Mr. Anzar Alam & Mr. Sarfaraz Ahsan express their views (opinions) and give suggestions to MP Maulana Asrarul Haque.
Rejoinder 1:
Mr. Anzar Alam says,
It is admirable on the part of the interviewer (Mr. Mudassir) and the interviewee (Maulana sb.) to publish an interview here. No need to say that this kind of interaction provides an excellent opportunity to both our MP and us (the citizen) to voice genuine view points and opinions without the compulsion of physically present there. I appreciate Maulana’s candid acceptance of existing problems facing Kishanganj and I do support his call to everyone to do their bit. In fact, no development is possible unless the larger section of the society comes forward to shoulder responsibility. Government and its machinery alone cannot do it, however, the elected members must ensure that they must play an enabling role. Alhamdulillah, things are improving and government machinery hitherto dysfunctional is showing the signs of improvement.
Coming back to the issues of development and employment here are few suggestions and comments.
a) Kishanganj being devoid of raw materials and minerals (so far, we can hope and pray for some petroleum minerals in future) and market place, setting up of an industry is not lucrative to investors. Establishing of a jute mill (under government) so far has not been a successful business model anywhere in the country and thus demanding such a unit is futile (this is my opinion). However small scale industries in this sector may prove to be successful. For this the government should ask entrepreneur to set up such a unit. Additionally, Govt should provide vocational training to the local people for manufacturing valued added products from jute. Instead of selling raw jute, value added product may help earn the farmers and labors earn more. If you visit Fab India stores anywhere in the country (especially in Kolkata) you would find various items made of jute including salwar suits, kurtas, pyajamas etc.
b) A Thermal Power Plant can easily be set up in Kishanganj. For this only coal and water is the main input. Compared to so many plants in the country, we are nearer to the coal belt of Jharkhand and West Bengal. Water is anyway available in plenty. This would generate employment for lower class people and good business opportunity for locals also.
c) The status of Kishanganj Hospital is pathetic. I have accidently visited the hospital to meet one of the doctors who happened to be a relative. Despite of good infrastructure, the upkeep is very bad and cleanliness of the hospital is poor. Largely doctors’ attitude in Bihar’s hospital over is another problem. The same doctors in their private clinic behave altogether differently. Because of these reasons, the poor patients from the far off villages require to visit private doctors and clinics where they have to cough up hard earned money. We must do something to protect these poor people from the private Medical Sharks whose fees are no less than the fees in Metros.
Can we try to convert the district hospital into a Medical College Hospital that would bring good administration and facility thus winning the confidence of people?
Meanwhile, can we build a Mushfirkhana in Kishanganj for the poor people who come for treatment from rural areas? I request our beloved MP to think over this and share the opinion with us. Apart from MPLAD fund, we can also contribute.
d) Irrespective of the above point, we should try to open a College Of Nursing in Kishanganj with some reservation from rural students. This would help to solve some unemployment problem as there is great demand for trained nurses across gulf and US apart from the country and this would remain for quite long time.
e) There are lots of schemes from Ministry of Food Processing Industries (Govt. of India) but nothing is done for our district. There is tremendous scope for Tomato/Potato/Banana/Mango Processing as these are main products of that region. This would not only provide employment but the farmers too would get good prices for their products. I exhort the so-called rich people of that area to come together and open an industry with the help of our leaders. Do not keep your money in “Sandook” or Banks.
f) I would request Maulana to prevail upon some rich people of that area to become entrepreneur and invest there. Kindly in your lectures and discussion with locals, put stress on entrepreneurship, trade and industry. There are enough incentives by government in this area and one need to know how to take advantage of that. Outsiders come, take the advantage of govt. incentives, close the plant/factory and run away.
g) Last but not the least, we should not let the AMU study centre to be shifted anywhere. We all from Kishanganj have to remain vigilant on this issue and must extend all support to AMU in bringing the centre fast. May I request our Maulana sb. to meet and demand Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister so as not only to press for speedy set up of the campus in one the most backward district of Kishanganj but also to keep them aware of the sinister design of detractors of AMU Study Centre in Kishanganj?
I hope Mudassir would pass on these ideas to Maulana sb. I have few more ideas for my native place which I would share in course of time.
Md. Anzar Alam,
Sr. Manager(Corporate Strategy) and Advisor to the CMD, Vizag Steel
BE(Mechanical Engg.), BIT Sindri, PGDME/MBA(IIM Calcutta)
Vill/Panchayat- Bhagal, PS- Kochadhaman
Dist- Kishanganj (Bihar)
Rejoinder 2:
Mr. Sarfaraz Ahsan Says
It is better indeed to bring forth views of the MP Maulana Asrarul Haq Qasmi Sb about his perspectives as Member of Parliament from one of the backward districts of India. When we say ‘backward’ up to what extent we can imagine? That’s from where we belong to. It is exposed truth! Isn’t it?
The aspiration is obvious “comprehend, resolution, actions and consequences” which leads to development and empowerment for the “Aam Aadmi”.
Going through the questions and responses of the interview carefully, my personal views on few areas are:
1. Problems are enormous and these are being understood.
2. Thinking of promises.
3. Act on these resolutions at the best potential means
4. And the actions would lead to development and empowerment.
Educational awareness has got momentum and is greater than ever before in the constituency. Many aspects of educational reforms are still to be deliberated. Hopefully, it is being handled very cautiously by the Central Government and State Government for all levels of education. The People’s representative and the district administration would be very instrumental to provide feedback and implement the key projects on developing educational infrastructure, facilities and revamp institutions for the people of Kishanganj.
Unemployment and poverty is parallel. Being an agro based region and the Gangetic soil which is very productive, commercialization of agriculture is utmost need of the region. I wonder how many of our Farmers are being benefited from the incentives provided by the central / state government on agricultural inputs.
It is a very good sign indeed at least north-eastern belt of the district where tea and banana cultivation are taking place. A good means of income! Isn’t it? It will be even more benefiting to people when these products are processed at the local industry and machinery. It will create jobs and means of earning livelihoods for locals. Government initiatives in this regard are sluggish in our region that we have learnt from the past. Many small scale industries were proposed and remained inactive since conceived by the government. Therefore, I feel steps required to be taken at individual levels. People who have the willingness to be an entrepreneur should come forward. The resources are to be generated. The cooperation and support are to be provided by people, administration and governments. A huge opportunity for agro based entrepreneurship is waiting at our region! Hope you harmonize with me.
Please excuse me for not covering all facets of the issues and rejoindersstated in the interview of our MP published. We all are very optimistic as far as the delegation of responsibilities expected out of each and every individual at their on own capacity.
Sarfaraz Ahsan
Officer- International Relations
MDI Gurgaon.
Disclaimer: All the views expressed in the rejoinders are the personal views / opinions of the sender. KishanganjBihar.com is not responsible for any type of remarks given by the senders. People from Kishanganj and other parts of the globe can send a mail to mdmudassiralam@gmail.com and get their opinions / views published in this section.
Regards,
Md Mudassir Alam
Managing Editor & Owner
KishanganjBihar.com
