“We are reassuring the poor people that even though the Central Government has stopped funding, the State Government will provide money for housing,” West Bengal Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda said. File

West Bengal Minister for Forests, Self Help Groups and Self Employment Birbaha Hansda, who is contesting the Assembly polls from Binpur, says the proposed Uniform Civil Code threatens tribal traditions and autonomy. In an interview with The Hindu, she speaks about representation, job scarcity, forest-based livelihoods, and why she believes small-scale industries and local knowledge must drive employment.

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Published – April 15, 2026 10:18 pm IST