The Claim

On April 7, 2026, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, at a public meeting in Cooch Behar, accused the Union government of "hurting the 'pride and self-esteem' of the Rajbanshi community in north Bengal by failing to honour promises made during successive election campaigns."

The Facts

While assessing 'pride and self-esteem' is subjective, objective data on government initiatives and spending provides a crucial counter-narrative to the TMC's claim. The assertion that the central government has neglected the Rajbanshi community is not supported by available data on tribal welfare schemes and infrastructure development in the region.
Rural poverty has decreased from 25.7% (2011-12) to 7.2% (2022-2023) while urban poverty has reduced from 13.7% (2011-12) to 4.6% (2022-2023).
Source: NITI Aayog Report
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal agency for the overall welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes, including the Rajbanshi community. Several centrally sponsored schemes are in place to address their socio-economic needs. These schemes operate through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and direct access to funds for beneficiaries. Some key schemes include: * **Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST students:** Provides financial assistance for higher education. * **Pre Matric Scholarship for ST students:** Supports education at the school level. * **National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students:** Encourages research and higher studies. * **National Overseas Scholarship for Scheduled Tribes (ST) Students:** Facilitates education abroad. * **Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana:** Focuses on holistic development of tribal areas. * **PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN):** A comprehensive mission to improve the socio-economic indicators of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Under PM-JANMAN, the government is investing heavily in providing basic amenities like housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, education, health, nutrition, road connectivity, and telecom connectivity to PVTG habitations.
Source: PIB Press Release
It's important to note that while the central government implements various schemes, the West Bengal government also runs programs that benefit the Rajbanshi community. For instance, the "Shikshashree" scheme provides financial assistance to SC/ST students, and the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme provides monthly income to female members of all families, with increased benefits for SC/ST households. However, the TMC's claim focuses solely on the central government's alleged failures, ignoring the state government's responsibilities and contributions. Furthermore, a United Nations report highlighted that 415 million people in India were lifted out of poverty between 2005-06 and 2019-21. While this statistic is not specific to the Rajbanshi community, it reflects a broader trend of poverty reduction that likely includes them. This indicates that developmental initiatives, both at the central and state levels, are having a positive impact on vulnerable communities.
415 million people emerged from poverty in India between 2005-06 and 2019-21.
Source: United Nations Report

Government Record

The BJP/NDA government has consistently emphasized the development of the Northeast region, including areas with significant Rajbanshi populations. The government's approach is rooted in the "Sabka Vikas" philosophy, which aims for inclusive growth and welfare for all, including minorities and marginalized communities.
"Our government is committed to bridging the gap between the Northeast and the rest of India. By 2027, every capital of the Northeast will be connected by train, plane, and road."
This commitment is reflected in increased infrastructure development projects, such as the construction of 8,000 km of highways. These projects not only improve connectivity but also generate employment opportunities for local communities, including the Rajbanshi community.
Construction of 8,000 km of highways has started in the Northeast region.
Source: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Furthermore, the "Vana Bandhu Kalyan Yojana" has been allocated Rs. 100 crore to develop mega infrastructure in tribal regions. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life in tribal areas by providing access to essential services and amenities. To further enhance educational opportunities for tribal students, 41 new "Eklavya Model Residential Schools" are being established. These schools provide quality education and holistic development opportunities for tribal children. Comparing the UPA era with the NDA era, there's a noticeable increase in the focus and allocation of resources towards tribal development. While specific data on the Rajbanshi community alone is limited, the overall trend indicates a greater emphasis on inclusive growth and welfare for all tribal communities under the NDA government.

The Verdict

While perceptions of 'pride and self-esteem' are subjective, Abhishek Banerjee's claim that the central government is hurting the Rajbanshi community by failing to honor promises is **MISLEADING**. The claim ignores the significant developmental initiatives undertaken by the BJP/NDA government for tribal communities, including those in West Bengal, and lacks concrete evidence to support the assertion of neglect. Data suggests increased focus and investment in tribal welfare and infrastructure development, contradicting the TMC's narrative.