BHOJPUR WILL CHANGE THROUGH REAL SYSTEMIC IMPROVEMENT:BHAI DINESH

BHOJPUR WILL CHANGE THROUGH REAL SYSTEMIC IMPROVEMENT:BHAI DINESH

24-AUG-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------------Commenting on the administrative system of Bhojpur district, former Jagdishpur MLA Bhai Dinesh remarked that the local saying about "applying *Lugri* soap only when a new bride arrives" (a metaphor for superficial, last-minute measures) still holds true in the district today. As soon as a new District Magistrate (DM) or Superintendent of Police (SP) takes charge, drives to check motorcycles and inspections of police stations, block offices, and circle offices begin. These activities receive significant publicity for a few days, but soon enough, the situation reverts to the status quo—nothing really changes.

Bhai Dinesh remarked that motorcycle checks or superficial inspections are not a permanent solution for systemic improvement. While such activities have been going on for years, the public's genuine problems remain unresolved. He noted that the local media appears more focused on the arrival, departure, and reception of officials, whereas there is a need to prominently highlight the actual issues faced by the public.

He stated that in a democracy, the 'Fourth Estate' (media) and political leadership serve as the voice of the people. If the media and leaders begin acting like middlemen, the district, state, and country will head in the wrong direction.

Bhai Dinesh suggested that if the district administration genuinely wishes to improve Bhojpur, the DM and SP should hold meetings with the district's enlightened and respected citizens, businesspeople, journalists, and representatives of all political parties. They should gather information about the district's real problems from these stakeholders and formulate a concrete action plan to resolve them.

He described the allocation of land to flood victims in Jawaniya—specifically in areas prone to flooding—as a case of gross administrative negligence. Accountability must first be fixed for the officials and staff who made such a decision without understanding the local geographical conditions.

He urged the DM to take substantive action to eradicate corruption prevalent in block, circle, sub-divisional, and district offices, noting that the system cannot be transformed through mere token inspections.

Bhai Dinesh called for ensuring the availability of fertilizers to farmers at fair prices, reactivating defunct tube wells, and guaranteeing water supply to the tail-end of canals. He also advocated for a long-term, scientific plan to relieve Ara city from the problems of waterlogging and dilapidated roads.

Demanding strict action against food adulteration, he insisted that the open sale of adulterated sweets, oil, spices, and other food items must be banned. He further emphasized the need for regular checks on the quality and sale of medicines. Emphasizing the education and healthcare systems, Bhai Dinesh stated that teachers should be immediately provided to schools and colleges facing a shortage of staff. He called for strengthening the infrastructure of sub-health centers, additional health centers, primary health centers, sub-divisional hospitals, and district hospitals to ensure the underprivileged receive better medical treatment.

He also demanded an investigation into the alleged financial exploitation of the general public by private schools, colleges, and hospitals, and urged that action be taken in accordance with the law.

Regarding the police system, he remarked that police stations and the offices of Inspectors and DSPs must be prevented from becoming hubs for touts. An ordinary citizen should not need an intermediary to approach an official with a grievance. He further insisted that impartial and strict action be taken against anyone found to be complicit in the illegal liquor trade.

Bhai Dinesh stated, "Motorcycle checks are not the path to reform. Real reform will come from resolving public grievances, cracking down on corruption, and ensuring better education, healthcare, irrigation, roads, and drainage, alongside an impartial police system."

He added that if the administration honestly engages with the public to address issues If one understands the issues and works towards resolving them, improvements in the system will begin to become apparent on their own.