Balia - Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur
Balia is a village situated in the Raiganj subdivision of Uttar Dinajpur district, West Bengal. It is located approximately 12.8 km from Raiganj, which serves as both the tehsil and district headquarters. Bindole serves as the Gram Panchayat for Balia village.
As per Census 2011, the village code of Balia is 309617. The village covers a total geographical area of 645.3 hectares and falls under the 733156 pincode. Raiganj is the nearest town, located about 26 km away.
Balia village is governed under the Panchayati Raj system, with a Sarpanch serving as the elected head. For political representation, the village falls under the Hemtabad Vidhan Sabha (Assembly) constituency and the Raiganj Lok Sabha (Parliamentary) constituency.
Population of Balia
According to the 2011 Census, Balia village had a total population of 3,156 people, including 1,619 males and 1,537 females, living in 705 households. The sex ratio was 949 females per 1,000 males. The overall literacy rate was 61.15%, with male literacy at 68.33% and female literacy at 53.90%. The Scheduled Caste (SC) population was 2,075, while the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population was 175.
The table below presents a detailed demographic breakdown of the village, including separate male and female figures for each population category.
| Category | Total | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,156 | 1,619 | 1,537 |
| Child Population (0–6 yrs) | 399 | 233 | 166 |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 2,075 | 1,075 | 1,000 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 175 | 87 | 88 |
| Literate Population | 1,686 | 947 | 739 |
| Illiterate Population | 1,470 | 672 | 798 |
Nearby Villages of Balia
Balia is surrounded by several neighbouring villages in various directions. The table below lists these nearby villages along with their approximate aerial (straight-line) distances and directions from the village:
| Nearby Village | Direction | Approx. Distance (Aerial) |
|---|---|---|
| Darra | South | 1.60 km |
| Ratanpur | North-West | 1.83 km |
| Bishrail | West | 1.84 km |
| Rautgram | South-West | 1.88 km |
| Barabar | South-East | 2.01 km |
| Chandratiya | East | 2.22 km |
| Krishnapur | South-West | 2.37 km |
| Sadipur | West | 2.52 km |
| Bahin Paharpur | North | 2.56 km |
| Tilan | North-East | 2.62 km |
Transport and Connectivity of Balia
Public transport in the Balia is mainly available through bus services. The nearest railway station is Bangalbaree, while the nearest airport is Malda Airport, situated at an approximate aerial distance of 65.4 km.
| Connectivity | Status | Nearest Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus Service | No | Available within <5 km |
| Private Bus Service | No | Available within <5 km |
| Railway Station | No | - |
In addition to basic transport facilities, distances and travel times help define overall connectivity. The road distance from Raiganj to Balia is about 26 km, with a usual travel time of around 1-1.25 hours. Actual travel time may vary depending on road conditions and mode of transport.
Banking and Postal Services in Balia
Banking and postal services are essential for daily financial transactions and communication. The availability of these facilities for Balia village is detailed below:
| Service Type | Status | Nearest Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | No | Available within >10 km |
| ATM | No | Available within >10 km |
| Post Office | No | Available within 5-10 km |
Health Facilities in Balia
Healthcare facilities play an important role in providing basic medical services to the residents. The details regarding the nearest health centres and hospitals serving Balia village are given below:
| Facility Type | Status | Nearest Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sub-Centre (HSC) | Yes | Available within village |
| Primary Health Centre (PHC) | No | Available within 5-10 km |
| Community Health Centre (CHC) | No | Available within >10 km |
FAQs about Balia
Where is Balia located?
Balia village is located in Raiganj Subdivision, Uttar Dinajpur district, West Bengal, India.
What is the gram panchayat of Balia?
The Gram Panchayat of Balia is Bindole.
What is the pincode of Balia?
The pincode of Balia is 733156.
What is the population of Balia?
Balia had a total population of 3,156, including 1,619 males and 1,537 females.
How many households are there in Balia?
Balia had 705 households.
What is the literacy rate in Balia?
As per Census 2011, the literacy rate of Balia was 61.15%. Male literacy was 68.33% and female literacy was 53.90%.