Magrahat I

2021-07-12T03:31:33Z

2409:4060:213:78B1:203C:8BA3:8661:AFD: /* Geography */

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Magrahat I
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = Community Development Block
| motto =
| image_skyline =
| imagesize = 300px
| image_caption =
| image_flag =
| flag_size =
| image_seal =
| seal_size =
| image_map = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=y|frame-width=300|frame-height=300|frame-align=center|type=shape|from=India/West Bengal/South 24 Parganas/Magrahat I CD Block.map}}
| map_caption = Interactive Map Outlining Magrahat I CD Block
| pushpin_map = India West Bengal#India
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_mapsize = 300
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in West Bengal##Location in India
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|..West Bengal Flag(INDIA).png}} [[West Bengal]]
| subdivision_type2 = District
| subdivision_name2 = [[South 24 Parganas]]
| subdivision_type3 = Subdivision
| subdivision_name3 = [[Diamond Harbour subdivision|Diamond Harbour]]
| subdivision_type4 =
| subdivision_name4 =
| leader_title =
| leader_name =
| established_title =
| established_date =
| area_magnitude =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 = 119.04
| area_land_km2 =
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_footnotes =
| population_note =
| population_total = 269494
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]<ref name="wblangoff">{{cite web|title=Fact and Figures|url=https://wb.gov.in/portal/web/guest/facts-and-figures;jsessionid=JzdD9RHb7aMY5esZPtcsIVLy|website=Wb.gov.in|access-date=5 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=52nd REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LINGUISTIC MINORITIES IN INDIA|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=Nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|access-date=5 July 2019|page=85|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
| demographics1_title2 = Additional official
| demographics1_info2 = [[English language|English]]<ref name="wblangoff"/>
| timezone = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset = +5.30
| coordinates = {{coord|22.2420|N|88.3784|E|display=inline, title}}
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 8
| elevation_ft =
| postal_code_type = PIN
| postal_code = 743355
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = +91 3174
| registration_plate = [[List of Regional Transport Office districts in India#WB.E2.80.94West Bengal|WB]]-19 to [[List of Regional Transport Office districts in India#WB.E2.80.94West Bengal|WB]]-22, [[List of Regional Transport Office districts in India#WB.E2.80.94West Bengal|WB]]-95 to [[List of Regional Transport Office districts in India#WB.E2.80.94West Bengal|WB]]-99
| blank1_name_sec1 = Lok Sabha constituency
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Mathurapur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Mathurapur (SC)]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = Vidhan Sabha constituency
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Magrahat Paschim (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Magrahat Paschim]]
| website = {{URL|www.s24pgs.gov.in|}}
| footnotes =
}}

'''Magrahat I''' is a [[Community development block in India|community development block]] that forms an administrative division in [[Diamond Harbour subdivision]] of [[South 24 Parganas district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|State]] of [[West Bengal]].

==Geography==
Magrahat I CD block is located at {{coord|22.2420|N|88.3784|E|format=dms|}}. It has an average elevation of {{convert|8|m}}.

Magrahat I CD block is bounded by [[Bishnupur I]] and [[Bishnupur II]] CD blocks in the north, [[Magrahat II]] CD block in the east, [[Mandirbazar (community development block)|Mandirbazar]] and [[Kulpi (community development block)|Kulpi]] CD blocks in the south, [[Diamond Harbour I]] and [[Falta (community development block)|Falta]] CD blocks in the west.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/1917_PART_B_DCHB_SOUTH%20TWENTY%20FOUR%20PARGANAS.pdf |title = District Census Handbook: South 24 Parganas, Series 20, Part XII B | work= Map of South 24 Parganas with CD block HQs and Police Stations (on the fourth page) |publisher= Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal, 2011 | access-date = 11 October 2019}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/westbengal/tehsil/south-24-parganas.html|title = South Twenty-four Parganas | work= CD block/ tehsil map|publisher= Maps of India | access-date = 11 October 2019}}</ref>

[[South 24 Parganas district]] is divided into two distinct physiographic zones: the marine-riverine delta in the north and the marine delta zone in the south. As the sea receded southwards, in the sub-recent [[Period (geology)|geological period]], a large low-lying plain got exposed. Both [[Tide|tidal]] inflows and the rivers have deposited sediments in this plain. The periodical collapse of both the natural [[levee]]s and man-made embankments speed up the process of filling up depressions containing [[brackish water]] wetlands. The marine delta in the south is formed of interlacing tidal channels. As non-saline water for irrigation is scarce, agriculture is [[monsoon]]-dominated. Some parts of the wetlands are still preserved for raising fish.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | title = District Human Development Report: South 24 Parganas | work = Chapter 1 South 24 Parganas: An Overview, p 9-12 | publisher = Development & Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2009 | access-date = 1 April 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044029/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | archive-date = 5 October 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Magrahat I CD
block has an area of 119.04 km2. It has 1 [[Panchayat Samiti (Block)|panchayat samity]], 11 [[gram panchayat]]s, 186 gram sansads (village councils), 90 [[mouza]]s and 78 inhabited villages, as per the ''District Statistical Handbook'', South Twenty-four Parganas. Sadasibpur village is located partly in Magrahat I and partly in Mandirbazar CD Block. [[Usthi#Police station|Usthi]] police station serves this block.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook | title = District Statistical Handbook 2014 South 24 Parganas | work = Table No. 2.1, 2.2 | publisher = Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal | access-date = 11 October 2019 }}</ref> Headquarters of this CD block is at [[Usthi]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wbpublibnet.gov.in/node/2155 | title = BDO Offices under South 24 Parganas District | publisher = West Bengal Public Library Network, Government of West Bengal | access-date = 11 October 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181003083629/http://www.wbpublibnet.gov.in/node/2155 | archive-date = 3 October 2018 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

[[Gram panchayat]]s of Magrahat I CD block/[[panchayat samiti]] are Shirakol Hayatnagar-Rajarhat, Ektara, Hariharpur, Kalikapota, Lakshmikantapur, Rangilabad, Sherpur, Srichanda, Usthi, Uttar Kusum and Yearpur.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://s24pgs.gov.in/s24p/page.php?nm=Blocks |title= Blocks and Gram Panchayats in South 24 Parganas| publisher = South 24 Parganas District Administration |access-date = 1 April 2016}}</ref>

==Demographics==

===Population===
As per the [[2011 Census of India]], Magrahat I CD block had a total population of 269,494, of which 203,837 were rural and 65,657 were urban. There were 138,152 (51%) males and 131,342 (49%) females. Population below 6 years was 38,472. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes]] numbered 55,191 (20.48%) and [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Tribes]] numbered 172 (0.08%).<ref name=census2011>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/cdb_pca_census/Houselisting-housing-WB.html |title = C.D. Block Wise Primary Census Abstract Data(PCA) | work= 2011 census: West Bengal – District-wise CD Blocks|publisher= Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India | access-date = 2 April 2016}}</ref>

As per the [[2001 Census of India]], Magrahat I CD block had a total population of 228,367, out of which 117,752 were males and 110,615 were females. Magrahat I CD block registered a population growth of 16.51% during the 1991-2001 decade. Decadal growth for [[South 24 Parganas]] district was 20.89%. Decadal growth in [[West Bengal]] was 17.84%. [[Scheduled Castes]] at 54,205 formed around one-fourth the population. [[Scheduled Tribes]] numbered 1,603.<ref name=handbook>{{cite web| url =http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook |title = District Statistical Handbook – 2010-11 – South 24 Parganas | work= South 24 Parganas at a glance, Tables 2.2, 2.4 (b), 4.5 |publisher= Bureau of Applied Economics and Statistics, Government of West Bengal | access-date = 3 April 2016}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url= http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/DataTables/02/Table4_18.htm |title=Provisional Population Totals, West Bengal. Table 4 |access-date=2011-01-20 |work=Census of India 2001 – South 24 Parganas |publisher=Census Commission of India |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110719041523/http://web.cmc.net.in/wbcensus/DataTables/02/Table4_18.htm |archive-date=19 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wbcensus.gov.in/DataTables/02/Table4_1.htm |title=Provisional Population Totals, West Bengal. Table 4 |access-date=2011-01-20 |work=Census of India 2001 |publisher=Census Commission of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927041813/http://www.wbcensus.gov.in/DataTables/02/Table4_1.htm |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>

[[Census Town]]s in Magrahat I CD block (2011 census figures in brackets): [[Ajodhyanagar]] (4,409), [[Sirakol]] (10,250), [[Uttar Bishnupur]] (4,703), [[Ghola Noapara]] (6,210), [[Usthi]] (6,230), [[Barijpur]] (5,536), [[Uttar Kusum]] (10,716), [[Kalikapota]] (13,086) and [[Bamna, Magrahat|Bamna]] (4,517).<ref name=census2011/>

Large villages (with 4,000+ population) in Magrahat I CD block (2011 census figures in brackets): Iyarpur (9,238), Khela Rampur (6,176), Serpur (8,170), Kesili (4,167), Nainanpur (4,711), Nazra (9,552), [[Deula, Magrahat|Deula]](5,169), Samashat (4,829), Tulyan (4,003), Khanpur (5,101) and Bahirpua (4,610).<ref name=census2011/>

Other villages in Magrahat I CD block include (2011 census figures in brackets): Srichanda (1,773), Rangilabad (3,459), Hariharpur (3,549), Ektara (2,604) and [[Baneswarpur]] (1960).<ref name=census2011/>

===Literacy===
As per the 2011 census, the total number of literates in Magrahat I CD block was 170,534 (77.41% of the population over 6 years) out of which males numbered 113,744 (83.62% of the male population over 6 years) and females numbered 91,045 (70.84% of the female population over 6 years). The [[Literacy#Gender disparities|gender disparity]] (the difference between female and male literacy rates) was 12.78%.<ref name=census2011/>

As per the [[2011 Census of India]], literacy in [[South 24 Parganas]] district was 77.51%.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php |title = District Census 2011 |publisher= Population Census 2011 | access-date = 24 January 2016}}</ref> Literacy in [[West Bengal]] was 77.08% in 2011.<ref name=literacy>{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/india/Final_PPT_2011_progresstables.pdf | title= Provisional population tables and annexures| work= Census 2011:Table 2(3) Literates and Literacy rates by sex |publisher= Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India | access-date = 9 February 2016}}</ref> Literacy in [[India]] in 2011 was 74.04%.<ref name=literacy/>

As per the [[2001 Census of India]], Magrahat I CD block had a total literacy of 67.34% for the 6+ age group. While male literacy was 77.39% female literacy was 56.54%. [[South 24 Parganas]] district had a total literacy of 69.45%, male literacy being 79.19% and female literacy being 59.01%.<ref name=handbook/>

See also – [[List of West Bengal districts ranked by literacy rate]]

{{Literacy in CD Blocks of South 24 Parganas district|collapsible=y}}

===Language and religion===
In the 2001 census, Bengali was the mother tongue for 97.9% of the population of the district, followed by Hindi with 1.5%, Urdu 0.3%, Odia and Telugu (0.1% each).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1917_PART_A_DCHB_SOUTH%20TWENTY%20FOUR%20PARGANAS.pdf| title = Census of India 2011, West Bengal, District Census Handbook, South Twentyfour Parganas, Series – 20, Part XII-A, Village and Town Directory |work= Page 53, Table 11: Population by Mother-tongue in South 24 Parganas district 1961-2001 | publisher = Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal |access-date = 23 September 2019}}</ref>

According to the West Bengal Official Language Act 1961 and the West Bengal Official Language (Amendment Act) 2012, the Bengali language is to be used for official purposes in the whole of West Bengal. In addition to Bengali, the Nepali language is to be used for official purposes in the three hills subdivisions, namely Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong, in the district of Darjeeling, and Urdu is to be used for official purposes in district/subdivision/ block/ municipality where the population speaking Urdu exceeds 10% of the total population. The English language will continue to be used for official purposes as it was being used prior to the enactment of these laws.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.latestlaws.com/bare-acts/state-acts-rules/west-bengal-state-laws/west-bengal-official-language-act-1961/|title = West Bengal Official Language Act 1961 |publisher= Latest Laws.com| access-date = 10 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://advocatetanmoy.com/2018/06/26/the-west-bengal-official-language-act-1961/ |title = The West Bengal Official Language Act 1961|publisher= Advocate Tanmoy Law Library | access-date = 10 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.wbja.nic.in/wbja_adm/files/The%20Bengal%20Official%20Language%20Act,%201961_1.pdf |title = The West Bengal Official Language Act, 1961| access-date = 10 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/official-language-status-for-urdu-in-some-west-bengal-areas/article3274293.ece |title = Official status for Urdu in some West Bengal Areas |publisher= The Hindu, 2 April 2012 | access-date = 10 May 2020}}</ref>

The West Bengal Official Language (Second Amendment) Bill, 2012, included Hindi, Santhali, Odiya and Punjabi as official languages if it is spoken by a population exceeding 10 per cent of the whole in a particular block or sub-division or a district. Subsequently, Kamtapuri, Rajbanshi and Kurmali were also included in the list of minority languages by the West Bengal Official Language (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/west-bengal/multi-lingual-bengal/cid/358751 |title = Multilingual Bengal |publisher= The Telegraph, 11 December 2012 | access-date = 15 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/kamtapuri-rajbanshi-make-it-to-list-of-official-languages-in-bengal/1263116 |title = Kamtapuri, Rajbanshi make it to the list of official languages in Bengal |publisher= Outlook, 28 February 2015 | access-date = 15 January 2019}}</ref>However, as of 2019, there is no official / other reliable information about the areas covered.

{{bar box
|title=Religion in Magrahat I CD block
|titlebar=#ddd
|left1=
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Muslim]]|Green|57.78}}
{{bar percent|[[Hindu]]|Orange|40.44}}
{{bar percent|Others|Yellow|1.78}}
}}
In the [[2011 Census of India]], Muslims numbered 155,700 and formed 57.78% of the population in Magrahat I CD block. Hindus numbered 108,987 and formed 40.44% of the population. Others numbered 4,807 and formed 1.78% of the population. Amongst the others, Christians numbered 4,035.<ref name=censusreligion2011>{{cite web| url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/c-01.html |title = C1 Population by Religious Community | work= West Bengal |publisher= Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India | access-date = 18 June 2016}}</ref>

The proportion of Hindus in South Twenty-four Parganas district has declined from 76.0% in 1961 to 63.2% in 2011. The proportion of Muslims in South Twenty-four Parganas district has increased from 23.4% to 35.6% during the same period. Christians formed 0.8% in 2011.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1917_PART_A_DCHB_SOUTH%20TWENTY%20FOUR%20PARGANAS.pdf|title = District Census Handbook South Twentfour Parganas, Census of India 2011, Series 20, Part XII A |work = Pages 52-53: Religion| publisher= Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal | access-date = 5 October 2018}}</ref>

==Rural poverty==
As per the ''[[Human Development Report]]'' for South 24 Parganas district, published in 2009, in Magrahat I CD block the percentage of households [[Below Poverty Line|below poverty line]] was 28.41%, a moderate level of poverty. In the north-east and mid central portion of the district, all CD blocks, with the exception of [[Kulpi (community development block)|Kulpi]] CD block, had poverty rates below 30%. As per rural household survey in 2005, the proportion of households in South 24 Parganas with poverty rates below poverty line was 34.11%, way above the state and national poverty ratios. The poverty rates were very high in the Sundarban region with all thirteen CD blocks registering poverty ratios above 30% and eight CD blocks had more than 40% of the population in the BPL category.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | title = District Human Development Report: South 24 Parganas |work= Pages 42-43, Chapter 3.8: Poverty Scenario in South 24 Parganas | publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal |access-date = 23 September 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044029/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | archive-date = 5 October 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

==Economy==
===Livelihood===
{{Pie chart
|caption= '''Livelihood in Magrahat I CD block'''
|value1 = 8.38
|label1 = Cultivators
|value2 = 20.98
|label2 = Agricultural labourers
|value3 = 17.11
|label3 = Household industries
|value4 = 53.53
|label4 = Other Workers}}

In Magrahat I CD block in 2011, amongst the class of total workers, cultivators numbered 7,306 and formed 8.38%, agricultural labourers numbered 18,284 and formed 20.98%, household industry workers numbered 14,906 and formed 17.11% and other workers numbered 46,644 and formed 53.53%.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1917_PART_A_DCHB_SOUTH%20TWENTY%20FOUR%20PARGANAS.pdf|title = District Census Handbook South Twentyfour Parganas, Census of India 2011, Series 20, Part XII A |work = Table 33: Distribution of Workers by Sex in Four Categories of Economic Activity in Sub-district 2011 | publisher= Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal| access-date = 24 September 2019}}</ref>Total workers numbered 87,140 and formed 32.33% of the total population, and non-workers numbered 182,354 and formed 67.67% of the population.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1917_PART_A_DCHB_SOUTH%20TWENTY%20FOUR%20PARGANAS.pdf|title = District Census Handbook South Twentyfour Parganas, Census of India 2011, Series 20, Part XII A |work = Table 30: Number and percentage of Main workers, Marginal workers and Non workers by Sex, in Sub-districts, 2011 | publisher= Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal| access-date = 24 September 2019}}</ref>

The ''District Human Development Report'' points out that in the blocks of region situated in the close proximity of the Kolkata metropolis, overwhelming majority are involved in the non-agricultural sector for their livelihood. On the other hand, in the Sundarban region, overwhelming majority are dependent on agriculture. In the intermediate region, there is again predominance of the non-agricultural sector. Though the region is not very close to Kolkata, many places are well connected and some industrial/ economic development has taken place.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | title = District Human Development Report: South 24 Parganas |work= Page 69 , Chapter 4.3: Occupational Diversification | publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal |access-date = 23 September 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044029/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | archive-date = 5 October 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Note: In the census records a person is considered a cultivator, if the person is engaged in cultivation/ supervision of land owned by self/government/institution. When a person who works on another person's land for wages in cash or kind or share, is regarded as an agricultural labourer. Household industry is defined as an industry conducted by one or more members of the family within the household or village, and one that does not qualify for registration as a factory under the [[Factories Act,1948, India|Factories Act]]. Other workers are persons engaged in some economic activity other than cultivators, agricultural labourers and household workers. It includes factory, mining, plantation, transport and office workers, those engaged in business and commerce, teachers, entertainment artistes and so on.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1917_PART_A_DCHB_SOUTH%20TWENTY%20FOUR%20PARGANAS.pdf |title = District Census Handbook South Twentyfour Parganas, Census of India 2011, Series 20, Part XII A |work = Census Concepts and Definitions, Page 31 | publisher= Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal| access-date = 28 December 2017}}</ref>

===Infrastructure===
There are 78 inhabited villages in Magrahat I CD block, as per the ''District Census Handbook'', South Twenty-four Parganas, 2011. 100% villages have power supply. 78 villages (100%) have drinking water supply. 25 villages (32.05%) have post offices. 73 villages (93.50%) have telephones (including landlines, public call offices and mobile phones). 25 villages (32.05%) have pucca (paved) approach roads and 34 villages (51.59%) have transport communication (includes bus service, rail facility and navigable waterways). 3 villages (3.85%) have agricultural credit societies and 7 villages (8.97%) have banks.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1917_PART_A_DCHB_SOUTH%20TWENTY%20FOUR%20PARGANAS.pdf | title = District Census Handbook, South Twentyfour Parganas, 2011, Series 20, Part XII A | work = Page 111, Table 36: Distribution of villages according to availability of different amenities, 2011 | publisher = Directorate of Operations, West Bengal. | access-date = 26 September 2019}}</ref>

===Agriculture===
South 24 Parganas had played a significant role in the [[Tebhaga movement]] launched by the [[Communist Party of India]] in 1946. Subsequently, ''[[Operation Barga]]'' was aimed at securing tenancy rights for the peasants. In Magrahat I CD block 564.10 acres of land was acquired and vested. Out of this 452.21 acres or 80.16% of the vested land was distributed. The total number of patta (document) holders was 3,294.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | title = District Human Development Report: South 24 Parganas | work = (1) Chapter 1.2, South 24 Parganas in Historical Perspective, pages 7-9 (2) Chapter 3.4, Land reforms, pages 32-33 | publisher = Development & Planning Department, Government of West Bengal, 2009 | access-date = 3 November 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044029/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | archive-date = 5 October 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

According to the ''District Human Development Report'', agriculture is an important source of livelihood in South Twentyfour Parganas district. The amount of cultivable land per agricultural worker is only 0.41 hectare in the district. Moreover, the irrigation facilities have not been extended to a satisfactory scale. Agriculture mostly remains a mono-cropped activity.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | title = District Human Development Report: South 24 Parganas |work= Pages 28-30 , Chapter 3.2: Sectoral Composition of Output | publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal |access-date = 23 September 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044029/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | archive-date = 5 October 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

As per the ''District Census Handbook'', the saline soil of the district is unfit for cultivation, but the non-salty lands are very fertile. While rice is the main food crop, jute is the main cash crop.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1917_PART_A_DCHB_SOUTH%20TWENTY%20FOUR%20PARGANAS.pdf | title = District Census Handbook, South Twentyfour Parganas, 2011, Series 20, Part XII A | work = Page 21: Agriculture | publisher = Directorate of Operations, West Bengal. | access-date = 26 September 2019}}</ref>

In 2013-14, there were 38 fertiliser depots, 16 seed stores and 50 [[Public distribution system|fair price shops]] in Magrahat I CD block.<ref name=handbook2014>{{cite web | url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook | title = District Statistical Handbook 2014 South 24 Parganas | work = Table No. 16.1, 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 20.1, 21.2, 4.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 – arranged as per use | publisher = Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal | access-date = 27 September 2019 }}</ref>

In 2013–14, Magrahat I CD block produced 14,241 tonnes of [[Rice#Ecotypes and cultivars|Aman paddy]], the main winter crop, from 6,996 hectares, 137 tonnes of Aus paddy (summer crop) from 53 hectares, 11,272 tonnes of Boro paddy (spring crop) from 3,246 hectares, 804 tonnes of potatoes from 24 hectares. It also produced pulses and oilseeds.<ref name=handbook2014/>

===Irrigation===
In Magrahat I CD block, in 2013-14, 53.22 hectares were irrigated by river lift irrigation.<ref name=handbook2014/>

Poor irrigation and high soil salinity results in the mono-cropping pattern of cultivation in a major portion of the South 24 Parganas district. As a result of its closeness to the Bay of Bengal, the river waters are mostly saline and are unsuitable for irrigation. Added to the rather gloomy irrigation scenario is the problem of frequent floods.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | title = District Human Development Report: South 24 Parganas |work= Page 62 , Chapter 4.3.1: Occupational Diversification, The District Level | publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal |access-date = 23 September 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044029/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | archive-date = 5 October 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

===Pisciculture===
In Magrahat I CD block, in 2013-14, net area under effective pisciculture was 936 hectares, engaging 936 persons in the profession, and with an approximate annual production of 9,120 quintals.<ref name=handbook2014/>

Pisciculture is an important source of employment in South 24 Parganas district. As of 2001, more than 4.5 lakh people were engaged in Pisciculture. Out of this 2.57 lakhs were from the 13 blocks in the [[Sundarbans settlements]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | title = District Human Development Report: South 24 Parganas |work= Pages 76 , Chapter 4.5.2: Non-agriculture, (i) Pisciculture | publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal |access-date = 23 September 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044029/http://wbplan.gov.in/HumanDev/DHDR/24%20pgsSouth/s24prg_main.htm | archive-date = 5 October 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

===Banking===
In 2013-14, Magrahat I CD block had offices of 9 commercial banks and 1 [[Regional Rural Bank|gramin banks]].<ref name=handbook2014/>

===Backward Regions Grant Fund===
South 24 Parganas district is listed as a backward region and receives financial support from the [[Backward Regions Grant Fund]]. The fund, created by the Government of India, is designed to redress regional imbalances in development. As of 2012, 272 districts across the country were listed under this scheme. The list includes 11 districts of West Bengal.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.panchayat.gov.in/documents/10198/0/BRGFFINALGUIDELINES.pdf | title = Backward Regions Grant Funds: Programme Guidelines | publisher = Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India | access-date = 22 September 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171030225317/http://www.panchayat.gov.in/documents/10198/0/BRGFFINALGUIDELINES.pdf | archive-date = 30 October 2017 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=84879 | title= Backward Regions Grant Fund| work= Press Release, 14 June 2012 |publisher= Press Information Bureau, Government of India | access-date = 22 September 2019}}</ref>

==Transport==
{{Sealdah South Lines|collapse=yes}}

Magrahat I CD block has 1 ferry service and 9 originating/ terminating bus routes.<ref name=handbook2014/>

[[Bahirpuya Halt railway station|Bahirpuya]], [[Sangrampur railway station|Sangrampur]] and [[Deula railway station|Deula]] are stations on the [[Sealdah South lines|Sealdah-Diamond Harbour line]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://indiarailinfo.com/train/timetable/sealdah-diamond-harbour-local-34814/17067/325/8018#st | title = 34814 Sealdah-Diamond Harbour Local | work = Time Table | publisher = India Rail Info | access-date = 22 April 2019}}</ref>

==Education==
In 2013-14, Magrahat I CD block had 113 primary schools with 14,410 students, 6 middle schools with 1,180 students, 7 high schools with 3,999 students and 19 higher secondary schools with 18,714 students. Magrahat I CD block had 1 general degree college with 496 students and 323 institutions for special and non-formal education with 19,017 students.<ref name=handbook2014/>

See also – [[Education in India]]

As per the 2011 census, in Magrahat I CD block, amongst the 78 inhabited villages, 3 villages did not have a school, 35 villages had two or more primary schools, 23 villages had at least 1 primary and 1 middle school and 16 villages had at least 1 middle and 1 secondary school.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1917_PART_A_DCHB_SOUTH%20TWENTY%20FOUR%20PARGANAS.pdf| title = District Census Handbook, South 24 Parganas, 2011, Series 20, Part XII A | work = Page 931-932, Appendix I A: Villages by number of Primary Schools and Appendix I B: Villages by Primary, Middle and Secondary Schools | publisher = Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. | access-date = 2 October 2019}}</ref>

[[Shirakole Mahavidyalaya]] was established in 2007 at [[Sirakol]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.shirakolemahavidyalaya.org/establish.htm | title = Shirakole Mahavidyalaya | publisher = SM | access-date = 30 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.collegedekho.com/colleges/shirakole-mahavidyalaya | title = Shirakole Mahavidyalaya | publisher = College Dekho | access-date = 30 October 2019}}</ref>

==Healthcare==
In 2014, Magrahat I CD block had 1 rural hospital, 1 primary health centre and 3 private nursing homes with total 50 beds and 8 doctors (excluding private bodies). It had 31 family welfare subcentres. 3,496 patients were treated indoor and 73,527 patients were treated outdoor in the hospitals, health centres and subcentres of the CD block.<ref name=handbook2014/>

As per 2011 census, in Magrahat I CD block, 1 villages had a primary health centre, 29 villages had primary health subcentres, 15 villages had medicine shops and out of the 78 inhabited villages 32 villages had no medical facilities.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/19/1917_PART_A_DCHB_SOUTH%20TWENTY%20FOUR%20PARGANAS.pdf | title = District Census Handbook, South Twentyfour Parganas, 2011, Series 20, Part XII A | work = Pages 927-929, Appendix I: Summary showing total number of villages having Educational, Medical and other amenities – CD block level | publisher = Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. | access-date = 4 October 2019}}</ref>

Baneswarpur Rural Hospital at [[Baneswarpur]], with 30 beds, is the major government medical facility in Magrahat I CD block. There is a [[Primary Health Centre (India)|primary health centre]] at [[Sirakol]] (with 6 beds).<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/other_files/RH.pdf | title = Health & Family Welfare Department | work= Health Statistics – Rural Hospitals | publisher = Government of West Bengal |access-date = 1 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/other_files/BPHC.pdf | title = Health & Family Welfare Department | work= Health Statistics – Block Primary Health Centres | publisher = Government of West Bengal |access-date = 1 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/other_files/PHC.pdf | title = Health & Family Welfare Department | work= Health Statistics – Primary Health Centres | publisher = Government of West Bengal |access-date = 1 November 2019}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|3}}

{{South 24 Parganas}}
{{South 24 Parganas topics}}
{{Municipalities of West Bengal}}

[[Category:Community development blocks in South 24 Parganas district]]

Bharatpedia - User contributions [en]

Magrahat I