Dharmashala to be Built in Name of Nishadraj, MLA Promises Rehabilitation

Community Meeting Addresses Keval-Mallah Community's Issues

In a significant public dialogue and community meeting held in Horabra village, Pahadgarh block, in Joura, Madhya Pradesh, the pressing issues of the Keval-Mallah community were addressed. Special announcements were made regarding the community's safe rehabilitation, employment generation, and overall development.

The event was graced by Gandhian social activist Rajgopal P.V. (Raju Bhai) as the chief guest, with Joura MLA Pankaj Upadhyay attending as a special guest. Prior to the meeting, the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Ashram provided relief to flood-affected families within the community.

Relief Efforts and Community Demands

Dilip Jain, the Ashram's secretary, stated that heavy-duty waterproof tarpaulin sheets were distributed to poor and needy Keval-Mallah families affected by monsoon rains and floods. He assured that no poor family would be left without relief materials and that further supplies would reach those in need soon. He also expressed hope for cooperation from the district administration in this humanitarian effort.

During the meeting, organized under the auspices of the Keval-Mallah Vikas Samiti, community members highlighted various critical issues. These included:

• Arrangement of safe housing during floods
• Permanent employment
• Curbing migration
• Access to health, education, drinking water, and electricity
• Poverty and unemployment

Villagers also accused the administration of neglect and demanded that land be allocated to flood-affected families in safe locations to establish new villages with permanent housing.

Gandhian Activist Calls for Struggle

In his inspiring address, renowned Gandhian social activist Rajgopal P.V. (Raju Bhai) emphasized the need to empower the most vulnerable and marginalized sections of society. He stated that this constitutes true Gandhian service.

“The time has come for the deprived society to organize and fight for their constitutional rights instead of just folding their hands,” Raju Bhai urged.

He identified the Gram Sabha as the most powerful institution of democracy, asserting that if the community unites to strengthen it, their resolutions would be binding. He advocated for a shift from subservience to organized struggle for rights, declaring, “Let go of touching feet, clench your fists, and organize to fight for your rights.” He also affirmed that local communities have the primary right to water, forests, and land.

MLA Announces Dharmashala, Rehabilitation, and Reservation

Joura MLA Pankaj Upadhyay engaged directly with the community, listening to their problems and promising solutions. He informed the gathering about his repeated proposals in the assembly to include the Keval-Mallah community in the Scheduled Caste reservation category and vowed to continue this advocacy.

In the presence of Rajgopal P.V. (Raju Bhai), MLA Upadhyay pledged to continuously strive at the government and administrative levels for the safe rehabilitation of flood-affected families, employment generation, and preventing migration. He announced a special allocation from his MLA fund for the construction of a dharmashala and community building in the name of Lord Nishadraj.

Additionally, he assured the installation of handpumps in public places, granting ownership rights to families occupying government land for years, facilitating possession on previously issued leases, and providing basic amenities such as housing, electricity, water, health, and education.

Strategy for Public Struggle with 'Today's Gandhi'

MLA Pankaj Upadhyay referred to Rajgopal P.V. (Raju Bhai) as 'Today's Gandhi' and expressed deep concern over the dire condition of the Keval-Mallah society. He declared his intention to formulate a special strategy for public struggle alongside Raju Bhai to secure justice for the community, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him in every fight.

The meeting concluded with the members of the Keval-Mallah community resolving to unite and engage in an organized struggle for their rights, a dignified life, and a secure future. This event served as a powerful example of social harmony, public participation, and rights-based awareness.