Published Paper Details:

Abstract: The Char areas of Assam, formed by the shifting sandbars of the Brahmaputra River, are among the most economically and socially marginalized regions in the state. This paper explores the multifaceted nature of poverty in these regions and its profound impact on the lives of the Char people, who are predominantly engaged in subsistence agriculture and unskilled labor. Recurrent flooding, erosion, and geographic isolation severely restrict access to basic infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, thereby perpetuating a cycle of deprivation. The study highlights how poverty not only affects economic well-being but also exacerbates social exclusion, particularly among women and children. Issues such as displacement, illiteracy, child labor, early marriage, and political disenfranchisement are prevalent and interconnected. Although various government schemes aim to alleviate rural poverty, inadequate implementation and lack of targeted interventions in the Char areas have limited their effectiveness. The paper calls for a comprehensive, context-specific policy approach that addresses both the structural causes of poverty and the unique vulnerabilities of the Char population. Empowering local communities through inclusive development, social protection, and better governance is essential for sustainable change.