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Saturday, July 21, 2012

Seeking their rightful identity. Can they expect some assistance


In Rakdong-Tintek, a small hamlet of East Sikkim I came across two families belonging to the scheduled caste who are going through some tough times but their hopes and courage is still very much alive.
In a small 50 Sq. ft hut and a small blacksmith workshop live two families consisting of 10 members. It was surprising to see their poor living conditions in a place like Rakdong Tintek which is a relatively well to do village. A teacher, YB Bista of Rakdong Junior High School, was gracious enough to provide a small piece of land for the families to stay.
The family members do not have Certificates of Identification and only possess proof of “Dhuri Khazana Receipt” dating back to 1952-1953. As told by them, they remember that their grand father Late Dhan Bdr. Biswakarma (Kami) used to stay in this village and after that their father Late San Bdr. Biswakarma (Kami) also spent his life in this village.
However, the government has not issued them CoIs till date even after approaching the concerned authorities. The families consist of Sita Biswakarma [widow of Late Motilal Biswakarma] and daughter in-law of Late San Bdr. Biswakarma along with her 3 sons and 1 daughter and youngest son of Late San Bdr. Biswakarma, Laxuman Biswakarma along with his 3 children. One of Sita Biswakarma’s children is studying in Class V in the village’s Sunrise Public School, the education is being sponsored by a kind hearted teacher GP Nirola. Amongst the other children, one is studying in Govt. Degree Collge, Rhenock in II year, other one in Class XII in Samdong Sr. Sec. School and one in Rakdong JHS in Class VIII.
While, Laxuman Biswakarma’s children are studying in Class VII, VI and V respectively. The youngest son, Roshan Biswakarma is deaf and dumb and was provided free education and hostel facility upto Class IV at the Special School for the Deaf at Arithang, Gangtok but had to arrange for the uniform and books themselves. Later, the school stopped sponsoring his education and he had to be shifted to a Special School in Darjeeling where he is now studying in Class V.
I was surprised to learn that only 1 person in this family of 10 is earning. The lone breadwinner of the two families earns around Rs. 3,500 per month working as a blacksmith and labourer. It has been difficult for these families to survive on such meager income. Though they have been provided BPL cards, Voters Card and some Aluminium Sheets they are in a pathetic condition. With his limited means, Laxuman Biswakarma is somehow managing to educate his brother’s children and his children supported by the ladies of the two families. He told me that the MLA of this constituency had visited once and assured of help but they are yet to receive any good news after the visit.
A simple man, Laxuman Biswakarma would like to request the government to provide him with Certificate of Identification as he has enough proof required for a CoI. Considering the family’s condition, the Class XII passed son of his Late brother could be given a proper job to support the family while his own son who is born a Sikkimese and suffers from disability should be given proper education in his own state. The Social Welfare Department and other concerned departments and associations should come forward and help the two families.
[The writer is a resident of Majhitar, Rangpo]

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