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Patna,(BiharTimes): Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Darbar at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel College in Bhabua wore somewhat deserted look on Saturday. That was not because people did not turn up. They came in huge number, especially Dalits and tribals. But they were not allowed to enter and make complaints for reason better known to the authority. |
They came with complaints about black marketing of foodgrains and kerosene earmarked for below poverty line (BPL) families, charges of rampant corruption against some civil and police officials, and protest over realization of toll from pedestrians and cyclists for crossing a bridge.
Some of them, especially from the Maoist-hit hilly area of Adhaura block, shouted slogans against the state government when they were refused entry. Though, the district administration had made arrangements for about 5,000 people at the Durbar, half the space remained empty because of obvious reasons. About 500 applications were received, but none of them were disposed of on the spot.
Instead of giving a patient hearing to the people, during the four-hour-long Janata Durbar, Nitish, announced from the mike that those who had complaints against the education department should meet the minister and officers concerned. Similar announcement was made for the grievances related to Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB). About 150 participants of the JP movement complained to the CM that despite announcement by his government, they had not yet been provided pension.
Tribals, who gathered there sought lifting of ban on storage of forest products like mahua and kendu leaves, describing them as their source of livelihood.
Nitish ordered an inquiry when the people of Durgawati block alleged that a contractor was realizing toll from cyclists and pedestrians for crossing a bamboo bridge connecting Bihar with UP even though a court had stayed it.
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