By Zaidul Haque, TwoCircles.net,
Kolkata: The Mamata Banerjee government of West Bengal has now completed one year. During the Assembly polls in April-May 2011, which ultimately dethroned the 34-year regime of Left Front, the Trinamool Congress chief Banerjee was crisscrossing the state making promises to the populace, including Muslims who were until then the backbone of the communist parties. After the massive historic win with the heavy support of Muslims, the most deprived community of 30% population of the state pinned high hopes in the lady. It’s time now to check what she has done and what not in one year.
Performance
Mamata had taken oath of chief minister on 19th May 2011. On the eve of the completion of one year, her office couple of days back claimed that the state government has fulfilled 90% of the promises – work of 10 years just in 10 months.
To celebrate the one year the Mamata Government organized a fair ‘Paragati Utsab’ from 19th May 2012 where it showcased its works and projects. Besides, the Minority Affairs & Madrasa Education Department also provided a chart of performance of Mamata Government.
Mamata Govt’s ad about Pargati Utsab being organized in Kolkata to showcase its achievements in one year
Urdu Language: The Government passed an Amendment Bill according Urdu status of second official language in the areas having 10% or more Urdu speaking population.
Recognition of unaided Madrasa: Around 1000 unaided Madrasas recognized and rules amended bringing in relaxation in recognition process of unaided Madrasas.
Honorarium for Imam & Muazzin: The government declared package for Imams & Muazzins — monthly honorarium of Rs 2500/- to Imam and Rs 1000 to Muazzin of mosques. Others benefits of Housing, scholarship, health and Vocational/technical training also extended for Imams and their family members to alleviate their condition.
Land for Aliah University: 20 acres of land allotted to Aliah University at new town Rajarhat. Another campus with an estimated amount of Rs 62 cr is being constructed at Park Circus area.
Haj House: Third Haj House was announced by the state Government and 5 acres of land have been allotted at new town Rajarhat for Haj pilgrims only.
Minority Budget: Budget of Minority Affairs & Madrasa Education Department for 2012-13 is Rs 570 cr.
Scholarship & Stipend: Amount of Rs 6552.94 Lac distributed in scholarship & stipend among 16,57,418 Minority Students in the year 2011-2012.
Loan: 15101 persons given loan involving Rs 1055.12 Lac.
Schemes for Free Coaching and vocational training: 12086 Minority students have been trained involving Rs 145.13 lac during 2011-2012 period.
OBC Muslims: The state government has just included 30 more Muslim groups in the Muslim OBC category.
Polytechnic College: Foundation stone laid down for a Polytechnic college at Baruipur in South 24 Parganas district for Minorities.
No doubt, the Mamata government has done some good work in one year. Yet, she has not taken a step towards some big promises which she made in her election manifesto.
Milli Council delegation submitting a memorandum of Muslim demands to chief minister Mamata Banerjee in September 2011
Where are the big promises?
In the election manifesto, Trinamul Congress supremo Banerjee had promised some big infrastructural projects, universities and medical colleges. But so far no step has been taken towards them. Some of the big promises are listed below:
10 Medical Colleges
Muslim Universities on the model of Aligarh Muslim University
Muslim Colleges
More Madrasas & Urdu schools
Infrastructure of Minority department