples^ concerned of these settlements have to be aided with

adequate

supply of family planning methods and appliances in

order to check further addition of children per couple. As a matter
of fact, intensive family planning education appears to be
fyuA

sin auna non for

the couples concerned of these five settlements.

a
III.

In general it has been found that the maximum concen­

tration of married women coming under the age-group 25-34
had occurred, irrespective of sociagroup wise affiliation,

in most of the settlements under study. They
mary target group

should be the pri­

in the overall family planning programme hk

envisaged for the population of the Spcal society. They are to be

sufficiently motivated to achieve as well as sustahil small family.

10

summary sabuj
Distribution of married women with number
of e.Mldren (surviving) by social group wr village

Village

Dominant
social
group

p.c.of married women with
mono than
nou moren;han
3 children
3 childrcm

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

1. ITISCniNTAPUR

Hindu

38.6

49.4

2. HKHIIiA

I.fuslim

41.0

46.1

j. jzr..-..'-:'A?iirus

muslim

51.2

43.2

4. ZDKAHKHA1I

Hindu
mullim

58.5
59»8

29.6
49.8

5 .UJSTOI3A

Hindu
muslim

53.9
48.7

39.1
43.0

6.H0GALKDRIA

Hindu
Christian

40.7
39.6

41.4
52.8

7. JATJIS’Uli

Hindu

49.5

32.8

8. Fu‘.il’JIL<IDrJ^LU2

Hindu

45.2

42.4

9. 2LACUI

Hindu
Muslim

58.1
41,9

30.9
50.0

10. DIHGBLPO’l'A

Hindu

40.0

51.0

11. JACADDA1

Hindu

51.8

39.0

12. 0H0WHATI

Hindu

51.7

38.4

13. BOKHOGLY

Hindu
Muslim

45.1
43.8

40.9
45.3

Table. 1.

Distribution of women by marital status and age
Village: ITISCHIJITAPUR

agegroup

marital stabus of the women s

(1)

Unmarried
(2)

-

married
(3)
Hiirous
13
13
31
21
18

124
54.4

83
36.4

98
26

0-14
15 -24
25 -34
35-44
45+
All ages



Widowed
(4)

Total
(5)

6
1
4
16

98
39
32
25
34

21
9.2

228
(100.0)



1

3
1
1
1
1

1

..

(43.0)
(17.1)
(14.0)
(11.0)
(14.9)

4

IjSSLIHS
0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+



-


1
1
1
-

all

3

3

3


7

(ioo.o)
Distribution of married women (Hindus)
by number of children (surviving) v

15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

pa:

0
5
5


2
3
8
1
2

3
*

-

1
3
4
1
3

10
12.0

11
13.3

14
16.9

Total
13 G7'’7^

5+


3
3
1

4
2
6
3
4

5
13
8

31
21
18

7
8.4

15
18.1

26
31.3

83
(100.0)

Table: 2 Distribution of women by marital status and age

Village: UKHILA
age
group
())

marital status of woman
unmarried
married
(2)
(3)

widowed
(4)

Total
(5)

hibdus
0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+

11
5
-

-



3
7
3
2



1
2

11
8
7
4
4

all
ages

15
44.1

15
44.1

3
1.2

34
(100.0)




1
6
11
41

281
79
96
50
76

(52.3)
(23.5)
(20.6)
(11.8)
(11.8)

MUSLIMS
281
32
-

0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+



46
90
39
35

all
ages

210
315
*
582
59
53.8
10.1
36.1
* 3 women with "divorce" status was not included

age
group

Distribution of married women (Muslim)
by number of children (surviving)i

15-24
25-34
35-44
45+

all
ages

pas

0
18
5
3
1

27
12.9

12
14
9
9
9
4
3
5
6
32
15.2

27
12.9

3
3
13
3
8

4
2
24
8
3

5+
0
30

12

37
27
12.9 17.6

60
28.5

(48.3)
(13.6)
(16.5)
(8.6)
(13.0)

TOtal
46(21.9)
90 (42.8)
39(18.6)
35 (16.7)

210
(100.0)

Table: 3 Distribution of women by marital status and age

tillage: ffAGAHWATHPUR
marital status of women
unmarried
married
(2)
(3)

age
group
(1)

widowed
(4)

Total
(5)

*
MUSLIMS

0-14
15-24
25-54
35-44
45+

-

-

46
77
35
26

277
53.5

184
35.5

57

w


-

251
26




all
ages

251 (48.5)
-72 (13.9)
80 (15.4)
42 (8.1)
73 (14.1)

3
7
47
11.0

518
(100.0)

HIWDUS
0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

19
10
2

19 (38.0)
13 (26.0)
8 (16.0)

4 (8.0)

6
(12.0)
4
31
50
15
4
62.0
30.0
8.00
(100.0)
* 2 Muslim women with ‘divorce’ status not included

5
6
4
2

age
group

Distribution of married women (Muslim)
by member of cnildren (surviving)

15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

0
5
1
2
1
9
5.6

I

pa:

1
12
7
1
4
24
14.8

2
13
13
0
4
30
18.5

3
3
22
1
5
29
17.9

4
1
13
11
4
29
17.9

* Wo.of children of each one of 22 liusliia woman
could not be jtore/ieely ascertained.

Total
5+
1
35
73 Ct-ir-fJ
17
16
31
23
7
*
162
41
25.3 (100.0)

r
Table:4. Distribution of women by marital status and age
Villagel. KUMARKHALI
age
groux>
(1)‘

marital status of women
married
unmarried
(2)
(3)

Total
widowed
(4)

(5)

HIIIDUS

-

159
34
3
1

32
36
8.8

159
66
84
37
63
409
(100.0)

(38.9)
(16.1)
(20.5)
(9.1)
(15.4)

41
85
49
26
201

6
1
1
4
52
58

301
69
86
53
78
587

(51.3)
(11.7)
(14.7)
(9.0)
(13.3)
toi

34. 2

9.9

(100.0)

0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

197
48.2

0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all

301
27
328



ages

55.9

32
80
33
31
176
43. 0





1

*
MUSLIMS

* 1 woman with ’divorce’ status not included
Age
group



Distribution of married women
by number of children (surviving) V

0

1

IgSSJJ
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

11
7
1
2
21
11.9

15
19
3
7
44
25.0

15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

12
6
2
1
21
10.4

MUSLIMS
13
10
6
7
1
5
2
7
22
29
11.0 14.4

paj

2
3
IUKDUS
1
5
22
15
6
2
6
2
28
31
17.6
15.9

4
15
9
1
29
14.4

4

5+

Total

0
9
6
4
19
10.8

0
8
15
10
33
18.8

32
80
33
31
176
(100.0)

(18.2)
(45.4)
(18.8)
'17.6)

2
28
7
4
41
20.4

0
23
25
11
59
29.4

41
85
49
26
201
(100.0)

(20.4)
(42,3)
(24.4)
(12.9)

Table: 5. Distribution of women by meritul status ad age
Village:

age
group

i.uSUHuA

Marital satus of women
Hamarriad
married
(2)

(1)

widowed

Total

G

(4)

(5)


14
57
25
21
115
26.2

*
1
6
28
35
11.0

128
52
60
29
49
318
(100.0)

(40.2)
(16.4)
(18.9)
(9.1)
(15.4)

215
55
55
42
42
409
(100.0)

(52.6)
(13.4)
$13.4)
(10.5)
(10.3)

HINDUS

128
38
2

168
52.8

0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

*
MUSLIMS
0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

215
10
«»


225
55-0





45
52
35
12
144
35.2

3
7
30
40
9.8

* 2 women with ’divoce’status not included
age
group

Distribution of married women
by number of children (survising)

15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

6
1
0
1
8
7.9

3
8
0
5
16
13.9

2
3
HINDUS
2
3
16
14
3
3
2
3
23
23
20.0
20.0

15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

10
2
0
0
12
8.3

12
7
5
2
26
18.1

MUSLIMS
13
7
6
7
2
5
2
2
21
23
16.0
14.6

0

pa:

1

4

5

Total

0
11
3
2
16
13.9

0
7
14
8
29
25.2

14
57
23
21
115
(100.0)

(12.2)
(49.5)
(20.0)
(18.3)

1

2
16
20
6
44
30.5

45
52
35
12
144
(100.0)

(31.3)
(36.1)
(24.3)
(8.3)

14
3
0
18
12.5

Table 6: distribution of women by marital status and age
Village: H0GAIKUKIA
age

group
(1)

0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

marital status of women
unmarried
married
(2)
(3)
HINDUS

188
15




203
53.(5

Total

widowed
(4)

1
36
42
37
29
145
38.2

-







4
5
22
31
8.2

(5)

189
51
46
42
51
379
(100.0)

(49.9)
(13.4)
(12.1)
(11.1)
(13.5)

71
27
18
16
15
147
(100.0)

(48.3)
(18.4)
(12.2)
(10.9)
(10.2)

CHRISTIANS




0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

71
16
1
88 '
59.9

age
group

distribution of married women
by number of children (surviving) V
0
1
2
3
4
5+

11XT
17
16
9
53
36.0

6
6
4.1

Total

0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

0
16
3
1
6
26
17.9

HINDUS
1
0
12
4
3
4
0
5
4
6
22
17
15.2
11.7

0
3
13
2
2
20
13 .8

0
1
10
13
3
27
18.6

0
0
10
14
9
33
22. 8

1
36
43
35
30
145
(100.0)

(0.7)
(24.8)
(29.7)
(24.1.'
(20.7

15-24
25-35
35-44
45+
all
ages

4
0
0
0
4
7.6

CHRISTIANS
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
6
5
11.3
4
*
9

1
6
0
3
10
18.9

2
5
6
2
15
28.3

0
4
7
2
13
24.!5

10
18
15
10
53
(100.0)

(18.9
(33.S
(28.’
(18.<

pa:

Tablet 7 distribution of wanen by marital status and age

Village: JAYEIJPUR
marital status of wonen
unmarried
married
widowed
(2)
(3)
(4)

aggs
group
(1)

Total
(5)

HHIDUS
79
9

0-14
15-24
25-34
55-44
45+
all
ages




88
48.9


20
26
16
5
67
37.2

-

-

-



2
23
25
13.9

79
29
26
18
28
180
(100.0)

(43.9)
(16.1)
(14.4)
(10.0)
(15.6)

37
10
10
7
11
75
(100.0)

(4944)
(13.3)
(13.3)
(9.3)
(14.7)

idUSJiXllG

0-14
15-24
25-34
35.44
*^
4>5
all
ages

37
3
40
53.3

7
10
4
7
28
37.3



3
4
7
9.4

note:

3 Christian women were also found in the village

age
Group

Distribution of married women (Hindu)
by number of children (servicing)

15-24
25-34
55-44
45+
all
ages

pas

0

1

2

3

4

5+

11
1
0
0
12
17.9

3
1
2
2
8
12.0

4
6
2
0
12
17.9

2
6
4
1
13
19.4

0
6
4
2
12
17.9

Xo
20
5
25
5
17
0
5
10
67
14.9 (100.0)

Total

(29.8)
(37.3)
(25.4)
(7.5)

Table : 8. Distribution of women by marital status and age

Villages RAMOHODHAPUR
age
group
(1)

marital status of women
'Total
unmarried
married
widowed
(2)
(5)
(4)
0)

hihdus*
0-14
15-24
25-54
55-44
45+
all
ages

212
56
1
•*
249
53.1

57
48
27
25
157
51.9

212
1
74
4
55
7
54
56
51
45
429
10.0 (100.0)



(49.4)
(17.2)
(12.4)
(7.9)
(15.1)

MUSLIMS
0-14
15-24
25-54
55-44
45+
all
ages

56
(50.9)

12
19
(17.5)
11
11
(10.0)

(10.0)
7
11
4

6
(11.8)
7
15
10
110
65
57
55.6
57.5
9.1 (100.0)
1 Hindu woman with ‘divorce’status not included

age
group

Distribution of married women (Hindu)
by number of children (surviving)
0
1
2
Total
5
5+
4


1
1
10
8
11
0
0
56
7
2
12
12
48
4
5
15
0
1
1
18
4
5
27
2
6
2
5
5
9
25
28
18
40
17
17
17
157
12.4
12.4 ‘12.4 20.4 15.2 29.2 (100.0)

0-14
15-24
25-54
55-44
45+
all
ages

pa:

56
7
-



(0.7)
(26.5)
(55.0)
(19.7)
(18.3)

Table:9. Distribution of women by maritals status agd age
Village: ELACHI

age
group
(1)

marittll status of woman
unmarried
married
wi^yed
(3)

total
(5)

*
Hiimus

0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

235
67
5
1
1
309
50.4

0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

105
4

•»*

54
100
38
44
236
38.5



•**

7
7
54
68
11.1

235
121
112
46
99
613
(100.0)

(38.3)
(19.7)
(18.3)
(7.5)
(16.2)

105
32
21
20
19
197
(100.0)

(53.5)
(16.2)
(10.7)
(10.1)
(9.7)

HuSLIKS*

age group

75-24
25-34
35»44
45+
all
ages
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages



28
21

15
5

10
9
109
74
14
7. 1
55.3
37 .6
* 1 Hindu woman. and 4 muslim women
with 'divorce’status not included

Distribution of married women
by number of children ksurviving)
Total
0
1
2
3
4
5+
HIIWUS
1
2
6
11
53
(22.4)
24
9
101
(42.8)
10
11
15
15
23
27
38 (16.1)
2
2
15
9
3
7
10
6
55
44
(18.7)
5
5
3
236
26
40
26
47
33
64
11.0
2?.1 17.0 14.0 11.() 19.9 (100.0)
MUSLIMS
10
8
2
28
(37.8)
2
1
5
0
6
1
21
(28.4)
4
3
7
(20.3)
0
0
2
10
1
2
15
0
1
10
0
0
1
8
(13.5)
11
11
6
6
26
14
74
8.1
14.9 18.9 I9.1
14.9 35.1 (100.0)

Table: 10.

Distribution of women by marital status and age

Villages DIITCffiliPOTA

age-group
(1)

0-14
15-24
25-54
35-44
45+
all
ages

marital status of women
unmarriec1
married
(2)
(3)
*
HINDUS
200
27
31
53

34

27
22?
145
34.0
53.5

Total
wieowed
(4J

(5)

3'
8
43
54
12.7

200
58
56
42
70
426
(100.0)

(14.0)
(13.6)
(13.1)
(9.9)
(16.4)

* 2 Hindu women with, ’divorce’ status not included
HotsJ 2 Christian women were recorded in the village.

Age-group

15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

pas

Distribution of married women (hindu)
b$r number of children (suxviving)
0
10
2
0
1
13
9.0

1
12
4
2
2
20
15.8

2
3
11
2
4
20
13.8

3
4
7
4
3
18
12.4

4
2
10
9
4
25
17.2

5+
0
19
17
13
49
33.8

Total
31
(21.4)
(36.6)
53
34
(23.4)
(18.6)
27
145
(100.0)

Table 11:

Distribution o£ women by marital status and age
Village; JAGADDAL

ege-group

0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages
Ifote:

pa:

married
(3)
IUJtDUS

Total
widowed
(4)

(5)


358
1
359

121
186
65
1
105
15
119
1
90
98
7
56
78
134
86
896
495
315
55.2
35.2
9.0
(100.0)
4 Muslim women were recorded in the village.

age-group

0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45+
all
ages

marital Stsatus of women

unmarried
EH (2)

(1)

Distribution of married women (Hindu)
by number of children ( surviving)
0
1
2
3
4
5+_
1
0
0
0
0
0
18
6
0
0
23
17
7
13
17
33
19
17
2
8
16
42
3
19
1
10
22
7
7
7
29
68
40
51
44
83
9.2
14.0
16.2
21.3I
12.7
26.3

(40.1)
(20.7)
(13.3)
(10.9)
(15.0)

Total
1
64
106
99
54
315
(100.0)

(0.3)
(20.3)
(33.6)
(28.6)
(17.2)

Table: 12. Disrrlbution oi' women by marital status and age

Village: aSHOWHATI

age-group
(1)

0-14
15-24
25-54
55-44
45+
all
ages

Total
marital status of women
umarried
marrried
widowed (5)
(5)
(4)
(2/
HINDUS


650
(42.1)
650
4
(20.4)
165
149
315

(11.0)
166
169
5
152
12
144
(9.3)
120
(17.2)
2
143
265
*
1543
820
156
567
10.1 (100.0)
36.8
*1
55
* 4 Hindu women with ’divorce’status not included
MUSLIMS

0-14
15-24
25-54
55-44
45+
all
ages
age-group

15-24
25-54
35-44
45+
all
ages

17



17
*1
55



j

5
1
1
10
31.2

1
1
3
5
15.7

17
4
5
2
4
32
(100.0)

(53.1)
(12.5)
(15.6)
(6.5)
(12.5)

Distribution of married women (Hindu)
by number of children (surviving)
Total
0
1
2
3
4
5+
1
35
69
33
12
4
154
38
54
9
16
169
33
39
11
24
124
51
27
4
7
120
26
20
14
8
15
37
56
107
J23
567
97
89
!95
21.7 (100.0)
9.9
18.9
7
*
17
15.•7 16.7

(27.2)
(29.8)
(21.9)
(21.1)

t retribution o; »OKn in child-bearin,’ b,;.->u by
co■-.'ijniry/cnstt over

13 sa-r.pU villages, ^onar>ur

>.3., 24--’ar’-’inaa .<;la tri ct, 1974.
•OV unity/
'ante

(1)

total females
the habitat

ov.?n in child-bearing a-vs
35-44
?5-34
15-?4

Total

(2!

(5)

(6)

(4)

(3)

1•

'-is chi!ntepur

59

53

24

96

226

.‘W3SI»

t

2

1

4

7

lots I

40
(40.0)

35
(35.0)

25
(25.0)

100
(100,0)

235

4

19

34
5SJ
619

2.
H’L is. • ”

Total

8

7

Okhila

80

96

51

22?

88
(35.8)

103
(41.9)

55
(22.3)

246
(100.0)

Jarannathour
13

8

UJ’,’4

72

02

42

196

520

019 1

85
(?’•*. 5)

90
(40.7)

46
(20.6)

221
(100.0)

570

39

187

409

596

4

4•
ti'OFtf

65

25

50

kbeli

70

91

54

215

Total

135
(35.6)

174
(45.3)

93
(23.1)

402
(100.0)

995

Hi i-iitJ

54

58

32

144

?18

: ’ ’o> .• '.?i

69

59

42

170

411

125
(39.2)

117
(37.3)

74
(25.5)

314

729

51

46

40

157

379

27

18

16

61

147

78
(39.4)

64
(32.3)

56
(29.3)

1 ifj
(100.0)

526

5..

^otsl

6.■

uii

Ivi., IzVi

iotsl

Kusuaba

‘iOinlkuria

7.
hv.;:>a

o: .iJiiA-,
total

Jayenpur

52

25

19

76

180

10

10

7

27

75

0

0

1

1

5

42
(40.4)

27
(26.0)

104
(190.0)

25s

(55.6)
8,

■amchandrapur

H ■ X UU

74

57

52

165

450

'-.WTI.’

19

11

11

41

110

Total

95
(45.6)

6A
(55.5)

45
(21.1)

204
(1'10.0)

540

9.

■.In ebl

115

HI 1£U

122

:v3 j.;

a*?.

25

iota!

155
(45.4)

156
(58.1)

281

614

20

76

201

66
(18.5)

(100.0)

46

10.

015

Mn^elpota

428

BI’^U

59

55'

41

155

dURiilAJ

0

0

0

0

2

Total

59

55

41

155
(100.0)

450

11.

122

99

405

396

1

0

1

2

4

185
(45.4)

122
(50.0)

90
(24.6)

407
(100.0)

ill.-Sull

184

•rj \>r?!
Total

12.
HINDU

Total

Jajgaddal

519

177

4

f

525
(49-9)

1P2
(27.6)

15.

Chauhat1

151

647

2

11

52

155
(22.5)

656
(100.0)

1579

1547

Can Hu.-.11

Hi.ii'U

124

107

108

5*9

871

f.’3 T> I- •

147

159

87

575

1059

22

15

22

57

146

295
(58.1)

259
(55.7)

217
(29.2)

769
(1)0.0)

2056

Total

K> H — \

TOTAL

HEALTH

CARE

PROJECT,

1974-75

report on Socio-demograpiiic Survey
Carried out in 13 villages and Semi-urban x

Settlements of Sonarpur P.S., 24- Parganas,
Vest Bengal, 1974.

IIWLa
( February 1975)

«\ 0

1.

Bio-Social interest in the study of fertility and its

immediate impact on rapid population increases is growing

faster. But for the staggering ’additions’ to the population­

reservoir of the country each year the peoples at large

are being exposed to rising stress and strain both within
and without family and/ or community life. On the other

'

hand, immediate concern for poor health, poverty and
mortality (especially that of infants) is also parallely
mounting up in the society. As the general welfare of the

population and the socio-economic conditions under which it
lives cannot be considered independently one has to pay
increasing attention to both quantitative

and qualitative

ExdxijEE characteristics of population. This is more true
with respect to farious social groups constituting a

population in any locality. Thus problems of fertility and
population growth should not be examined without any refe­

rence to the state of health of the people under examination.

The importance of health ae a medico-demographic variable
is obvious and it has to be accepted as an important element

in all other basic population functions, including reproduc­
tion, survival, agricultural and industrial production,

and the achievement of cultural and social goal.
To keep the continuity of the family line, the respo­

nsible couples have to procreate and in this respect social

codes of conduct governing family - building attitude and
and actions cannot easily be neglected by the couples concer­

ned. Naturally, the issues of fertility and its control have

to be examined in tune with the prevailing social codes of

conduct governing Family living in any community under
consideration. On the other hand, poverty, malnutrition and

2.
inpaired health reign high in general amidst population of
the country. Hopelessly poverty is making people imprudent
and reckless to burden themselves with a family and again, the

same poverty is causing ill-health and diseases. V'ith no or

little education and family wealth the couples at large are
forced to adjust continuingly with the fortunes and miseri­
es of daily life and living. In the very process of adjustment
their total behaviour - pattern -cultural.economic and
o
psychological- gets naturally entangled in the volutions
caused by various^ forms of social interactions. The very way
of life with which the people are accustomed for generations

becomes gradually exposed under what is

nown as 'modernization

complex' of the time.

Lately it has been increasingly felt by the social
scientists, medical health workers, family planning welfare
administrations that family planning activities should not be
cv>

purs'fed^an independent issue.Bather , family planning activi­
ties have to be dovetailed with health planning measures in

reaping the better divided.fcbre family oriented health care

measures would be ..lowing among the people, more they would
become cousfeious as well as active in paying heed to the need

for family planning welfare developments. It has been assumed

that with better health and lesser physical impairments the
utter ijadifiJEJJEE in-difference of the couples towards various

birth planning measures would tend to diminish.
Hural health centres and hospitals are combing up
steadily in many areas where common medical facilities o^ae
Ji- c.

lacking miserably.Local people are slowly being at]tsajteu by

these centers for medical dispension and they are being exposed

by degrees to expert advices, social cooperation, economic
benefits and most importantly, to a new pattern of interactions.

from a narrower, parochial bound of wojild view the iural
U-i.
peoples are more and more drawn nearer to a Ur-der social
contest through m«ajtthese health centres and hospitals.

3
It may re-e-A.

be extorted that they are becoming gradually

not only health conscious but alsrjwelfare. conscious while

interacting with the physicions, para medical personnel and
other fellow ijlural-bred visitors of the Qentres.

THU I'r.vJECI Li

AxiDh

Keeping the above propositions in mind an attempt was

made to examine the following issues among the local people

residing in am arounc Rajpur town of Sonarpur police station,
24-Parganae district. This town is the only urban settlement

of the given oolice station ana it possess three hospitals
and health centres. One of trie hospitals is looted right in

ore of eight sections of tne town, namely, Elachi. Basing
E^Uchi as the starting point, a comprehensive survgy-plan
was envisaged to collect relevant facts and figures pertaining

to the given issues on the basis of family-information:.
a)

To what extent the people are taking, basic health

services from the local hospital?
\
b
b) For what particular kind of diseases or physical

ailments the-people are prompted to seek, hospital service?
c)

What is the prevailing concept about occupence of a

disease?
d)

Do the people seek hospital treatment invariably?

e)

In what environmental saltation condition the

people are used to live?
f)

What form of treatment to care a disease is generally

pursued by the people.?

g)

What kind of family planning measures is followed

by the couples?

h)

If, tutiectomy and vasectomy are atfkll accepted by the

couples?

Necessary family-based information is being collected by
canvassing a specific Family Schedules "Family Schedule for

Basic Health Services"

To precede the work with ’Family Schedule for Basic
Health Services', endeavour had been made to called basic

socio-demographic particulars of the families subjected to
the present study. For this a detailed schedule entitled ”

preliminary Census" had been put into operation. In this sche­

dule the following items of information

have teen collected

from each and every family residing in the rural or semi-

urban settlements chesep for study:
i)

composition of family by sex, age. Year of birty,

relation with tax head of household
ii)

Civil condition^f members

iii)

Occupational status of members

iv)

Main and subsidiary means of livelihood of members

v)

Caste/Community affiliation of family

vi)

IndentifiCction-particuIars of each village by name,

municipal/panchayat affiliation, police station and District.
Information received

■?

through the schedule of preliminary

Census" is imperative to identify the families by its (a)
Type (b)social affiliation, (c) religion aflilication (d)

occupational affiliation and (e) educational acim|vement. More
over, from this schedule th

basic

-VAformation

about the people understudy is obtained and such information
is £-* n qua- non

for understanding the core social structure
U5

of the people. Since society and population are intermoven,

primary socio-cultural characteristics of the people under
study is essential in reflecting upon the behaviour of each
population-aggregate classified by caste/coiamunity (religion),
occupation^education, or family composition with respect to

physical health care as well as family planning activity

or both together.

5

j. OBJECTIVES 0? THE STUDY:

The objectives with which the present project has been

undertaken are as follows:

I. To study the interconnectedness between general

health care measures. niin and family planning activities
among rural families of West Bengal.
II. To examine the nature a rd extent of traditional

concept of disease and its treatment in the immediate hack

ground of modern medic?. 1 facilities available from a hospital.

III.

To consider the relationship between level of

f.-nily health, family sixe and socioeconomic status:
4. SELECT 0. Of Vlhh/iC^t:

;s said earlier,

Elachi, a component of the nuncipali-

ty town of hajpur, serves as the base of the- field survey under­

taken. Taking

Elachi as centre which is accommodating .

Ainiya devi charitable Hospital since mid- 1960s’ selection

of villages and semi-urban villages had been made from within

5 miles. These human settlements were so chosen that they

would form a compact but continuous block and again, they
were within easy reach of the Hospital. Strictly speaking,

selection of villages was not random in nature and statistica­
lly these villages do not stand to represent the general

characteristics of the local residents of 2'4-parganas

district as a whole. Selection procedure was, in fact,
purposeful to satisfy the pilot study envisaged. The villages

which were chosen for the purpose of the present endeavour
and which were completely enumerated have Hereafter been

described in details in the next Section2. . This much
is stated here

that in total 13 rural and semi-urban

habitatg situated in close distance from Elachi were
enumerated. All these settlements are located near the

Q>

fringe of the small town of Kajpur. Moreover, considering
time, field cost and local facilities available for any
survey the present me^thod in the choice of the villages
had to be followed. Since the study is pilot in character

no attempt was immediately made to go for a proper statisti­

cal design in chosing the villages concerned. The present
study would really represent a type study which has hardly
been undertaken in the £tate. Nevertheless, the findings

of the survey are expected to bring out such information
as would be useful to offer a frame for future research in

this line in the given locality.

Section :2
THE

Li'.’KU ;.'UCIi<G

SUxtViiY

AltliA

:

The Survey was conducted in 13 villages located in
.Sonarpur Police Station under Sadar Sub-divison of 24-T’arga-

nas district. Sonapur is one of fourteen police stations
which dEiixsaxtE delineate the boundaries of the Sadar

Sub-division. Sonarpur police station with 98 inhabited
villages co^vers 65•9 sq. miles and of this area the rural
part explains as good as 57.8 sq. miles. In 1961 Census total

population under Sonarpur P.S. was recorded to be 133, 324
(rural population being 108, 512). The urban part falling in
this police station is Recounted only by Raj pur town which

extends over 8.1 sq.milies.

Rajpur town is situated on the road from Calcutta to
Kulpi, 11 miles south of Calcutta. The town constitutes a

municipality with eight sections namely, (1) Rajpur, (i.i)

Harinavi (J.h.lVo. 3b) (iii) Kodalia ($».!>. 55), tiv) unangripota
(v). salancha (J. a. 78). (vi) ' ajtinagar (j.L.79), (vii) Piach.i
(J.L..7U) ana (siii) ^agaaaal (J.L. 71)- Taxing 31acni as tne

starting centre the present survey

carried out in 1974

by six investigation in the following vilxages:
. .

.

<XjL-'Uz5

1. Kumar&nali (y.i. 48) - The village covers 378.34 t^etre

and was inhabited by 2143 persons (1961) census). This

habitat is provided with electricity and it is, in fact,

a semi - urban settlement. The 1961 censu£^:haw<5that this

settlement Eencompassed 2-uO houses with 213 households.

Total population was 2143 (males: 1245/feiaales: 898/
sex r.'tio: 138'6 )■ ^f these persons only 659 were literates

(males: 531) and total workers were 10391 (xl In 1951

Census count population of this village was 1727.

2.

Kusumba (^.L. 50) - The village extends over 359
31
*

acres with 1708 persons

(1961). In 1951 census opulatr fac­
tion of the village was shown
only 943
*
In the xx
village 245 houses and 245 households were found in

1961 Census. Gut of total 1708 pereons'the males were
/3S-3
982 and sexratio EndxikB was ^a rd the number of literates

were 445 $ males: 355).In the total population 699 perso­
ns were returned as workers (males:590).
3.

Jagannathpur(G. L. 51):

fpreding over 202.1 «»=»^&area

this village had 880 persons in 1961, but in 1951 census

population of the village was only 441. Within a decade

the village registered e stagerring population growth.
It become almost doubled. Such high order of population

inc 'case within only tejft years is, indeed, exteemely
striking. Of the total 880 persons the males explained
|23‘1

as good as 487 soules, the dexratio beings'The village

was constituted by 129 occupied residential bourses with
the same number of households in 1961. Total literates

were 156 (males: 127) in the population, where as total

number of workere of all cotegoriee was 347 (<&> in the
last 1961 census o uyi count.

4.

Ki£chinta^pur(j?.I>. 53.) This is one of the siaall villa

of the local area encompassing only 120. 1 _&3^as. Populati
on of the village was 357 in 1961 census cou t, while in

1951 census the same was 329. Of the total 357 persons

the males accounted for 191 (seyatio:^ ). -he villege
had in 1961 seventy eight accupied residential houses.

with 62 households.In the total population the number of
literates was 73 (males: 59) and the number of workers

was 78 (mal|e:77). ho primary school was recorded in

the village in 1961 census.

5.

Ukhila Paikpara (J.L. t>6): Extending over 458.3

this village was constituted by 1512 persons in 1961
and 613 persons in 1951. In the census decode of 1951-61

the population did increase significantly. Population

gorwth v.as more than double in the village. This feature
has its own importance in explaining the nature of
>v
increasing density in the village. In 1961 census this

semi-urban settlement was shown to possess ^primary shhool
, ata

a post office and electricity. In possessing

these institutions offering 'modern
*

facilities Ukhila

stands uniquely distinguished from the neighbouring rural

settlements. ®f the total 1512 persons of this semi-urban
habital the males alone accounted for 1124 souls9 the
$57
sexratio beingIn the present settlement 158 occupied

houses with 187 households were noted in 1961 census.
Total literates and workers were 904 and 407 respectively
in the p-g^a-lation.

The above 3 villages and 2 semi-urban settlements are

situated on the northern margin# of Rajpur town and they form
a contnu|J,ous compact area.Villagee Jagannathpur and Niechin-

tapur and the Semi - urban settlement of Ukhila Paikpara
are just on the immediate fringe of northern boundary of the

town, while villages Xymarkhali and Rgsumba are contiguous
with northern limits of ^agannath-zpur and Ukhila. The said
compact block of villages and semi-urban settlements covers

1518 <ujetts and 6600 persons. This geographical block of
habitats stands separated from the second continuous compact
block of villages and urban scjJxents of Rajpur town by a
dist^ct spatial gap. The undernoted villages uxkaxxHXKXx

and urban segments are situated

in west and south of the
Vv<
marches of the town. Urban habitat of Kajpur comes -ya between
o
the said two compact blocks of human settlements u. der survey.

1 0

All the villages, -rffemi - Urban villages and urban segments
which were investigated are, thus, within immediate focus of
o
Rajpur town, the only urban area o£ Sonappur police station.

6.

Ra-achandrapur (J.L. 58): This village covers an area

of 598.33 rpee> In 1961 census the settlement was reported

to have 100 occupied residential houses and 128 households.
I o,3 'A
Population was 705, the males being 358. Sex ratio w: s^ -In

the decad

of 1951-61 the rural habit t experienced a

sizable increase in population, since in 1951 census

only 48^ persons were shown. The- village possessed a
primary school and the number of literates was 243 in

1961. Total number of workers was 204. Tale literates

and male workers were 179 and 181 respectively. Geograp­
hically this habitat is just on the western inarches of

Ila j pur municipality town. Its eastern boundary mer es
v.ith the urban boundary and there by it is within clos­

est influence of luajpur town. Along with Dingelpota village
69) the village demarcates the western margin of the
town.
7• Ban Hugli

(J.L. 65): This settlement is one of

largest habitats of Sonarpur police station. Jut among the
villages, ani semi-urban villages under survey Bon Hugli

happens to be the largest one with 948.47 ajree in area.
This particular habitat possessed a primary school as

well as a post office in 1961. It is situated in the near

west

of Rajpur town. Population of this large settlement

was recorded to be 3851 in 1961 ana 2630 in 1951 census. C£
the total pepu ation of 3851 the males were 2018 in number
/lo-f
• sexratio 1 singlin' 1961. Total number of literates and
workers was 808 a rd 1101 respectively. Male literates were

646 a d male workers numbered 990. In the village 696
occupied residential Louses with 664 households were found
in 1961 census count.

8.

Jayenjur (J.L. 66): This village Is just on the eastern

side of Ban Hugli and is separated from Hajpur town by
Bingelpota village. It covers 252.2. aa^
e
*

and proBeessed

only 425 persons in 1961. In 1951 census population of the
habitat was 316 only. Of the total 425 persona the males
were 212 in number (sexratio waeTTs). in the village only 75

occupied residential houses with 66 households were found
in 1961 census. Number of literates and-workers was 95
and 100 xiiia respectively. Among the literates male

persons were 75, but not a singit female workers was

recorded in 1961 census count.

9*

in

Hagolkuria (J.L. 67): This village with 277-4

area, had 118 occupied houses and 156 households in 1961.
US

Population was counted to be 905 which ehojfted definite

increases over the figure of 626 recorded in 1951 census.
This settlement is located in the west of Hajpur town



and is ixsus separated from the urban area by two other

adjoining villages. Of the total population of 905 the males
accounted for 466

sexratio being

.

In

the village only 92 literates (moles: 84) were found in
1961 census. Total number of workers was 240 and of this

only 3 female workers were noted.

10.

pingelnota (J.L. 69:) This village lees just on the

western marches of Rajpur town. Geographically it is

contiguous with the urban set lement. It has 220.9
area with 112 occupied houses and

in

112 households, in

3961 census population of the habitat was found to be 633

the malee being 321 in number. Sex rat io wee thus

In

d 1951 census population was only 495- Number of literates
N and 153 (males:. 149) respectively in the village jkjprimary

senool was reported for the village m 1961 census

13.Ghaunati (J.x,-. 7b): This is the second largest village
among all txie surveyea uabitats with 355 «v mng&o in area.
It .is situated just vn southern side oi iiajpur town ana ie

spatially cuntinnous with the said urban settlement. The
village was reported to possess three primary schools and a
post office, but no electricity in 1961 census, The village

had 740 occupied residential houses and 552 households.
In 1961 opoplation was 2979, the males being 1534 in

number. Sexratio was thus

l0&'<2.

. But in 1951 census

population was enumerated to be 2022. Within a decade a
sizable addition to the village population is noticed,

Number of literates in the habitat was 1372 (males: 673):
Humber of workers was

726 (males: 577) • Chauhati is a

populates- settlement having close link with ilajpur

town.

12.

Elachi(J.L. 70): Come ye-r-s buck this was a rur: 1

settlement having a J.L. number. Both in 1951 and 1961

census^ counts this settlement was recorded as en £
"uninhabited” area. In fact this settlement had already

been included as an integral section of the urban settle® nt
of Rajpur municupality town. Its population had been

counted along with th
*:

urban population of Rajpur in 1961.

Separate information on any socioeconomic items is, thus,
not available. Rural characteristics of llachi do not exist
any lot ger • Rather, being a part of urban ares of Rajpur,

Blachi has how tuinaed to be a non-rural habitat.

In the

total area of Rajpur town (8.1 eq. uiie) the section x of
gladii sitxxBd contributes only 445.14

In the present

survey Rlachi served eg the centre of field oo<.ration.
Demographic an^socioeconomic in^forzBation about the resident

of Elac&i have been collected separately to compare with the

rest.By census definition Elachi is an urban settlement, but
in the present survey J’.lachi was treated as a /Semi-urban

Village.

15. Jagaddal (J.L. 71:) in 1951 census this set le::cnt was

shown to he a rural one having 3030 persons over 583.22
In 1961 census Jagaddar was shwon to ». e nn integral

portion of Uajpur town. As one of eight sections of i.aj-

pur muncipality this settlement had lost its rur.l affiliation
Eventually separate information of any ch mograyiiio or socio­
economic items was not®

recorded in 1961 census Ghaructis-

ties of the residents of Jagaddal had been merged with those

of the urban dwell'/ero of Hajpv-r town, but for the present
survey Jagaddal had been examinee as a semi-urban village«

the residents of which were identic iced oh the other day

with rural population of Sonarpur police stAtion .



The above five villages (aerial no. 6 to 10) fora the

second compact and continuous block. This block of rural settle­
ments lie in the west of Eajpur town. This block is separated from
the first block of five villages (serial no. 1 to 5) (that is in

the nohth of the town) by a metalled roed connecting i’-ajyur
with Tollygunge police station (outside Calcutta city) cf the
same $adar sub-division. In contrast with these two compact clocks

of vi Inges, a third •block is the/to encompass village chanhati.
semi-urban settlement of Elachi and semi-urban settlement of

Jagaddal. Village Gha^ihati lies just in south 0.1? I-xijpur tcv,n, whi­

le Elsehi and Jagaddal are right within the municipality urea of
Urv

Hajpur. Thus, we have schematically three district blocks of
villages and semi-urban settlements in and around the only

urban area of Sonarpur

police station, namely, Ha j pur town .

The second block of western village

as a whole cover an area

of 2097.2 a^res aid possessed >519 persons in 1961. The first block
of northern villages as a whole cover, as shown earlier, a Iwaser
c
-ktJarea (1518 ^rea) than that of the second one,
encompassed a

little higher number of persons (6600). Thus, with respect to (a)

(a)

spatial ccvcrgge and (b) population strength the two blocks

of villages and semi-urban settlements in question are found

not to vary much. For the tail'd block coiap^rieing souther village
I

of choutati, Flachi and Jagaddal sections of Rajpur town this

much can be said that they together cover only 1384.2 aeresj in
area. Except for £h auhati’e population figure nothing specific
v

about total persons pnihabitatiog glachi or.Jagaddal is known
from 1961 census. But in the present survey population count
for both Elachi and Jagaddal has been

ete separately.

Th|s keeping Rajpur town in the centre the schematic pattern
of three blocks of villages and semi urban villages which have
been surveyed in 1974 is outlined below.

A)

j&UCK I: i.Grvi'iihRN VILI.-'-GES? 1. Kumarkhali, 2. Ku svr.be, 3«Jagenn-

athpur, 4. Niechintapur and 5» Ukhila Raikpara.
1. Remchandrapur. 2. Bnn ugli ,

Vlhn/Gl.S;

B)

BhGwr II:

3.

Jagynpur, 4. llogalkuria, and

Dingelpota.

G) BLOC'.: Hi; buuTiiERR VILLAGES and

1. Chauhiiti village, 2. jJlachi section of Raj pur town a rd 3*
\

Jagaddal sect.on of Rajpur town.
This is to be particularly

oted here that the prceent

survey o; .eration was conducted with Elachi as the fonnl point.
As a matter of fact, Elaehi serves a vital role in the locality

of Rajpur and its neighbouring villages in possessing a hospital
(Asiya BeviA?osoital).Medical and social services rendered by
this hospital are reaching the ruralites and urbinitee of Sonar­

pur police station in a significant way. In order to find Out

the extent and magnitude of the:# impact of such services the

present Total Health care projeetjhas been undertaken. At the
very outset attempt hue been made to know the bio-social
character!sics of the

local people thrugh house to bouse

enquiry, in the s coad attempt household survey has been started

\5”

to assess the level of health anc family planning conscious^'
'
*


of the local villagers tine urban dwelers.Sociodemographic

e
*
&e

Survey of the given villages arid semi- urban settlements had

already been completed. ireliminai,y analysis have .-.een carried
Ab

oui^sift out biosocial characteristics of the 'dwellers of
each of 13 ■fillages and seM-urban am villages. These analyses

help significantly to learn in what way and how the people
under survey vary among themselfes from one settlement to

another. The findings of analysis \ hich have been discussed

hereafter help build a reference frame of the people
locality. V/ith this frame in mind

of the

enquiry may be under­

taken to probe into any particular problems of the villagers or
lower Vvfeet .tsengal.

it should ve noted tiiat the present stuay is « pilot one
ana this tries to protra/y the basic biosocial maae-up of

tne village! Ik who are d’y in ano dey out exposed to uruan
influences. Rajpur town is only 11 miles iron Calcutta and

eventually it ie not titfall free from uroan exposures.

Section : 3

THE VHJ.'.CVK A'~' THE "•> Uf’LE

A 2 00 10-JE ?0'lIt. ?: ;1C Pl .01' I IE

In the present survey in all 21501 persons were enumera­
ted from the given 13 villges and semi-urban settlements of
Sonarpur p.e. of this population as good as 52 peruu-.nt were

explained by the males only, dominance of the males is quite
district. This feature is no new development in. the context
icvko

of the country as a v?hole where in 1971 census the sex ruiiar

out to be 930- In 1961 census

(femailes per 1000 males)
USXV>

Uv-v-irw to

r 575'30 males aganiet 50982 females. Excess of males in the
state or 24.parganas district or even in the police station

is continuing still. Its reflection- is evident in the present

data.
Taking individual village’s figure it is iiamedit tely

N

noticed that the villages of i^ischintapur, Kumarkhari and Elach,
Eingelpota possessed respectively higher

roportion of the males

than the over-all kxxhx average of 52 per cent. In contract,
the village Ramchandrapur showed less dominance of the males

(49';--) - This is the only village under survey where tht females x
were in excess. For the remaining villages and semi-urban sett­

lements the proportions of males wer. found to be more or less
n same to that of the gen rtl average. .Elachi is though a part

of urban jfe.jpur s&. its population is not ch<-ractcrised by
any extraordinary male excess.
On average 5.9 p rsons (males: 3.1) are found yer house hold. Out of the given settlements the following show higher

average plumber of persons per household: (1) kischintayur

(6.5), (2) Jagannathpur (fa.2),(3) ^agaddal (6.3),y .(4)Hogolkuria

(6.0)^ (5) kamchandrapur (6.0), and (6) Ban Hugli(fa.O), Of these
six villages and semi-urban village Mechintapur stands unique.
f>nly 78 households were found here and these together contri­

buted the highest average nump^ of persons per xhou sethold .
idtx« KHiiiK rxhsradj

n
In contrast, Jkhila which hat been treat-d np a beiai-ui’ben
settlement presented the lowest average number of persons
per house hold (5-4). Blahhi was found to p^oesees-' on everage

5.7

versons per household. Such variation in averse number

of persons per household between the given habitats is a ready
indicator of'the state of development in population of the area-

The above features would be ®--re clear^ly c.nJerrt cd from the
Table A.

how a lock into the age. structure of the persons under

study revealt clearly

that the infants (0-4) years) and t e

children (5-14 yerr) together accounted for as high as 44.

per cent of total population. £uch a high figure for unproducti'
e.xnrVb.i
segment of the population we^«KPs immediate interest. In
1971 cexisus the infants and children group together explained
42.55 percent of total population of India. In this contBgJ;,

the given population

■sv
F
of Sojsarpurj? police station has not

of course differed much fxom all -India estimate in having
a ^higher lood oi uneconomic deperdents in 1974- Table B

indicates the detailed pattern of distribution of the enumerat­
ed population by age and sex.

In this context attention is drawn to village Hogalkuria
and Ban liugli. In the former village the infante and children

constituted ^8.3 percent of total population, v.’.ile ir. the

latter one the. seme explained 47.5 percent. In any village
where the infants and children.to acount for a little less than
half of total inhabitants, the demograp ie situation seems to

be alarming. Elachi was found was to have 42 infants arc child­

ren out of every 100 persons. In^contrast dagaddal, the second
integral part of F'ajpur town happened to show only 38 infants
■J
and children out of every 100 persons. This ^aggaual sertlemen$ registered the minimum coneentratxon 01 ’unproductive’ popu­

lation ano toi- tnis single feature it stands uisringu^^hed

from the rest.

low as for as only the infant population (O.p years:)
is conc^neu, vxxlage kusuipa registered the highest

cone entration (Ip per 100 persons) aiuong ail. h'ext to

this

village onmef village lamchandrupur (14.3 50, -onliuglj. (14.0^).
IKiUT
It appeal's the couples of trese settlements have ex fertility

behaviour which differ f>om those of the rest, especially of
village ^ischintapur (8.5% or <1agaddel (9.3/’). strength of
to-toX
infant population in the population of iSlachi was in the order of
%.
11.

only, but in Jaggadal the

same was still lowez’ (9.3?').

In total population among only the infants 10-5 years) the sex

ratio

ie 101.2 and and this is not on high side. But in Elachi

sexratio among the infant population only is found

to be 128.8

while in jlagaddal the same is 111.9- In village Kusuaba sexratio

comes to 101.8, where as in village Mschintapur the same happens
to W.
xbexx
115.0. In spite of noticable differences in the

concentration of the males in total population or of the infants
end children per 100 persons among the surveyed villages and

semi-urban settlements, it ie interestingly found from Tabic

C that as good as 43 out of every 100

households had the medium

size having 4 to 6 persons of all ages and sexes. Small households

(1-3 persons) concentrated in little less than one —fifth cases.
yery large households having, 10 and more persons accounted for
y

9f-« only. The modal size of the households

VC

under survey is, tb/s,

explained ngt more than 6 persons.
■C>r

This general charuct^istic of household si®e is certainly

not uniform/.^ over the given settlements. Immediate attention
ie drown by the village Ukhila in possessing relatively highest
concentration (2XJ5 27.5$). </>f small families (1-3 persons), -his

proportion ie 3 points above the general average (19-4:’-). On the
other extreme Nischintapur village marked relatively the lowest

concentration of small families (12.354). 1’hig .yapisix proportion
b-tievo-

ie about 7 points days the general average.Elachi had a fairly
good concentration of small families (22^0^) , where as in

Jaggadal the concentration of the same sized households is still

still lower (I3.o;i). As far as the concentration of only medium
?■? ?o<! houpchnlde is concerned it is found that the village
Jayenpur topped the list in ./.ostetn'ing 5*-.'

IV

and next to tt cosies
■c

village Kusumba (50.0?^). But in village Bing^lpota the same sized
3
households were formed relatively in the lowest strength (/y.1?')

On the other hand, village Hiachintapur showed the highest con­
centration of very large households (12..8'.), but in contrast
v’llrge ^usutsbo had relatively the lowest concentration (6,.2;')
In this respect village Umhila (6.3 "). comes very near to

Kusumba.

This much c;-.n be stated that

mong

the po ulation wader

survey the medium sized households (4-6 persons) were singularly
conspicuous aid thie was evid nt in 8 out of 13 villages and semi

urban settlements. Concentration of only the small sized househol
(1-3 persons) was very district in 7 out of all the given
ha.itats. Formation of only the very large sized households
(10+pe rsone) was relvti^ly more then the general average

in b out all the settlements in question. As far as large sized

households (7-9 persons) are concerned they ■. ere found in 28
out 100 eases. Bingelpota village showed relatively the

highest concetration of such households (34.05). j^here as
village Jayenpur marked the lowest concentration (17.55?). The
villages under reference are multi-caite and multi-community

in character. Hindus of middle and low castes Are scattered
ovsr the villages in varying strength. Of the total Hindus
population (21504) the low caste people form the most dominant

group (7058 persons) and then comes the High caste people
(3452 persons). But as a single social group the Muslims form
the biggest cluster with 7465 persons. The strength of t e Chri­

stians is relatively very low (629). There were 27 non-bengali
families with 88 persons in the survey area
*

Detailed distri­

bution of persons by caste or community affiliation in individual
settlement is shown in the Table D.

'

In £11 601 households belonging to High orrtp Hindus
wex-c found to contain on average 5.7 persons per household
*
Among xhc middle caste Hindu households (471) The average
siae was 6.0 and the seiae siae was prevailing <• jao:;g the Low
i'<C'vVT_J„
caste Hindu ho.ushholdj? yty^rcbering 1185. On th e other

among 1261 Muslim households average uunber of ■■ersot t per
r.ousell ’ Id happened to be 5.9-This figure is little higher
tfiaa waht was found fo

th' High <%ssfca Hridus only. In coiiina-

rison with the Hindus as swWithc musliine had th<-. some

average householdsize. Among the Vhristiane the averf... e
sine was 5»8. Christan households were found to be only 108
W.V'Aa.c

in the surveyed vilLuges.

high caste people wertfound

to have tettbr concent?'tion in Kumarkhali, kuauiaba,
•t" C.W-

u

..Jlaciii, Jagaddal and par^i^larly in Cha^hati. As a matter of

fact, of all the Hindu high canto people n ’cry little less
than half was enumerated in chcuhati vi.Lingual.>ae (1314 perosns)

In contrast, the Hindus of middle c'^te grwp were concentrating
better in l;i schin,tapur, Hogalkuria, itamchnndrapur, I-laehi,
Ohautati and Ban Hugli Highest concentration of th; riiddle

caste Hindus was in Hogalkuria village (788 persons) and
'be M>^.erL

this village was sshiirfcfetd only 1 y the middle c-'te Hindu's

aide by side of the Christians (309 persons).

Special mention has to be me.de to village Jayenyur
and .Ling el cot.a since they did net show a single raurehold

belonging to either high nr middle ejete, In thoee t(^yi village

onle the Ipw c'aste houecholde were dorc-i noting over smaller
p ’iiretia.n households, ’'illage isogalkuria
nu.u'.jer of H
yiusliEi or c
had no xiigh or low easts households. Vill'-ge Ja-virmathpur

possessed, not a sin.jlo -udvj caste household.
i’he i/iusliia households (1261 in number) wore most domin­

ant in several villages. In this respect village $pr|. ugli

’Z\

deserves first attention since a very little les; them half of

total population of the village (4290) w-re formed by the
Muelime only (2131 oersonsh Next come the villtg e Kumarkhali
and Ukhila, In the former village out of total 2134 persons

the muslims alo}fce stood for 1241 persons» while in the latter
villgge. the muslims explained1 as high jtae 1208 perso?s out

of total 1296 persons of the habitat. As mat.er of fact’,

Ukhila may he described as the musliia village. Similarly,
Jagannathpur is also a muslim village as out of total village

population of 1191 they numbered as high as 1091. 0n the other

hand, Kueumba village possessed 677 Hindus against 878 muslims
Sizable concentration of the muslims is observed in I-.amchandra.
pur (224 persons), Elachi (442 persons).
to have concentrated^!

She Christians were

in villages Hogalkuria (309 out of total 1097 perS' ns) and

Ban Hugli (308 out of total 4290 persons).
Education is generally considered as an important
social inuicator of progressive development of any population.

s

In tue country as a whole tne number ol literates was defini­
tely low, the literacy rate (iexcluuing u-4 agea individuals)

being 45.3 in 1971 census, -^ut in rural Inuia the same was

only 3y. 1'his state of affair has its immediate reflection in
the rural population under study. In very 100 persons (including

0-4 aged infants ) as good as 52 were noted to be illiterate
I

in the

present population. But those

who had ff. passed a written examination in a formal educational
sis institutions a counted for 37 percent, '1'his is. indeed,

an encouraging development. In 1961 census the preRentage of

P

literates in rural Sonarpur p,s. and rur.' l 24-j?Sarganfi£ district

was shown to be 31.8$ ahd 23.5$ respectively .

In the present survey of tlr rural people of 13 villages and

semi-urban settlements the percentage of literates happened to

be as high as 48%. v.ith respect to the district as a whole
Sonarpur p.s, registered dist^ctly higher concentration
of the lit'rates among the ruralites in 1961. And this tradition
<VV\C'Vvvvto/vvajC-cA

is well H®mi±sttjE=cd-by the people under study.

Apart from jglachi and Jaggaddal, the two segments of

urban Rajpur settlement^ xx gillages Bongugli, Chayihati
Ramchandrapur and Ukhila were reported in 1961 to possess
C
primary schools. As a matter of fact, bhauhati laauitained 3
'p d? S

primary schools. It is quite passible that because of these

schools the facilities for formal education were not difficult
to exploi^t fcjr- the local inhabitants. This question is well
attested by the feet that in every 100 persons under exjmhina-

tion as good as 35 had school level of education (primary
and above). In addition, 3 percent of total 21540 persons

reported to raanitain college level oi education.

Considering the state of affair related to educational
development in misia individual village under study, Jagaddal,
one of the sections of Rajpur town, evinjba relatively the

fv-

highest concentration of individuals having

q

education ($9.6$»). It is

, •

school level of

quite encouraging to see that half

of the total population of this semi-urban settlement (1879)

persons possessed school level of formal education and in the

same settlement 5.4 yer cent reported to have college level

of education, •"’ext comes the village phauhati where 46 out
of every '.‘00 persons had only school level of eduycation and

another 4 percent possessed college level of education, in

q

je-lachi, another section of Rajpur town, 42 percent of total

resi/Cfdhts had school level of education, but the concentration
of persons having college^of education,

tjty £qhe;ehftv?p^bh

relatively the

of

highest (To.2 percent) in this particular settlement. (Table E)

On the other side, the village Hogalkuri.e pjtoytrays a
distressing development in having the illiterates in as high

t^s 80 percent cases. Next we see the position of the village
Jagerpur where in 69 out of 100 persons the illiterates'

dominated. In this regard, BcnHugli and Jegannath pur accounted

65- percent and 64 percent respectively for the il.iterates
only, "ingelpots village presented the illiterates in 6?
percent eases. In short,6 out oil 13 villages u.’.der study
possessed individually illiterate persons in lesser strength

than that of the

general av rage for the some. They are

Nischintapur, Kumarkhali, Kusumba, -lechi, ^aygaddl and

Cha^hnti. In the remaining 7 villages dominance of illiterate

persons has to he immediately taken into notice with reference

to the question of th: prevailing socio-economic developmental
activities in the area.

In the survey area in question we have

kcvvvvA that out

of totrl 21540 persons as g^od as 50j= were in the age group

15-59 years, That is one half of the population were comprising
the total labour force, But, those v.iujwere found gainfully

employed during surveys period constituted only 27 percent of
total population. Among these gainfully employed persons (5825)

only 26 were below the age 15 and 492 war; 60 years ar.d above

in age. Total working force in the age-group 15-54 was formed

by 2700 persons, whereas in eijfe.~g.roup 35-59 the same was
accounted by 2507 persons. In the

F detailed distribution

of tot;l labour force and total gainfully employed persons

by age has been presented for each village and semi-urban

settlement.

Further discussion on the gnnifully employed persons

will follow next and hence nothing more is added here except

the remark that the economically active peo ile were really

meggre in number in the surgey area. This indicates, on the
other handk the state of economic situation of the people. To

spelljout d finitely, out of 10799

je rsons f- Hing within

15-59 ages, only. 5207 of the same ages were found gainfully
employed (48.2/-). More than hal^f of the available labour force
CMz

under reference had no g^nful pursuits in 1974. This general
feature is more or less applicable for any one hai.itat under

E

study. In e\Lachi 52 percent of the available labour force

(15-59 years) were found to be gainfully employed .^From

the Table G the distribution

of persons by sex and marita

status over the given settlements it isubserved that in every
100 persons as good as 60 were never-married and^ 34.5 percent
were married. In 1961 census for Sonarpur p.s as ajjwhole the

unmarriede and the marrieds were shown in 53

and 40

percent cases respectively. From the present survey it is noted
that the strength of the unmarrieds was in higher side, but
the marrieds were in lower order, in comparision to what is
obtained for entire population of Sonarpur p.s., in 1961.

Among the ummarrieds the dominance of the males was

evident in the villages and seji^-urban villages under study.

Sex-balance among the marrieds was disturbed a little. But
among the v/idowed persons dominance of the females was extr­

aordinary. Sex- ratio (number of males per MOO females)

reveal the nature of sex-balance more pointedly in each of the
marrital status group as foil ws: (1) Never-married:133
4;
*
(2) Married: 100.4 and (3) widowed^ 14.8

In this regard we

remember that general sex-ratio in the population was found to
be 109»7 in 1974.

Preponde^atne of the never-carried p-.reons was noticed

in almost all the villages and semi-urban settlements, the
relative highest conce ntratlon was found in the villstges of
Niechintapur and Kusunba and Bamchandrapyr.

2.S

t*

In each of this village 61 out of every 100 persons were
unmarried,the proportions of the marrd-d varied not 00 th-v

much over the habitats, the ma^j.mum being 36.2 (Hogalkuria
village) and the minimum being 32.5(llamchrandrapur and Dingelpota
villages). Relatively speaking, greatest concentration of the

widowed

persons was observed in Dingelpota village (6.b%),

tne range oi variations be tween tne village being x'rvm a low
of p.y<' (Hogalkuria) to a higa of 6.6>. Number oi ui^orcea

persons was negligible (0.2b) in the given population.
1. In nischintaput village population the oeneral

sexratio was 114-9 and among the never marrieds the same was
142.5 -he married

persons evinced a near balance, but among

the widowed the f> males outnumbered the males.

2.

In Ukhila village general population sexratio was

109.4. Among the u.marrieds the males dominated clearly,
but the females were in higher strength among the widowed

persons, bear balance among the marrieds was again noticed.
3» In Jagannathpur village general sexratio happened to

be 108.9. The never married group evinced sexratio in the
order of 134.7. r-ear balance in the married group wi s obtained

and again, the widowed females concentrated most conspicuously.
4.

In the population of Kumarkhali village sexratio was

114.5. liereagain, the males out numbered the females in

utarnarried group, while the females in midowed group, hear
sex-balance in the married group was noticed.
5« Kusumba gillage showed sexratio of 113.0. In the
u.married group the sexratio was 141.2. perfect sex-balance

(1OO.O0 was noticed among the marrieds. Among the widowed

the sexratio was 14.7 only.

EX

6. In the population of Hogalkuria the sexratio was

obtained to be 108-r6, but in the never married groupjbnly the
same happened to be 125.8 near i.alance in the married group
but disbalance in the widowed group was again observed in the
villa ge

>



26

1. In Jayenpur population sexratio was 108t5-dominance
of the males in the never marxied group and dominance of the
females in the widowed group is quite clearly .observed. The

married group enjoyed a near sex-bal aace.

8. Ramchahdrapur is the village where the females were

more in number than the males in the total population. Hence
the sexratiof turned out to be 96.3 only. But in the unmarr­
ied group the males were dominating to result the sexratio of

107.1 Among the widowed group the sexratio was 24«5

2X

0. In Elachi general sexratio in the population was

112-14. In the unmarried group the sexratio turned out to be
141.9. Near sexbalance in the married group and disbalance

in the widowed group was also repeated in this urban segment

of Rajpur town.
10. Bingelpota evineed population sexratio to be 112.3.
Among the unmarrieds the males out numbered the females. In

the married group sexratio happened to be 104.8. The widowed

females were

most remarkable.

11. In Jagaddal, another segment of Rajpur town,
population sexratio was 108.8. Among the ffiyjiiarrieds sexratio

happened to be 129-3. The males were slightly more in number
in the married group, while in the widowed group the females
were dominant.

12. In G&aflhatl village population sexratio turned
out to be 109.9- The males out-numbered the females in the

never married

garoup . But the females were concentrating

more in the widowed group.
13.

Ban Hugli village pzesented population sexretio in

the order of 108.7. Among the unmax-ried group the sexratio

was 129.2.Balance of sex in the married group was fouijd.

Herekgain, the females dominated over the males in the widowed
group

High sexratio in the unmar.vied group in almost all the

villages is very remarkable. Similarly low sexratio in the
widowed group over the villages attracts immediate attention.

In the survey as good as 3653 households were surveyed and
the essential characteristics of those households with

respect to sex distribution, age distribution, size etc. have
been shown earlier, now considering the

kinship affiliation

of the members of each hous ehold the family organizational

types have been sifted out in the Table H. Those members who
did not show any genealogically tracable kniship relation with
the head of the household have been exceed in identifying
the family type concerned. At the second stage, those members

who were kins but not consonguineous to the Head of household

has, been treated as partri/ J?atri-ta8^Bi--te2fc&. For description
purpose these potriformatii kins have been shown as 'complex'0
Q-L

•'S-CSt.-x cVttlKAvvL '

In general, the care (j(fleth4mfn.nflTgndtt>h_ehurf_iihesgiwfesbfinH
lyti VVUUVv

, kin member who showld not be long to the gore by

'

virtue of

the prevailing marriage custom he or she was -taken as

'complex' element adhered to the family concerned. Those who
were found living alone by themselves without ary kin have
been marked as single member unit. The nuclear family consists
of the parents / parent with only the unmarried children.

xhe rest of the kin-aggregates except the married couples is
included within Joint (extended) family. Principally thebe'

are 4 major types of famil^aggreate understudy Total single
member units had been found in only 4 percent cases,this
signifies the fact that the people under surveys were

almost fully family-members. Total married couple units
having no children were also very slender in strength(3.4fj).

It is the type of nuclear(simple) family which dominates
the scene. In as high al 64 out of every 100 kin-aggregates

nuclear families were formed. In the remaining 28 percent

cases Joint(extended) families having varied kin composition
were organised. Thus, it can safely be stated that in the

given survey area the people are more oriented towards
simple family organization,
Taking the position of individual village and semi14

urban s> ttlement it is Observed that the village ^usumba
-vvbtt-Q.poCT.

had rel atiBgiy the hignest concentration of sinrle, auj&her-

familiee of all types (71.4 percent), the lowest concentration
■being in the village ^hajihati (57$O. The range of variation'
CO-vJ-'-cL

not very

in the given human settlements was, of

marked. As far as the concentration of joing family orgav
nizstions is concerned, it is noticed that the village

Nischintapur had relati-e^tly the higi. eat concentration

(33-3$) • where as the lowest concentration was found in two
villages, namely, ^usumbe (23$) and Hogalkuria (23$). It is
remarked here that in 14 out of 100 family types in question
'complex’ elements were present
"
*

the maximum!10$) being .

with joint families of the survey area^Jln the fable ,1
detailed distribution of the gainfully em .loyed persons

over the vilhges by broad occupation group affiliation is
/

shown. It is remarkeble that as agriculturists,only a very

minor fraction (0.8$) am ng total 5825 gainfully em loyed
persons was met with in the survey. The largest magni^^de of

the economically active force was ^represented by these who
were working as labourer. These labourers were either

agricultural, ar day labourer (51$). A.sizable portion of

the working force was attached to some sort trade and
commence (15$). About one-third of total economically active

people were affiliated with service, type of avocation.
With respect to the villages and semi-urban settlemnets

it is stated that in Alachi(segment of Rajpur town) the single

dominant group of the ecominomically active people was
with services (57 3 )• In tune with its semi-urban
, <2c

character Elachi presented definitely in as good as 70 peree;

nt. cases non-agricultural labour forcv. But in ^agaddal
(another segment of Rajpur t^n) service-affiliated labour
force explained only 50.3$, but here economically active

persons linked with business were gq quite dominant (21.3%)
*
Jagaddal also

manitains its semi-urban character in having
..
*T.2_
definitely in as hjtghas
percent cases non-agricultural

earres. In boths slac’.i and Jagaddgl the majority of the
•tl

households dependened on non-agricultural occupations.
In contrast village riogalkuria showed that 91$

of the local labour force were related to labour type of
advocations. The households of the habitat were efitemely dep­

endent sSon those who gave mannal labour for earning family
subsistence. Next in this context come the villages of

Jayenpur (74$). Jagannathpur (73$). Dingelpota (73$) and

Ban Hugli (72$). In these villages non_agricultural house­
holds were distinctly weaker in concentration.
Ok- oJJLUvt

Relatively speaking, ore -half

ganifully

employed persons of chauhati villa ge were affiliated
Os-w-JUJ

with
'in.

service- type occupations. Next em$?se- the village Ku^arkhali

where in 45 out of 100 economically active people were in one
OvCL

or other type of service. Kusumba does not l=ngrmuch behind

K,

^pmarkhali in having sercice affiliated labour force in 42$

cases. These is marked variation in the relative concentration
of ps rsons engaged in service type; occupations over the sett­

lements under study, the maximum and the minimum being
57$ (Elachi) and 6$ (llogalkuria).

As far as the persons engaged in business, the highest
'\>C
concentration is comparatively obtained in Nischintapur
village (38$). Then come Jagaddal (21$) and Kusumba (21$).

30

Range bf variation in the relative concentration of the

ganifully employed persons in

over the given

human settlements is found to be between a high of 28 $
( Nischintapur) and a low of

(liogalkuria).

With respect to general averge (57.1/9 of labouraffiliated economically active persons, in 7 out of 13
villages and semi-urban set tlements the concentration

of the same people was dif^nitely lower. Similarly, with

reference to general average (15%) of business^ affiliated
bread-earners, in 6 out of 13 settlements occurrence of such

earners was lower..
Earliei the Table D has been discussed to show the

distribution of the enumerated persons by caste and com­

munity affiliation, how we go a step further to examine the
people by caste, community and sex for each human settlement

under study Table J here only the Bengali

spacing residents

of the villages have been considered excluding 27 non-Bengali
\households and their 88 members. Among 21416 Bengalis 37

percent belonged to low castes. In total 21 low castes were
found in the survey area. Gf these low castes the Pa^ndras

dominated over the rest having 464 households with 2758
persons. The were found in varying strength in all the

tL

villges except $khila, Jagannathpur and liogalkuria. Their
best concentration was in both «Jagaddal and Ramchandrap^r .

Their next best concentration was in Elachi. Apart from the

?

yiaundras .the low caste of Teor formed the second test esbuse
concentration,/^^ ^5 household and 2411 persons. They

were, of course, limited to only three villages of Hogalkuria,

Jayenpur and Ban Hugli r the last village Bon Hugli had the
highest number of Teors (1326): persons

224 households.) '

The Jugis were found in 196 households having 1202 persons
and they were restricted today only 2 villages of Chaj^hati and

Jaggadal « Maximum concentration was, of course, in

31
Ghauhati village (174 households with 1043 persons).Of the
total 7846 low caste pe rsons of the survey area the above
three castes together accounted for as high as 6371 (81.2
percent). Naturally, the population charactering shown by

the

caste Hindus of the survey area were certainly

influenced mostly by these three social .groups, xmuE±jc

irif 1V> eifcsdQmo^ta^^bjMihe^^thfceexkoeial^rQi1^®,-

namely

jaundrs, Teors and Jugis.

The middle caste Hindus were in all 2024 in number and
they constituted 15^ of the Bengali Hindus, out y.5$ of all
V

Bengali speaking inhabitants of the area unuer surgey.
Altogetner 10 different castes belonging to the Pidale caste

category were met with in the settlements . of these

ten

castes Goalgs(Ohose ) and Mahisyas were dominant group . The

Goalas happened to form the strongest group with 167 households

and 1026 persons. They were fojtnd scattered in 8 villages, the
maximum HMmniBdatxaiiBM concentration being in the village
Ramchandrapur (24 households with 134 persons). The Mahisyas

formed 50 households a nd numbered 267. They were living in
6 out of the given 13 settlements. Their best concentration
was found in Elachi eeg^int of Rajpur town.
among the high Caste group 3452 persons are found. They
explained 26 percent of the ^engali Hindus examined here,
but 16 percent of total Bengali-speaking people in question.

Only 3 caste groups belonging

to the High caste category

n

were observed, the Kayasthas formed the dominant social

group having 332 households and 1902 persons. Except the
villages of Hogalkuz'ia, Jayenpur ana Bingelpota, the remaining
rural and semi-urban settlements possessed the Kayasthas.
k

0

%

But their ^est concentration was in the village ^hajjhati

where 187 j^ayastha households with 1118 persons were enumerated.

32-

The Brahmins constituted t?r j^econd influential group having

215 households and 1465 persons. They were Bowed in all

rural aril semi-urban settlements under study, except Hogal-

K

kuria, Jagenpur and hingelpota (they didiaot show any j^ayesth

households also). Best concentration of the Brahmins was noticed

S'

in xaggadai ^agadual, the segment of Rajpur t wn. Here 70

Brahmin households with 441 persons were courted. Thus,

K

the^ ^ayas_-th$p and the -Brahmins stand together for all

socioeconomic and demographic characteristics which might he
sit^ed out for the High caste Hindus of the locality. Sexratio

among the Hindus was 109.0.
The Muslims as a community stand as a solid population

group with 7465 persons' (35%) among the total Bengali-^Speking
inhabitants

surveyed. Among them sex ratio is f&sfesi to be

109.0 .'They were found in all the given rural and semi-r

urban settlements, except in Hogalkuria and Bing^lpota^
villages. Their highest concentration was, of course, j&y ifegiftxs-n.
in the village ryahugli (2131 persons in 348 households). As

a matter of fact, the Muslim households constituted 49

percent of all households (711) surveyed in BanHugli. Their
second
concentration is observed in J^arkhali

village (1241) persons in 2U7 households). In this village
of all the households (372) the muslim households accounted
for ar- high as 56 per cent. They were found

concent-

bated also in the villages dagannath--pur (1091 percent)

sand Kusumba (878% persons).
The ^hristians wefe found principally in two villages,
namely, Hogalkuria (309 persons in 52 households) and Ban Hugli

(308 persons in 54 households). The phristions explanied

only 2.9 percent of the total Bengali speaking inb.ebitc.nte

under examination.

33
Sex ratio among them was found to be 111.1 in this respect
the ^hristiojis show greater dominance of the

males in

their population than what is observed for either the

Hindus or tne Muslims.
Thus, in the population under examination the Low

caste Hinaue formed the single major group and next to their

came the muslims. They together formed 71.5 percent of the
total population of the given 13 rural and semi-urban

settlements.
In Else hi proper 1700 Bengali speaking persons were

counted in 1974 survey. uf these

persons the low caste

Hindus alone stood for 30.5 per cent. Hext came the muslims

having 26.0 per cent share of ^lachi population. The High
and raiddie caste Hindus were present aixmiss almost in equal.
strength. On the other hand, in Jaggadal proper 1370 persons
were foj^nd in the present survey.

this population the Low

caste Hindus alone accounted for 58.9 percent, ext came the
3.3' X
High caste Hindus with
percent share of the local

semi-urban inhabitants. In Jaggaddl the mullims were very
meagre in number (only 9 persons). Thus, in the given two

urban segments of Itajpur town we find a variation in the
concentration of the caste Hindus and the fehslims. but in

both areas the Low caste Hindus formed the single major
group, but in Jagaddal the -“ow caste Hindus wer,_ the most
dominant social group.

The socio- demographic profile of the villages and
semi-urban set_vtlements under examination is, thus, presented
uin surii manner that would heln readily sift the required

population characteristics for any one settlement or for any
clusters of settlements. In any case, it is clear that the
characteristics evinced by the semi-urban inhaybitants

of Elachi and Jagaddal do not vary sharply from those present
cV-vxitlcv.)
ed by the rural <?l^ehters of the fringe villages of
Rajpur town.

34
SECTIONS

TENTATIVE

GGNChCSlONS

V.1TH

LEGOhMEEnATOilY

CLLBBVATIOfcS

The population characteristics which have been discussed
in the previous section need to he assessed in the historical

background of the district 24-parganae,

<961 Census showed

thet the total population had increased by <0.8 percent
over that of 1951. The increase during 1951-61 had surpassed.
all the recox'dg of decennial increase during 1901-5.1. These

was a sharp distinction between the growth in rural sector

and that in urban sector. The rural areas of the district
claimed an increase of 32.05 per cent, while in the urban
areas had registered 64.29 per cent increase during the decade
1951-61.

a matter of fact, ihfeh- growth of population in the
district in each census year was

State. These were

higher than that in the

11 police station where tae increase

during 1951-61 varied between 30 and 39»9 percent and

Sonarpur p.s. was one of them. Sonarpur showed, actually
33.7 per cent increase in population during the decade
1951-61. Again, among 14 police stations

of the Sadar sub-

divition Sonarpur evihaed the second highest increase in
population, percentage variations of population curiig
1941-51 and 1951-61 were 7.8% and 33.7% respectively in

,

Sonarpur p.s. In the context of the above demographic develop­
ments the significance of the biosocial features of the

population ultder reference has to be evaluated. It is

quite clear that when the district of .'M-rParganas as a whois
was experiencing ‘staggering' population increase, especially
aruing the decde 1951-61, any village of any police station of

the district can not remain to d^fc±y\unaffectec. toreover,
Sonarpur p.s. as a whole is a geographical tract where the

trust of higher population increase was quite remirxable.
r-.
Naturally, eacn and ev>ry village of Sonarpur p.s. is

nighly expected to face the stress and st^n of such nigh
population growth. On the otherhand, the uiuay settlements
of the district had experienced greater impact of population
psdda rioad. neing an urban area Eajpur town cannot he, thus,

■i-.
expected to remain unaffected. In this town Slack! and Jagaddai
are located and consequently all the good and had effects of

fastly swelling urban population of the District or the
?
police Stations have to be borne by them.
Social developmental measures including family welfare

activities which have already been initiated in the District
.c.c\e.Khave its universal appenl fox'
settlement -urban or
rural - of 24-parganas. No settlement can be isolated from

the focal point of these Developmental measures. But the
population of each settlement requires to be examined by

their social bake up. It is better to treat the social

groups in tune with their prevailing c&ltural

assests.

The Hindus and the Muslims are jtKXBxitx never (governed by the
same family- building attitudes and activities and as such

family welfare programmes have to be tailored such that
their traditional way of living and acting is not unduly
disturbed. Moreover, among the Hindus the High c^te people

should not be equated with either the middle or low caste

people. As a Hindu they have a common ground for social
inter-actions,-by in the arena of marriage, matey selection

and family interactions they have their own societal ehoices
and preferences.

In implementing any social welfare programmes, particu­
larly programmes of health care and family planning serious

attention should not lack in giving due weightage to the said

social choices and preferences

To give specific examples,

it is noted that the villages of TIkhila, Jagannathpur,
Kumarkhali, Kusumba and Ban Hvgli have to treated especially
as Muslim village and in consonance with their ideas and

actions related tn family and fertility the social welfare
programmes of family planning have to be organized as a
special task. High natality and social defence fox
*

the same

in the Muslim World as a whole are welknown and it would
be advisable to develop due social conscionness in dealing
with the question of family limitation programme among them.

through they suffer the same so cio~economic haxjLes in

maintaining distressing load of

cK.JLcA-few

per family like th

Hindus, yet they have their own logic for and against the
exigency of birth control. More progressively this logic
is understood, better would be the prospect of family welfare

programme.
Among the Hindus the low ifiaste people are the worst
social sufferers and they continue to hear the : tigma of
Hindu social rules and regulations. They have their own

dharma in shaping

their family and usually the higher cetes

pay scant respect to this dharma.In the area of present survey
the lew caste people are the dominant segment of the popula­
tion. Naturally, they deserve foremost attention of those

who are socio-cultirally placed in a

advantageous

position. To encourage these peoples the High castes are
to set exampleev Traditionally in societal matter the low

castes are given leadership by the High castes. Under the
circumstances, the villages like Kuaarkhali,Kusumba, Ohanhati
should be the best experimental ground to push fox-ward
family welfare programmes. These are the settlements where the
A

High caste and low caste people are residing in matching

strength . It is expected that once the High Caste
families of these settlements^ or: sufficiently motivated

Co-villagers of Low caste group would find enough fillip to
get themselves convinced about the efficacy and dire heed

of family welfare activites. If the Cow caste people are
approached independently, desired responses from among them
to one's satisfaction, m this process,

may not be

the middle caste families can not ©syiouely remain apathetic,
since their social interactions with the High caste families

are legion.

v

Above all, the people" of Elaehi and Jagaddal have to be
treated at per with the remaining urban residents of Raipur

town Here family welfare programmes would get better scope
for their intensive application. Along with Elachi and
Jaggadal it is suggested that ^markhalib and ax Ukhila may
be bracketed, fom-fchres of Kumarkhali and Ukhila‘have already

started enjoying 'modern ' facilities engenoered by the
service of electricity and it is expected that the people

of these two semi-urban willages would show lesser resistance
in paying fieed to family welfare programmes. The remaining
villsgefolk should be approached more than once in getting

them ’hooked’ in the wider plan of family welfare activities

by phases.

l^-7s

■'able : A: -detribution of Household by no. of persons and
average no. of persons per far. ly in 10 out of 13 villages
surveyed in foiiarpur p.s., 24 parganee, 1974.
(6 ) .. 07)
' 72)"'"
' (3)
ay......(5)
(1)
/.verrage no .of pcracr
Id
^er houeeh
no. of
no. of p rson
vi Inge
family
feiirlc total male femal e total
nnle
3.0
6.5
270
3.5
505
1. icchintepur
235
78
' ‘53.47
46.53 100.00

2. ckhila

240

677
52.24

619
47.76

1296
100.00

2.8

2.6

5.4

3. Jagannath pur

193

621
52.14

570
47.-6

1191
100.00

3.2

3.0

6»2

4. T'.imarkhali

372

1139
53.37

995
46.63

2134
100.00

3.1

2.6

5.7

5. Eusumba

276

826
53.12

1555
729
46.88 100.00

3.0

2.6

5.6

183

571
52.14

526
47.86

1097
100.00

3.1

2.9

6.00

7. Jayenpur


97

280
52.04

258
47-96

2.9
538
100.0C

2.7

5.6

8. na^chandrepur

176

520
49.06

540 . 1060
50.94 100.00

3-0

3-0

6.0

9. .Irchi

304

916
52.92

815
1731
47.08 100.00

3.0

2.7

5.7

10.1-ingolpota

156

483
52.90

430
47.10

913
100.00

3.1

2.8

5.9

11.Jagedual

298

979
52.10

900
47.90

1879
100.00

3.3

3.0

6. 3

12. Chsuhati

569

1736
52.57

1579
47.63

3315
100.02

3.0

2.8

13. PonHogli

711

2234
52.0?

2056
47.93

4290
100.00

3.1

2.9

6.0

A JjL V1 > ill
* -.G

3653

11252
52.33

10252 21504
47.67 100.00

3.1

2.8

‘ 5.9

6.

-ogolixria

Table 1:

Diseasegroup(WH0
categories)

4
<Bonhooghly

Chowhati

(1)

(2)

(5)

I. IPD
II N
III ENHD
IV. DBBO

v. ®p

I

44.8
0
1.9
1.7
0

26.0
0
1.5
0.9
0

VI. DNS
VII. DCS

| 1.4
t 2.9
51.9
4-7
1.7
0

1.4
2.1
55.8

14.1
1.4
0
0
92.1

17.3
4.6
0
0

VIII.DRS
IX.DBS
X. DUGS
XI. CPCP
XII.DST
XIII.DUCT
XIV. CA
XV. DjTOl
XVI.SILO
XVII. ACV

of different Disease-groups for the fanilies surveyed-in villages and semi-urban
areas of;Sonarpur P. S., 24-Parganas, V/es t Bengal , 1974-75
r* ’
jj
Rural area (name of the villages)
All -Semi -Urban ■All
4
__ i
Ram|
Rural
HogalKumaKusarea
semiJagan- Jayen—
DingDiscUkhrkhali nmba hinta-4 Chan­ ila areas ELA- JAGA- Urban
n at lipur
alpota kuria
CHI DDAL
areas
nur
pur
drapur
(9)" ’ (10)
(8)
(6)
(12) (13) (14)(15)
(16)
(5)
(11)
(4)
(?)

Family Incidence Rate

\

0.3

4. o'
0.7
0

83.7
1.4

48.7
0
0.6
0
0
3.2
0.6
28.8
4.5
1.9
0
12.8
3.2
0
0
94.2
0

57-4
0
0
0
0
0
3-5
27.7
2.8
0
0
35-5
0
0
0

85.5
0

97.4
0
0
0
0
0
0
63.2
0
0
0

55.1
0
0
1 .0
0

3.1
0
0
0
45-6
0

27.1
0
0
0
94-8
100

15.5
4.2
20.8
3.1
2.1
0

89.8
0
0
0
0
0
0

35.1
0
0
0
40.1
0 ■
0
0
88.1
0

Ho. of Fami­
708
562
156
179
96
193
362
lies surveyed
Disease-grouns:
I. HD: Infective and Parasitic Diseas es (code OOO-136)
II. H: Neoplasms (140-239)
•**III. ENTTD: Endocrine, Nutrition al , a id Metabolic Diseases (24O -279)

100.0 72.7
82.5
0
0
0
0
0
203
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4.7
0
0
4-7
29.0 49.3 _ 15.9 '
15.3 0
5.3
0
0
0.6
0
0
0
30.6 37.7
27.0
0
0
9.4
0
0
0
0
0
0
86.3 100.0 83-5
0
0
1.2

124

77

170

59.2
99.1 60.1 67.6 50,. 7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.9
1.4 2.1
1.7
0
0.6
0.5 0.4
0.4
0
0
0
0
0
0
2.1
1.5
2.4 1 .7
0
6.2
6.0
7.5 4.5
55.4 29.2
41. 6 36.9 39.3
0
5 7.6
8.6
5.5
0
0.8
1. o 0.7
0.9
0
0
0
0
0
29.7 22.2 22.2 22.8 22.5
0
2.0
5.8
3.8
4.8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
99.6 86.8 100.0 88.5
94.2
0
1 .0
0.4
1.7
1.4
229

2856

293

290

583

contjhn^ed..

Continued:v.
Table 1:
Disease—gro ups:
IV:

DBBO

: Diseases of Blood and Blood forming organs (280-289)

V.
ID
: Mental Disorders (290-315)
VI. DNS
: Diseases of Nervous system and Sense Organs (320 - 389)
VII. DCS
: Diseases of Circulatory System (390 - 458)
VIII. DBS : Diseases of Respiratory System (460 - 519)
IX. DDS
: Diseases of Digestive System (520 - 577)
X.
DU GS
: Diseases of Urino - Genital System (580 - 629)
XI. CPCP
: Complications of Pregnancy, child birth & the Puerperium (630 - 678)
XII. DST
: Diseases of Skin and sub cutaneous tissues (680 -709)
XIII. DUCT : Diseases of the Musculo - skeletal System & connective tissues (710 - 738)
XIV. CA
: Congenital Anomalies (740 - 759)
XV. DP1I1:
: Certain Diseases of peri-natal morbidity & Mortality (760 - 779)
XVI. SILO : Symptoms & Dll-definied conditions (780 - 796)
XVII. ACV : Accidents, poisimings, a rd Violence (800 - 999)

* Family incidence Rate x = 100 X number of families affected by the particular disease-group
~~
7
Total number of families.
'

pa:

-'able 2:

Family Incidence Rate of one of Four
Dominant Disease-groups and the most t2frequently/, reported, disease'fper diseasegroun in villages and semi-urban areas 2.-0
of Sonarpur P.S., -24-Parganas, V/.Bengal, 1974-75

Rural (R)/Semiurban (U) area

(1)

6 o jx y mo sis
family incidence
Infective and
frequently reported
Parasitic disease- disease of the Group I
Group (. I)
Dysentery
Diarrhoea
(2)
(3)
(4)

1 . Bonhoogly (R)
(Ho. of families: 70S)

44-8

15.1

-

2. Ohowhati (R)
(no. of families = 562)

26.0

13.2

-

3. Dingalpota (R)
(ifo. of families1 156)

48.7

20.0

-

4. Hogalkuria (R)
Lno. ui xamilies:179)

57.4

-

11 t7

5. Jagannathpur (R)
(no. of families1 195)

97.4

47.1

-

6. Jayenpur (R)
(no. of families: 96)

53.1

32.3

-

7. Kumarkhali (R)
(no. of families: 362)

89.8

-

57.4

8. Kusumba (R)
(no. of families;124)

100.0

-

66.1

9. ITischintapur (R)
( no. of families: 77)

72.7

44.1

-

10. Ramchandrapur (R)
(no. of families: 170)

82.3

53.5

-

11. Ukhila (R)
(no. of families: 229)

99.1

-

47.2

all RURAL AREAS

60.1

16.4

14.7

67.6

15.2

-

50.7

23.2

-

59.2

19.2



59.9

16.9

12.2

(no. of "families: 2856)
1. Elachi (U)
(no. of families:293)
2. Jagaddal (u)
(no. of families: 290)
ALL Semi-rURBAN AREAS
(no. of, Families-: 583)
ALL AREAS
(Rural + Semi-Urban)
(no. of Families. 5439

pa:

A.iable 5 =

Family Incidence Rate of one of Four
Dominant Disease-groups and the most
frequently reported disease per disease
group in villages and semi-urban, areas
of .Sonarpur P.S.,24-Parganas, '..'.Bengal,

1974 - 75

Rural /
semi-Urban
area

(1)
1. Bonhoogly

na.

Family Incidence Rate of
Diseases of
Most frequently
;;
reported disease.
I
Respiratory
system (Vili)
of the Group VI1JL
Cold
FohKii
Flu
(2)
(3)
26.8
51.9

2.Chowhati

33.8

31.8

3.Dingalpota

28.8

26.3

-

4. Hogalkuria

27.4

23.5

-

5. Jagannathpur

63.2

-

62.7’

6. Jayenpur

20.8

7.3

-

7. Kumarkhali

35.1

-

32.6

8. Kusumba

29.0

-

26.6

9- ilischintapur

49.3

-

48.0

- 10. Ramchandrapur

15.9

12.9

-

.11. Ulchila

35.4

-

34.9

ALL RURAL AREAS

29.2

16.8

13.6

1. Elachi

41.6

29.7



2. Jagaddal

36.9

35.4

-

2
ALL semi-URBAN AREAS

39-3

31.6

-

ALL AREAS

30.9

19.3

11.3

-'able 4:
Family Incidence Rate of one of Four
Dominant Disease-groups and the most
frequently reported disease per
disease-group in villages and semi-urban
areas of Sonarpur P.S., 24-Parganas,
W. Bengal, 1974 - 75

Rural/
Semi-urban
cl J?<3cl

(1)

1. Bonhoogly

Family incidence Rate of yittost frequently
Diseases of Skin and sub,,
reported disea.se of
cutaneous Tissues (.XII)
the Grouj3 XII
Itch.
SK.disease
dermatitis
(2)
(5)
—m ~
14.1

5.6

-

2. Ghowhati

17.5

10.5

-

5• Dingolpata

12.8

10.9

V

4. Hogalkuria

55-5

27.4

-

5. Jagannathpur

5.1

2.6

-

6. Jayenpur

27.1

22.9

-

7. Kufaarkhali

40.1

40.0

-

8. Kusumba

50.6

27.4

-

9- Nischintapur

57.7

52.5

-

10. Ramchandrapur

27.0

-

12.9

11. Ukhila

29.7

29.7

-

ALL RURAL AREAS

22.2

16.2

0.8

1 . Elachi

*
22.2





2. Jagaddal

22.8

11.4

-

ALL Semi URBAN AREAS

22.5

11.4

-

ALL AREAS

22.5

14.4

0.6

in Elachi Skin disease of 'Abscess' was reported most frequently

(Fam. Inc, Rate: 5.4)

Table: 5:

Family Incidence Rate of One of Four Dominant
Disease-groups and the most frequently reported
disease per disease-group in villages and semiurban areas of Sonarpur P.S., 24-Parganas,
V.'. Bengal, 1974 - 75

Rural/
semi-urban
cXj?6cl

(1)

Family
Incidence
Rate
of
Symptoms and
Most frequently reported
Ill-defined
disease of the Group XVI
conditions(XVl)
Cough
Fever

(2)

(5)

(4)

1.. Bongoogly

92.1

-

90.7

2 . Chowhati EJ17

85.7

-

80.1

5-. Dingolpota

94.2

46.8

-

4 • Hogalkuria

85.5

-

75.4

5 ■. Hagannathpur

45.6

-

27-5

6 . Jayenpur

94.8

-

66.7

7 . Kumarkhali
o . Kusumba

88.1

75-4

-

86.5

6.4

-

3 . Disc hintapur

100.0

71.4

74.7

10,.Ramchandrapur

85.5

-

11,. Ukhila

99.6

95.0

-

a:LL RURAL AR.-.AS

86.8

24.3

51.5

1,. Elachi

100.0

-

65.5

2 . Jagaddal

88.5

-

77.6

All Serai URBAN AREAS

94.2

-

71.5

A ‘LL

88.1

18.9

54-9

AREAS

-able 6:

Bomial group (community)-wise Family Incidence Rate of
different Bisease-groups for the families surveyed in
villages and semi-urban areas, V.Bengal 1974
_
——'
uisease-group (V/liO categories)
ix
XII XIII XVI
I
HI iv vi vii/r±ii>->
1.

c'otal
mi lies

BUI/HO UGLY
(2)

Village

Hindu

40.5 1.6

1.3 1.0

3.6

29.8 5.3 1.6

Muslim

49.-7 2.0

2.3 1.4

2.6

55.6 4.3 1-4

Christian

58.6 2.5

4.1 0

2.5

20.4 4.1 4.1

13.2 2.3 91.3

AH
groups

44-8 1.9

1.7 1.42.9

31.9 4.7 1.7

14.1 1.4 •92.1 0.5 708
(100.0)

14.1 0.3 91.2 0.7 505
(100.0)
14.4 2.3 93 • 1 0 348
(100.0)
0

55
(100.0)

2., Village CHOWHATI

Hindu

25.2 1.3

0.9 1.5

2.2

34.5 4.6 0.7

Muslim

61.5 0

0

0

0

15.4

All groups

26.0 1.5

0.9 1.4

2.1

53.8 4«5 0.7

5. Village
0

48.7 0.6

Hindu

5.2

0.6

0

0

16.6 4.8 84.7 1.4 549
(100.0)

0

46.1

84.6

15
(100.0)

17-5 4.6 83.7 1.4 562
(100.0)

D1MGALPOTA
28.8 4.5 1.9

12.8 3.2 9 4.’2

4<> Village HOG.-LKGRIA
0
3.1 23.9 2.5 0

Hindu

59-8

0

0

Christian

31-5

0

0

All groups

37.4 -o

Hindu

66.7

0

5. Village JAGAl-fXATHPUR
0
0
0
53-3 0
0

Muslim

100.0

0

0

0

0

64.0 0

All groups

97.4 0

0

0

0

6’3.2 0

0

*
155
(100.0)

* -| Shristian jfamily was alsso found in the village

0

0

.34.4 0

85.1 0

128
(100.0)

0

4-1

23.7 4.1 0

51.5 0

86.4 0

51
(100.0)

O’

55

27.'4 2.8 0

'55.5 0'

85.5 0

' 179
(100.0)

6.7

0

100.0 0

0

2.8

0

41.0 0

0

3.1

0

45.6 0

15
(100.0)
178
(100.0)
193
1100.0

B

Continued

Tcfol,

Social
group
i
(community)

Disease- group ('..HO categories)
xii xi idi. xvi 2cvii Total
vi
vii vii ix x
families
6. Village JAY J DUH
’ ’(2)
(3)

iii

iv

(1)
Hindu

49.5

0

1.7 4.7

6.2

28.6 4.7

0

28.6

0

95.7 '1.7

Huslim

64.5

0

0

35.7

0

0

5.6

25.0

0

96.4

0

0

0

0

0

1 00.0

0 100.0

0

0

0

0

0

1.0 13-5 4.2

27.1

0

94.8 '1.0

Christian

All groups

53-1

0

20.8 3.1 2.1

67
(100.0)
28
(100.0)
1
(100.0)
96
(100.0)

7. Village> KJMAiiKHALI

Hindu

88.6

0

0

0

0

55.4

0

0

25.9

0

88.6

Muslin

90.7

0

0

0

0

34.8

0

0

51.0

0

87-7

All groups

89.8

0

0

0

0

35.1

0

0

40.1

0

88.1

0

362
(100.0)

0 100.0

0

6
(100.0)
118
$100.0)

0

124
(100.0)

0

158
(100.0)
0 204
(100.0)

8. Village KUSULUA

Hindu

100.0

0

0

0

0

50.0 16.7 0

0

I Muslim

100.0

0

0

0

0

28.0 15.2 0

32.2

groups 100.0

0

0

0

0

29-0 15.3 0

30.6

0

86.3

100.0 0

•*-11

85.6

9. Village HISCHIHTAPUR

Hindu

73.3

0

0

0

0

49.3

0

0

36.0

0

Muslim

50.0

0

0

0

0

50.0

0

0

100.0

0

All groups

72.7

0

0

0

0

49.3

0

0

37.7

0

75
(100.0)
100.0 0
2
(100.0)

100.0

0

77
(100.0)

10 . Village 3UMCHANDRAPUR

Hindu

83.2 2.1

0

2.1

Muslim

78.0 3.9

0

18.7 15.0 44.6 3.9

All groups

82.3 2.3

0

4.7

2.8

4.7

10.5 5.6 0.7

26.6 9.1 84.6

0

145
(100.0)
29.8 11. 378.0 7.6 27
(100.0)

15.9 5.3 0.6

27.0 9.4 83 «5 1.2 170
(100.0)

0

i r
>/

C

(EnnGEffiuueE(continued)

Table 6:

(W®) categories^ _____ ------ - ----

Disease-group
Social
croup .
(c ommunity} i

vi
vii viii ix
11. Villa.ce UKHILA

iv

iii

xii

x

xiiixvi

xvii Total
families

(3)

(2)

(1)
87.5

Muslim

99.5 .0

All groups 99.1
--------- —------ -

0

0

12.5

0

0

0

0 100.0

00

0

36.2

0

0

30.8

0

99-5

000

35-4

0

0

29.7

0

99.6

0

0

Hindu

0

8 x
(100.0)
0 221
(100.0).___ _
0 229
(100.0)

0

ALL VILLAGES (RURAL)

HINDU

47.1 0.4

0.6 1.4

2.2

31•1 3.9 0.8

20.1 2.8 88.7 0.7 1609
(100.0)

MUSLIM

80.9 0.7

0.71.7

1.1

38.4 5.0 0.5

25.3 1-0 84.1 0.1 1139
(100.0)

Christian

54.3 0.9

0

1.8

2.8

15.0 5.7 2.8

21.5 0.9 88.0

All GLOUPS

60.1 0.9

0.6 1.5

6.2

29.2 3.5 0.8

22.2 2.0 86.8 0.4 2856
(100.0)

12.

Semi-urban JAGADDAL

0.4 1.7

51.2 2.1

Hindu

108
(100.0)

0

4.5

37.0 7.6 0.7

22.8 5.8 88.2 1.0 280
(100.0)

* 1 Muslim family was also found

Semi-urban

13•

ELACHI

Hindu

66.0 1.3

0.5 1.8

8.9

43-3 10.50.9

16.5 6.3 100.01.8 224
(100.0)

Muslim

72.5 1.4

0

4.3

2.9

36.2 7.2 1.4

40.6 4.3 100.0 1.7

All groups

67.6 1.4

0.3 2.4

7.5

41.6 9.6 ‘1.0

22a. 2

ILL

69
(100.0)

5.82100.0 1.7 293
(100.0J__

SELII-URBAN

AREAS

HINDU

57.7 1.8

0.4 1.7

6.4

39.8 8.8 0.8

20.1 4.9 93.4 1.4 513
(100.0)

MUSLIM

71.4 1.4

0

4.3

2.8

35.7 7-1 1.4

All groups

59.2 1.7

0.4 2.1

6.0

39-3 8.6 0.9

40.0 4.3 100.01.4 70
_______________ (100.0)
22.5 4.8 94.2 1.4 535

(URBAN)

(100.0)

4

TABLE 6 (contd.)
Social
Group
(community)

(1)
Hindu
Muslim

I

III

IV

, ♦

2

PISI^E-Gaou? (.’HO CAT.-GGKIhS)

VI

VII

XII

XIII

XVI

XVII

0

0
3.6

28.6
25.O

0
0

0

100.0

0

0

95.7
96.4
0

1.7
0
0

2.1

27.1

0

94.8

1.0

88.6

138

(100.00

2o4

(100.0)

362

(100.0)

IX

VIII

X

TOTAL
Families

6» Vill^.S’S Ja,yenpur
(2)

49-5
64.5

Ciu?xot>x?n

0

1.7

4.7

6.2

0

0

0
0

3?. 7
0

0
0

100.0

4.2

20.8

28.6
0

4*7

1 (100.0)
$6 (100.0)

All Groups

55.1

0

1.0

13.5

Hindu

38.6

0

90.7

0
0

7. Villaga Kuiaarkhali
0
35.4
0
34.8
0
0

0
0

25.9
31.0

0

0

0
0

0

87.7

0
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

40.1

0

88.1

0

0

0
0

0
32.2

0
0

100.0
83.6

0

6

(100.0)

0

118

(100.0)

0

30.6

0

86.3

0

124

(100.0)

Muslim
All Groups

3*1

(39
67 (100.0)
28 (100.0)

0

0

0

Muslim

100.0
100.0

0

0

0

8.’ Village Xusumba
50.0
16®7
28.0
*2
13
0

zill Groups

100.0

0

0

0

0

Hindu

0

0

0

9. Village Sischintapur
0
49.3
0
0

36.0

0

100.0

0

Muslim

75.3
>0.0

0

0

0

0

50.0

0

0

100.0

0

100.0

0

75
2

(100.0)
(100.0)

All Croups

72.7

0

0

0

0

49.3

0

0

37.7

0

1C0.0

0

77

(100.0)

Hindu

8J.2

, 2.1

0

2.1

2.8

10.5

3.6

0.7

26.6

9.1

78.0
82.3

3.9
2.3

0

18.7

15.0

44.6

3.9

0

29.8

143
27

(100.0)
(100.0)

0

4.7

4.7

*9
15

5.3

11.3
9.4

34 • 6
78.0

0

Muslim

170

(100.0)

Hindu

29.0

13.3

10. V ilia, ?e Kamchandrapur

All croups

0*6

27.0

83.5

7.6
1.2



3
DlSii.sE-GRGUP (hhO CATEGORIES)

6 (contd.)
Social
Group
(cosEsuiiity;

(1)
Hindu

I

III

VI

IV

VII

IX

VIII

X

TOTAL
Families

XII

XIII

XVI

XVII

28.6
23.O

0
0

95.7
96.4

1.7
0

(3$
67 (100.0)
28 (100.0)

0

0

0

0

1 (100.0)
96 (100.0)

6. Village Jeyenpur

(2.)

0

1.7
0
0

4.7
33.7
0

6.2

0
c

23.6
0
100.0

53.1

0

1.0

13.5

4.2

20.8

Hindu

08, b

0

0

0

Muslim

90.7

0

0

0

7. Village Xuiaarkxiali
0
35.4
0
0
34.8
0

0

0

0

0

49.5

Muslim
Christian

64.3

All Groups

All Groups

0
0

4»7
0
0

0
3*0
100.0

3.1

2.1

27.1

0

94.8

1.0

0
0

25.9
51.0

0

88.6

0

158

(100.0$

0

87.7

0

2o4

(100.0)

0

40.1

0

88.1

0

362

(100.0)

0

8.■ Village Kusumba
Hindu

100.0

0

0

0

0

0

6

(100.0)

0

0

0

0
0

100,0

0

16^7
15.2

0

100.0

50.0
28.0

0

Muslim

32.2

0

8J.6

0

118

(100.0)

All Groups

100.0

0

0

0

0

29.0

15.3

0

30.6

0

86.3

0

124

(100.0)

Hindu

0

0

0

9. Village Nischintapur
0
49.3
0
0

100.0

0

0

0

0

0

50.0

0

0

36.0
100.0

0

Muslim

73.3
50.0

0

100.0

0

75
2

(100.0)
(100.0)

All Groups

72.7

0

0

0

0

49.3

0

0

37.7

0

100.0

0

77

(100.0)

Hindu

83.2

2.1

0

2.1

2.8

10.5

3.6

0.7

26.6

9.1

84.6

0

143

(100.0)

Muslim

78.0

3.9

0

18.7

15.0

44.6

3.9

0

29.8

11.3

78.0

27

(100.0)

All groups

82.3

2.3

0

4.7

4.7

15.9

5.3

0.6

27.9

9.4

83.5

7.6
1.2

170

(100.0)

10. Village kamchandrapur

TABLE 6 (canid.)

Social
Group
(community

C

PISEASH-GROUP (WHO CAlWOril/.S).

I

III

VI

X

XII

XIII

xv iX

10/11

TOTAL
Families

11. Village ‘Jkhila
(2)
12.5
0
0
36.2
0
0

0

0

100.0

0

30.0

0

99.0

0

8
221

(itBO.O)
(100.0)

0

29.7

0

99.6

0

229

(100.0)

88.7

(100.0)
(100.0)

VIII

VII

IX

(1)
Hindu

67«5

.0

0

0

Muslim

99.5

0

0

0

0
0

All Groups

99.1

0

0

0

0

Hindu

1.4

2.2

31.1

5.9

0.8

20.1

2.8

34.5

0.7
0

1.7
1*6

1.1
2.8

58.4
13.0

5.0
3.7

0.5
2.8

25.5
21.3

1.0
0.9

0.7
84.1 0,4
0
88.0

1609

Christian

0
4
*
0.7
0.9

0.6

Muslim

47.1
SO. 9

All Groups

60.1

c,9

6*2

2'9.2

3,5

0.8

22.2

2.0

86.8

0.4

2856

(1C0.0)

Hindu

51.2
2.1
1.7
4-5
0.4
*1 Muslim family was also found

0.7

22.8

3.8

88.2

1.0

*
289

(100.0)

(100.0)
(100.0)

J>y»4

0

(5)

All .'illages (Rural)

&

1159
108

(100.0)

12. Semi-urban Jasaddal
37.0

7.6

Hindu

&,0

1.3

0,5

1.8

13.
8.9

Semi-urban Elachi
43«3 10.3
0.?

16.5

6.3

224

72.5

1.4

0

4.3

2.9

56.2

?.2

1.4

40.6

4.5

100.0
100.0

1.8

Muslim

1.7

69

All Groups

67.6

1.4

0.j

2.4

7«5

41.6

9*6

1.0

22.2

5.6

100.0

1.7

Hindu

57.7

1.8

0.4

1.7

All Se.mi-urban areas ('<x4bgn)
6.4
59.0
8.8 \o.8

20.1

4.9

71.4

1.4

0

4.3

2.8

55.7

7.1

40.0

4.5

93.4
100.0

1.4

Muslim

1.4

513
70

(100.0)
(100.0)

- Ail Grou-S

P9.2

1.7

0.4

2.1

6.0

39.5

6.6

22.5

4* 8

94.2

1.4

533

(100.0)

Rii/agn.

iiZ|

(100.0)

TABL& 6

Social
group
( cocmuaity)
1.

I

Socila Group (co:omunity)~wise Family Incidence Lgte of different Bisease-groups
for the families surveyed in villages and sesii-urban areas, W. Bengal 1974____ _
OISEASE-GROUP (WHO CATAEGCrilES)
XVII
XII
XIII
XVI
X
VII
VIII
IX
IV
VI
III

1. Village Bonhoogly
(2) ’
0.7
.0

(3)
305 (100.0)
348 (100.0)

.0

55 (100.0)

92.1

0.3

708 (100.0)

0
4.6

84.7
84.6
83.7

1.4
0
1.4

549 (aoo.o)
13 (100.0)
562 (100.0)

12.8

3.2

94.2

0

*
(155 100.0)

34.4

0

83.1

0

128 (100.0)

31.5

0

86.4

0

51(100.0)

0

33.5

0

85.5

0

179 (100.0)

29.8

5.3

1.6

14.1

0.3

91.2

35.6
20.4

4.3
4.1

1.4
4.1

14.4
13.2

2.3

2.3

2.3

93.1
91.3

1.42

•9

31.9

4.7

1.7

14.1

1.4

1.5
0
1.4

2.2

0.7
0
0.7

16.6

4.8

46.1
17.3

1.9

1.3

1.0

Christian

40.3
49.7
38.6

1.6

2.0
2.J

2.3
4.10

1.4
z.@

All Groups

44.8

1.9

1.7Z

Hindu
Muslim
&Touns

25.2

1.3
0
1.3

0.9
0
0.9

Hindu
Muslim

3.6
2.6

TOTAL
Families

2., Village Chowhati

61.5
26.0

34.3
15.4
33.8

0
2.1

4.6
0
4.5

Village Bingalpota

Hindu

0.6
0
28.8
0.6
3.2
48.7
4-5
* 1 Christian family was also found in the village

0

0

31.5

0
0

0

0

A«_ Village Hogalkuria
28.9
2.3
0
3.1
0
23.7
4.1
4.1

All Groups

37-4

0

0

0

3.3

Hindu

0

0

0

0

100.0

0

15

(100.0)

0

0

0

0

64.O

0

0

6.7
2.8

0

Muslim

66.7
100.0

0

41.0

0

178

(l®0.0)

All Groups

97.4

0

0

0

0

63.2

0

0

3.1

0

45.6

0

193

(100.0)

Hindu

39.8

Christian

27.4

2.8

Village J agannathpur
0
0
53.3

TABLE 6

Social
group
(community)
1.

Socila Group (community)-wise Family Incidence Rgte of different Disea se-groups
for the families surveyed in villages and semi-urban areas, w. Bengal 1974
Dli5EASE-GR0UP (hi10 CATAEGOKIES)
XVII
XVI
XII
XIII
VII
VIII
IX
X
IV
VI
in
I
1. Village Bonhoo>:;ly
W”

Hindu

40,3

1.6

1.3

1.0

3.6

29.8

5.3

1.6

14.1

0.3

91.2

Muslim
Christian

49.7
38,6

2.0

1.4
2.3
4.10 /.©

2.6
2.3

*635
20.4

4.3
4.1

1.4
4.1

14.4
13.2

2.3

2.3

2.3

93.1
91.3

All Groups

44.8

1.9

1.7X

1.42

.9

31.9

4.7

1.7

14.1

1.4

Hindu

25.2

1.5
0
1.4

34.3

0
2.1

15.4
33.8

0.7
0
0.7

16.6

61.5
26.0

0.9
0
0.9

2.2

Muslim
®roups

1.3
0
1.3

46.1
17.3
12.8

TOTAL
Families
(3)
305 (100.0)

0.7
.0

348 (100.0)

.0

55 (100.0)

92.1

0.3

708 (100.0)

4.8
0
4.6

84.7
84.6
83.7

1.4
0
1.4

549 (aoo.o)

5.2

94.2

0

(
*
155
100.0)

2,> Village Chowiia ti

Hindu

Hindu

4.6
0
4.5

11. Village Dingalpota
28.8
0.6
0
0.6
3.2
48.7
4.5
1.9
* 1 Christian family was also found in the village
0
0

0

Christian

39.8
31.5

All Groups

37.4

Hindu
Muslim
All Groups

Village Hogalkuria
28.9
2.5
0

34.4

0

8J.1

0

31.5

0

86.4

0
0

128 (100.0)

4.1

2.8

0

33.5

0

85.5

0

179 (100.0)

6.7
2.8

0

15

(100.0)

0

100.0
41.0

0

0

0

178

(1010.0)

0

3.1

0

45.6

0

193

(100.0)

0

0
0

4.1

23.7

0

0

0

3.3

27.4

66.7
100.0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0

53.3
64.O

0

C

0

0

97.4

0

0

0

0

65.2

0

3.1

13 (100.0)
562 (100.0)

51(100.0)

5e Village .Jagannathpur

TABLE 6

Socila Group (community)-wise Family Incidence Rgte of different Disease-groups
for the families surveyed in villages and semi-urban areas, W. Bengal 1974
DISEASE-GROUT (v<HO CATAEGORIES)
III

VI

IV

TOTAL
Families

X

XII

XIII

XVI

XVII

5.5

1.6

14.1

0.3

91.2

35.6

4-5

1.4

4.1

4.1

14.4
15.2

2.3

20.4

2.5

93.1
91.5

0.7
.0
.0

51.9

4.7

1.7

14.1

1.4

92.1

0.3

7Q8 (100.0)

0.7
0
0.7

16.6

4.8

0
4.6

84.7
84.6
83.7

1.4
0
1.4

549 (ffiOO.O)

46.1
17.5

1.9

12.8

3.2

94.2

0

4. Village Hogalkuria
28.9
2.3
0

VIII

VII

IX

Social
group
( community)
1.

I

Hindu

40.3

1.6

1.5

1.0

3.6

29.8

Muslim

49.7
38.6

2.0
2.3

1.4
2.3
4.10 /.9

2.6

Christian

2.3

All Groups

44.8

1.9

1.7X

1.42

.9

Hindu
Muslim
Groups

25.2

1.3
0
1.3

0.9
0
0.9

1.5
0
1.4

2.2

34.3

4.6

0
2.1

15-4
35.8

0
4.5

1. Village Bonhoogly
(2■)

(5)
305 (100.0)
348 (100.0)
55 (100.0)

2. Village Chowhati

61.5
26.0

13 (100.0)
562 (100.0)

3. Village Dingalpota

Hindu

0.6
0
3.2
0.6
28.8
48.7
4.5
* 1 Christian family was also found in the village

*(155
1OO.O)

Hindu

39.8

0

0

0

3.1

34.4

0

83.1

0

128 (100.0)

Christian

31.5

0

0

0

4.1

23.7

4.1

0

31.5

0

86.4

0

51(100.0)

All Groups

37.4

0

0

0

3.3

27.4

2.8

0

35.5

0

85.5

0

179 (100.0)

Hindu

0

0

0

15

(100.0)

0

6.7
2.8

0

0

5. Village Jagannathpur
0
0
55.5
64.O
0
0

100.0

0

0
0

0

Muslim

66.7
100.0

0

41.0

0

178

(laio.o)

All Groups

97.4

0

0

0

0

3.1

0

45.6

0

193

(100.0)

63.2

0

0

B

TABLE 6 (conid.)

Social
Group
( coiiunuriity)
(1)
Hindu

Muslim

DISKASE-GfiOUP (WHO CATEGORIES)
I

III

VI

IV

VII

VIII

X

IX

TOTAL
Families

XII

XIII

XVI

XVII

1.7
0

(39
67 (100.0)
28 (100.0)

0

1 (100.0)

1.0

96 (100.0)

6. villas 'e Jayenpur

(2)

49.5
64.3

Christian

0

4.7

6.2

28.6

0
3.6

28.6
25.0

0

0

1.7
0

0

0
0

0

0

33.7
0

4.7
0

100.0

0

100.0

0

0

95.7
96.4
0

4.2

20.8

3.1

2.1

27.1

0

94.8

0

All Groups

53.1

0

1.0

13.5

Hindu

88.6

0

0

0

7. Village Kumarkiiali
0
0
35.4

0

88.6

0

158

(100.0$

90.7

0

0

0

0

0

0

25.9
51.0

0

Muslim

0

87.7

0

2o4

(100.0)

0

0

0

0

0

0

40.1

0

88.1

0

362

(100.0)

0

0

6

(100.0)

15.2

32.2

0

100.0
85.6

0

28.0

0
0

0

0

0

118

(100.0)

29.O

13.3

0

30.6

0

86.3

0

124

(100.0)

All Groups

34.8

8.> Village Kusumba
50.0
16®7

Hindu

100.0

0

0

Muslim

100.0

0

0

0
0

All Groups

100.0

0

0

0

0

Hindu

0

0

0

9. Village Nischintapur
0
0
0
49.3

100.0

0

0

0

0

0

50.0

0

0

36.0
100.0

0

Muslim

73.3
30.0

0

100.0

0

75
2

(100.0)
(100.0)

All Groups

72.7

0

0

0

0

49.3

0

0

37.7

0

100.0

0

77

(100.0)

Hindu

83.2

2.1

0

2.1

2.8

10.5

5.6

0.7

26.6

9.1

84.6

0

143

(100.0)

Muslim

78.0
82.5

3.9

0

I8.7

15.0

44.6

3.9

0

29.8

11.3

78.0

7.6

27

(100.0)

2.3

0

4.7

4.7

15.9

5.3

0.6

27.9

9.4

83.5

1.2

170

(100.0)

10. -Village Ramohandrapur

All groups

t

TABLE 6 (contd.)

Social
Group
(community

I

III

IV

VI

BISEASE-GROU? (wtlO categories)

VII

IX

VIII

C

X

XII

XIII

xviX

KVII

TOTAL
Families

11. Village Ukhila

(1)
Hindu

87.5

Muslim

(2)

(5.)

0

0

0

12.5

0

0

0

0

100.0

0

59.5

.0
0

0

0

0

56.2

0

0

50.0

0

99.0

0

8
221

All Groups

99.1

0

0

0

0

55.4

0

0

29.7

0

99.6

0

229

(100.0)

Hindu

0,4

0.6

1.4

2.2

51.1

5.9

C.8

20.1

2.8

88.7

(100.0)

0.7

0.5

5.7

2.8

0.9

1159
108

(100.0)

15.0

25.5
21.5

1.0

0.9

1.1
2.8

5.0

54.5

1.7
1.8

58.4

Christian

0.7
0

0.7
84.1 0.4
88.0
0

1609

Muslim

47.1
80.9

All Groups

60.1

0,£

5^4

6.2

29.2

5.5

0.8

22.2

2.0

86.8

0.4

2856

(100.0)

Hindu

51.2

2.1

0.7

22.8

5.8

88.2

1.0

289
*

(100.0)

(idlO.O)
(100.0)

All Villages (Rural)

(100.0)

12. Semi-urban Jagaddal
0.4
1.7
4-5
*1 Muslim family was lilso found

7.6

57.0

z-

15. Semi-urban Elachi
Hindu
Muslim

66.0

1.5

72.5

1.4

All Groups

67.6

1.4

57.7

1.8

Hindu

Muslim

71.4

All Groups

59.2

RN/agn.

0,5
0

1.8

8.9

10.5
7.2

0.9
1.4

6.5

100.0

1.8

224

(100.0)

2.9

45.5
56.2

16.5

4.5

40.6

4.5

100.0

1.7

69

(100.0)

0.5

2.4

7.5

41.6

9.6

1.0

22.2

5.8

100.0

1.7

295

(100.0)

All Semi-urban areas (urban)
59.8
8.8
0.8
6.4

1.4

1.4

0.4
0

1.7

0.4

20.1

4.9

4.5

2.8

55.7

7.1

1-4

40.0

4.5

95.4
100.0

1.4

515
70

(100.0)

2.1

6.0

59.5

8.6

0.9

22.5

4.8

94.2

1.4

585

(100.0)

1.7

(100.0)

TABLE 1 Family Incidence Bate* of different Disease-groups for the Families surveyed in villages and semi-urban
areas of Sonarpur P.S., 24-Parganas, West Bengal, 1974-75
Rural'area (anme of the Village)

Diseasegroup(WH0
categories)
(1)
I. IPD

SonChowhcoghly hati
(2)
44-8
0

II N

(3) .
26.0

0
1.3

Ding- Hogal- Jaganalpota kux'ia na in­
cur

Jayen1- Kuma- Kuspur
rkhali umba

(4)

(5)

__(6) .... .

(7)

(8)

48.7
0

37.4
0

97.4
0

53.1
0

89.8

0

0

0.6
0

0

0

0

0
1.0

0
0

0
0

0
0

IV DBBO
V MD

1.9
1.7
0

0.9
0

0

0

0
0

0

0

VI DVS

1.4

1.4

3.2

0

0

13.5

0

VIIDCS

2.9
31.9

2.1
33.8

0.6
28.8

4.5

4.5

0
63.2
0

4.2
20.8

4.7

3.3
27.7
2.8

1.7
0

0.7
0

0

0

0

0

14.1

17.3
4.6

1.9
0
12.8

3.1
2.1

0
35.1
0

3.2

33.5
0

3.1
0

iiienhd

VIIIDiiS
IX DBS
X DUGS

XI CPC?
XIIDST
XIIIDMCT
aIV GA
XV DPJiM

XVISILC
XVIIACV
No. of Fami­
lies surveyed

1.4
0

0
29.0

(10)
72.7
0

0

0
1.5

2.4

1.7

2.1

0
49.3
0

4.7
. 15.9
5.3
0.6

0
35«4
0

6.2
29.2

7.5
41.6

9.5
1.0

6.0
39-3
Sa 6

0

3-5
0.8

4.5
36.9
7.6

0
27.0

0

0

0.7
0

0.9
0

29.7
0

22.2

0
22.2

22.8

5.8
0

3.8
0

22.5
4.8

40.1

30.6

0

0
0

37.7
0
0

0

0

0

1.0

0
88.1
0

0
86.5

1.4

0
45.6
0

0
94.8

0.3

0
83.5
0

70S .

562

156

179

193

96

362

Infective and Parasitic Diseases (code 000-136)
Beoplasms (140-239)

IH.ENKDt Endocrine, Nutritional, and Metabolic Diseases (240-279)

0.9
0

0
2.1

0

27.1
0

0

0

0

0

0
94.2
0

0

(16)
59-2
0

4.7

0

0

____ (14) (15)
67.6 50.7

0

0

0

0

(13)
60.1

1.4
0
0

0

0
83.7

0

(12)
99-1
0

Semi.•Urban All
area
SealSLA •
Urban
CHI
DUAL areas

2.3
0

15.3
0

0
92.1

(11)
82.3

All
Rural
areas

0
0
0

0

Disease-grou cs :

I.IPDs
II.U*

(?)
100.0

Nisc- Ram- Ukhhintg- Chan­ ila
pur
drapur

0

-9.4
0

0

2.0

0

0

0
83-5
1.2

0
99.6
0

0
86.8

0

0
100.0
0

0.4

124

77

170

229

28p6

0
0

1.7
0.4
0

0

0
0
100.0 89.3

0
94.2

1.7

1.0

1.4

295

290

583

x'nBii. 1 Family Incidence Rate
*

of different Disease-groups for the Families surveyed in villages and semi-urban

areas of Sonarpur ?.S., 24-farganas, best Bengal, 1974-75
Rural area ('name of the Village)

Diseasegroup(WH0
catagories)

Chovj®*
Bonhoognly hati

(1)
I. IPD

(2)

Il

0

II

IIIO®
IV DBBO
V ND
VI DVS

VIIDCS
VIIID-US
IX DBS
A DUGS

XI CfCJ?
XIIDS2
XIIID.-.C1'

XIV CA
XV DzHM

No. of ?aailies surveyed

0

XUSJayen- Xuraapur
rkhali usiba

All
Rural
areas

Semi-Urban All
area
SemiOLA - 33GA« Urban
CHI
DDAL areas

(13)
60.1

(14) (15)
67.6 50.7
0
0

(16) 59.2
0

(5)

(6)

(7)

37.4
0

97.4
0

33.1

(8)
89.8

0

0

0.6

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1.0

0 .

0

0
0

0

0

0

0
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0
0 :
63.2

13.9

0

0

0

4.7

0

1.3

2.4

1.7

2.1

4.2
20.8

0
29.0

0
59.4
0

4.5
36.9

3.5
0.8

0

0

0

3.1
0

0
22.2

7.6
0.7
0

33.3
0

0
27.0

9.5
1.0
0

6.0
39.3
8»6

0

4.7
13.9
3.3
0.6

7.5
41.6

3.1
2.1

0
49.3
0

6.2
29.2

0
0

0
35.1
0

22.2

22.8

2.0

5.8

3.8

0

0

0

0

0

4.8
0

0
99.6
0

0
d6.8

0
0
100.0 88.3

0
94.2

0.4

1.7

1.0

1.4

229

2856

293

290

383

0

0
0

1.4

1.4

3.2

2.9
51.9
4.7
1.7
0

2.1
33.8

0.6
28.8

4.5
0.7
0

4.3
1.9
0

14.1

17.3
4.6

12.8

3.3
27.7
2.8

82.3
0

99.1
0

2.3
0

0

0

13.3
0

0

0

0

0

40.1

30.6

0

0

37.7
0

0

27.1
0
0

0

0

0

0
100.0
0

0
83.3
1.2

77

170

0

3.2
0

0
94.2
0

0
83.3
0

0
43.6
0

0
94.8
1.0

0
8b. 1

0.5

0
83.7
1.4

0

0
86.5
0

708

562

156

179

193

96

362

124

Bisease-fgou.st

I.
IPD:
II.lit

. .C10)
(9)
100.0
72.7
0
0

RaaUkhChan­ ila
drapur
(12)
(11)

(4)

1.3
0.9

1.4
0

ilisc*
hintg
pur

48.7
0

1.9
1.7
0

0
92.1

XYISIDC
XVIIACT

(3)
26.0

Ding- Hogalalpota kuxia nathpur

Infective and .Parasitic Diseases (code 000-136)
iJeoplaaaa (14O-239)

Ill.UJiiJt Endocrine, Nutritional, and .Metabolic Diseases (240-279)

0

9.4
0

0

0
29.7
0

0

0.9
0

1.4

2.1

0

0

1.7
0.4
0

0.9
0
22.5

2
Table 1.

IV.

diseases of Blood and Blood formiriA organs (280-2«y)

V.

Mental Disorders (29u-j>lp)

Dis'rji see of i.ei’vous System and Sense Organs (>2O-J89)

Vi.

SJS

s

VII.

J/Ck?

i

Biseases of Circulatory System (393-49°)

*

Diseases of Respiratory System (460-319)

VIII.r

IX.

Bise&sea of Digestive Systan (j2';->77)

A.

Diseases of Urino-usnital System (380-629)

aI.

CxS?

s

Complications of -regnEncyj Child birth and the Puerperium (65'3-687)

XII,

LSI

;

Discas■ s of chin and sub-cutaneous tissues (680-709)

:

Diseases of the Husculo-skeletal System and connective tissues (710-738)

B/.CT
XIII.

XIV.

CA

:

Congenital Anomalies {TA^-(yj)

Is.

DK2-1

:

Cert in Diseases of peri-natal morbidity and Mortality (760-779)

XVi. .r.iiiC

t

dymptoms and. Ill-defined conditions (780-796)

aVII.

;

Accidents, poisinirigs and viloence (300-999)

;>CV

* i'auily Incidence date = 100/2 number of families affected by the particular disease? group

Total number of families

2 -

DISKiASS

Table 1.

GiiOUi^S

IV.

DBBO

;i

Diseases of Blood and Blood forming organs (280-289)

V.

HD

.:

Mental Disorders (290-315)

VI.

DNS

;:

Diseases of Nervous System and Sense Organs (320-539)

VII.

DCS

;:

Diseases of Circulatory System (390-458)

VIII. DUS

i:

Diseases of Respiratory System (460-519)

IX.

DDS

::

Diseases of Digestive System (520-577)

X.

DUGS

:s

Diseases of Urino-Genital System (58O-629)

XI.

Cl-CP

;:

Complications of Pregnancy, Child birth and the 1'uerperium (630-687)

All.

DST

;;

Diseases of Skin and sub-cutaneous tissues (6SO-7O9)

XIII.DMCT

i:

Diseases of the Kusculo-skeletal System and connective tissues (710-738)

XIV.

CA

is

Congenital Anomalies (740-759)

KV.

DPI®

;i

Certain Diseases of peri-natal morbidity and Mortality (760-779)

XVI. SILC

i:

Symptoms and Ill-defined conditions (780-796)

XVII. ACV

;s

Accidents, poisinings and viloence (8OO-999)

* Family Incidence Rate = 100X number of families affected by the particular disease group

Total number of families

Family Incidence Rate of one of Four Cominant Disease-groups and the most frequently
reported diseased per disease-group in villages and semi-urban areas of Sonarpur P.S.
24-Haran~as, best Bengal, 1974°1973
............. .....

Rate of Faiaily incidence
Infective and Parasitic
diseases-Groux> I

Rural (R) Semi”
Urban (U) area

Most frequently reported
diseases of tho Group I

(2)
(2)

Dysentery

Diarrhoea

(3)

(4)

1. Bonhoogly (S)
(Ho. of families: 708)

44.8

15.1

-

2. Chowhati (R)
(No of families:

26.0

13.2

-

3. Dingalpota (R)
(No. of familes
156)

48.7

20.0

-

4. Hogalkuria (it)
(ho of families 179)
5. Jagannathpur (it)
(Ho of families: 193)
6. Jayenpur (R)
(No. of families: 96)

37.4

-

11.7

97.4

47.1



*1
53

32.3

=

*7 Kumarkhali (it)
(No. of families: 362)

89.8

8. Kusumba (it)
(Ho. of families: 124)

100.0

-

66.1

9. Nischintapur (R)
(No. of families: 77)

72.7

44.1

-

10. Eamabandrapur (r)
(Ho. of Families: 170)
11. Ukhila (R)
Ho. of families: 229)

82.3

53.5

99.1

-

47.2

All Rural Areas
(No. of families:(2856)

60.1

16.4

14.7

1. Elachi (U)
No. of Families:

67.6

15.2

-

(293)

2. Jagaddal (U)
No. of Families:

50.7

23.2

-

(290)

All Semi-Urban Areas
No. of Families: (583)

59.2

19.2

-

All Areas
(Rural + bemi-Urban)
Ho. of Families: (3439)

59.9

16.9

12.2

1.
(1)

562)

57.4

Family Incidence Hate of one Four Dominant Disease - groups and the most frequently
reported diseased per disease-group in villages and semi-urban areas of Sonarpur P.S.,
24-Parengas, West Bengal, 1974
*
,1975

fa

Rural/
Serai-Urban
area

Family Incidence Rate of

Diseases of
Respiratory
system (VIII)

Host frequently
reported disease
of the Group VIII

Cold

Flu

(2)

(5)

(4)

!» Bohoogly

51.9

26.8

2. Chowhati

33.8

31. e

3. Dingalpota

28.8

26.J

4. liogalkuria

27.4

23.5

-

5. Jagannathpur

63.2

-

62.7

6. Jayenpur

20.8

7.3

(1)

-

-

32.6

7. Kumarkhali

39.1

8. Kusumba

29.O

-

26.6

9. Nischintapur

49.3

-

48.0

10. Ramchandrapur

15.9

11. Ukilia

35.4

12.9
-

34.9

AU RURAL ARRAS

29.2

16.8

13.6

1. h’lachi

41.6

29.7

. «»

2. Jagaddal

36.9

33.4

-

ALL SEMI-URBAN' AREAS

39.3

31.6

-

ALL AREAS

50.9

19.3

11.3

Vorai v- TncidOUfi?

-

Family Incidence hate of one Four Dominant Disease - groups and the most frequently
reported diseased per disease-group in villages and semi-urban areas of Sonarpur F.S.,
24-?arangas, V.'est Bengal, 1974-1975

Pa

Rural/
Semi-Urban
area

Family Incidence Kate of

Diseases of
Respiratory
system (VIII)

Most frequently
reported disease
of the Group VIII

Cold

Flu

(2)

(3)

(4)

1. Bohoogly

31.9

26.0

-

2. Chowhati

35.8

31.8

-

3. Dingalpota

28.8

26.3

-

4, Hogalkuria

27.4

23.5

- •

5» Jagannathpur

63.2

-

52.7

6. Jayenpur

20.6

7.3

- ■

7. Kumarkhali

35.1

-

32.6

8. Kusumba

29.0

-

26.6

9. Bischintapur

49.3

-

48.0

-

(1)

15.9

12.9

11. Ukilia

35.4

-

54.9

ALL RURAL AREAS

29.2

16.8

13.6

1. Elachi

41.6

29.7

2. Jagaddal

56.9

33.4

ALL SEMI-URBAK AREAS

39.3

51.6

«3
-

all areas

30.9

19.3

11.3

10. Hamchandrapur

Family Incidence -.ate of one of Four 'Dominant Bisease-groups and the
most frequently reported disease per disease-group in villages and
semi-urban areas of Sonarpur 7P.S.; 24-Parganas, V.’. Bengal 1974-1975

Family Incidence Rate of
Rural/
Semi-urban
area

(1)

Biseases of Skin and sub
cutaneous Tissues (XII)

Most frequently
reported disease of
the Group- All
itch
SR.disease
dermatitis

(2)

(3)

(4)

1. Bohhoogly

14.1

>•6

-

2. Chowliati

17»5

10.5



J. Bingolpota

•S

.10,9

4. iiogalkuria

55.5.

27.4

3.1

2.6

6. Jayenpur

27.1

27.1

7. Kukaxkhali

40.1

40.0

-

S. Kusumba

30.6

27.4

-

9. iiischintapur

37.7

32.5

-

10, Ramehandrapux

27.0

11. Ukhila

29.7

29.7

?

ALL RURAL AttBAS

22.2

16.2

0.8

1, Elacld.

*
22.2

-

2. Jagaddal

22.8

11.4

■•

ALL L'E'sl URBAN ARKAS

22.3

14.4

0.6.

Jagannathpur

-

12.9

* In iilachi Skin disease of Abscess was reported most frequently. (Fam.
Inc» Kate: 3.4)

Family Incidence Rate of one of l-'our Dominant Disease-groups and the
most frequently reported disease per diseuse-group in villages and
seui-urban areas of Sonarpur P.S.j 24-Rarganas, W. Bengal 1974-1975

Family Incidence Rate of
Rural/
Semi-urban
area

Diseases of Skin and sub
cutaneous Tissues (xilj

Host frequently
reported disease of
the Group XII
Itch.

Sil, disease bf
dermatitis

(2)

(5)

(4)

1. ronaoogly

14.1

5.6

«»

2. Chowhati

17.3

16.3

«•

5. Dingolpota.

12.8

10.9

-

4. dogalkuria

33.5

27.4

-

5. Jagannathpur

3.1

• 2«6

6. Jayenpur

27.1

27.1

-

7. Xukarkhali

40.1

40.0

-.

b. Xusumoa

50.6

27.4

-

9. Jischiniapur

37.7

32.5

-

&0a . arachandrapur

27.0

Ila JKhila

29.7

29.7

•?

aLL H'UzuiD XiiibAS

22.2

16.2

0.8

1. Slachi

*
22,2

-

«>

2a Jagaddal

22.8

11.4

Aid, SEMI UttB/dl AESAS

22.3

14.4

(1)



-

12.9

0.6

■sse of Absoass was reported most frequent;ly. (Fam.
Inc» Bate
*

‘FAJBLE 5

Family Incideuce Rate of one of Four Dominant Di seas ©-groups cnfl the most
frequently reported disease per disease-group in villages and semi-urban
areas of Sonarpur P.S. j 24-Pargana, W.-Bengal, 1974-1975

Family incidence Rate of

Rural
semi-urban
area

Symptoms and
Ill-defined
cunditions(xVI)

Most frequently reported
disease of the Group XVI
Cough
Fever

(1)

(2)

(5)

Bonhoogly

92.1

-

2. Chownati

83.7

3. DingoIpota

94.2

46.8

75.4

1.

4. Hogalkuria

(4)

90.7
80.1

85.5

-

45.6

-

27.5

6. Jayenpur

94.8

-

66.7

7. Kumarkhali

88.1

75.4

-

8. Kusumba

86.3

6.4

-

9. Nischintapur

100.0

71.4

-

10, Rainachandrapur

83-5

-

-

11. UMaila

99.6

93.0

-

ALL RURAL AREAS

86.8

24.3

51.5

1,

Elachi

100.0

-

2.

Jagaddal

88.3

-

77.6

ALL SEMI URBAN AREAS

94.2

-

71.5

ALL AREAS

88.1

18.9

54.9

5.

Hagannathpur

65.5

TAELS 5

Family Incidence Rate of one of Four Dominant Disease-g.roUpa anr]
most
freouently reported disease per disease-group in villages and semi-urban
areas of Sonarpur P.S.; 24-Pargana, W.-^engal, 1974-1975

Family :Incidence Kate of

Rural
semi-urban
area

Symptoms and.
Ill-defined
condiiions(xVl)

(D

(2)

(3)

(4)

1. Bonhoogly

92.1

-

90.7

2. Chowhati

83.7

-

80.1

3. Dingolpota

94.2

46.8

-

4. Hogalkuria

85.5

-

75.4



27.5

Kost frequently reported
disease of the Group XVI
Cough
Fever

p. Hagannathpur

43.6

6. Jayenpur

94.8

7. Kumarkhali

88.1

75.4

3. Kusumba

86.3

6.4

9. Nischintapur

100.0

71.4

66.7

-

10. Raiaachandrapur

83.5

-

-

11. Uldaila

99.6

93.0

-

ALL RUR/.L AREAS

36.8

24.3

51.5

1.

Elachi

100.0

<u>

65.5

2.

Jagaddal

88.3

-

77.6

ALL SEMI UK3AW AREAS

94.2

-

71.5

ALL AhJiAS

88.1

18.9

54.9

DISEASE-GROUP (’JHO CATEGORIES.)

TABLE 6 (contd.)
Social
Group
(community
(1)
Hindu

I

III

IV

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XII

XIII

xviX

XVII

TOTAL
Families

0

0

0

100.0

0

(iffio.o;

0

30.0

0

99.0

0

8
221

0

29.7

0

99.6

0

229

(100.0)

5.9
3.0

0.8
0.5

20.1

2.8

1609

(100.0)

1.0

88.7
84.1

0.7

2.8

0.9

88.0

0.4
0

1159
108

(100.0)

3.7

25.5
21.3

3.5

0.8

22.2

2.0

86.8 0.4

2856

(100.0)

0.7

22.8

3.8

88.2

1.0

289
*

(100.0)

11 . Village (Jkhila
(2)
12.5
0
56.2
0

87.P

.0

0

0

0

Muslim

99»5

0

0

0

0

All Groups

99.1

0

0

0

0

Hindu

0.4

0.6

1.4

2.2

31.1

Muslim

47.1
80.9

0.7

34.5

0.9

1.7
1.8

1.1

Christian

0.7
0

2.8

38.4
15.0

All Groups

60.1

0,g

24

6.2

29.2

Hindu

51.2

2.1

0.4
1.74.5
*1 Muslim family was also found

Hindu

66.0

1.3

Muslim

72.5

AXX Cxc'^ps

35.4

C

0

(3)

(100.0)

All Villages (Rural)

(100.0)

12. Semi-urban Jaaaddal
37.0

7.6

13. JSemi-urban Elachi
1.8

8.9

0.9

100.0

1.8

224

(100.0)

2.9

7.2

1.4

16.5
40.6

6.5

4.5

43.3
36.2

10.5

1.4

0,5
0

4.3

100.0

1.7

69

(100.0)

67.5

*•4

0.3

2.4

7*5

41 • 6

>© U

A©V

22© c~

5.6

100.0

1.7

295

(100.0)

Hindu

57.7

1.8

1.7
4-3

2.8

35.7

7.1

1.4

4.5

1.4

515
70

(100.0)

1.4

93.4
100.0

1.4

71.4

20.1
40.0

4.9

Muslim

0.4
0

All Groups

59.2

1.7

0.4

2.1

6.0

59.5

8.6

0.9

22.5

4.8

94.2

1.4

583

(100.0)

nH/agn,

All Semi--urban areas (urban)
6.4
>9.8
8.3
0.8

(100.0)

k)H - I 3-)3

TOTAL HEALTH CARE PROJECT 1974-1975
REPORT ON

FAMILY HEALTH PROBLEMS IN A RURAL SOCIETY OF
WEST BENGAL

1.

Introduction
On national level social welfare planning measures are
currently manifold and with respect to the same serious
attention is being laid more and more increasingly upon various
health problems of the people at large. Though search for
reliable information about national health is continuing from
long past (particularly since the publication of the momentous
Report of Shore Committee in 1946), a new approach has lately
been emphasised to tackle health problems of the country. This
approach urges that the family as a whole should be the focus
of attention in the matter of health and family welfare services
and moreover, health activities must also adopt a family rather
than an individual approach.
Importance'of this approach is, of course, not unknown
to those who are professionally concerned with the conditions
and processes of both health and disease. That ’family' has
to be taken as a 'functional unit' in making the facts about the
disease more intelligible and its course more manageable has
already been strongly pointed out in the international circles
of medical profession. As a matter of fact, it has been
claimed that better progress in health field depends upon
'clearer conceptions of the identifiable functional units'
which would provide greater knowledge and better control.
Since the 'family' happens to be the smallest but certainly
not the least important social unit for coping with disease,
one cannot miss to concentrate on family-based health
information in understanding the nature and magnitude of
health problems in general.
There is now emerging within the medical profession a
more systematic concern for the personal and social factors in
illness and eventually, the need for exploration of some
sociological variables in health and disease is becoming
urgent. Study of Family-based incidences of disease by
social group (community) is expected to provide insights into
health problems of the stratified rural society at large. With
this objective in view the present report has been written.
.../2

: 2 :

Precisely speaking, the report attempts to reveal the following
issues:

(a)

the nature and magnitude of incidences of diseases among
the rural as well as semi-urban families residing in a
rural society,

(b)

the differential incidences of family morbidity among
different communities (social groups) of a rural society
in contrast to those of a semi-urban society,

(c)

the dominant disease-groups which create widely diffused
health problems on family level in rural or semi-urban
society,

(d)

the Family Incidence Rates of the most frequently reported
diseases among different rural as well as semi-urban
communities (social groups).

2. Material and Method

A comprehensive survey on "Basic Health Services" was carried
out in 1974-1975 in eleven villages and two semi-urban areas
(sections of Rajpur municipal town) of Sonarpur P.S. 24-Paraganas,
West Bengal.

Selection of villages and semi-urban areas was not at random.
Rather, selection of the survey area was made with certain purposes.
As A.D. Charitable Hospital which is located at Elachi, ( a semiurban section of municipal town of Rajpur,) has been catering medical
and hospital needs of the local people since mid-1960 it was felt
that a household to household enquiry should be attempted to know
the impact area of the Hospital. To what extent the local
inhabitants had taken health services from A.D. Hospital? Who
were the people who had taken relatively more medical help from the
Hospital? What was the morbidity condition in the locale of the
Hospital? What forms of treatment the local people lately followed
usually to cure diseases? To what level the rural people were
conscious to go for modern medicines in tackling health hazards?
These are some of the thoughts which prompted the household
enquiry in question. Satisfactory evidences were hardly found to
meet the initial queries and eventually a pilot but exploratory
study to probe into the queries was brought into a resolution.
But for such exploratory study eleven villages which are situated
within 5 miles radial distance from Elachi (urban section of Rajpur
town) and again, which form a compact but continuous area of
habitation around Elachi, were chosen. As these villages were
within easy reach of A.D. Hospital of Elachi, it was expected that
relevant information which would be available from the rural people
would be quite helpful to offer due answers to the initial queries
• • •/?

: 3 :

and again, such information would help to plan better action­
programmes of health services in complete agreement with local
health condition and medical needs. In addition, residents
of Elachi and those of another semi-urban section of Rajpur
town, namely, Jaggadal were also chosen for making a
comparative study with rural residents. Health and disease
aspects of local society were to be examined in general and
accordingly the given sample of rural and semi-urban
settlements of Sonarpur P.S. were selected to constitute
the area of survey-operation, selection of villages and semiurban habitats was purposeful to accomplish the proposed
pilot survey. Under the circumstances, it is needless to say
that the residents of the selected habitats do not stand to
represent the general characteristics of the local residents
of 24-Parganas district as a whole.

The survey attempted to make complete enumeration of
all households of each village or semi-urban area by canvassing
a 'Family Schedule For Basic Health Services'. In this
schedule requisite information about the following items was
sought from each household, the head of the household being
taken generally as reference-point:

1)

Identification particulars of each area of survey
and again, of each household;

2)

Demographic particulars of each constituent member of
a household, with special reference to religion, marital
status, education status, occupation and vaccination
records;

3)

Illness suffered by each member of a household within
one year prior to the date of enquiry;

4)

Concept about occurrence of disease in family,

5)

Mode of treatment for each disease of each affected
family member;

6)

Type of Hospital services taken by the family, with
particular reference to A.D. Charitable Hospital
(located in Elachi section of Rajpur town);

7)

Particulars of environmental sanitation with specific
reference to source of water supply, sullage disposal,
disposal of refuse and latrine-facility; and

8)

Family Planning activities.

Total number of households which did ultimately furnish
satisfactory information about the desired items of query in

.../4

the areas of survey was 3439. The distribution of sample
families by community (social groups) over the sample
villages and semi-urban areas of Sonarpur P.S. has been
shown in Table A. These 3439 families comprise the basic
source of the core materials of all cases of physical sickness.
Out of the total families the Hindus stood for 62 per cent.
The Muslims explained for 35 per cent cases, the rest being
the Christians.

Head and/or a senior member of the Household was asked
to enumerate those diseases - minor or major - from which any
member might have suffered during last twelve months from
the date of enquiry. Names of the diseases and the affected
persons were recorded immediately and subsequently ancillary
information about concept and mode of treatment of each kind
of sickness was noted. Though complete reliance was placed on
the declared statement about different diseases in a family,
yet there was the inescapable effects of recall lapse and
unintentional omission of old instances of sickness.
Nevertheless, records about a substantial volume of sickness
per family could be gathered from the survey. In the field
every attempt was made to verify the reported disease by
relevant documents. But in many cases such documents were
not found. Truly speaking, in a number of cases field investi­
gators had to rely fully on the declared verbal statement of
the informants. In spite of such limitations, each and every
household under investigation yielded sufficient positive
information about diseases of one kind or other.

Incidences and causes of illness of sick members per
family were transcribed and then causes of illness were
codified as per World Health Organization's (WHO)
International Classification of Diseases. In doing so, the
nomenclature that has been given by WHO under Tabular List of
Inclusion and Pour Digit subcategories has been utilized for
the present study to classify the reported diseases under
appropriate Disease-groups.
A total of 17 disease-groups has been considered to
include the reported cases of sickness per family under proper
category. After ascertaining the group-position of a
disease the place of the family that had reported the disease
concerned had been marked against the appropriate broad
disease-group. Whatever might be the frequencies of one or
more than one disease in a family occurences of this or that
specific disease had been counted once in determining the
position of the family against the disease-group concerned.
By this method the position of a family under one or more than
one group within seventeen disease-groups has been located.

.../5

: 5 :

Family incidence Rates of different disease-groups
have been calculated by the following method:

No. of families affected by a particular disease-group
100 X

Total Number of Families

Family Incidence Rates of different disease-groups have been
calculated separately for each village and each semi-urban
area as well as for rural and semi-urban areas as a whole.
The seventeen disease-groups (WHO categories)
abbreviated as follows:

Group!:

IPD (Infective and Parasitic Diseases)

Group II:

N ( Neoplasms )

have been

Group III:

ENMD (Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases)

Group IV:

DBBO (Diseases of Blood and Blood-forming Organs)

Group V:

ND (Mental Disease)

Group VI:

DNS (Diseases of Nervous System and Sense Organs)

Group VII:

DCS (Diseases of Circulatory System)

Group VIII: DRS (Diseases of the Respiratory System)
Group IX:

DDS (Diseases of the Digestive System)

Group X:

DUGS (Diseases of Urino-genital System)

Group XI:

CPCP (Complications of Pregnancy, Child Birth and
the Puerperium)

Group XII:

DST (Diseases of Skin and subcutaceous Tissues)

Group XIII: DMCT (Disease of Musculo-skeletal System and
Connective Tissues)
Group XIV:

CA (Congenital Anomalies)

Group XV:

DPNM (Certain Disease of Peri-natal Morbidity and
Mortality)

Group XVI:

SILO (Symptoms and Ill-defined Conditions)

Group XVII: ACV: (Accidents, poisonings, and Violence)

On the basis of religion-affiliation of the head of house­
hold the household concerned has been classified under three
social groups (communities), namely, Hindu, Muslim, and

: 6 :

Christian. Again, on the basis of community - affiliation
the family incidence rates of disease-groups for each broad
social group have been calculated to point out differential
disease-prevalence and thereby health problems in the given
rural or semi-urban society.

The disease-group which has included larger entries of
diseases as reported by the given fa_milies and thereby has
yielded higher Family Incidence Rate has been treated as
Dominant disease-group. By this definition four Dominant
disease-groups could be identified in the survey area,
irrespective of its rural or semi-urban character.
Family-based information about incidences of various
types of disease has received principal focus in the course
of analysis that has been followed in the present study. Such
information has further been examined in terms of community
(social group) affiliation of the families.

. . ./7

: 7 :
Table A.

Distribution of families by social group (community)
over different villages and semi-urban areas surveyed
in Sonarpur P.S., 24-Parganas, West Bengal, 1974-1975.

Village/Semi-Urban Area

(1)

Social Group (Community)
affiliation of the family
HINDU
CHRISTIAN
MUSLIM

1

■ Total
Family

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

1

708
(24.8)
562
(19.7)
156
(5.5)
179
(6.3)
193
(6.7)
96
(3.4)
362
(12.7)
124
(4.3)
77
(2.7)
170
(5.9)
229
(8.0)

1.

Bohoogly

305

348

55

2.

Chowhati

549

13

-

3.

Dingalpota

155

-

1

4.

Hogalkuria

128

-

51

5.

Jagannathpur

15

178

-

6<>

Jayenpur

67

28

7.

Kumarkhali

158

204

-

8.

Kusumba

6

118

-

9.

Nischintapur

75

2

-

10.

RamChandrapur

143

27

-

11.

Ukhila

8

221

-

(1609)
(53.6)

(1139)
(39.9)

(108)
(3.8)

2856
(100.0)
293
(50.3)
290
(49.7)

ALL VILLAGES

1.

Elachi

224

69

-

2.

Jaggadal

289

1

-

ALL SEMI-URBAN AREAS

513
(88.0)

70
(12.0)

-

583
(100.0)

ALL AREAS

2122
(61.7)

1209
(35.1)

108
(3.2)

3439
(100.0)

: 8 :

3.

Important Findings
A)
Inr.the area of Survey the incidences of Infective and
parasitic diseases (IPD) were reported in highesi order by the
families, irrespective of their rural or semi-urban living.
Among the rural families the family incidence rate (FIR) for
the disease-group I (IPD) was as high as 60$ and interestingly
enough, among their semi-urban counterparts such rate was almost
of the same order (59$). That high FIR for the diseasegroup I did vary a little between rural and semi-urban
settlements of Sonarpur P.S. was of immediate interest to reflect
upon the key-source of health problems in the local society.
(Table 1).
When as high as 60$ of the total fa milies (3439) of
the survey-area declared that one or other kind of disease that
has been identified under group I (IPD), prevailed among their
constituent members during the reference-period in question,
it is difficult to realise that major health-disturbing force
was significantly generated alone by Infective and parasitic
diseases. This force was equally penetrating in both rural
and urban surrounding of Rajpur town.

In spite of the above general state of development which
was associated with ill-effects caused by infective and
parasitic diseases on family health, the impact of these diseases
were not found to have spread uniformly over the villages under
survey. Family incidence rate (FRI) of disease-group I (IPD)
happened to fluctuate between as high as 100.0$ (village
KUSUMBA) and as low as 26.0$ (village CHOWHATI). Moreover,
in another four villages, namely UKHIDA (FIR: 99$), Jagannathpur
(FIR: 97$), Kumarkhali (FIR: 90$), Ramchandrapur (FIR: 82$),
and Nischintapur (FIR: 73$) family incidence rate for diseasegroup I was difinitely of high order. It is, thus, clear
that a little more than one-half of the total rural habitats
under examination was seriously exposed to damaging effects
of various infective and parasitic diseases. Did these
villages form any endemic area for infective and parasitic
diseases around Rajpur town? Convinving answer to this query
may be formulated in the light of the fact that of all rural
families (1717) which reported about occurrences of diseases
of Group I (IPD), the families (1060) of the said six villages
only, taken together, accounted for as good as 62 per cent.
Such a high rate of incidence of infective and parasitic diseases
on family level in a relatively smaller area is a significant
pointer to rural health problems at large.
In contrast, relatively a low family incidence rate for
infective and parasitic disease-group in village Qhowhati
was quite a though-provoking affair. This village sheltered

.../9

: 9 :

562 families and of these families only a little more than onefourth reported illness due to one or more kind of diseases
falling under Group I. In village Hogalkuria FIR for diseasegroup I (IPD) was found to be 37%. Thus the families of these
two villages appeared to have suffered relatively less
detrimental influence of the principal health-affecting diseases
of the area. In the remaining three villages, namely,
Bonhoogly, Dingalpota and Jayenpur, the families concerned were
affecte<T“by the diseases of Group I relatively moderately,
FIR being X varying from 45% (Bonhoogly) to 53% (Jayenpur).

As far as the semi-urban areas of Rajpur municipal town
is concerned, impact of infective and parasitic diseases on
families concerned were not at all insignificant. It is
interesting that as high as 67 out of 100 families of Elachi
reported sickness due to the said diseases. In spite of the
fact that both Elachi and Jagaddal constitute two important
sections of the only municipal town (RAJPUR) of Sonarpur P.S.
24-Parganas district, 59 per cent of resident-families were
as late as in 1974-75 under the grip of various infective and
parasitic diseases.
All the more, over-all FIRs of Disease-Group I (IPD)
for both rural and semi-urban families of the survey-area were
observed to be on matching strength. Does this fact mean th^t
town (urban or rural) living on the part of the affected on
families exercised no discriminating influence on infective and
parasitic diseases to affect volume of sickness?. In general,
it may be observed that the families under study did suffer
health-problems very largely due to various infective and
parasitic diseases.

B)
Next in order of importance the diseases of Respiratory
System (DRS: Group VIII) prevailed in the survey-area. But
such diseases on family level were reported relatively more
in semi-urban areas of Rajpur town. Here out of every 100
families as good as 39 envinced occurrence of one or other
kind of disease related to the disease-group VIII. In contrast,
the rural families complained about incidence of the diseases
of respiratory system in only 29 per cent cases. From this
general picture of development it seems that rural, open-air
living of the families concerned, had some discriminating role
to influence events of illness due to respiratory systemlinked diseases. In any case, family health problems created
by different diseases of the GroupVIII were not insignificant
in both rural and semi-urban areas of Sonarpur P.S. and
accordingly, appropriate health care measures to prevent and cure
diseases are still needed for the welfare of the local society.
.../10

: 10 :

Village Jagannathpur maintained a distinguished position
in having relatively the highest family incidence rate for
disease-group VIII. In this village as high as 63 out of every
100 families reported one or other kind of disease related to
respiratory system. Next was the position of village Nischintapur
(FIR: 490) where about one-half all families suffered health problems
due to the disease-group VIII . Family incidence rates of the
disease-group VII for the families of four villages, namely, Ukhila
(350), Kumarkhali (350), Chowhati (340) and Bonhoogly (320) were
noticed to vary within a small range. It appears that the families
of these four villages had faced more or less similar experiences
of health problems which might have generated by the diseases of
respiratory system (Group VIII) in the area.

That the families of each one of these four villages suffered
health problems due to respiratory diseases relatively significantly
leaser than the families of either village Jagannathpur or
Nischintapur is, indeed, an interesting fact. This was more so in
the case of the remaining villages. In this respect village
Ramchandrapur struck a distinction in presenting family incidence
rate of diseases of respiratory system in the lowest order (16
per cent). Thus, FIR of disease-group VIII (DRS) is observed
to vary from a high 63 per cent to a low 16 per cent. This signifies
that the effect of respiratory system-linked diseases vzas not
uniformly present over the villages and thereby the rural families
had differential experiences of health problems due to such diseases.

In semi-urban areas of Rajpur town families of ELACHI
reported relatively more cases of illness due to respiratory
system-linked diseases. Here 42 out of every 100 families had health
problems under the influence of respiratory diseases. But in Jaggadal
37 per cent of total 290 families declared incidence of one or other
disease of Group VIII. It seems that respiratory system-related
diseases caused health problems on family level relatively more in
Elachi than Jaggadal. The FIRs of disease-group VIII (diseases
of Respiratory System) for the town families are found to
stand in closer proximity of the FIRs of the same disease-group for
the families of villages like Ukhila, Kumarkhali, Chowhati, or
Bonhoogly. Thus, the families of these particular semi-urban and
rural areas of Sonarpur P.S., 24-Parganas district happened to
experience similar stress and strain in taking care of their
health problems generated by the diseases of respiratory system.

C)
Third important disease-group is related to the disease
of Skin and subcutaneous tissues (Group XII). In both rural and town
areas this disease-group (DST) yielded family incidence rate in
almost similar order. In total number of rural families (2856)
22 per cent reported occurrence of skin-linked diseases and in town
area, on the other hand, 22.5 per cent of the total number of 583
.../Il

: 11 :

families showed cases of illness under similar diseases. Thus,
a consistency between rural and urban rates is observed in the
incidences of diseases falling under the disease-group XII.
Moreover, it becomes evident that the families of both rural
and semi-urban areas of Sonarpur P.S. suffered infective and
•parasitic diseases in highest order, diseases of respiratory
system in higher order, and skin-linked disease in high order.
These three disease-groups were, no doubt, the principal sources
of health problems for the families in general. Relative
decreasing order of importance of these three disease-groups
(I, VIII and XII) was uniformaly maintained by both rural and
town families. Such state of development in health-area should
at once be highlighted.

With respect to this particular disease-group XII (DST)
village Kumarkhali occupied a distinguishing place as 46 out
of every 100 families residing in the village reported incidences
of skin disease of one kind or other. This family incidence
rate happened to be 18 points above the over-all rural rate.
In the village the disease of Group I (IPD) and Group XII (DST)
were relatively more mentioned by the families concerned.
Next was the position of village Nischintapur where the FIR
of disease Group XII is observed to be 38 per cent. Ohter family
incidence rates of skin-linked diseases which are worth mention­
ing are 34 per cent (village Hogalkuria) and 31 per cent (village
Kusumba) and 30 per cent (village Ukhila). Lowest family
incidence rate of the disease-group XII was yielded by village
Jagannathpur (3 per cent). Thus, it is quite clear that the
families of the villages under survey did not suffer health
stress uniformly under the influence of diseases of skin and
subcutaneous tissues (Group XII).
In semi-urban areas ELACHI gave family incidence rate of
disease-group XII as 22 per cent and the same was slightly
higher for Jagaddal (23 per cent). These rates are definitely
higher than those obtained for only four villages, namely
Chowhati, (17$), Dingalpota (13$), Bonhoogly (14$) and
Jagannathpur (3$). For the rest of eleven villages the rates
were found to be higher than those observed for either of two
semi-urban settlements of Rajpur town. In general it may,
thus, be thought that the rural families were relatively more
exposed to skin-related diseases than town families. Though
over-all rates of disease-group XII (DST) did not vary markedly
between rural and semi-urban settlements, yet it was the rural
families which are found to face health problems due to these
skin-diseases more extensively.

D)
The last important disease-group (XVI) is a group of all
Symptoms and Ill-defined conditions of physical sickness (SILO).

.../12

: 12 :

Occurences of such symptoms and ill-defined conditions were
extensively frequent in both rural and town families. Physical
sickness by a single or multiple causes was reported by the families in very large number of cases, but such sickness could not
be identified with any specific disease-group in question.
Physical sickness due to headache, fever, pain, cough, loss of
appetite and so on was very, very often mentioned by the
families and they have been clustered, as per TOO classification,
under one broad disease-group, namely, Symptoms and Ill-defined
conditions. It appears that all the families-rural or semi-urban
had the same experiences of many by frequently-occuring minor
physical ailments which do not demand generally any serious
medical surveillance. These diseases may be taken as household
disease of common happening. Eventually family incidence rates
of all Symptoms and Ill-defined conditions of physical sickness
were as high as 87% in rural and 94% in town areas of Sonarpur
P.S., 24-Parganas district.

It is thus clear that in survey-area predominance of
infective and parasitic diseases had to be merited with all
seriousness. Then, the health problems generated on family
level by diseases of respiratory system need due medical
attention. Third important source of health stress in families
rural or urban was related to occurences of diseases of skin
and subcutaneous tissues. 60 per cent of total 3439 families
(rural and urban combined) reported incidences of infective
and parasitic diseases. Again, 30 per cent of these 3439
families complained about physical illness due to attack of
various diseases of respiratory system. On the other hand,
22 per cent of the same 3439 families yielded information about
health hazards due to different diseases of skin and subcutaneous
tissues.
E)
In the backdrop of this morbidity condition an attempt has
been made to sift out the most commonly reported disease or
diseases under each one of the above first three dominant diseasegroups. In disease group I (Infective and parasitic diseases)
though a number of diseases which was reported on family level,
has been included, yet two particular diseases, namely, Dysentery
and Diarrhoea were most frequently mentioned by rural and semiurban families. It has been observed that family incidence rate
of disease-group I for rural families as a whole is 60 per cent
and out of this 60 per cent as good as 31 per cent reported
incidences of dysentery and diarrhoea only. In semi-urban areas
of Rajpur town the family incidence rate of infective and parasitic
diseases is 59 per cent and out of this 59 per cent families as
good as 19 per cent reported about occurence of dysentery only
(Table 2.)
Thus, it is noticed that in survey area as a whole dysentery
.../13

: 13 :

as an infective and parasitic disease has been reported mostly.
When out of every 100 families as good as seventeen gave decla­
ration that they suffered from a single disease of dysentery,
one can visualise what alarming health situation was prevailing
in both rural and town areas of Sonarpur P.S. as late as in 1975.
It is interesting to focus that family incidence rate (FIR)
of dysentery disease was not of the same order in between village
and town areas. FIR of dysentery for semi-urban families was
19 per cent against only 16 per cent found for rural families.
Two semi-urban settlements, namely, ELACHI and JAGADDAL, are
part and parcel of the municipal town of Rajpur and yet they
evincedThe disturbing fact that their resident-families suffered
health problems due ~tb attack of dysentery relatively more
intensively than their counterparts living in rural environment.
The semi-urhan families did not report diarrhoea to be a most
commonly-occurring disease.

Nov/ for the rural area it is observed that in four out of
11 villages of all the infective and parasitic diseases reported
on family level, diarrhoea was more often mentioned. These four
villages are Hogalkuria, Kumarkhali, Kusumba, and Ukhila. But
in the remaining seven villages the diseas e of dysentery was
pointed out most frequently by the families concerned. Diarrhoeainfested families were found relatively highest in village
Kusumba where 66 out of 100 families reported this particular
infective and parasitic disease. Next was the position of village
Kumarkhali where 570 of resident families gave information about
diarrhoea. Village Ukhila and village Hogalkuria presented
family incidence rates of the disease of diarrhoea only as 470
and 120 only. Dysentery was not mentioned as a commonly occurring
disease by the families of these four villages.
o

In Kusumba centper cent families were found to have suffered
from one or other kind of infective and parasitic disease (Group I),
but diarrhoea as a single major disease of Group I was claimed
by a high as 66 per cent of total families. On the other hand,
in village Kumarkhali 90 per cent of total resident families
reported incidences of diseases of Group I and again, 57 per cent
of the same families of the village were found to have suffered
from diarrhoea as a single source of infective and parasitic
diseases. In village Ukhila family incidence rate (FIR) of
infective and parasitic disease was 900 and such rate for the
disease of diarrhoea only was as good as 470. For village
Hogalkuria FIR of infective and parasitic diseases was relatively
lower (370) and accordingly, FIR of diarrhoea was also very low
(12 per cent).
To what extent the families of these four villages only
could distinguish between an attack of diarrhoea and dysentery
could not be ascertained during survey and as such true cases
of dysentery might have been under reported. For under reporting
or misreporting dysentery as a most commonly reported disease
was not obtained, among the families of these four villages in

.../l 4

: 14 :

sharp contrast to their counterparts living in adjacent seven
villages. It seems that many cases of dysentery in these four
villages cf Kumarkhali, Kusumba, Ukhila, and Hogalkuria might
have been reported as cases of diarrhoea only.
Among the remaining seven villages where the families had
declared dysentery as the most commonly occurring infective
and parasitic disease village Ramchandrapur and village
jagannathpur deserve special attention. In Ramchandrapur 82
out of every 100 resident-families reported one or other kind
of infective disease etc, diseases and of these 100 families
as high as 54 per cent complained health hazards due to a single
infective disease of dysentery. Such a high FIR for dysentery
ia a significant pointer to the prevailing health condition in
the local rural society. On the other hand, 97 per cent of total
families living in village Jagannathpur had one or other kind
of infective and parasitic diseases amongst their constituent
members and again, 47 per cent of these families reported disease
of dysentery only. As a single infective and parasitic disease
dysentery happened to creat health problems on family level more
glaringly in the given two villages of Sonarpur P.S., 24Parganas district.

In this very respect position of village Nischintapur and
village Jayenpur was not all bright. In the former village
75 out of every 100 families showed incidences of infective and
parasitic diseases and of these 100 families as good as 44
reported infection from only dysentery disease. In the latter
village family incidence rate of infective etc. disease was
fairly high (550), such rate for dysentery disease only was
very significant (320). Incidences of dysentery in these two
villages can not be belittled, rather they should be given
importance as seriously as one must offer to village Ramchandrapur
or village Jagannathpur.
In the remaining three villages, namely, pingaloota,
Chowhati and Banghoogly reporting of only dysentery as a most
frequently-occurring infective and parasitic disease was made
by the families concerned of each village in lesser volume,
family incidence rate being ranging between 20 and 13 per cent.
It appears that these three villages suffered relatively in
leaser order from dysentery indiced health problems than the
rest of the villages in question. In any case, the very
presence of dysentery in seven out of 11 villages under survey
is certainly alarming. In conjunction with the incidences of
dysentery in semi-urban areas of Sonarpur P.S., these infective
and parasitic diseases demand immediately appropriate medical
and public health measures for the welfare of the local people.

.../15

: 15 :

It may rightly be surmised that environmental sanitation
in the local area under study is not satisfactory enough to
negate appreciably the wide spread of several kinds of
infective and parasitic diseases and particularly dysentery
and diarrhoea. Family health problems are accordingly not
insignificantly voluminous in both rural and semi-urban (town)
life. More than one-half of the total families under exam­
ination was exposed under several infective and parasitic diseases
(especially dysentery) and this single event is strong enough
to point out what medical welfare activities are to be launched
at once to protect the people from health hazards and family
stress.

In the second dominant group of diseases of respriatory
system two specific diseases of cold and flu had most frequently
been referred to by the families. In semi-urban settlements
the disease of cold only was most frequent. Family incidence
rate (FIR) of diseases of respiratory diseases (Group VIII)
for semi-urban families is found to be 59 per cent and for the
same families FIR of disease of cold alone was 52 per cent. It
becomes, thus, evident that in the occurrence of respiratory
diseases on family level it was the disease of cold which
generated health problems in large majority cases among town
families. An y other relatively more serious respiratory
diseases like peneumonia, asthma, pleurisy and like so were
not reported by most of the families of both semi-urban and
rural settlements. Cold happened to be a common household
disease in the survey area. Such type of disease was declared
relatively more by town-bred families than their rural counter­
parts (Table 5.)
In general, 51 per cent of total 5459 families enumerated
in Sonarpur P.S. did complain about physical sickness due to
some respiratory diseases. And of these families as good as
19 per cent showed incidence of cold only on family level. In
town area 52 per cent of 585 families reported about the lone
disease of cold and in contrast, 17 per cent of 2856 rural
families recorded about the same disease. The difference between
semi-urban and rural rates for the disease of cold should be
especially noted. If widespread occurrence of the disease of
cold is taken to be any indicator of bodily deficiency in
respiratory system, then proper medical attention in this
direction is urgently needed for especially the tom-bred
families of Rajpur. It is more true for the families of Jagaddal
where 55 out of 100 families had trouble of cold-disease.
Incidences of the disease of cold were not insignificant in E1ACHI
(50 per cent).
In the villages, families of Chowhati stood in closer

.. ./16

: 16 :

proximity to semi-urban families in having incidences of
cold-disease among 32 per cent cases. Like Chowhati in another
set of five villages, namely, Bonhoogly, Dingalpota, Hogalkuria,
Jayenpur and Ramchandrapur, only the disease of cold had been
reported to be the most commonly occurring disease under the
disease group VIII. In the remaining five villages the families
concerned declared disease of flu as the most commonly occurring
disease of respiratory system. Family incidence rate of flu
only is observed to be 14 per cent in rural areas.
In semi-urban areas the disease of flu was not the most
commonly occurring disease. With respect to total 3439 sample
families the disease of flu happened to occur in only 11 per
cent cases.

Among the five villages where the families had reported
'flu' as the most commonly occurring disease under the disease
group VIII (DRS), village Jagannathpur attracts immediate attention.
Here the family incidence rate (FIR) of only 1 flu'-disease has
been found to be 62.7%. In this village the over-all FIR
of diseases of Respiratory system (Group VIII) was 63.2%. Under
the situation it becomes clear that the rural families of
Jagannathpur suffered almost fully from attack of 1 flu1-disease.
What was the possible reason for such high rate of 'flu'disease? A thorough medical probing among the constitutent
members of the families of the village can only answer the
problem.

In this respect next came village Nischintapur where 48
out of 100 families complained about illness due to 'flu'.
The over-all family incidence rate of disease of respiratory
system was observed to be 49% in this village and the lone
disease of 'flu' explained as high as 48% of total cases of
respiratory diseases. This state of affair is serious enough
to urge for immediate medical intervention. Both Jagnnathpur
and Nischintapur require special medical attention to root out
high incidence rate of 'flu'-disease which posed definitely
serious health problems to the local families and their inhabit­
ants .
In the remaining three villages, namely, Ukhila, Kumarkhali
and Kusumba, the incidences of 'flu'-disease were not insignifi­
cant. In Kumarkhali 33 out of every 100 families reported 'flu'
as the most commonly occurring disease, while in Kusumba it was
27%. But in village Ukhila family incidence rate of the disease
of flu was slightly higher (35%). Further, in Ukhila FIR of
diseases of Respiratory system happened to be 35.4% and 'flu'
alone explained for 34.9%' of the local families. Thus, it is

.../17

: 17 :

observed that the villages which were more disturbed by health
problems created by the diseases of respiratory system were
actually having the particular disease of 'flu' as the most
prevailing one among all diseases of the said System.

For the third dominant group of diseases of Skin and sub­
cutaneous tissues (,DST) the families of both rural and semiurban settlements under survey had reported only the disease
of 'itch' as the most commonly occurring one. Family incidence
rate (FIR) ©f the disease of 'Itch' only for rural families as
a whole was 16 per cent. This rural rate was slightly higher
than semi-urban rate (14 per cent). In general, the FIRs of
diseases of Skin and suncutaneous tissues were not very high
in the area of survey (rural FTR: 22.2% and semipurban FIR: 22.3%)
Eventually, the FIRs of the lone disease of 'itch' could not
be very impressive. The finding of 'itch' as the most commonly
occurring skin-linked disease among the families suggests
that the diseases of skin might not be a source of serious
health problem to the families in question (Table 4).

In the background of the above situation special attention
was drawn by two villages, namely, Kumarkhali and Rischintapur♦
In the former village as good as 40 out of every 100 residentfamilies reported one or other kind of skin-disease and in the
latter village 38% of total families evinced the presence of
such disease. On the other hand, villages of Hogalkuria and
Kusumba occupied the next important position in showing family
incidence rates in the order of 34% and 31% respectively.
In contrast, village Jagannathpur showed relatively the minimum
incidence of skin-linked diseases, FIR being only 3 per cent.
Apparently it appears that the families of the villages in
question had differential experiences about skin-linked diseases.
Family incidence rates varied from a high 40 per cent to a low
3 per cent.

In semi-urban settlements of ELACHI and JAGADDAL the families
reported occurrence of skin-related morbidity in 22% to 23% cases.
This rate was almost similar to the over-all rural as well as
semi-urban rates (22%). In any case it becomes clear that not
more than one-fourth of total families surveyed faced health
stress from skin-linked diseases.
To go into the details of the incidences of different
skin-linked diseases on family level it has been found that of
all kinds of diseases the disease of 'itch' was referred most
frequently by the families. In rural areas out of every 100
families, when 22 per cent reported skin-related diseases, 16
per cent referred to 'itch' only as the most frequent skin­
disease. Similarly, in semi-urban areas out of every 100
families when 22 per cent showed presence of one or other kind

.../18

: 18 :

of skin-related disease, 14 per cent claimed only 'itch' as
the most commonly occurring disease. In this respect, special
mention is made for the village Ramchandrapur where the families
did not refer 'itch' as the most frequently occurring skin­
ailment, but the disease of 'dermatitis' was reported. Here
out of every 100 families 15 shovzed the incidences of 'dermatitis'
only and 27 reported skin-disease of various types (including
'dermatitis').

For the fourth and last dominant disease-group namely,
Symptoms and Ill-defined conditions (Group XVI), it may be
pointed out that in the survey area 88 out of every 100 families
did experience one or other kind of sickness effected by some
physical trouble. Such sickness could not be properly explained
by or identified with any organic disorders. Accordingly, it
was gound that sickness due to 'fever' or 'cough' was very
widely mentioned. For this disease-group of Symptoms and Illdefined conditions of bodily sickness nothing definite can, thus,
be pointed out.
So far emphasise has been given on those diseases and
disease-groups which were found relatively more dominantly
present among the families-rural or urban of Sonarpur P.S.,
24-Parganas district. Eventually useful knowledge about
current diseases and health problems in a society located in a
rural environment (not far from the Metropolitan City of
Calcutta) can be roped in. Family incidence rates of the most
commonly reported diseases as well as the disease-groups can be
estimated from the survey findings. Trends of development in
health area which were shown by the families under examination
are expected to throw light on rural health problems in general.
Volume of family sickness per human settlement could be
examined from these findings which were, of course, limited by
recall lapse, under reporting, mis reporting and other circum­
stantial factors. Health information which is obtained from
the present study can hardly be available from other sources.
Incidences of infective and parasitic diseases, diseases
of respiratory system or disease of skin and sub-cutaneous
tissues have been found to occur more expansively in the
survey-area and to call immediate attention to The diseases of
these disease-groups only is not to imply that no effort should
be made to tackle diseases of the remaining disease-groups under
reference. Occurrences of different diseases which have been
included in each one of the remaining disease-groups were
relatively lesser in magnitude and as such these disease-groups
have not been discussed separately.

.../19

: 19 :

Nevertheless, in this respect one important point has to
he highlighted. It was found that none of the families in
either rural or semi-urhan areas had reported any disease which
falls, as per WHO classification, under any one of the following
disease-groups: (i) Neoplasms (Groupll); (ii) Mental disorders
(Group V); (iii) diseases of Urino-genital system (Group X);
(iv) Congenital anomalies (Group XIV); and (v) diseases of
peri-natal morbidity and mortality (Group XV). These diseasegroups go completely unrepresented. Such state of affairs is
really difficult to explain. Either the families did truly not
experience any health hazards due to any disease coming under
the above five groups, or these disease-groups had suffered
from recall lapse or under-reporting. Third possibility may
be that the families concerned did not bother to report those
diseases which would come under these five specific groups. But
it is certainly significant to note that both rural (2856) and
semi-urban (583) families behaved in similar manner in not
reporting any disease of any one of these five disease-groups.
How such consistent behaviour in between rural and urban families
could arise with reference to these five disease-groups only?
It seems that only a further probing in-depth can furnish a clue
to this query.

Another important issue is revealed by the findings as noted
in Table 1, that the family incidence rates of each diseasegroup for rural and semi-urban families maintain more or less
a consistency in most of the cases. Divergences of low order
are, of course, not absent between rural and semi-urban rates
of (1) Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic disease-group
(Group III) (ENMD); (2) Disease group of Nervous system and
organs
*
sense
(Group VI) (DNS);
(3) Disease group of Digestive
system (Group IX) (DDS); and (4) Disease group of the Musculo­
skeletal system and connective tissues (Group XIII) (DMCT).
In these disease-groups the semi-urban rates were alvzays higher
than the rural rates. But the over-all family incidence rate
of each one of these four disease-groups was initially low
either in rural or town area and as such these rates have not
been offered that much of importance which was given to those
four dominant disease groups mentioned earlier.
Incidentally, it may be noted that family incidence rate
(FIR) of the diseases of Digestive system (Group IX) was 9
per cent in semi-urban areas against 3,5~per cent available for
rural areas. That semi-urban FIR of disease-group IX was more
than double the rural rate is a fact of immediate interest to
those who are concerned with medical and public health measures
in the local society.

F)

Family incidence rates (FIR) of four dominant disease-groups
.../20

: 20 :

have been examined above in some detail with reference to the rural and semi-urban families in question. Nov/ an attempt has
been made to classify the families by community (social group)
affiliation and thereby to study community-wise family incidence
rates of the disease-groups concerned. It is presumed that
though these communities have different ways of life and living
(culture) and different mental disposition towards health care,
the families belonging to different communities would be
affected alike by the diseases and thereby the stress of health
problems.

With respect to the rural areas as a whole family-incidence
rate of infective and parasitic diseases (group I) happened to
be 60 per cent. But among the rural Muslim families as high
as 81 out of every 100 cases reported the diseases of the Group I
against v/hat was evinced by the Hindu families (48$). The
Christian families reported relatively the lowest rate (34$).
Thus, of all the rural families the Muslim families were found
to have relatively more health problems caused'by the infective
and parasitic diseases than the non-Muslim families.
Moreover, it is known that the diseases like Dysentery
and Diarrhoea were the most commonly reported diseases among
the rural families and accordingly, it is not difficult to
visualise that it was the Muslim families which suffered relatively
most from these two particular infective and parasitic diseases
in Sonarpur P.S. (Table 6).
That the Muslim families of semi-urban areas suffered also
relatively in greater degree from infective and parasitic diseases
(Group I) is evident from the fact that 71 out of every 100
Muslim families reported incidences of the given diseases in
sharp contrast to 58$ only yielded by the Hindu families. Thus,
in both rural and town areas of all the three communities the
Muslim community alone showed the highest incidence rate of the
Disease-group I (IPD). On the other hand, it is also observed
that the rural Hindu families evinced relatively lower family
incidence rate of the Disease-group I than their counterparts
living in town area. Community-wise differential rates as
available from the findings of Table 6, constitute a significant
pointer to understand different levels of development in health
conditions among the local dwellers. That volume of sickness
per family due to infective and parasitic diseases was more
intensive among the Muslims in comparison to the Hindus or~the
Christians of the survey-area is a capital knowledge. This
knowledge would greatly help in the formulation of appropriate
strategy of health welfare programmes and actions.

In this respect attention is drawn to the Muslim families

.../21

: 21 :

of the following villages since all the families of the villages
reported to have suffered from one or other kind of infective
and parasitic disease (especially, dysentery or diarrhoea):
(1) Jagannathpur, (2) Kumarkhali, (3) Kusumha, (4) Ukhila.
Family incidence rate was 100$ or a very little less than cent
per cent. Among the Hindu counterparts of these village family
of infective and parasitic diseases fluctuated between a high
100$ (village Kusumha) and a low 67$ (village Jagannathpur).
Truly speaking, three villages of Kusumha, Kumarkhali and
Ukhila seemed to be the worst-affected areas as far as intensive
occurrences of infective and parasitic diseases were concerned.
Irrespective of their community (social group)-wise affiliation,
the families of these three villages had to endure the impact
of infective and parasitic diseases like dysentery or diarrhoea
most intimately as well as extensively.

On the other hand, the Hindu families of the following
villages were found to report relativd.y more cases of infective
and parasitic diseases (Group I) than their Muslim counterparts:
(1) Nischintapur, and (2) Ramchandrapur. In village Nischintapur
the Hindu families yielded relatively higher family incidence
rate (73$), the same was only 50$ among the Muslim families.
In village Ramchandrapur the Hindu rate for the disease-group I
was a little higher (83$) than the Muslim rate (78$). The
lowest family incidence rate of infective and parasitic diseases
(Group I) was evinced by the Hindu families of village Chowhati
(25$) and again, by the Muslim families of village Bonhoogly
(50$) or village Nischintapur (50$). That the lowest Muslim
rate for infective and parasitic diseases was double than the
lowest Hindu rate was singularly significant to stress the fact
that the Muslim families of the survey-area formed the most
extensively affected group to suffer health hazards:.

With respect to the second dominant disease-group VIII
(Respiratory system-linked diseases) it has been found that 29$
of rural families and 39$ of semi-urban families reported such
diseases. In rural area among all the families (2856), a
sizeable magnitude of Muslim families (38$) showed relatively
more cases of respiratory system-linked diseases (especially
the diseases like cold and flu,) than their Hindu (31$) or
Christian (13$) counterparts. Like the highest family incidence
rate (FIR) of infective and parasitic diseases, here again the
Muslim families presented the highest FIR of diseases or respiratory
system. But, in this very respect the difference (7.3$) between
Muslim and Hindu rates for respiratory system-linked diseases
was not as high as was found for the difference (33.8$) between
the rates of infective and parasitic diseases. Ij; is significant
to note that the Muslim families of the villages under study
suffered most from both infective and parasitic diseases and
diseases of respiratory system. Next was the position of the
.../22

: 22 :

Hindu families and the Christian families occupied the third
position in order of importance.

On the other hand, among all town families it was the Hindu
families which pres.ented highest (FIR) family incidence rate
(400) for the diseases of respiratory system and next was the
position of the Christian families (FIR) (590). Here the town
families belonging to the Muslim community evinced the lowest
FIR (560) for diseases of respiratory system, nevertheless,
the range of variation between the given rates was within a
narrow limit (400 to 560). This shows that the semi-urban
families, irrespective of their community (social group)
affiliation, did suffer on more or less similar level the
problems of health which were caused by various diseases or
respiratory system (especially by the disease of cold), One
point is stressed here that in reporting incidences of diseases
of respiratory system the Muslim families occupied the last
position in order of importance in contrast to their rural
counterparts.
Examining community-wise family incidence rate (FIR) for
diseases of respiratory system over the villages it is observed
that the Hindus of the following four villages evinced higher
FIR than what was shown by their non-Hindu counterparts:
(1) village Chowhati, (2) Village Hogalkuria, (5) Village
Kumarkhali, and (4) Village Kusumba. In these villages the
Hindu rates varied from a high 500 (Kusumba) to a low 290
(Hogalkuria), where as the Muslim rates fluctuated between as
high as 550 (Kumarkhali) and as low as 150 (Chowhati), on the
other hand, the Muslims of the following four villages presented
higher FIR for diseases of respiratory system than that was
offered by their non-Muslim counterparts: (1) Village Bonhoogly,
(2) Village Jagannathpur, (5) Village Ramchandrapur, and (4)
Village Ukhila. In these four villages the Muslim rates varied
from a high 640 (Jagannathpur) to a low §50 (Bonhoogly). But
the Hindu rates were from a high 550 (jagannathpur) to a low
10.50 (Ramchandrapur). Over these four villages in question.
Thus, it is clear that in the villages occurrences of
diseases of respiratory diseases (especially the diseases like
cold and flu) had a wide fluctuations over both Hindu and Muslim
families and thereby the families had differential experiences
of respiratory system-linked health problems within the close
bound of their specific community-enclosure. That the families
belonging to different communities (social groups) suffered
from respiratory system-linked diseases in unequal magnitude
is immediately highlighted. Community-wise variations in the
incidences of either infective and parasitic diseases or diseases
of respiratory system are quite evident. Such variations have
.../25

: 23 :

to be given due weightage in any family health welfare plan
and/or programme that may be envisaged for the inhabitants
of the locality.
With reference to the third dominant disease group XII
of skin-related diseases it has already been pointed out that
rural and semi-urban family incidence rates varied only very
little (22.2%:rural and 22.5%: urban). But in both rural and
town areas the Muslim rates for the disease-group XII were
definitely higher than the Hindu rates. The rural Muslim rate
(25%) was, on the other, hand much lower than that of the
urban Muslim rate (40%). But the Hindus of rural and town areas
maintained an equal rate (20%). There is no doubt that the
Muslim families suffered in general most from skin-linked diseases,
especially from the disease like itch.
It is quite significant that the Muslim rate for skin-linked
diseases as found in town areas, was double than that evinced
by the Hindu families of the same area. Why the Muslim families
alone of town areas suffered skin-linked diseases in such high
degrees? Proper medical probe into this specific problem is
imperative to have a satisfactory clue. In villages community­
wise variation in family incidence rates for skin-related diseases
was, of course, of low order. I£ seems that the Muslim families
of town area had in general been exposed more to physical
ailments under influence of skin-linked diseases (especially
'itch') than their Hindu counterparts.

In the following three villages the Muslim families
yielded higher family incidence rate (FIR) for skin-linked
diseases than the Hindu families: (1) Village Chowhati,
(2) Village Kumarkhali, (3) Village Ramchandrapur. The Muslim
rates over these four villages varied widely. Village Kumarkhali
is especially noted since 51 out of every 100 Muslim families
of the village reported such diseases and it was the diseases
of 'itch' which prevailed most. In this village the Hindu families
offered FIR for skin-linked diseases as only 26%. In village
Chowhati the Muslim rate (46%) was much higher than the Hindu
rate (17%), but in village Ramchandrapur the Muslim and the Hindu
rates were very close. It appears that the Muslim families
of villages Kumarkhali and Chowhati require special medical
attention to tackle physical sickness under skin-related diseases.
On the other hand, the Hindu families of the followingtwo villages were found to offer higher family incidence rate
for skin-linked disease: (1) village Hogalkuria and (2) Village
Jayenpur. In Hogalkuria when 34 out of 100 Hindu families
reported occurrence of skin-related disease (especially 'itch'),
31.5% of the Muslim families had the sufference from the same

../24

24 :

diseases. Next, in J^yenpur village 29% of total Hindu families
evinced skin-linked diseases against 25% of Muslim families.
This shows that in these two villages the Hindu and the Muslim
families faced on more or less similar level the experiences
of health problems generated by various diseases of skin and
subcutaneous tissues jjGroup XII).

In general, it may be stated that the Muslim families
of rural areas of Sonarpur P.S., 24-Parganas district, faced
health problems under the impact of infective and parasitic
disease like dysentery and diarrhoea more than their Hindu or
Christian counterparts. This state of affairs was also true
in the cases of respiratory system-linked diseases like cold
and flu or in the cases of skin-linked diseases linked itch.
For these three distinct but dominant disease-groups the Muslim
families in the given villages evinced always highest family
incidence rates. These rural Muslim families were followed
next by the rural Hindu families in order of importance. The
rural Christian families offered in general the lovzest family
incidence rates for the said three dominant disease-groups,
Thus, the need for the study of incidences of most frequently
occurring diseases in villages by community (social group)affiliation of the families concerned becomes very much pressing.

Family incidence rates (FIR) of different disease-groups
or of the most frequently reporting diseases under any broad
disease-group as have been presented above, require to be evaluated
in consonance with waht has been obtained for different
communities (social groups) of the local stratified society.
These two sets of family incidence rates are complementary to
each other and a proper investigation of these rates would
certainly provide greater insights into the nature and magnitude
of the health problems which prevailed lately among the people
of the survey area in 24-Parganas district or for that matter
of the State. These rates would be some useful indicators in
the field of health planning. Priority of medical as well as
public health care can be fixed on the basis of higher or
lower family incidence rate obtained for a particular diseasegroup and again, for a particular community (social group).
The findings of family health problems as available now, are
expected to help the organization of medical help and public
health care among the local inhabitants in terms of their
geographical location, community affiliation and family incidence
rate for different diseases and physical sickness.
4.

Concluding observations

The present discourse has been made with 'Family Health'
as an important goal of approach to ongoing national programmes

••*/25

: 2g :

on public health. Precisely speaking, the role of family
(classified by its social affiliation; in national health
has been highlighted here. The need of treating the family
as a whole as the focus of attention in the matter of health
and family welfare services has been stressed and eventually
a family rather an individual appraoch has gained importance
in the analysis of available health data.

Health surveys have already been accepted as some significant
tool to generate flow of useful health information. Inspite
of many limitations the present survey had truly yielded substan­
tial volume of such information which, on the other hahd, would
help in more than one way the plan and programme of health­
services envisaged for the area in question. This information
reflects immediately upon family distribution of diseases and
the same may be thoroughly utilized to guide forward planning
of health services. The present findings of the survey provide
comprehensively with the much-needed knowledge about disease
prevalence on family level. It is felt that family-based
distribution of disease in conjunction with population-based
distribution of disease would certainly strengthen the very
base of the data on national health. Moreover, these two types
of distribution would be complementary to yield better health
statistics. Importance of the present discourse had therefore
to be merited in the light of the above issued. It is strongly
hoped that the present family-based health statistics shall
eventually help to inculcate new attitudes to the administration
of health services as a whole in the country.

World Health Organization had already stressed seriously
upon the need for new approaches in health statistics (WHO
Tech. Report. No.559, 1974). In this new approach emphasis has
been laid on new types of health statistics which can no longer
be just concerned with the quantity and population distribution
of disease. New orientation of attitude towards environmental
factors in disease and health and again, an inclination to see
patients as members of family and community groups have lately
been urged. Many health indicators are in vouge today but those
which embrace not only measures of morbidity of the population
but also measures of those social (including economic)
characteristics that are the detreminants of levels of morbidity
are, no doubt, more useful. With reference to particular popula­
tion groups such useful health indicators are desired to be employed
more. The present study has, indeed, taken the patients as
members of family and community groups of the locality and
proceeded to offer a kind of health statistics which was not
concerned with population distribution of disease. To assist
in the formulation of health care plans for families and/or
communities of a rural society the present study may have a role
to play.

..,/26

: 26 :

Family incidence rates of different diseases in the local
communities have been measured to indicate volume of sickness
per hundred families. The rates were not uniformly manifested
by the communities. There existed noticeable variation in the
incidences of different diseases on family as well as community
level. Adequate knowledge on family incidence rates is hardly
available. This knowledge may be fruitfully used to develop
some health indicators which serve to provide a real guide to
the social and medical action plan for the people in question.
The present study reveals that infective and parasitic
diseases caused highest family incidence rate in the area and
especially the diseases of dysentery and diarrhoea were more
frequent to affect health of the family members. Dominance of
these diseases was marked in both villages and town. Rural or
urban living of the families has no special discriminating role
to play in effecting greater or lesser incidences of infective
and parasitic diseases. But within the villages prevalence of
such diseases did vary to indicate that some of these were
running relatively higher risk of exposure. These villages
are Jagnnathpur, Kumarkhali, Kusumba, Nischintapur and Ukhila.
The families of these villages should get highest priority for
proper medical care. To draw attention to these five villages
should not imply that other villages do not require such care.
Villages in general demand proper medical help for rooting out
the diseases once and for all. Muslim families of these five
villages were, on the other hand, affected relatively more with
infective and parasitic diseases like dysentery and diarrhoea.
The Muslim community of the area constitutes the focal point
for immediate health services.

Family incidence rate of diseases of respiratory system
happened to be in second highest order in both rural and semi
urban areas. Of these diseases incidences of cold and flu
were most frequently reported on family level. Amond the
members of the families the diseases of respiratory system
ranked second in order of importance. Rural or urban living
of the families did matter little to influence higher or lower
spread of these diseases among their members. But among the
villages there existed variations in family incidence rates
for respiratory system-linked diseases. In this respect the
families of village Jagannathpur, village Nischintapur, village
Kumarkhali, and village Ukhila may be again referred as a
relatively more affected group. In these villages prevalence
of the disease of flu was very marked. In the remaining villages
the disease of cold was more frequent on family level. Thus,
it becomes clear that the local families had mostly either cold
or flu as prevailing disease among them and accordingly whatever
appropriate medical attention is required to tackle these diseases
.../27

: 2? :

has to he organised early in the very interest of the progress
of local health welfare. One additional point is made here.
The town families showed relatively higher incidences of the
disease of cold than their rural counterparts and naturally
they can not be left behind in the plan and programme of
necessary health services for respiratory system-linked diseases.

Diseases of skin and subcutaneous tissues had a place of
third importance among the rural or town families. It is pointed
out here that of various kind of skin-diseases the families in
question reported the disease of itch most frequently. This
was true for both rural and semi-urban settlements. It seems
that skin-linked diseases were not posing as a potent source of
any serious health problems to the local families. With their
existing way of life and living under tropical condition the
members of the families are expected to suffer from 'itch'
and remedy for which needs generally no serious medical surveillance.
In spite of this fact the families of the following villages
may need proper medical care for curing trouble 'itch': 1) Kumarkhali,
2) Nischintapur, 5) Hogalkuria, and 4) Kusumba. In these villages
30 to 40% of families reported physical sickness due to 'itch'.
In town area the families affected with skin-disease like 'itch'
was of course, not high.

Family incidence rates of disease-group other than the above
three dominant groups were low and as such no detailed discussion
has been made here. But these rates should not be overlooked,
since they indicate to what extent the members of the families
rural or urban were exposed to various kinds of physical illness
and morbidity condition. Here attention is especially drawn to
the family incidence rates for (a) diseases of digestive system,
and (b) diseases of musculo-skeletal system. Both the rates were
decidedly higher in town areas and this indicates that town
families need greater medical care to tackle their health problems
generated by the diseases of these two disease-groups (IX and XIII)
only.
In human society the family remains ever to be a part of
the individual and the individual is an integral part of the
family. And as such any sick person is never alone in his/her
suffering and no diseased person is an isolated individual.
In this social situation whatever assessment of health condition
on the strength of individual sick persons may be made, the same
can hardly depict family centered dimension of health problems.
In any attempt for forward planning for health services in ahy
population group as has lately been urged by the World Health
Orga.nisa.tion, adequate knowledge about Family Health problems
is sine qua non. In this direction the present study indicates
a useful methodology in examining the role of family in community
and/or national health.

TABU! 1 Family Incidence Rate
*

of different Disease-groups for the Families surveyed in villages and semi-urban

areas of Sonarpur P.S., 24-Parganas, V;est Bengal, 1974-75
Rural area (name of the Village)

Diseasegroup(WH0
catagories)
(1)
I, IPD
II

N

IIIENMD
IV DBBO

BonChowhooghly hati
(2)
44-8
0

(3)
26.0
0

1.3

Ding- Hogal- J aganalpota kuria nathpur

Jayenpur

Kumarkhali

Kusumba

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

48.7
0

37.4
0

53.1
0

(8)
89.8
0

(9)
100.0

0.6
0

0

97.4
0
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0
0

1.0
0

0

15.5

0

0
0

0
65.2

4.2
20.8

0
35.1
0

MD

1.9
1.7
0

0.9
0

0

0

VI DVS

1.4

1.4

3-2

0

0.6
28.8

4-5

4.5

0.7
0

1.9
0

0

0
0

3.1
2.1

XI CPCP

2.9
31.9
4.7
1.7
0

2.1
33.8

0

0

XIIDST

14.1
1.4
0

17.3
4.6

12.8

XIIIDMCT
XIV GA

33.5
0

XV DPNM
XVISILC

0
92.1

0
83.7

XVIIACV

0.3

No. of Fami­
lies surveyed

708

V

VIIDCS

VIIIDttS
IX DDS
X DUGS

3.3
27.7
2.8

0

0
29.0

UkhNisc- Ramhintg- chan- ila
drapur
pur

(10)

(11)

(12)

72.7
0
0

82.3
0

99-1
0

2.3
0

0

0

0
0
0

4.7

0
49.5
0

4.7
15.9
5.3
0.6

0

15-3
0

0

0

0

0

3.1
0

27.1

40.1

30.6

0

0

0

37.7
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0
85.5
0

0
45.6
0

0
94.8
1.0

0
88.1

0
86.5

0
100.0

1.4

0
94.2
0

0

0

0

0
83.5
1.2

562

156

179

193

96

362

124

77

170

0

3.2
0

Pisease-groupBt
IPD:
I.
Infective and Parasitic Diseases (code 000-156)
N:
II.
Neoplasms (140-239)
ENMDs
III.
Endocrine, Nutritional, and metabolic Diseases (24O-279)

0

0
27.0
9.4
0

All
Rural
areas

Semi-Urban All
Semi­
area
iiiLA *" aSGrA^ Urban
CHI
DBAL areas
(16)

0

___ (14) (15)
67.6 50.7
0
0

0

0.9
0

1.4
0

0
0

0

0

1.5

2.4

6.2
29.2

7.5
41.6

9.5
1.0

6.0
59.5
8,6

0

3.5
0.8

4.5
36.9
7.6

0

0

0.7
0

29.7
0

22.2

0
22.2

22.8

0.9
0
22.5

0

0

5.8
0

3-8
0

4.8
0

0
99.6
0

0
86.8

0
0
100.0 8P.3

0
94.2

0.4

1.7

1.0

1.4

229

2856

293

290

583

0
35.4
0

(13)
60.1

2.0

59-2
0

2.1

1.7

0
0

0.4
0

1.7

2.1

Position: 1797 (2 views)