August 8, 2012
Chief Minister inaugurates projects at Belpahari, asks separatists to return to mainstream
Belpahari is a place which has remained neglected for years. The people in this area were enlightened to have their favourite Didi among themselves and greeted her with their traditional music. The atmosphere was filled with `nostalgia` as the Chief Minister reached the programme venue. Tribal people welcomed her with music and performed dance on the beats of Dhamsa and Madol. Later she also gifted a Harmonium, Dhamsa and Madol to someone who had keen interest in music but could not afford to the instruments.
West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee gave away `patta` and Kisan Credit Cards to the farmers. `We will build 95-Kisan Bazar in the area`. She also presented financial aids to the needy people and gave wheelchairs. Ms. Banerjee
announced a slew of development projects, including a Rs 21-crore drinking water plant in Binpur, which will help about 17,000 people in this parched zone. She said plans are a foot to promote tribal tourism in a big way here. Unveiling a Rs 6-crore tourism circuit for the region, the CM said, `If a foreigner or a tourist prefers to stay with you in your home and shares your food, it will help you earn only if you are ready to allow it. This will be a boon for your economic development. Switzerland will come to Belpahari one day`.During the event a Maoist separatist Ravi Murmu inspired by the call of Ms. Banerjee to return to mainstream surrendered with arms and Didi welcomed her with open arms and assured all possible assistance. His wife too accompanied her husband. They both touched the feet of Didi and seek blessings.
`I want to tell you that we will generate employment opportunities in the area as I am aware of your difficulties and have full sympathy. Previously we have recruited nearly 10,000 tribal youths in police force and I assure you we will employ 5,000 more shortly`, said Ms. Mamata Banerjee. She requested the tribal people not to be depressed as it was not possible to give employment to all at one time but asked them to be patient, `If you do not manage to get an employment this time then I assure you will get next time but I request you not to get depressed as always feel for happy for the person who has got the opportunity since he is not an alien but one amongst you only`, said Chief Minister who added, `Please do not forget to enroll your names with the Employment Bank as you will be informed whenever there is a vacancy suitable to your requirements`.
Chief Minister inaugurated the project which will enable the locals to have the drinking water supply at their house through tap Chichra Jambani Block, Abasgarh Midnapore Sadar Block, Pitanau Gopiballabpur Block 1, Bashiya Gopiballabpur Block 1, Nakraguli Sankrail Block. She also inaugurated an eco-tourism hub at Hatibari.
Apart from that she also inaugurated the NNNM Nursing Teaching Centre at Lalgarh, ITI at Salbani, Raghunath Murmu School and Hostel at Nayabasat, Garbeta -3, district youth centre at Midnapore Sadar, drinking water facility at Binpur Block 2, art centre at Jhargram.
She also inaugurated a fast track court in Belpahari.
Chief Minister on her facebook page wrote, `
I came to visit Belpahari of West Midnapur district today, which is considered as one of the core areas of Maoists� dens. The jungles of Dohijuri, Bhulabheda, Chakadoba and Taraseni surround this sensitive area of Belpahari. My journey fromMidnapur to Belpahari also covered jungles of Lodhasuli and Kalaboni.For a long time, Belpahari and surrounding areas used to be ruled by guns. But now, transformation has taken place. Peace and development are doing wonders. That is why a crowd of more than lakhs have peacefully assembled at today�s meeting at Belpahari.
I remember to have visited Belpahari last in 1993 when I personally saw how poor people were surviving with roots of plants and eggs of ants. I mentioned it in my book �UPALABDHI�.I have promised to the people of Belpahari to return and personally see the progress of development works taken up in this backward area.
History shows rule of gun does not bring peace. Peace is earned through sincerity, devotion and commitment towards development`.
Earlier in the morning Chief Minister Ms. Banerjee convened a meeting with all the district administrative officials at Jhargram. After the meeting Chief Minister while addressing the PRESS said, `We had a positive meeting and I have discussed almost all the issues like health, education, sports, tourism, transportation, administration, security, 100-days-work schedule and even the Kisan Card project. I find there are a lot more that we can do and have told the officials that they should work hard towards achieving the goal of spreading the message of development`. However, Ms. Banerjee made one thing clear that she will not tolerate separatists groups as it hampers the development and those willing to stay secluded will have to face the consequences.
(Pic Courtesy: http://www.facebook.com/MamataBanerjeeOfficial)
