People warn JNV not to venture in BTC region

ROWTA CHARIALI, March 25: The opening of Centrally-sponsored educational institutions like Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in greater Sonai area in Udalguri district under Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) was welcomed by the people of the neighbouring villages of Bhitor Sonai, Niz Sonai, Sonai Alisinga and Serfang. The villagers even allotted plots of land measuring a hundred and ten bighas from their own fields and cattle grazing lands for the purpose with a view to enhance all-round development of the poor students of the region.

But allegations are rife that JNV authorities are indulging in rampant corruption in the appointment of fourth grade workers and teachers without holding interviews. The people of the region have said that they may have to take back their donated land because of the corruption cases going on in JNV, sources said.

It may be mentioned here that a public meeting was held at Sonai HE School to this effect under the chairmanship of Udalguri Deputy Commissioner George Bosumatary, where AK Singh, principal, JNV, Udhmari, Kalaigaon, was also present.Attending the meeting, the Principal highlighted the schemes and projects undertaken by the JNV besides the fourth grade employment facilities for the local educated unemployed people.

Local MLA and Asom PHE Minister Rihon Daimari also spoke on the occasion and advised the villagers to donate the proposed land in the greater interest of the people as well as to avail the benefit from the JNV. Besides, DC George Bosumatary reiterated that the demands of the public should be fulfilled if they had allotted the land.

Referring to the allegations of rampant corruptions by JNV authorities, local gaonburah Bilen Daimari informed this correspondent that the Principal of JNV, Udhmari, Kalaigaon, AK Singh and the principal-in-charge JNV, Udalguri, RK Chandrasekhar, had appointed fourth grade workers from other parts of the State thereby depriving the aspirant local people. Thus this led to allegations that JNV officials may have taken huge amounts of money in exchange of the jobs.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, JNV, North Eastern Region, has also been under scrutiny after allegations were levelled against him regarding appointment of teachers from his family, hailing from Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Nagaon, Daimari added.

The people of these villages have threatened to start an agitation to oppose the opening of such institutions because of the failure of the JNV authorities in fulfil their aspirations. The people have warned that clashes might erupt if JNV authorities come for any building work. “I should not be held responsible for any unrest,” the gaonburah added.