GUWAHATI, March 19 - With increasing awareness about the political system and their rights, women of Piyali Phukan Nagar under the East Guwahati Assembly constituency are determined to make a positive impact in effecting the changes they yearn for.
With road conditions going from bad to worse, water scarcity turning acute and alleged deprivation of the government welfare schemes, women in this area have become quite vocal about the failure of the present government.
This area which has around 600 families, has been plagued by several problems for decades, but one factor which has irked the residents and has forced them to come out openly against the government is the deplorable road condition that has made life miserable for the residents.
Residents recalled instances when patients had to be carried on a chair or on the back by some relative as poor road condition makes it impossible for vehicles to reach some of the bylanes of the area including the Surya Borah Path.
�We definitely want to take part in the largest democratic exercise and effect a change. We are not happy with the performance of the government,� said Chandra Kalita, general secretary of Piyali Phukan Nagar Mahila Samity.
�We had tried many times to meet the public representative of our constituency, but we were disappointed. If getting an appointment itself with our public representative is so difficult, what can we expect from him?� said Kalita.
Echoing similar sentiments, another woman of the area Kalyani Choudhury Deka alleged that apathy of the government towards the genuine problems of common people, nepotism and rampant corruption affected development of the area.
�Women in our area are politically aware. They are not influenced by media, political oration or any other external factors. All women in our area are highly enthusiastic about the forthcoming Assembly election. We are confident of making an impact with our franchise,� said Kalyani.
It needs to be mentioned here that a long stretch of the Manik Chandra Choudhury Path that connects with Piyali Phukan Nagar is in a dilapidated condition.
�The road has not been repaired in the last ten years. The road is the lifeline of our area and we had approached the authorities concerned including the GMDA, requesting for some steps to better the road condition. However, till date nothing has been done,� said a local youth, Anup Sarma, who is also the assistant secretary of Krishti Bikash Sangha, Piyali Phukan Nagar.
Another resident Jatindranath Bezboruah, while relating the inconveniences encountered by the people, said that the authorities have ignored the most essential requirements in urban areas like good roads and water supply.
�If the basic amenities of urban environment are missing, how can we be happy with the government?� asked Bezboruah.
