A journalist revisited Piparghatti village in Gaya district, Bihar, 46 years after first documenting a peaceful land rights movement led by the Chatra Yuva Sangharsh Vahini among the Musahar community in 1979. The Musahars, among the most marginalized Dalit groups, were then fighting for land illegally occupied by a local religious institution in Bodh Gaya. During the initial visit, the journalist witnessed extreme poverty, with families surviving on meager meals of roti with salt and oil. Returning ahead of the 2025 Bihar elections, significant changes became visible. The village now has paved roads, partly concrete homes replacing mud huts, and a middle school. Many children attend school, though several remain unenrolled. Women's literacy among Musahars remains critically low at 1.43 percent according to the 2011 Census, compared to Bihar's overall rate of 53.5 percent. Despite improvements, unemployment emerged as the dominant concern across age groups. The visit highlighted shifting political priorities, with employment becoming the central issue rather than traditional caste-based voting. Poll results scheduled for November 14 may indicate whether Bihar voters are prioritizing jobs over caste identities.
Unemployment Dominates Voters' Concerns Across Generations
When asked what message they would send to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, women from Piparghatti village gave a unified response: unemployment. An 18-year-old Musahar woman in neighboring Barachatti town, married just four months earlier, echoed the same concern. Her husband works at a packaging factory in Chennai, sending money home for survival. This pattern reflects widespread economic distress. The Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, which transfers Rs 10,000 to women's accounts, has gained popularity. Many beneficiaries have started small businesses selling vegetables or using carts. However, the fundamental demand remains government jobs locally, preventing migration. Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav's promise of one government job per family resonates strongly, despite critics calling it unrealistic.
Visible Progress Amid Persistent Educational Challenges
Physical infrastructure has improved dramatically since 1979. Pucca roads now connect the village, surrounded by green fields. Many mud homes have been upgraded to partly concrete structures. A middle school operates in the village, and several children attend classes. One nine-year-old girl studying in private school expressed ambition to become a doctor. However, numerous children remain out of school, often shy and withdrawn when approached. Most adult Musahar women have never received formal education. The 2011 Census recorded female literacy at just 1.43 percent in the community, drastically below Bihar's average. Early 1980s land distribution to Musahar women following the Sangharsh Vahini campaign marked a revolutionary step, though many have since sold these plots due to illness, death, or marriage expenses.
Source: Link