THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, May 6: Devesh Tiwari, Member of the State-Level DISHA Committee under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government, alleging that crime and corruption in the state have reached alarming levels while governance has failed on multiple fronts.
Addressing a press conference in Daltonganj, Tiwari claimed that the people of Jharkhand are living in an atmosphere of fear, dissatisfaction, and administrative neglect.
“Palamu Now Making Headlines for Crime”
Referring to Palamu district, Tiwari said the region, once known for its Palash flowers, Mahua, Lac production, and its history of Naxalism in the 1990s, is now increasingly making headlines for rising criminal incidents.
He alleged that crimes such as murder, extortion, robbery, and land grabbing have increased steadily over the past three years, creating fear among residents.
“Organized crime and land mafia activities are expanding under political patronage, which has emboldened criminals,” he alleged during the press conference.
According to Tiwari, many families are being forced to migrate from the district due to insecurity, while unemployed youth are allegedly being drawn toward illegal activities by the attraction of illicit wealth and influence.
Concerns Raised Over Education and Administrative Transparency
Tiwari also raised concerns regarding the condition of education and healthcare infrastructure in Palamu, alleging that no new school, college, or hospital has been established in the district between 2019 and 2026.
He claimed that more than 400 students in the Panki region suffered academic losses in March due to administrative negligence, allegedly resulting in the loss of two academic years.
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He further alleged irregularities during the first-ever NEET examination conducted in the region, claiming that the future of 48 students was adversely affected.
Tiwari also questioned the decision to conduct a special examination in 2021 for the 2011–13 batch, alleging that it benefited the son of Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore and raised concerns over transparency.
In addition, he criticised the exclusion of Bhojpuri and Magahi from JTET regulations, calling it an injustice to the linguistic and cultural identity of the Palamu division.
“Corruption Widespread in Government Offices”
Highlighting corruption, Tiwari alleged that people are facing harassment in government offices and often cannot get legitimate work completed without paying bribes.
“From Circle Offices and Block Offices to district-level administration, corruption has become widespread,” he claimed.
He further alleged irregularities in the implementation of both state and central government welfare schemes, saying benefits are not reaching the intended beneficiaries.
Rising Road Accidents a Major Concern
Tiwari also expressed concern over the increasing number of road accidents in Palamu district.
According to him, an average of two to three people are dying in road accidents every day, with nearly 80 percent of victims belonging to the 15–45 age group.
He attributed the accidents to poor road construction, lack of road safety awareness, administrative negligence, and delays in providing medical treatment during the “golden hour” after accidents.
Calling the situation “extremely serious,” Tiwari urged the government to take immediate and concrete measures to improve law and order, governance, healthcare, and road safety in the region.