:::::::::::Roads in Karimganj are in Shambles:::::::: ASSAM GOVT, KARIMGANJ POLITICIANS RESPONSIBLE FOR DISTRICTS UNDER-DEVELOPMENT Assam, along with Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya has been ranked as one of the ‘least developed’ States in the country by a panel headed by Raghuram Rajan, former Chief Economic Advisor and present Governor, Reserve Bank of India. The committee measured under development on the basis of 10 parameters. Connectivity is one of them. The finding has led to laughter in the entire northeast, as Mizoram was left out. It was supposed to be the least developed, based on the adopted 10 parameters, including connectivity. Therefore the nation realized that the finding was politically motivated, mainly so because the committee was aware of the fact that Mizoram chief minister Lalthanhawla worked like a village woman and would not protest against the misleading and politically motivated report. Tripura was another victim. Meghalaya was a thousand times ahead of Mizoram and Tripura, independent investigation by Barak Gana Parishad and other groups confirmed. Assam chief minister, Tarun Gogoi was ‘jubilant’ over the report and observed that it would favour his State to demand more funds from the Centre for development. Forget about the politics and counter-politics, Barak Valley is a classic example of being a ‘least developed’ zone in the State in every aspect, particularly in respect of connectivity. When one refers to Karimganj, a district of the valley, the public opinion on the question of connectivity is rather one of shame and disgrace even after 66 years of Independence. Not even a single road or highway is in good condition. It is despite the fact that Mani Lal Goala, elected from Patharkandi constituency of the district, is PWD Parliamentary Secretary. Quite naturally, the opposition parties have targeted Congress and Goala is logically the villain. Even as the attack by opposition mounts and sharpens ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, there is no seriousness on the part of the PWD to repair or improve them because the state government has successfully operationalized the policy of stuffing the illiterate voters with bundles of money, blankets and local brew through MLA’s. Development hardly matters to the majority illiterate voters. But as the saying goes, “you cannot fool all the people all the time”, it is to be recollected that exasperated at the indifferent attitude of the administration and the department concerned, Mani Lal Goala and his convoy of security and party men were detained by angry people at Nilambazar and the minister was forced to come down and walk through the NH 6, full of mud, potholes and craters. He had to release himself after making assurances. It was nearly six months ago. But, the condition of highways and roads continue to deteriorate. According to reliable sources the MLA has meanwhile decided to add Rupees 100 extra per voter, to assuage the anger, in the run up to polls. He is confident this will work. The stretch of the Highway 6 extending from Karimganj bypass to Patharkandi beyond is in critical shape. The construction company entrusted with the double-lane work of the Highway from Poamara to Churaibari (60 km) is beyond description. The Highway has become a trap for frequent accidents of vehicles. Everything is in shambles! Not only Highways, including 151, that connects Karimganj with the international trade centre at Sutarkandi, but all the important PWD roads which include Kaliganj–Chargola, Longai–Chankhani, Anipur–Nivia, Asimganj–Ramkrishna Nagar, Ainakhal–Lowaipoa–Rangamati have become misfit for vehicles to ply. It is difficult to describe unless seen. Run of vehicles on Anipur–Dullabcherra–Nivia road has come to a standstill. Mani Lal Goala and the Congress Minister of Karimganj, including MP Lalit Suklabaidya remains defiant and said “roads are fine”. Goala however admitted privately to some people about his helplessness in doing what the people expected of him as the state government does not want any development in Karimganj or Barak Valley. He privately admitted that only a separate state is the ultimate solution, but does not have the mandate to talk openly. His helplessness arises from the admission that “funds are not available and beyond his capability.” He cannot even initiate any improvement work in his own constituency, leave aside the highways and roads in other constituencies of the valley. Quite significantly, all the five constituencies of Karimganj are represented by Congress MLAs. During the last panchayat elections, opposition used the weapon of connectivity to decimate Congress. AIUDF was the gainer and winner which took control of Zilla Parishad. According to political observers, connectivity will be one of the major issues to hit and beat Congress in the coming Lok Sabha polls. Though the AIUDF did well in the recent past, yet according to political observers, it has failed to come up with strong candidates during assembly or parliamentary polls. Only Badruddin Ajmal posed a big challenge to all parties during last Lok Sabha polls in Silchar where he almost clinched the prestigious seat. This time round, they feel that the party’s possible candidate Bijoy Krishna Nath who is the owner of a newspaper, is weakling and womanly, and is certain to loose security deposit. Coming back to the matter of development in Karimganj, the intelligentsia believes that nothing has progressed in the district during the last 30 years. Areas like Patherkandi does not have good leaders and whatever little money is received from Dispur is mis-utilized as there exists no accountability and transparency. Karimganj continues to languish as one of the most under-developed districts of the country! This news-story is brought to you by Barak Gana Parishad. Support BARAK GANA PARISHAD Strengthen Movement for Separate state
Posted on: Tue, 01 Oct 2013 03:07:40 +0000
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