By: Dr. Mumtaz Naiyer, Postdoctoral Researcher at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom (UK)
The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author.
The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author.
I am from Thakurganj assembly constituency in the district of Kishanganj, Bihar. Surjapuris (comprising of both Hindus and Muslims) is a local dominant community population wise and actual inhabitants of the district. I am one of them. Thakurganj assembly constituency first elected a son of the soil (In Surjapuri language we call it “Ghorer chuaa”) as their representative some ~50 years ago in 1967. Since then it’s a norm (outsiders won only twice). Surprisingly Outsiders flourished here more than the locals and in some way suppressed the growth of local Surjapuris.
The so called Surjapuri leaders never ever raised the voice of local community and failed to bring any changes in their lives. The elected representatives would often sit in the lap of business community mostly Marwaris and some outsiders. The benefit of govt. policies whatsoever would often go to the business community and hence the marginalization of local Surjapuris continues till date.
Before 1990s govt. jobs were fetched often with the recommendation of elected representatives, the local politicians helped their kith and kin so only selected few were benefited. After 1990s the quality of education is being undermined and this is one of the worse failures of our politicians. Govt. schools failed to produce competent students who can compete at State and National Level.
In the last 50 years local politicians failed to bring any small and medium level industries in this area which resulted in huge emigration of male members leaving the family and children unattended. In fact the fate of the children and family is/was left to God.
The most worrying part is the un-skilled youths who are forced to work in Dhabas/Hotels etc. in metropolis of India. The number of un-skilled and school drop outs is a serious concern. Health of children and women is another big issue.
The epidemic of Kidney disease because of high iron content in drinking water is just engulfing the area. Sadly there is no health policy in place by the govt. and local politicians/lawmakers failed to raise such issues in state assembly and the parliament. Either they are un-willing to raise such issue s or they just don’t have any idea/knowledge how to raise them.
Although local politicians failed to empower the local youth educationally nevertheless they are successful in making an army of unemployed youths as their supporters. These supporters are always in the loop of local politicians as they get chance of some photo-ops and some easy money or a tour to Patna, Delhi etc. They would often target those who criticize their leaders, even a reminder to an elected representative of their failures and promises are being fought as a war on Social media. This way marginalization of 95% Surjapuris continues. I wish and pray this end soon.
Also read my previous note “Why Kishanganj failed to produce a National/State level leader?””
The series will continue with some other important issues.
Thanks!
~Dr. Mumtaz Naiyer
