Is Hemant Soren’s ‘Abua Awas Yojana’ Just a Political Ploy? Allegations of Bribery Surface

As the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections unfold, Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s party, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), is once again emphasizing tribal rights and welfare as a central aspect of its electoral platform.

However, the core question that looms over the election is whether the JMM, which positions itself as the champion of tribal communities, has actually brought about meaningful improvements in the lives of these groups during its time in power.

The various promises made by the Hemant Soren government—including the much-publicized ‘Abua Awas Yojana’ (Our Housing Scheme), as well as commitments related to land rights, education, healthcare, and employment—are now under intense scrutiny. Have tribal communities truly benefited from these initiatives, or are they merely political slogans? The BJP has raised significant doubts, particularly about the Abua Awas Yojana, accusing the JMM government of corruption and poor implementation.

BJP’s Critique of the Abua Awas Yojana

The BJP has been vocal in its criticism of the Abua Awas Yojana, with Himanta Biswa Sarma, the party’s co-in-charge for Jharkhand, alleging that the scheme has been hijacked by corruption. He remarked, “What was supposed to be the Abua Awas Yojana has now become the ‘Babu Awas Yojana.’ It’s impossible to get a house without paying a bribe.”

Promises vs. Reality of the Abua Awas Yojana

Launched on August 15, 2023, the Abua Awas Yojana was intended to provide permanent housing to more than 2.5 million people in Jharkhand. The scheme promised a three-room house for ₹2 lakh, with a focus on providing safe and affordable housing for tribal communities. However, the ground reality seems far from what was envisioned. Beneficiaries often report facing hurdles such as being asked to pay bribes to access the scheme’s benefits.

Although official reports claim that thousands of tribal families have received housing under the scheme, there is a lack of transparency. For instance, the official website does not provide concrete data on how many houses have been completed so far.

The government maintains that it is committed to providing homes for all homeless and vulnerable families by 2026. However, questions remain about the actual number of houses built up to this point.

Corruption and Mismanagement Plague Implementation

Corruption has become a significant roadblock in the execution of the Abua Awas Yojana. Several tribal families have alleged that they were forced to pay bribes to local officials, contractors, and village leaders just to get their housing applications processed or to speed up construction. Without these payments, the scheme’s progress comes to a halt, leaving beneficiaries frustrated and helpless.

Reports from the ground reveal widespread dissatisfaction among tribal families. Many claim they are stuck in bureaucratic red tape, with every stage of the process requiring a bribe. Despite the government’s claims of swift and efficient execution, the scheme has failed to deliver meaningful results, with corruption and inefficiency overshadowing its intended goals.

Lack of Transparency and Violation of Rights

Administrative negligence has compounded the problem. There is a glaring lack of transparency, and many beneficiaries report being kept in the dark about the status of their applications. The prolonged delays and excessive paperwork required for the scheme are seen as violations of tribal rights, casting doubt on the government’s ability to meet its promises.

Tribal Empowerment: A Myth Under Hemant Soren’s Government?

Despite frequent announcements of initiatives aimed at empowering tribal communities, the delivery on these promises has been far from satisfactory. Instead of benefitting from government schemes, many tribal families find themselves having to pay bribes to claim their entitled benefits. This has led to growing disillusionment among the tribal population, who feel that their concerns have been ignored or sidelined.

The Abua Awas Yojana is not the only program under fire; other initiatives related to land acquisition and employment have also drawn criticism. Many tribal families feel that, rather than addressing their longstanding issues, the government has only added to their struggles.

Widespread Discontent Among Tribal Voters

Discontent is steadily growing among tribal communities, particularly as promises remain unfulfilled. Frustration has boiled over into protests and public demonstrations, with many tribal groups accusing the government of exploiting their issues for political gain while failing to deliver tangible results.

Impact on Jharkhand Elections

As Jharkhand heads into elections, these unresolved issues are likely to play a pivotal role in shaping voter sentiment. Will tribal communities continue to see the JMM as their rightful representative, or will they view the party as another political entity that has failed to live up to its promises? The election results will serve as a critical barometer of the JMM’s ability to address the real concerns of the tribal populace and to deliver on its long-standing commitments.

Reference https://www.oneindia.com/india/bribe-to-build-home-hemant-sorens-promises-just-for-show-truth-about-jmms-abua-awas-yojana-3989879.html