Hindus numbered 16,566 and formed 10.48% of the population. Others numbered 141 and formed 0.09% of the population. In Bhagawangola I and Bhagabangola II CD blocks taken together, while the proportion of Muslims increased from 82.02% in 1991 to 85.02% in 2001, the proportion of Hindus declined from 17.98% in 1991 to 14.80% in 2001. Murshidabad district had 4,707,573 Muslims who formed 66.27% of the population, 2,359,061 Hindus who formed 33.21% of the population, and 37, 173 persons belonging to other religions who formed 0.52% of the population, in the 2011 census. While the proportion of Muslim population in the district increased from 61.40% in 1991 to 63.67% in 2001, the proportion of Hindu population declined from 38.39% in 1991 to 35.92% in 2001. Bengali is the predominant language, spoken by 99.96% of the population. Rural poverty As per the Human Development Report 2004 for West Bengal, the rural poverty ratio in Murshidabad district was 46.12%. Purulia, Bankura and Birbhum districts had higher rural poverty ratios. These estimates were based on Central Sample data of NSS 55th round 1999-2000. Economy Livelihood In Bhagawangola II CD block in 2011, amongst the class of total workers, cultivators numbered 8,155 and formed 16.83%, agricultural labourers numbered 31,073 and formed 64.12%, household industry workers numbered 1,003 and formed 2.07% and other workers numbered 8,233 and formed 16.99%. Infrastructure There are 56 inhabited villages in Bhagawangola II CD block. 100% villages have power supply. 55 villages (98.21%) have drinking water supply. 10 villages (17.86%) have post offices. 54 villages (96.43%) have telephones (including landlines, public call offices and mobile phones). 24 villages (45.64%) have a pucca approach road and 16 villages (28.57%) have transport communication (includes bus service, rail facility and navigable waterways). 5 villages (8.93%) have agricultural credit societies and 8 villages (14.29%) have banks. Agriculture From 1977 onwards major land reforms took place in West Bengal. Land in excess of land ceiling was acquired and distributed amongst the peasants. Following land reforms land ownership pattern has undergone transformation. In 2013-14, persons engaged in agriculture in Bhagawangola II CD block could be classified as follows: bargadars 818 (1.52%), patta (document) holders 5,905 (10.97%), small farmers (possessing land between 1 and 2 hectares) 2,927 (5.44%), marginal farmers (possessing land up to 1 hectare) 13,092 (24.33%) and agricultural labourers 31,073 (57.74%). Bhagawangola II CD block had 110 fertiliser depots, 1 seed store and 33 fair price