Harijans vote every time amid empty promises
Harijans in Chapainawabganj town, traditionally doing the work of cleaners, are deprived of basic civic amenities although the town would have become unliveable without their service. Promises made to them by contestants before polls hardly see any implementation.Photo: STAR
Unlike other areas of the country, the enthusiasm for the upcoming municipal election has hardly touched the Harijan people in Chapainawabganj town. Their 'value' increases only when polls approach. The candidates give them many promises but those are hardly met. About 50 families belonging to the Harijan community live in the sweeper colony, locally known as Methorpara in Chapainawabganj town, and the number of voters there is about 100. Thirty-two other families of Harijan community live in 'station area', Court Bagan and near Rajmohol Cinema Hall, and the candidates are trying to woo their votes by making various pledges. “People of Harijan community clean the town but they themselves live in dirty, unhygienic and dilapidated quarters. Around 25 years ago, former municipal chairman late Abdul Mannan Sentu constructed a tin-shed building in Methorpara and arranged dwelling of 15 Harijan families there. That time each family got one room with a veranda. Now at least 50 families live in the same area,” said Dulal Kumar, president of Harijan Durga Puja Udjapon Parishad. “Lack of proper housing facility is the main problem of the Harijan community which forces them to scatter around the town,” he added. Putul Rani, 70, said, “There are only two toilets for 220 people. Previous mayors of Chapainawabganj municipality have failed to ensure adequate civic amenities for the Harijan people.” “Want of pure drinking water, sewerage system, insufficient toilets and residential problems plague the Harijan community and yet no mayor has met our demands,” said Pacha Jamadar, 80, of Harijan Palli. “Many government offices including Chapainawabganj municipality are hiring people from other communities as sweepers. As a result unemployment in our community is increasing,” said Tilok Jamadar, 80. “Candidates of different political parties make many pledges to voters before the municipality election but they forget all after being elected,” said Parul Rani. “We continue to suffer but nobody pays any attention. Everybody forgets that we are human too,” Punnu Jamadar, 65, said. The Harijans are now waiting for the right person who can work for their overall welfare.
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