Stop Slum Eviction – Implement Slum Policy 2011
The constant bulldozing of the homes of the urban poor in spite of filling forms of the Demand Survey under the PMAY has paced a big question among the people. The move to evict people who offer their services to the city has been a cruel joke. According to the Magistrate that to evict the poor from their huts, we made announcements over the mike, when asked if this was sufficient, we got the answer that they are living on government land and therefore they are encroachers
To oppose this inhuman action and address the gross violation of the slum policy 2011, the network of the slum dwellers – under the banner of Aashray Abhiyan marched to the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly that was in session for the Monsoon session. The gathering was very focused and were unafraid to share their pain and struggle. With strips on their heads sitting that Patna belongs to everyone and that they are citizens of Patna, people wanted to meet the Chief Minister and ask the question, where should they go??
As the people marched peacefully to draw the attention of the general public, it as rather distressing that hardly any one stopped to listen to their plea; on the contrary all were rushing and thought these people are a nuisance and they have nothing more to do!! Shouting slogans and demanding that they be given an alternative and that their houses should not be bulldozed into, people marched the long distance along with police protecting them as if we were criminals!!
The Slum Policy says that where there are 20 huts it is considered to be a slum; then why this eviction. People began to ask the question – are we foreigners that we are being treated this way? Can the government not take care of its people? People were filled with fervor and determined to get their rights fulfilled.
In conclusion after receiving our memorandum and assuring us that it would be sent to the Chief Minister, the gathering dispersed, believing in the power of the poor..