Saturday, October 3, 2009
Only five Cuttah Each Family for Forty Thousand East Bengal Refugees REHABILITATED in TAHERPUR, West Bengal.BIDHAN Roy Launched the NON Stop Ethnic Cleansing and deportation!
Indian Holocaust My Father`s Life and Time- One Hundred and Eighteen
Palash Biswas
Taherpur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Taherpur | |
  
Taherpur
in West Bengal and India | |
| Country |  India |
| State | West Bengal |
| District(s) | Nadia |
| Population | 20,060 (2001) |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
[edit] Geography
Nadia district is mostly alluvial plains lying to the east of Hooghly River, locally known as Bhagirathi. The alluvial plains are cut across by such distributaries as Jalangi, Churni and Ichhamati. With these rivers getting silted up, floods are a recurring feature.[2][edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India census[3], Taherpur had a population of 20,060. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Taherpur has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 76%. In Taherpur, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.[edit] References
- ^ "District Wise List of Statutory Towns". Census of India 2001, Urban Frame. Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. http://www.wbcensus.gov.in/DataTables/01/Table-3.htm. Retrieved 2007-10-06.
- ^ Gangopadhyay, Basudev, Paschimbanga Parichay, 2001, (Bengali), p. 70, Sishu Sahitya Sansad
- ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16.http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
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 | This article about a location in West Bengal is a stub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
On second october last, I had to visit Taherpur near KRISHNANAGAR in nadia District of West Bengal. Earlier ihad been visiting the Refugee Settlement between DHUBULIA and Ranaghta Coopers camps.My father and most of my villagers in Basantipur in Uttarakhnd had once upon a time had been EJECTED out of this ranaghat coopers camp. Our people resettled in utarakhand, Uttar pradesh and elsewhere had been in west bengal refugee COLONIES and Dr Bidhan Roy and Jyoti Basu compeled them to leave Bengal. My father Pulin babu led a refugee COUP in SILIGURI in 1952 rejecting thedestiny of TEA garden COOLIE. he laso led Refugee movement from Ranaghat and thus, he was SENT off with his supporters to CHARBETIA, CUTTUCK in Orissa and later they were farther sent to the dense forest of Himalayan Terai in nainital.
The partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 was followed by the forced uprooting of an estimated 18 million people. The government of West Bengal and teh Brahaminical hegemony at the CENTRE never did Recognise this lot of SC Mases as Partition Victims. They were Considered as the FAMINE Struck HAVE Nots in EXODUS seeking Home and Land in India. During all these years after partition, this PRESPECTIVE Never Never Changed and NO One considered the predicament of the minority communities in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) who were uprooted and forced to seek shelter in the Indian province of West Bengal.The responses of Indian federal and provincial governments to the challenge of refugee rehabilitation, was just to DUMP the People as naimals or Goods, first in transit camps and then EJECT them out of bengal so that they could not make a demography making POEWER Transfer to the Brahmin bania raj IRRELEVANT
Taher pur may prove to be a Case study of the HOSTILTY and war declared againts the dalit Refugees still coming from east Bengal!Dandakaranya scheme was the Option proposed to Taherpur refugees which they rejected. The Project was undertaken after 1958 to resettle the refugees by colonising forest land: the project was sited in a peninsular region marked by plateaus and hill ranges which the refugees, originally from the riverine and deltaic landscape of Bengal, found hard to accept. Despite substantial official rehabilitation efforts, the refugees demanded to be resettled back in their "natural habitat" of Indian Bengal. However, this was resisted by the state. Notwithstanding this opposition, a large number of East Bengal refugees moved back into regions which formed a part of erstwhile undivided Bengal where, without any government aid and planning, they colonised lands and created their own habitats. Many preferred to become squatters in the slums that sprawled in and around Calcutta.
This time Sabita was insisting to know the whereabout of our Domestic help SHOBHA, a widow who always had been very regular. Recntly, we had been in U.P and Uttarakhand, she was deputed to look after home. It was not an easy task as MOODY Virtual reality Master, my only son, STEEVE was at home with his PC and net. he would not eat at time nor take the bath . he would not allow anyone to clean hsi room,Feeding Steeve has always been a great Head Ache for us. but we could rely on the middle aged Refugee Dalit Woman who had never been IRREGULAR. But this time we had no information from her. though she worked on saptami and left for taherpur just informing tha her son and grandsons were ailing!
Shobah has sent a message but the woman who also works in sodepur could not reach us. She was in bed all these days . while we reached her home she was away to consult the Doctor. Her home stands just opposite the Girls` High School. We had visited her earlier while she lost her Husban in a road accident. We had atteneded the last rites of her husband.She has three sons and all of them ahppen to be daily awge labourer. she has sold a part of her holding and bought a rickshaw van for the Eldest son who is married to a pleasnt Girl from Badkullah, another refugee Ghetto. Sodepur has got the largest population of east Bengal refugees.It ahs got no less than 121 refugee colonies. Once upon a tiem, it had been the epicentre of refugee movement in wset bengal. Dr Sampat Ghosh still survives. who is a rigid socialist and still proactive as he is assocaieted with Narmda bachao andolan. This man is a living legend who kept united the Refugee population in Sodepur.
We also know well another refugee leader in new Barrackpur , another Refugee Hub which consists seigeable Numbers of refugee Colonies after DUM DUM! ADITYA Kumar roy is aged and very Active even in late eighties. he had been Close assoiate of dr Ambedkar and Jogendra Nath Mandal.Aditya babu acompanied us when we went to attend the All India Convention aginst Citizenship Amendment Act in 2003. gurang sarkar, editor of adhikar patrika which connects all Refugee Colonies countrywide also accompanied us. Gauranga Babu served custum department and has got a piece of land in bali, near Howrah. Howrah has also accomodated lacs of refugees. Sukriti Biswas, the Republican man belongs to Machhlandpur, home town of Jogendra Nath Mandal. mandal had home in Lakkhipur about a KM away from the Rly station. His son Jagadish chandra Mandal has settled in garia. he is the man who not only wrote and collected the documents on his respected father , the Mahapran in four volumes, but also highlighted the Marichjhanpi Genocide in his book NAISHABDER Antorale.I met the man in Lakkhipur on an occasion centenary Birth anniversary of Jogendra Nath Mandal. At the the time , I also met GYAN Halder, an faithful assocaite of jogen babu. His son Gautam halder had been my friend since 2000 while we worked together for Joshy Joseph`s featuere film IMAGINARY Lines. He played the Protagonist and I wrote the dialogues. I came to know him as our man only in Lakhiput itself. My father, Gyanbabu and Jogendra nath mandal worked together, but we, me, Jagadishda and Gautam met so late! Gyan halder has become IMMOBILE due to age.
The Dalit writers Nakul Mallick, kapil Krishna Thakur and Jatin Bala belong to Hridaypur, Bamin Gacchi and Ashok nagar. all these places are populated by east bengal refugees. They Never had been REHABILATED. They formed the Refugee Colonies themselves. The Government of West Bengal or the Government of India nEVER helped the Dalit Bengali refugees who chose to settle in Bengal. I know most of the localities.
Taherpur is a bit different from other refugee Hubs as it is developed SYSTEMATICALLY and Never looks like a SLUM. Only dependent of Five Cuttha housing land, the East bengal refugges in Taherpur developed better CITY in west Bengal.
Shobha`s youngest son was also INDISPOSED. He is married. But her second son still is unmarried as he is unemployed. He was lfted to ARANGGHATA in Nadia by his inlaws. The whole districts of Murshidabad, Nadia and Malda are EXTENDED Refugee Colonies.The refugee Influx continues and the STATE Power NEVER addressed the Problem as the Political parties use them as BONDED and Mobile VOTE Bank only. they are NEVER treated as Huma being.
Shobha`s daughter in law, in fact a TEEN age mother of Two children kept on GIGGLING as they were EXPECTING us since Morning. The Girl Never saw us before but she proved to be an EXCELLENT Hostess. She did not allow us to leave until we got the LUNCH, MACHH BHAAT with plates of various Vegetables! I am HABITUAL of the Hearty Warmness and INTIMACY of our people since my Childhood. As all of Thirty six Refugee colonies in dineshpur along with Swarg Farm and Shakti Farm beside Rudrapur Transit camp had ADPOTED me intheir giant JOINT family. I am SURRONDED by that Family even Today!
The Bengali refugees resettled in Taherpur were those families who refused to go out of Bengali geopolitics despite bearing the casualities from Lathicharge and Firing by Bidhan Roy` Police. Thus, being in love of Bengal and bengali culture they were rewarded with Five Cuttha Land for each family and a TIN Shelter. They had no livelihood for sustenance.
In 2001, while we had formed SAHAMARMEE, a CPIM supported Open Forum including Intelligentsia and Civil society to stand UNITED with the UTTARAKHAND Bengali refugees who had been stripped of Indian Citizenship while issuing DOMICILE Certificates mandatory for job. Calcutta University Deputy registrar and General secretary of SAHAMARMEE led a team from Kolkata to visit the bangaon border to assess Fresh Refugee Influx from Bangladesh.Republican party State President and an Office bearer of UBI Employees association well known in refugee and dalit Circles, SUKRITI Biswas, questioed the Justification of SAHAMARMEE while the refugees in West Bengal have been made the most WRETCHED lot in Marxist Rule! I could not, understandably, agree with sukriti Biswas at the time. But visitin all most all Bengal refugee areas including the Border areas, I am sorry not to agree with Sukriti babu. From Sundervan to Maldah, the East Bengal refugees have finished in a status of Slum Dweller Slaves of the caste Hindu Babus.
Mind you, the Metro Suburban loaclities get Trains Full of Domestic help Women from Taher Pur and Badcullah, next Rly station from Taherpur. you may not be able to Entrain or Detrain at any South Sealdah Rly station wherefrom or where to the helpless women from dalit Refugee Families loiter to feed their families. for almost Six decades , these families have no LIVELIHOOD, no source of income to sustain their families. Human Traffic in RURAL bengal is HORRIBLE just because of refugee Problem! Now, DRUG Addiction in Border areas have emerged as the most powerful DEATH Envoy!
Mamata didi has introduced EMU trains to Lalgola, Murshidabad from Ranaghat and KrishnaNagar. Provided , you commit a mistake to travel by these trains or any train from and to Shantipur,Krishnangar, Bangaon and Lalgola, you would need the next thing is nothing but intense medical care. Such a RUSH is diverted to all over India as Bengal Brahaminical Hegemony refuses to FEED them. They have to escape if they want to survive at all! They are Predestined to STARVE in bengal Grave Yards and Persecuted and Deported from Elsewhere without any address to the Problems of mass EXODUS or Displacement unwanted. These poor families are neither considered as Citizens of India nor Partition Victim refugees! They are SUBJECT to TORTURE, Misuse, abuse, Bonded labour, Bonded Vote Bank,Crimes infinite, Inequality, injustice, discrimination,starvation, food insecurity , joloss, unemployment, prostitution, drug addiction and human traffic.. They hve NO CIVIL or Human Rights whatsoever and the Intelligentsia as well as civil socity are as much as Detached as Dr Bidhan Chandra roy and Jawahar lal nehru had been. The HATRED and APTHY have no PARRELEL as we the dalit Refugees resettled out of Bengal have at least the SYMPATHY and Support of all Local Communities!
I had not seen any Refugee camp in Bengal before 1973 when I first time VISITED West Bengal. But I had the experience of being amongst the Refugees in Transition. I saw RUDRAPUR Transi camp being established around 1964. I visited the tents with my father. The Transit camp still exists and I continue the place evn after so many years! I still feel the WARMTH as it had always been. How may I tear the BOND, tell me!
I witnessed their strugle, the LIFE based on Govt. DOLE insuficient. The Dole was also discontinued for SEVENTY Seven families in late SIXTIES. My father fought for the for a full decade until they were REHABILATED at last. These people would RUSH to basantipur to Cultivate our land while my father had been either in Lucknow or in New delhi pusuing their case. I know the families who could not feed their CHILDREN and they were dumped as DOMESTIC Bonded servants in Resettled refugee Colonies just for ustenance. I was STUNNED to see the continuity in ranaghat Coopers camp right in 1973 as a large NUMBER of East bengal refugees were STRANDED since the Partition. Later I visited the place in 1981, while I was Engaged in Kolkata and the Relatives of the Girl lived in Ranaghat Coopers camp. Things never Changed. Refugee Registration discontinued in 1971. Rehabilitation dept. was ABOLISHED but the Problem SUSTAINS even today as the MANUSMRITI sustains. The Real cause of HOLOCAUST was not the partition at all. It had been and it has to continue to be , the MANUSMRITI Rule in this divided bleeding Geopolitics.
Monday, November 24, 2008
On the Margins of Citizenship: Cooper's Camp in Nadia
Section: Perspective
Ishita Dey
In this essay, we will try to understand one of the unique refugee experience of the Indian Subcontinent; partition refugees through the lens of the transition of one of the largest transit camps "Cooper's camp" in Nadia District. This essay will reflect on " the processes and practices by which specific images, meanings, and identities of the refugee have been historically produced, differentiated from other subjectivities, institutionalized, and deployed as effective resources of and for practices of statecraft".
On 11 March 1950 Cooper's Camp was established by the West Bengal Government. It was one of the largest transit camps in West Bengal. The camp offered a basic medical facility in the form of Cooper's general hospital and it functioned till 1977.Acording to Tushar Sinha ( 1999), despite being one of the largest transit camps, which once functioned as a military base had the basic infrastructural facilities of housing people. The lighting facility of the camp was limited to 18 petromax and 1000 hurricane. For every 750 people there were 40 tubewells. The camp was full of open latrines and open drainage system which was hazaradous and was responsible for the decline in health among camp residents. From 21 March 1950 the camp was supported by the central Government. By this time 126 people died after suffering from cholera. On 3 April, 1950, J P Narayan visited the camp.
Gouranga Das's family was of the 22 families who arrived in Coopers in 1950. Cooper's Camp was divided into several blocks and huts for administrative purposes. Each resident was registered in the relief office and was registered in the "Ranaghat transit centre records" according to his Ration Card No, Date of admission and Name and family details. After this classification, the displaced was allocated a Hut which had to be shared and Block number.
"We had read in the newspaper about Cooper's Camp. I was among the first twenty two refugee families to reach the camp. The camp started functioning on 11 March 1950. There were some tents, shops along the railwayline and langarkhana. We were served rice, dal, wheat, clothes and financial assistance of Rs 1.
My family was forced to migrate to West Bengal in 1949. I was eighteen years old. In 1948 Communist Party of India (undivided) was banned. I belong to Sheyalguni village of the Barishal District. We first took a boat from our village to Barishal and then we boarded a steamer and there were 2000-3000 families who migrated with us. We are issued a border slip at Benapole border.
The air of Benapole was filled with dirt and death. But at every step we felt that we will go back. Shree Guru Sangha had set up a camp near the border and various places for refugee. There were various welfare organizations who were organizing relief camps. From Bongaon we reached Sealdah station and stayed there for nearly fifteen days. Almost Lakhs of people were stranded there. We were served free food (rice, dal and vegetable curry) in make shift langarkhana( adjacent to platform No. 8 ) by Marwari Relief Society. We thought it's a temporary phase. Specially our forefathers believed that we will return to our "desh"/ "homeland".
There were communal outbreaks at various points of time but the worst of the riots took place in late 1948. Every year we used to celebrate Durga Puja and we had huge brass cooking vessels which were used to cook food during festivals. When the riots broke, we used these brass cooking vessels filled with water for defense purposes. We adopted various tactics to save ourselves from the onslaught of the rioters. When the rioters attacked we often splashed water all over the house to save our lives. When the rioters attacked our house and burned down our puja mandap; we had managed to run away. We were not attacked by anybody. We left our house in the night.
By 1951, one lakh people poured in refugee camp. The refugee movement began as protest against bad quality of food grains that used to be served. Often stale wheat, rice and dal were served. Alorani Dutta died due to lack of medical help. Dijen Dutta organized the movement with the support 70000-80,000 people in Coopers Camp, 25000 in Rupashree pally , 30000 from women's camp.
The first martyr of refugee movement of 1950 was Paresh Das, resident of 7 No. Godown. From 1950-52 refugee movement subsided after his killing. People were scared.
On 18 Oct, 1952,144 No. House , Jatin Saha and Ratish Mullick spearheaded the refugee movement. Jatin Saha opened up a tea shop and in his tea shop the communist newspaper "Swadhinata" was available for public reading. The tea shop was the base that Jatin Saha used to initiate a communist movement in Coopers Camp. Jatin Saha also distributed leaflets in the night among the refugee households.
In 1952, we planned our communist struggle in 174 No House, G Block currently Ward No. 11. We had twenty one party members. We initiated the refugee movement in the Cooper's Camp. One of the main demands of the refugee movement was to recognize Cooper's as industrial colony and B.C. Ray did recognize Cooper's under the urban scheme. Other demands were to improve the quality and increase the quantity of food grain "doles". One of the mistakes of the refugee movement I feel was our decision regarding rehabilitation in Dandakaranya and Nainital. People who settled in Nainital are better off. Their land is of much worth than ours. Our slogan was "Lathi khabo, guli kahbo kintu banglar Baire Jabo Naa". We never wanted to be rehabilitated outside West Bengal. We could never think of being settled anywhere else.
After 1954 when passports were introduced, there was huge influx of refugee population. In 1971 with the formation of Bangladesh, Central Government offered relief to the refugees".
From his narrative we can deduce some common refugee experiences and their transit points. People came with the hope that this is a temporary phase and once things settle down they are going to return. The bordering Nadia District of West Bengal mainly, Benapole and Darshana were the entry points. What is also evident that before the refugees shifted to Government camps they stayed primarily at Sealdah station . There are several accounts relating to the refugee situation in Sealdah station. In one of the newspaper reports in Amrita Bazaar Patrika also quoted in Prafulla K. Chakrabarti's work, the station is described as dumping ground of people from the eastern border.
As soon as they arrive, they are given inoculation against cholera and such other diseases. Then they are assigned a shelter camp by an officer of the Relief and Rehabilitation Department. An area of 39/ 39 square feet has been designated for the refugees to use before they are transferred to refugee camps. The report mentions that a group of five to six thousand men, women and children had access to three taps for drinking water. Apart from drinking water, there were two latrines for women and about 12 latrines for men.
So what we see here is that the "refugee" is uprooted from his state and is forced to live life in make shift arrangements under most inhuman circumstances. It is at this critical juncture we are left to ponder whether or not "Right to life" is an individual question or a political question? Political responses to the mass displacement has always tried to "negotiate" with the "refugee" who is a stateless, and immediate efforts to classify, regiment this stateless figure by the newly adopted state one hand is embedded in the notion of "care" and on the other is trying to make space for the refugee through statecraft. The earlier one is regimented the better.
These circumstances led to a very active refugee movement within cooper's camp which initially began with protesting against bad quality of food grains specially rice, dal and wheat flour which was often stale. The refugee movement within Cooper's was organized by the people who were devoted Communist party activist even when the party was banned in 1948. Gouranga Das proudly informs that he used to work as a messenger to communicate to other workers about meetings. Another cooper's camp resident informed even in late 1970s the communist party activity was secret in nature and orientation.
On 6 July 1956, Central Government Minister Mr. Arunchandra Guha visited the camp and the camp residents were prevented from presenting their deputation before him. There was police lathi charge and in protest of that there was a public demonstration organized by Nadia District chapter of Bastuhara Parishaad. Police firing was a frequent feature in Cooper's Camp. On 16 July 1956, police organized a combing operation in Cooper's and arrested 44 protesters of which 7 were women. Various noted left refugee actvists were arrested. On 11 August, 1956 under the leadership of Amritendu Mukhopadhyay, a protest meeting was organized to release 44 activists which was attended by 5000 people. From 1957, a separate demand was placed before the Government- to recognize and carry out reform activities to convert Coopers into an industrial township. The police declared this meeting as illegal. By early 60's there was a change in the demands of the refugee movement in itself and one of the prime reasons was the winding up process of various camps.
The West Bengal government Relief and Rehabilitation Directorate initiated a study on the relief and rehabilitation of displaced persons in West Bengal and the report was published in 1957. According to this report, the findings suggested that there were certain camps like coopers which have a large number of refugees and an attempt is being made to convert them into townships". Various rehabilitation alternatives and schemes were laid down. The Government decided to shut down the transit camps by 1951.After the disbursal to rehabilitation centres in 1949, there was a sudden wave of migration in 1950-51 which swelled the number to 360769. At this time there was a decision to close down all the camps by March 1951 as a result of which camp families were dispersed to rehabilitation sites and the camp population came down to 80000 by the end of 1951.
The next phase of Refugee movement within Cooper's Camp is to be understood against the following backdrop of the findings of the reports on rehabilitation and economic opportunities. Cooper's Camp of Nadia district is treated as one of the ex-camp sites. In 1961, The Government asked the refugees in all relief camps either to move to Dandakaranya for rehabilitation or to leave camps on receiving 6 months cash doles. In September 1961 about 10000 families were left in campsites. The Government had already closed the camps. Not only the camp benefits such as doles, medical and educational facilities were withdrawn but even tubewells for drinking water was withdrawn by the Indian nation-state. This marked another phase in the refugee discourse and statecraft. The emphasis of refugee discourse changed from refugee care to economic rehabilitation as the perfect solution to the refugee problem. The Committee of Review of Rehabilitation work in West Bengal appointed by Government of India in 1981 report revealed that 45,000 displaced persons are living at 74 ex-camp sites. Around this time in Cooper's Camp there were 1068 families awaiting rehabilitation of which 387 were ex-camp site families.
Since 1956 there was a growing concern among the displaced population for the available economic livelihoods and resources in Cooper's Camp. The then Chief Minister of West Bengal Dr. Bidhan Chandra Ray in a written statement had promised to develop Coopers into an industrial township. This promise was a ray of hope for most of the families who stopped receiving financial assistance or doles from Government after 1961. The camp residents lived with the hope that they will receive proper economic rehabilitation through the development of small cottage industry and spinning industry in RIC scheme. Most of the refugees were waiting for almost 20-22 years in Coopers Camp for economic rehabilitation. Community Party of India Activist Ashok Chakraborty observed 10 days hunger strike in 10 June, 1978 and again in 19 October, 1981 to appeal for economic rehabilitation and securitisation of livelihood.
The hunger strike was called to declare Coopers Camp as a notified area and to appeal to the government for industrial development as most of the persons had no source of income after the Government ceased to support any refugee apart from those in Permanent Liability camps. There was also an appeal to recognize the marketplace and to renovate the Cooper's Hospital. The Cooper's hospital the protesters claimed was suffering from adequate doctors, nurse and medicine and thus the people from Coopers had to travel some miles to reach the general hospital.
The demands of the Communist Party of India according to party pamphlet were: -
1. Government should restart the scheme of doles for the 385 families who refused to rehabilitate in Dandakaranya and encourage small cottage industry, which will help in economic rehabiliation. Increase in loan assistance for the rehabilitable families from Rs 10000-Rs 15000 and single unit family should receive Rs 10000. Coopers Rupashreepally Women's Camp residents should be rehabilitated after proper planning.
2. The government should immediately live up to its promise of declaring Kirtinagar Colony, Coopers Urban (RIC), Colony, Rupashree, Women's Camp and Coopers should be given the recognition of Cooper's Camp notified Area. The Government should also initiate a spinning mill in RIC industrial area, it should take steps to re-open the ceramic industry as it will meet the demands of increasing unemployment figures among the youth and old in camps.
3. The cooper's camp hospital should be renovated. It should introduce specialized departments. 100 beds should be introduced in the hospital. A new Secondary Girls School should be established and the Coopers Junior School should be upgraded to Senior Secondary School and appeal to establish 5-6 primary schools in RIC colony, Rupashree Colony and Coopers.
According to Gouranga Das, "Cooper's Camp never saw the light of industrial development. In the name of RIC, land was traded between the central and state Government and leased out to private players. This did not survive for along time". The struggle from Cooper's Camp to Cooper's camp Notified area was marked with violence, killing, Panchayat vote boycott. Finally after several years of vote boycott under the Nagarik Committee, which was comprised of all party leadership Cooper's camp was declared as a Coopers camp Notified Area in 1997. Coopers Camp Notified Area has a separate municipality and people who dreamt of an "industrial township" are yet to see any industries in Coopers even after its fight for autonomy.
Infact residents across ex-camp sites are the "most distressed refugee population in West Bengal".
The main emphasis on refugee rehabilitation in Cooper's is issue of Free Hold Title Deed; under which the land allotted to a family cannot be sold for ten years and under certain circumstances like marriage of a girl child, diseases like cancer, AIDS and any unforeseen nature of financial hardship the family has to seek permission from RR& R directorate to sell the land. The status report on refugee rehabilitation in Ranaghat subdivision till 25.2.2008 reveals:-
Total land involved 3280.3 acres
Total no. of deeds (large) to be distributed 16001+(8)
Total no. of deeds already distributed as on 31.03.06 14,205+(8)
Target Fixed for 2007-2008 200
Number of deeds already for registration 100
(Source: Sub divisional OfficeRecords of Ranaghat Subdivision)
Coopers Camp Notified Area Municipality was formed in 1997. For administrative purposes it has been divided into 12 wards. According to 2001 census, there are 17,555 people of which 51% males and 49% females live in Coopers. Almost 70-75% of the camp residents belong to the scheduled castes. According to census data of 2001, 13,533 people belong to SC and 18 people to ST. There is a higher secondary school in Cooper's camp and there are several primary schools in a number of Wards. The primary school in Ward No 6 houses is one of the largest primary schools. Most of the boys stay away from the school to lend a helping hand in teashops.
These measures demonstrate the changing attitude of the Indian state towards the refugees. The refugee experience of economic development and economic rehabilitation at Cooper's Camp of West Bengal is an illustration of the state responsibility towards refugees- who were seen as a problem. The constant emphasis to wind up homes and camps across the state speak about the fact that " refugee problem" is a thing of the past whereas the rehabilitation schemes merely encouraged a shelter and self-employment. In places such as Cooper's where most of the people are unemployed and women have taken to bidi making and men in adhoc jobs like carpentry it remains a far-fetched dream of Coopers to transform into an " industrial township".
EAST Bengal REFUGEES
In the course of three centuries of its existence, Calcutta has been phenomenal in accepting and assimilating people from all over the world. This colourful tradition of an integrated mosaic of people living together, sharing views, outlooks and opinions and above all, enjoying life to the brim, is an exclusive hallmark of Calcutta.
In the course of three centuries of its existence, Calcutta has been phenomenal in accepting and assimilating people from all over the world. This colourful tradition of an integrated mosaic of people living together, sharing views, outlooks and opinions and above all, enjoying life to the brim, is an exclusive hallmark of Calcutta.
According to the 1951 Census, a meagre 33.2% of Calcutta's population was city-born. The rest were a heterogeneous group of migrants from various places, especially from East Pakistan. An odd 26.9% of the city's inhabitants hailed from what had become East Pakistan in 1947. These 'displaced persons' – a whopping 6,85672, were primarily Hindu refugees rendered helpless on account of the partition of India and birth of Pakistan.
Calcutta almost turned into a city of refugees and the immigration which started in 1946 continued unabated for the following four decades – even to this day. The history of the metropolis will be grossly incomplete without the chronicle of relentless struggle of the refugees for survival. They built sporadic colonies and pavement shanties while mingling with the city of joy. The films of Ritwik Ghatak recall the memories of partition, the post-partition inflation, black-marketing, rationing and the dreadful Sealdah Station, the wonderful dialects, the sumptuous fish-curry and the ever-inscrutable, legendary river Padma.
REFUGEES : A DEFINITION
The suffering minorities who became victims of inhuman violence and discrimination have been differentiated on several criterions videlicet, cause for flight, period of migration, place of origin, caste, class and occupation. The acceptance and acknowledgement of the Government of their status, was also an important issue.
The refugees were categorized as 'old' or 'new' migrants. The 41.17 lakh odd people who migrated to India from 1946-1958 were the 'old' refugees, whereas, 11.14 lakh people, who came here from 1964-1971 have been termed as 'new' migrants. Finally, during the Bangladesh war of 1971, approximately 2/3 lakh refugees fled from their homeland and came to Calcutta only to get dissolved with the city's mainstream population.
Sadly, East Bengal refugees have often been labelled as obstructive, contumacious, uncompromising trouble-shooters, who migrated in the city only to disturb its peace and stability. This is a negative and utterly false assessment of a class who have always been known for their self-reliance, dauntless courage, intrepid optimism and tremendous will to survive against heavy odds. They took refuge in West Bengal – in many cases, ignoring the Government policies. They have resisted, manipulated and fought like hell in the struggle for existence.
People migrating to India had a firm conviction that they had every right to stay here for the excruciating price they were compelled to pay for Partition.
THE OLD MIGRANTS
2,58,000 migrants sought refuge in West Bengal, after Partition in 1947. This figure was catapulted to 5,90,000 in 1948. Again 1,82,000 refugees came in 1949. There were diabolic communal riots in East Pakistan during those years. The story of brutal persecution, extortion, ostracism etc. continued much later which broke the hearts of the migrants and paralysed them with the panic of physical extinction and loss of identity.
The government of India, then, adopted several relief measures which were supplemented by an immense public relief effort. The government of India had catered to the emergency needs of the people purely on humanitarian grounds. But it never desired a colossal infiltration by offering attractive relief measures. The Indian Government was also apprehensive of straining Hindu-Muslim relations in India which would inevitably follow too great an exodus.
A considerable number of these early refugees had pre-partition ties with West Bengal and specifically Calcutta. Some had kith and kin here whereas some had occupational links. Again, some civil servants preferred to work in India. So, most of the early migrants had some resources in West Bengal or some place to turn to. This is evident when only 1.06 lakhs of the 13.78 lakh refugees sought admission in relief camps. The vast majority who avoided the relief camps, were the 'upper' and 'middle' class people who got domiciled in the urban areas of Calcutta. The 'lower' class people and scheduled castes tended to resettle in villages.
The migrants in the congested city of Calcutta, created an acute shortage of dwelling places. The affluent refugees bought properties of the Muslims who were evacuating. A very big chunk of them started living in rented houses in the middle-class localities or slums. But, several refugees of East Bengal have been accused as 'squatters' or unauthorized possessors of unoccupied premises. The squatters occupied the barracks in the Dhakuria Lake area and New Alipur. They established colonies at Bijoygarh, Jadavpur, Kasba, Santoshpur, Garia, Dum Dum and Panihati.
A salient feature of the squatter movement was 'jabardakhal' (which meant seizure and settlement.) The land to be seized would usually be occupied at night, shanties erected at a lightning speed and thatched with hogla leaves. The squatting refugees got appreciation from government rehabilitation authorities like N.B. Maiti and Rameshwari Nehru. The refugees were gingerly identified with the left, particularly the Communists. Soon, the leftist opposition politics took up the issue of the sufferings and agonies of the refugees and fought for them.
In December 1949, severe communal conflicts erupted in Khulna and by 1950, a new wave of migration came to Calcutta. The violence on the other side of the border, triggered off violence in Calcutta, which consequently led to thousands of Muslims migrate from West Bengal to East Pakistan.
With pressure mounting alarmingly on the government of India, Prime Minister Nehru, in April 1950, signed a pact with Liaquat Ali Khan, his Pakistani counterpart. This agreement guaranteed freedom of movement (including the right to move personal property across the frontier) and also guaranteed equality of citizenship to minorities irrespective of religion. The repercussion was immediately felt as rate of migration came down sharply and even return to the native lands began.
A Branch Secretariat of the Ministry of Rehabilitation was set up at Calcutta in 1950. 75,000 assistance-seekers were admitted to refugee camps. Empty warehouses, tent colonies, steamers and all possible places under the sun, however deplorable, were used as temporary shelters. Some were taken to special reception centers like Sealdah Station where they underwent excruciating agonies. Thousands were even fixed in the jute godowns of Babu Ghat, Kashipur, Ghusuri and Ultadanga. Families to be rehabilitated, were sent to the regular camps like Dhubulia. This was the largest camp in West Bengal with a capacity of 60,000 refugees. There was also the Cooper's Camp which was to help resettle the refugees outside West Bengal.
A meagre 23% of the odd 11.82 lakh refugees, supposed to have migrated to West Bengal in 1950, went to the camps. However, the unofficial figure was much more alarming to fit in the camps and soon many deficiencies like sub-standard sanitary conditions, overcrowding, insufficient ration and water supply, fatal diseases, catapulting death rates and above all, corrupted camp personnel exacerbated the situation. By the end of 1950, approximately 150 squatter colonies, housed about 30,000 families on 2400 acres of land.
Rehabilitation measures crystallized in the 1950s. Comprehensive regional development programmes started around 1955.
The Government reported in 1959 that it had utilized its resources (48.5 crores) on the non-camp refugees whereas only 18 crores was mobilized for those in its own camps. Since the 1960s, resettlement commenced in Calcutta which was virtually synonymous with self-settlement. However, shrinking resources tended to marginalize a persistent condition for the 'new' migrants.
Old, New & Untraced Migrants (1960s – 2000)
The last 4 decades have seen considerable changes in the Central Government's rehabilitation policy anent to West Bengal. The Govt. shifted its focus from the rehabilitation programme within West Bengal on similar planning in other states e.g. the Dandak Aranya Project. To worsen the situation, fresh migration started in the 1960s and continued in the seventies.
The state, particularly Calcutta, was declining irretrievably under the pressure of the refugee-crisis, growing alarmingly every year by leaps and bounds. The socio-economic deterioration and political tension was catapulted by the increasing rift between the Union and State Governments over the ratio and control of funds needed for rehabilitation.
The Left Front Govt. came to power in 1977 and the 'new' migrants in Dandak Aranya abandoned their camps to settle down in the Sundarbans. Unfortunately, they were soon frustrated and the refugees in general, realized that they had yet to struggle a lot because the Bengal Government had a terrible paucity of resources. In 1980-81, the Left Front Govt.'s Refugee Rehabilitation Committee proposed a comprehensive development plan of Rs. 750 crore. They planned for financial assistance for self-reliance schemes and other facilities like water, electricity etc. Such plans were later implemented to a great extent.
Calcutta's refugee problem has been a chronic one showing little signs of a permanent solution. This congested city with an explosive population has in its strides, assimilated people of all races, religion, castes, creed, community and has rightly been labelled by many as the city of migrants and refugees. The problem still continues unabated with greater intensity. But, it is an undeniable fact that these refugees from East Bengal constitute the heart and soul of Calcutta. The host population of Calcutta also deserve special praise for their receptivity and power to adapt. Indeed, no city other than Calcutta reveals such a stunning unity among diversity. It is this mosaic of colourful people that literally makes Calcutta a vibrant 'city of joy'.
Nadia district
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Nadia District)
For other uses of the word, see Nadia.
| Nadia | |
Nadia
in West Bengal and India | |
| Country | India |
| State | West Bengal |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Website | nadia.nic.in/ |
Contents[hide] |
[edit] Important towns
- Ranaghat This is one of the most important of the towns is Ranaghat, situated 74 kilometers north of Kolkata
- Krishnanagar is the most important town of this district, as this is district headquarters of Nadia.
This place is shared by people from Hindu, Muslim & Christian religion. Apart from hindu temples there are also Christian & Muslim shrines. The Christian Missionaries attached much importance to Krishnanagar. The Protestant Church was built here during 1840s . The Roman Catholic Cathedral was built in 1898.
This is town is situated almost 100 KMs away from Kolkata and older than Kolkata. Famous for clay modelling, potteries, sweets. The origin of famous clay models of Krishnanagar is Ghurni. The clay model artists of Ghurni have won international repute and fame for their excellence in clay modelling.
Krishnanagar was the birth place of the noted Poet, Composer and Playwright Shri. Dwijendra Lal Roy (1863 – 1913) whose contribution to Bengali Literature needs no mention. The town is also known for famous poets/ authors like Bharatchandra, Dr. Sudhir Chakraborty, Dr. Khsudiram Das and actors like Saumitra Chattopadhyay.
Shri Onkar Singh Meena , IAS (1997) is the present executive head called District Magistrate and Collector of Nadia, located at Krishnanagar.
Office of the local body for rural areas headed by Mr. Meghlal Sheikh Sabhadhipati is also located at this town.
- Kalyani is another important town of this district. It was identified (and named) by Dr. B. C. Roy to act as an alternative to the city of Kolkata, from which it is about 50 km away.
- Tehatta is another important subdivisional town. It is the newest subdivision in the district of Nadia.
[edit] Subdivisions
The district comprises four subdivisions: Krishnanagar Sadar, Kalyani, Ranaghat and Tehatta. Krishnanagar Sadar subdivision consists of Krishnanagar municipality, Nabadwip municipality and seven community development blocks: Kaliganj, Nakashipara, Chapra, Krishnanagar–I, Krishnanagar–II, Nabadwip and Krishnaganj. Kalyani subdivision consists of Chakdahamunicipality, Gayespur municipality, Kalyani municipality and two community development blocks: Chakdaha and Haringhata. Ranaghat subdivision consists of Shantipur municipality,Ranaghat municipality, Birnagar municipality and four community development blocks: Hanskhali, Shantipur, Ranaghat–I and Ranaghat–II. Tehatta subdivision consists of four community development blocks: Karimpur–I, Karimpur–II, Tehatta–I and Tehatta–II.[1]Krishnanagar is the district headquarters. There are 19 police stations, 17 development blocks, 8 municipalities, 187 gram panchayats and 2639 villages in this district.[2][1]Other than municipality area, each subdivision contains community development blocks which in turn are divided into rural areas and census towns. In total there are 29 urban units: 8 municipalities and 15 census towns and two notified areas.[3] Ranaghat, Aistala, Satigachha,Nasra and Cooper's Camp togther forms Ranaghat urban agglomeration. Nabadwip, Char Maijdiaand Char Brahmanagar forms Nabadwip UA. Chakdaha, Gopalpur and Parbbatipur forms Chakdaha UA. Krishnanagar and Baruihuda together forms Krishnanagar UA. Birnagar, Phulia andTaherpur together forms Birnagar UA.
[edit] Krishnanagar Sadar subdivision
- Krishnanagar: municipality
- Nabadwip: municipality
- Kaliganj community development block consists of rural areas only with 15 gram panchayats.
- Nakashipara community development block consists of rural areas with 15 gram panchayats and two census town: Jagadanandapur and Kshidirpur.
- Chapra community development block consists of rural areas with only 13 gram panchayats.
- Krishnanagar–I community development block consists of rural areas with 12 gram panchayats and one census town: Baruihuda.
- Krishnanagar–II community development block consists of rural areas only with 7 gram panchayats.
- Nabadwip community development block consists of rural areas with 8 gram panchayats and three census towns: Bablari Dewanganj, Char Maijdia and Char Brahmanagar.
- Krishnaganj community development block consists of rural areas only with 7 gram panchayats.
[edit] Kalyani subdivision
- Chakdaha: municipality
- Kalyani: municipality
- Gayespur: municipality
- Chakdaha community development block consists of rural areas with 17 gram panchayats and two census towns: Darappur and Madanpur.
- Haringhata community development block consists of rural areas only with 10 gram panchayats.
[edit] Ranaghat subdivision
- Shantipur: municipality
- Ranaghat: municipality
- Birnagar: municipality
- Hanskhali community development block consists of rural areas only with 13 gram panchayats.
- Shantipur community development block consists of rural areas with 10 gram panchayats and one census town: Phulia.
- Ranaghat–I community development block consists of rural areas with 10 gram panchayats and four census towns: Aistala, Satigachha, Gopalpur and Parbbatipur and one notified area: Taherpur.
- Ranaghat–II community development block consists of rural areas with 14 gram panchayats and one census town: Nasra and one notified area: Cooper's Camp.
[edit] Tehatta subdivision
- Karimpur–I community development block consists of rural areas with 8 gram panchayats and one census town: Karimpur.
- Karimpur–II community development block consists of rural areas only with 10 gram panchayats.
- Tehatta–I community development block consists of rural areas only with 11 gram panchayats.
- Tehatta–II community development block consists of rural areas only with 7 gram panchayats.
The residence of Krittibas is now converted in to Krittibas Memorial Community Hall Cum Museum Library. Adjacent to this is a Gofa, the place of worship of Thakur Haridas. The old banyan tree situated nearby; it is said that the poet had translated the Ramayana into Bengali sitting under the tree.
Ganges River flows close to the town. Fulia is also famous for Tangail Saree.
National Highway 34 passes through the town. By train, Fulia is about 92 km from Kolkata.
The town "Plassey" is having the memorial of The Battle of Plassey (Bengali: পলাশীর যুদ্ধ, Pôlashir Juddho), 23 June, 1757, was a decisive British East India Company victory over the Nawab of Bengal and his French allies, establishing Company rule in India which expanded over much of South Asia for the next 190 years. The battle took place at Palashi, West Bengal, on the riverbanks of the Bhagirathi River, about 150 km north of Calcutta, near Murshidabad, then the capital of the Nawab of Bengal. The opponents were Siraj Ud Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, and the British East India Company.
[edit] Transport
[edit] Bus Services
Buses with Route Numbers1 Krishnanagar - Shikarpur via Karimpur, Tehatta, Chapra
2A Krishnanagar - Patikabari Ghat via Chapra, Tehatta, Palashipara
4 Krishnanagar - Hridaypur via Chapra, Dayer Bazar
5 Krishnanagar - Ranabandh Ghat - Gongra via Chapra, Dayer Bazar
8 Krishnanagar - Nabadwip Ghat via Fukirtala Road Station
9 Krishnanagar - Ranaghat via Hanskhali, Bagula, Duttafulia, Aranghata
13 Ranaghat - Baganchra via Santipur
17 Krishnanagar - Ranaghat via Santipur
17B Krishnanagar - Ranaghat via Badkulla
18 Krishnanagar - Kalna Ghat via Santipur
19 Ranaghat - Habra(in North 24 Parganas) via Jaguli, Awalsiddhi
19B Ranaghat - Gaighata(in North 24 Parganas) via Chakdaha,Jaguli, Nagarukhra
20 Chakdaha - Bongaon(in North 24 Parganas) via Nimtala
22 Nimtala - Kalyani Central Park via Nagarukhra, Haringhata, Jaguli, Kanchrapara
25 Krishnanagar - Patuli Ghat / Agradip via Bethuadahari
27 Kalyani Simanta - Kanchrapara Station via Birohi, Jaguli
28 Chakdaha - Bongaon(in North 24 Parganas) via Nimtala
29 Krishnanagar - Matiari via Bethuadahari, Debagram
30A Krishnanagar - Bablari via Gouranga Setu
33 Ranaghat - Kalna Ghat via Santipur
37 Krishnanagar - Tehatta Ghat via Bethuadahari, [Debagram]]
39 Krishnanagar - Palashi Monument via Debagram, Bethuadahari, Dhubulia
41 Krishnanagar - Nonaganj via Hanskhali, Bagula, Ramnagar
Buses without Route Numbers
Krishnanagar - Hulorghat via Dhubulia
Krishnanagar - Katwa Ghat via Dhubulia, Bethuadahari, Debagram
Krishnanagar - Bethuadahari via Dhubulia, Rukunpur, Kandowa, Dharmada
Ranaghat - Bajitpur Ghat via Aishmali
Krishnanagar - Ichapur Ghat via Dayerbazar, Madhabpur
Krishnanagar - Birpur Ghat via Dhubulia, Bethuadahari
Krishnanagar - Shimulia via Chapra, Ranabandh Ghat
Krishnanagar - Kanainagar Ghat via Chapra, Tehatta, Haripur
Ranaghat - Balagar Ghat
Ranaghat - Nabadwip Ghat via Santipur, Baganchra, Bhaluka
Ranaghat - Katwa Ghat via Krishnanagar, Bethuadahari
Krishnanagar - Kaliganj via Bethuadahari, Debagram
Hularghat - Burdwan via Krishnanagar
Ranaghat - Duttafulia via Aranghata
Ranaghat - Katwa via Krishnanagar, [[Nabadwip]
[edit] Assembly constituencies
- Karimpur (assembly constituency no. 69),
- Palashipara (assembly constituency no. 70),
- Nakshipara (assembly constituency no. 71),
- Kaliganj (assembly constituency no. 72),
- Chapra (assembly constituency no. 73),
- Krishnaganj (SC) (assembly constituency no. 74),
- Krishnanagar East (assembly constituency no. 75),
- Krishnanagar West (assembly constituency no. 76),
- Nabadwip (assembly constituency no. 77),
- Shantipur (assembly constituency no. 78),
- Hanskhali (SC) (assembly constituency no. 79),
- Ranaghat East (SC) (assembly constituency no. 80),
- Ranaghat West (assembly constituency no. 81),
- Chakdaha (assembly constituency no. 82) and
- Haringhata (assembly constituency no. 83).
[edit] Impact of delimitation of constituencies
As per order of the Delimitation Commission in respect of the delimitation of constituencies in the West Bengal, the district will be divided into 17 assembly constituencies:[5]- Karimpur (assembly constituency no. 77),
- Tehatta (assembly constituency no. 78),
- Palashipara (assembly constituency no. 79),
- Kaliganj (assembly constituency no. 80),
- Nakshipara (assembly constituency no. 81),
- Chapra (assembly constituency no. 82),
- Krishnanagar North (assembly constituency no. 83),
- Nabadwip (assembly constituency no. 84),
- Krishnanagar South (assembly constituency no. 85),
- Shantipur (assembly constituency no. 86),
- Ranaghat North West (assembly constituency no. 87),
- Krishnaganj (SC) (assembly constituency no. 88),
- Ranaghat North East (SC) (assembly constituency no. 89),
- Ranaghat South (SC) (assembly constituency no. 90),
- Chakdaha (assembly constituency no. 91),
- Kalyani (SC) (assembly constituency no. 92) and
- Haringhata (SC) (assembly constituency no. 93).
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Directory of District, Sub division, Panchayat Samiti/ Block and Gram Panchayats in West Bengal, March 2008". West Bengal. National Informatics Centre, India. 2008-03-19.http://wbdemo5.nic.in/writereaddata/Directoryof_District_Block_GPs(RevisedMarch-2008).doc. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
- ^ "District Profile". Official website of the Nadia district.http://www.nadia.nic.in/District_Profile/District_Profile-Details-page1/district_profile-details-page1.html. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
- ^ "Population, Decadal Growth Rate, Density and General Sex Ratio by Residence and Sex, West Bengal/ District/ Sub District, 1991 and 2001". West Bengal. Directorate of census operations. http://www.wbcensus.gov.in/DataTables/02/Table5_10.htm. Retrieved 2008-11-12.
- ^ "General election to the Legislative Assembly, 2001 – List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies". West Bengal. Election Commission of India.http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S25/WB_ACPC.pdf. Retrieved 2008-11-22.
- ^ "Press Note, Delimitation Commission". Assembly Constituencies in West Bengal. Delimitation Commission. http://www.wbgov.com/e-gov/English/DELIMITATION.pdf. Retrieved 2008-11-22.
[edit] External links
- Official website
- An article on Shivniwas by Rangan Datta
- Travel article on Ballal Dhipi by Rangan Datta
- Rangan Datta's Home Page
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Ranaghat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ranaghat | |
Ranaghat
in West Bengal and India | |
| Country | India |
| State | West Bengal |
| District(s) | Nadia |
| congress Chairman | Shankar Singh |
| Population | 68,754 (2001) |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation | • 7 m (23 ft) |
Ranaghat (Bengali: রাণাঘাট) is a town in the district of Nadia, West Bengal, India. It is situated 74 kilometers north of Calcutta. It is one of the most important railway junctions in the Sealdah-Murshidabad railway section.
Contents[hide] |
[edit] History
Ranaghat town has existed since the English invaded this country. A myth is still prevalent that the name of the town came from the bandit 'Rana Dacoit', who used to pillage this area 500 or 600 years back and he used to give pujas to Maa Kali to thank Her. Though not confirmed, anthropologists believe the name 'Ranaghat' must have come from there.There are many families who had extensive ties to foreign investments in the town and is proactive in the development of the political system.
Palchowdhury family was the Jamindars and Deychoudhury family was the jotdars of old Ranaghat.
The town is home to the famous Bengali poet Joy Goswami[1]. Yesteryears film actress Rakheewas born and brought up in Ranaghat. [2]
[edit] Geography
The town is exactly 74 kilometres north of Calcutta and 26 kilometres south of Krishnanagar, Nadia District headquarters. The Bangladesh border is very close to this town. Ranaghat is located at 23°11′N 88°35′E / 23.18°N 88.58°E[3]. It has an average elevation of 7 metres(22 feet). Ranaghat is located on the banks of River Churni.[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India census[4], Ranaghat had a population of 68,754 [5]. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Ranaghat has an average literacy rate of 84%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 87%, and female literacy is 80%. In Ranaghat, 8% of the population is under 6 years of age.[edit] Places of interest
1. Churni Nodir ghat -- The bank of River Churni is a pleasant break from the scorching heat of summer months. The recently built bridge over the Churni connects Ainshtola (on the west bank of Churni) to Burrabazzar on the east bank.
2. Siddheshwari Temple -- Famous temple situated in the heart of the town, Dey Chaudhary Para. This old temple is in existence for over 150 years. Devotees, especially women, pray here on a regular basis.
3. The Church -- One of the most beautiful churches in West Bengal, ranks very close to the Bandel Church. The fabric works inside the prayer-room and the aesthetic design of the outside wall is simply fabulous. More about it in the Culture section.
5 Ranaghat Forest -- Located outside the main township, Ranaghat Forest is a popular picnic spot.
6. Pal-Chaudhuri House -- Built over 350 years ago, Pal-Chaudhuri House is a beautiful reminder of the historical importance of the Zamindars of Ranaghat. The town and surrounding areas were ruled by Zamindars during the British period. Designed by Scottish architects and built with over 300 rooms, Pal-Chaudhuri House is a historical marvel. Intricate terra cotta work can be seen on the temples and pillars of the building. Several farmland-owning aristocrats (Zamindar) buildings remain in the town, including "Dey Choudhury Building and others, but only Pal-Chaudhuri House remains mostly intact. The buildings are privately owned and not open to the public.
[edit] Economy
The Department of Food Processing Industries of India is planning to set up a market complex exclusively for flowers in Ranaghat.[6]. Ranaghat has one of the capturing market of flowers in West Bengal.[7]
Another industry which is not receiving the government's patronage is handicraft and boutiques. At least 1000 people depend on this for their livelihood. Aishtala (situated on the west bank of river Churni) is a famous place for textile weaving.The famous businessmans are <Bholanath Debnath.Sital Debnath.>etc
IT infrastructure is getting popularised lately. All the banks in town have been computerised. The town now boasts several ATM counters. ICICI Prudential are setting up an office at Rathtala. Investment banking is creeping into the town at a turtle's pace. Fullerton India has set up an office in the town recently.[8]
[edit] Education
The town boasts a large number of primary and high-schools and a reputed college for higher education.
Higher-Secondary school
- Pal Choudhury High School
- Brajabala Girls' High School
- Lalgopal High school - separate sessions for Boys' and girls'
- Bharathi High School
- Nasra High School
- Debnath High School
- Yousuf Instituition
- Milan Bagan Higher Secondary School
- St. Mary's High School (CBSE Affiliated)
- Convent of Jesus and Mary (ICSE Affiliated)
- Brajobala girls' primary school
- Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ranaghat - Set up in the year 2007, in the outskirt of Churni river.
- Malancha Vidyapith
- Holychild high school
- Nivedita Academy
- Chhobi Memorial and so many others are there.
- Ranaghat College: Its the solo institute of higher education in the town. It offers bachelors' programmes in most of the science subjects (B.Sc degree to be offered), in arts (B.A to be offered) and in commerce (B.Com). It is one of the affiliated colleges of Kalyani University[9]. Students from all over Ranaghat and nearby townships come to study here. The college was set up in 1950. It was assessed and accredited by NAAC in 2007 and was awarded the B+ grade.[10]
[edit] Culture
[edit] Festivals
The Christan community celebrates Christmas at Begopara Church outside the main township. It is one of the most beautiful churches of Bengal. During Christmas, people from all religions join the party. Moreover, there is a famous mosque at Nasra-para, outskirt of the town.
[edit] Entertainment and sports
There are four theatres in the city. They are Surendra, Ranaghat Talkies (Dolby-DTS), Geetanjali and Pramanick. The last two have been closed down for some time now. Geetanjali is supposed to be converted into "Rabindra Bhavan" soon.Cultural programmes are mostly held in the following places.
- Najrul Mancha also known as Aheli. Last time it came in the news when it held theJunior. P.C. Sorcar Magic show. First Indian Idol, Abhijeet Sawant also performed in a live show here in January, 2006. Speculation is there that Himesh Reshammiya is coming for a live show here very soon.
- Rabindra-Bhavan - Mostly used by schools and colleges for their annual function. Some renovation is being carried out with this place and scheduled to reopen in the beginning of 2008. The earlier Rabindra-Bhavan have been demolished, now the Geetanjali cinema hall has been renovated and renamed as the 'Rabindra Bhavan'.
Attempts have been made by the Ranaghat Municipality for regular Blood Donation Camps and active propagation of the Eradicate Illiteracy movement.
Cricket and football are the most popular sports. Karate has been a great interest amongst the youth of Ranaghat since 1980s. Since then many boys and girls have excelled in this field and brought laurels for Ranaghat even from national and international arena.
[edit] Transportation
The Railway station at Ranaghat has a long history. Sealdah-Ranaghat rail connection was made during the British Period. This main line was opened on September 1862, during formation ofEastern Bengal Guarantee Railway.[11] Ranaghat-Kalyani and Ranaghat-Shantipur sections were electrified in the financial year 1963-64. [12]
From Ranaghat railway station [13] , trains travel both north and south. Local trains are available to: Krishnagar, Shantipur, Gede, Bangaon and Sealdah. A handful of express passenger trains between Lalgola and Sealdah also stop at Ranaghat. An express train Bhagirathi express runs mainly for the office-goers in the morning. It departs from Ranaghat for Sealdah at 8:50 in the morning and in the evening leaves Sealdah station at 6:25pm for Ranaghat. It takes around 1 and half hour in comparison to the 2 hours taken by local trains.
Railway ministries of India are taking steps to make Ranaghat Railway station as a station of national importance. Numerous plans have been considered for the modernization and improvement of the platforms and the surrounding area in the latest railway budget of India. But illegal hawkers and traders have occupied a lage portion of the platforms which is the main problem for getting the looks of a Model Station.
The town has two bus-stands, one at Rathtala and one near Ranaghat College. CSTC buses plying from Kolkata going to North bengal also has a stop at Ranaghat on NH-34. Buses ply to Krishnanagar, Hanskhali, Aishmali, Palassey, Bethua and other parts of Nadia district. Some long-distance night buses to north bengal are also available. People in general, though prefer trains because of ready availability and more convenience.
Auto rickshaw service might be popular in other cities of West Bengal but it is not available here. There are very few private cars.
Nearest airport from the town being the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport atDum Dum, almost 80 km from the town.
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