As the news spread, people distributed sweets. But bidi workers were not content with the announcement of a handloom mega-cluster in Bengal and wanted more.
The new AMU campus will be set up at Ahiron in Suti block in Jangipur by the side of the National Highway 34. The campus, which will likely sprawl over 150 acres, will offer full-fledged courses on various subjects. “Our long-standing demand has been fulfilled by Pranab Mukherjee today. The university will help thousands of minority community youths get proper education. We pray for his long life,” said Tazamul Haq, Murshidabad district president of All Bengal Minority Youth Federation.
Mohammed Hassan-ud-Zaman, a local Congress leader, said, “We knew Pranabda would keep his promise. The people of Jangipur are happy. Pranabda is known for his contribution to the constituency. We also heard that a special handloom cluster will be set up in the district but we are not sure. If that happens, it will provide jobs for so many people,” Zaman added.
The two-time MP, who recently won with over 1.38 lakh votes, however, failed to meet the expectations of about seven lakh bidi workers in his constituency. “We have heard there is nothing much for us this time. It’s only that we can get more loans. One of our demands was for special facilities for our children’s schooling. He had earlier set up a provident fund office for us here but it does not work properly,” said 70-year-old Amir Hussain, a bidi worker from Jodhkamal.
“We need maternity leaves and have reminded him a number of times over this. Pregnant women have to work in the factories since there is no leave and since we need the money. We expected him to do something to help us out,” said Reshma Bibi, another bidi worker from Chotkalia.