By Mewati Sitaram
A delegation from the Valmiki community, representing the Bahujan Vikas Sangh, met with the newly elected Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Washim Constituency, Shri Shyam Ramcharan Khode, at The Ambassador Hotel in Mumbai. This significant meeting aimed to bring attention to several key issues affecting the community.
During the meeting, the delegation presented a comprehensive memorandum to MLA Khode, highlighting their long-standing grievances and concerns. Key issues included the ongoing delays in the issuance of caste certificates, a significant challenge for many members of the Valmiki community. They also raised the matter of the backlog in filling vacancies for compassionate appointments, an unresolved issue causing considerable hardship for numerous families. The memorandum further outlined several other critical issues affecting the community, urging immediate action and resolution from the government.
In addition, social activist Praveen Gohar submitted a memorandum proposing the joint naming of the Vidhan Bhavan Metro station as “Maharshi Valmiki Chowk Vidhan Bhavan.” This area, where the Vidhan Bhavan Metro station is located, is already known as Maharshi Valmiki Chowk. Gohar’s proposal seeks to honor this tradition while also recognizing the historical importance of the location, reflecting the growing trend of dual naming at various metro stations across the city.
This meeting marked another important step in the ongoing efforts to highlight and resolve the challenges faced by the Valmiki community, with MLA Khode offering his full support in taking these issues forward with the relevant authorities.
It is noteworthy that MLA Shyam Ramcharan Khode himself hails from the Valmiki community and has been a vocal advocate for their rights and welfare. As someone who deeply understands the struggles faced by his community, he has been at the forefront of addressing these issues across various platforms, working to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed at the political and administrative levels. His support for the Valmiki community has been unwavering, and his leadership is seen as a beacon of hope for those advocating for the community’s rights and progress.
Ganga Das Valmiki shared his happiness and pride, stating, “We are thrilled that an MLA from our community has won the election. Now, we have a representative who understands our concerns and can raise them on various platforms. This is a significant moment for us, as we have someone who can advocate for our needs and challenges. His leadership will ensure that the difficulties faced by our community are resolved on a priority basis.”
MLA Shyam Ramcharan Khode expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am truly thankful to the BJP high command for placing their trust in me by giving me the opportunity to contest the election. Winning with a significant margin is a testament to the confidence that the people of my constituency have in me, and I am deeply honored. It is a privilege to connect with the members of my community in Mumbai.”
He added, “I am committed to addressing their concerns and will work diligently to raise the issues affecting our community with the government, ensuring that these matters are taken to their logical conclusion. My focus will always be on advocating for the welfare and progress of my people, ensuring that their voices are heard and acted upon at every level.”
During the meeting, Rakesh Baid, General Manager of Mahatma Phule Backward Class Development Corporation Limited, expressed his commitment to addressing the issues of the Valmiki community, stating, “Our goal is to ensure that all concerns related to the Valmiki community are resolved in accordance with state government directives and rules. As a government body, we are dedicated to resolving these issues within the established framework. We will prioritize the honorable MLA’s concerns and work diligently to address them within a specific time frame, ensuring swift and effective solutions.”
The meeting was attended by a dedicated group of individuals, including Naresh Bhagwane, Ganga Das Valmiki, Arun Chauhan, Naresh Bohit, Praveen Gohar, Rajesh Khatri, Vikram Gohar, Prabhakar Gheghat, Vinod Chauhan, Dinesh Chauhan, Ashok Solanki, Manohar Kandaren, Dhiraj Birdia, Ramesh Chauhan, Shital Magwana, Bhagwat Mehroliya, and several other community workers.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
