Journalism of Courage
1 MORE LAND TO DALITS: It was Nitish Kumar who in 2008 introduced a scheme for three decimals (1,306 sq ft) each to 2.5 lakh Mahadalit families, of whom 50,000 have benefited. Manjhi provided for five decimals and even purchase of land at market rates. The revised scheme will require additional budgetary provisions.
2 PASWANS AS MAHADALITS: Towards the end of his tenure, Manjhi extended the Mahadalit bracket, ending any difference with Dalits. With this vote bank under threat from Manjhi as well as Ram Vilas Paswan, Nitish will find it difficult to roll back the decision.
3 FEE WAIVER: Manjhi decided two months ago to waive fees for SC/ST girls until graduation. Women voters were viewed as a caste-neutral constituency in Nitish’s scheme of things, but it can potentially cause a sharp division now if he tries to overrule Manjhi’s move, especially among Mahadalits.
4 WOMEN RESERVATION: The other decision that may influence the “neutral” constituency of women. Nitish had given them 50 per cent reservation in panchayats; Manjhi added 35 per cent in jobs. Whether Nitish keeps or undoes the decision, Manjhi will try to be the gainer either way.
5 MORE SCHOLARSHIPs: Nitish had started giving Rs 10,000 to girls of all castes for a first division; Manjhi included second divisioners on the logic that most girls passing in that division are from poorer sections. This is another constituency Nitish cannot afford to offend.
6 25 YEARS ON the JOB: Tola sevaks and vikas mitras were Nitish’s innovations to engage people from Mahadalit sections as conduits between society and government, Manjhi fixed their job term at 25 years.
7 FARMER POWER: Free electricity to every farmer who owns five acres is a decision that taps another so-far-caste-neutral constituency.
8 MUSLIMS: Manjhi has announced a Haj Bhawan and modernisation of madrasas. Nitish may well have to modify these decisions but he cannot reverse it. The only thing in Nitish’s favour is that he does not have much time in hand and can tell voters this was why he could implement these decisions.
9 SC/ST POLICE OFFICIALS: Nitish had started phased opening of SC police stations in every district; Manjhi cleared appointment of an SC/ST officer in all 850-odd police stations.
10 POLICE SALARIES: The Manjhi cabinet decided to give 13 months’ salary each year to police personnel from constables to inspectors. That puts pressure on Nitish, who often talks of a human face to policing. “I will talk of Manjhi’s cabinet decisions later,” Nitish has said. “I will talk of crossing the bridge when we reach it.”
