REMOVING ENCROACHMENTS IS NOT THE YARDSTICK FOR DEVELOPMENT:BHAI DINESH

REMOVING ENCROACHMENTS IS NOT THE YARDSTICK FOR DEVELOPMENT:BHAI DINESH

11-AUG-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------Bhai Dinesh, former MLA of Jagdishpur (Bhojpur), questioned the working style of the Bhojpur district administration and the 'double-engine' government, stating that citing mere encroachment removal as a measure of development is unjust to the poor. The true yardstick of development lies in providing better education, healthcare, roads, irrigation, employment, and basic amenities to the general public.

He remarked that while action is being taken against the poor and marginalized sections in the name of removing encroachments, the dilapidated state of government schools, colleges, and hospitals is not receiving the necessary attention. Why is the same level of promptness not shown in improving government educational institutions and hospitals as is displayed in using bulldozers on the homes and shops of the poor? Bhai Dinesh remarked that while the official social media channels of the Bhojpur District Magistrate often showcase photos and videos of anti-encroachment drives or activities related to city management, the same level of seriousness is not applied to presenting issues like the dilapidated roads of Ara, drainage problems, the poor state of canals, defunct tubewells, and the irrigation-related hardships faced by farmers.

He pointed out that the condition of key city roads—including those at Gopali Chowk, Dharman Chowk, Chandwa Mor, Pakri Chowk, and Block Path—has been a cause for concern for years. There is a need for permanent solutions regarding the repair, drainage, and traffic management of these roads. The question remains: when will the administration and relevant departments turn their attention to these issues?

Raising serious questions about the irrigation system, Bhai Dinesh stated that farmers' greatest need is for regular and adequate water supply in the canals. Priorities should include canal cleaning, lining (paving), repairing broken embankments, and ensuring water reaches the fields.

He argued that before planning parks along canal banks, the government must ensure that water actually reaches the canals so farmers can irrigate their fields. Government tubewells located along canals and rivers—which have been defunct for years—should be made operational, and a sustainable irrigation system must be developed.

The former MLA noted that Bhojpur was once recognized as a major hub of education. Institutions such as Jain College, Maharaja College, S.B. College, and Jagjivan College have shaped the futures of thousands of students. Today, there is an urgent need to seriously evaluate the state of these institutions regarding their academic systems, infrastructure, teacher availability, and the overall environment for students.

He questioned whether responsible officials and public representatives have properly inspected the current state of these institutions and formulated a concrete action plan for improvement. Merely announcing buildings and schemes will not strengthen the education system; regular classes, qualified teachers, libraries, laboratories, research facilities, and a safe, conducive academic environment for students are equally essential.

Bhai Dinesh emphasized that for the common man, government hospitals represent the greatest hope for life and well-being. But if hospitals lack adequate doctors, medicines, diagnostic facilities, equipment, and a robust healthcare system, then where exactly are the poor supposed to go?

He stated that alongside anti-encroachment drives, the actual condition of government hospitals must also be inspected. The government and the administration need to take concrete steps to ensure that patients receive quality treatment at government health institutions in Ara city and the district.

Raising questions about the functioning of Veer Kunwar Singh University, Bhai Dinesh noted that this university—established on the soil of Bhojpur—is linked to the future of lakhs of students in the region. There is a pressing need to seriously address issues regarding the academic environment, teaching, research, administrative transparency, and student concerns.

He alleged that there have been persistent complaints regarding mismanagement and corruption at the university. He demanded an impartial, high-level review of the university's operations and insisted that if any irregularities are found, accountability must be fixed and appropriate action taken. Students deserve an environment where academics and research are the priorities, rather than administrative disputes and disorder.

Bhai Dinesh He stated that while the government makes grand claims about development, such progress should be evaluated not through advertisements and assertions, but by the actual amenities available to the public on the ground.

He added that alongside taking action against the poor, the government and administration should also clarify the following:

What is the status of quality education in government schools and colleges?

When and how will the poor receive better medical treatment in government hospitals?

When will a permanent solution be found for the major roads in Ara city?

When will the issues of drainage and waterlogging be resolved?

When will canals receive a regular water supply?

When will defunct government tubewells be made operational?

When will a permanent system be established to deliver irrigation water to farmers' fields?

When will a better academic environment be created in the major colleges and the university of Bhojpur?

Bhai Dinesh stated that he is not opposed to development; rather, he advocates for development that benefits the poor, farmers, laborers, students, patients, and the common citizen. If the government genuinely desires development, it should accord top priority to education, healthcare, roads, irrigation, and employment, alongside removing encroachments. This alone would constitute real development in the public interest.