“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. Edited excerpts: Published – April 15, 2026 10:18 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation TDP MP Shabari becomes party’s first national general secretary The Hindu conversations series to help students explore career pathways