Organizing the Gram Sabha at Mirpur

As in previous years, sufficient initiatives were taken this year to implement the programmes. The UBA authority of the college has also taken steps to conduct a Gram Sabha in the adopted villages as per the recommendations of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan authority (IIT, Dedhi, and IIT, Kharagpur). In Mirpur area (a part of Betkundu and Suklalpur villages), a gram sabha was organised in the neighbouring church soon after the flag hoisting on 15.08.2024. The gram sabha was held in a famous church called Probhu Jesur Mandir – CNI (Kolkata Diocese). Around 40 villagers were present at this gram sabha. Most of them are women. Common people, educated and well-wishers are also present. In this gram sabha, our UBA coordinator Dr. Suman Kalyan Samanta chaired the meeting. He first explained the main motive for organising the said gram sabha. Most of the participants of the gram sabha shared their experiences and views very openly. They spoke out what they thought. They talked about their problems and their feelings. A participant named Miss Dishuja said that the job crisis is the biggest problem in the region today. So, if measures can be taken to solve this problem, it would be of great benefit to all the villagers. Mr. Tesra said that earning opportunities will be better if small scale industries are opened for future employment. A housewife said that nowadays the local panchayat is more interested in doing the government works with the help of mechanical equipment (JCP soil digging machine, tractor, etc.) instead of using human labour. Development of agriculture should be more and necessary than in earlier times. More emphasis should be placed on it and also on the skill based training and employment opportunities for the village youths and house waifs. The majority of children and adults, especially pregnant and lactating mothers, suffer from malnutrition, as is known from our few previous field studies.