I am committed to development of Tharus : Nitish

Speed Post News Network

Bagaha: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar while inaugurating the 40th convention of Tharus organised under the aegis of Tharu Welfare Federetion (TWF) at Binwalia, a Tharu dominated village under Bagaha-2 block in West Champaran district, said on May 22, 2018, that forests and Tharus (tribals) complement each other and he appreciats both.

Tharu live in and around champaran forests now called Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), the CM said adding he is  committed to development of Tharus but was extremely sorry for the Naurangia police firing in which 6 Tharus were killed and 15 others sustained injuries in June 2013. Nitish said that ignoring the prescribed governmeent norms he had provided Rs 51 lakh to the their next of kin as compensation on humanitarian ground. The CM  assured government jobs to the kin of seven Tharus.

Nitish referred to several schemes, which had been completed for all round development of Tharuhat region at a cost of Rs 125 crore. The remaining schemes taken up by the Tharuhat Development Authority are in progress, Nitish said. He reminded the Tharus that he was instrumental in their inclusion in tribals catagory when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime minister.

The CM exhorted the Tharus to avoid child and dowry marrige. He also urged them not to take liquor. Without getting rid of these evils, development of any society is not possible, Nitish said. He said that his government had provided all the benefits given to the Mahadalits to the Tharus too. He said that Tharu women were considered powerful even before implementation of women empowerment programmes.

Some sugarcane growers raised the issue of payment of their arrears when Dhirendra Pratap Singh, MLA from Valmikinagar, and Sugarcane Development Minister Khursid Alam were addressing the gathering. Valmikinagar MP Satish Chandra Dubey also spoke on the occasion.

Tharu Welfare Federetion General Secretary and Chairperson, Zila Parishad, West Champaran, handed over a list containing 7 points demand of federation to the chief minister. After participating at the Tharu convention, the CM flew to Valmikinagar and  inaugurated a shed for elephants at Kawaleshwar under VTR where five elephants will live.