The Socio-economic Condition of Deshi Muslims: A Case Study of Lakhipur Community Development Block of Goalpara District, Assam, India

Transformation of socio-economic condition of people depends on basic requirements of life. Although the sources of improved standard of living of people are enumerable, broadly they can be categorized as social and economic requirements. Among the most influential requirements, discussion mostly revolves around the educational attainment and health of social sector, and that of sources of income of economic sector. Indeed their measurement is difficult, most of the social scientist has focused to concentrate on these prominent aspects to grasp, compare and contrast socio-economic condition of any group of people. Socio-economic condition being a complicated aspect, its realization rests on both qualitative and quantitative analysis. However, its assessment and analysis is necessary to diagnose for further improvement of quality of life of people.

The Deshi Muslim community is an indigenous ethnic group of Assam (Ali, 2016). The indigenous Muslim people who have been living in the undivided Goalpara district are known as Deshi Muslim (Rahman, 2014). Traditionally, this section of people is rural based and primarily depends on Agriculture and other petty manual works for their livelihood. So, this section of people remains far behind to achieve educational attainment, realizing health facilities, earning opportunities etc. The idea of equality regarding socio-economic development among all sections of people seemed questionable in such situation. To observe the reality in grassroots a micro level study is adopted. Therefore, a study entitled “The Socio-economic Condition of Deshi Muslims: A case study of Lakhipur Community Development Block of Goalpara District, Assam, India” is adopted.