Youth Federation Submits 10-Point Memorandum to BDO, Calling for 200-Day Work Scheme and Permanent Jobs in Hilly Regions.
KURSEONG, India — In a powerful display of youth activism, the Kurseong Local Committee of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) presented a comprehensive ten-point charter of demands to the Block Development Officer (BDO) today. The memorandum highlights critical issues plaguing the region, including unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and educational shortcomings, with a strong focus on immediate government intervention.
A Call for Expanded Employment Opportunities
A central pillar of the DYFI's protest is the urgent need for job security. The organization has called for the government to immediately provide work under the 100-day work scheme (MGNREGS). The memorandum sternly states that in the event of failure to provide work, a monthly allowance must be paid to workers, in line with established regulations.
Going further, the DYFI has demanded that the scheme be expanded to a 200-day work program to better support local families. In a move to address urban unemployment, the federation also insisted that the 100-day work program be extended to urban areas, which are often excluded from such rural-centric schemes.
Education and Healthcare in the Spotlight
The DYFI's demands extend beyond employment, touching upon key social services. The memorandum calls for the creation of permanent jobs to fill all vacant positions in the hilly areas, a long-standing issue that has left many government departments understaffed.
In healthcare, the organization has demanded permanent appointments and better maintenance for health centers in Rohini and surrounding blocks, emphasizing the need for robust medical facilities in the region.
The education sector also featured prominently. The DYFI has urged the government to upgrade two iconic local institutions—Dowhill School and Victoria School—to higher secondary schools. The memorandum also addresses financial concerns for students, demanding that state and central governments increase their financial allocation to government schools in Dowhill to prevent arbitrary annual fee hikes for residential students. The organization further seeks regulation on the unchecked fee increases at private schools.
Addressing Local Concerns
The list of demands also includes specific issues unique to Kurseong and its surroundings:
Initiating a mission to make Kurseong a drug-free town.
The immediate reopening of closed tea gardens, a lifeline for many local families.
The protest by the DYFI Kurseong Local Committee signals a growing impatience among the region's youth for meaningful action on these pressing issues. By delivering a clear and comprehensive list of demands, the organization hopes to push for tangible change and hold authorities accountable for the development and welfare of the community.
