Gumla has seen the emergence of a new political figure as former Indian Navy serviceman Arbind Kujur has announced his candidacy as an Independent for the Sisai ST seat. With a solid 15-year background in aviation air electrical engineering, Kujur has made the significant decision to return to his roots, determined to tackle several pressing issues in the region.
Kujur emphasizes the challenges of youth unemployment as a primary concern in his campaign. He reflects on his years of service, stating, “During my 15-year tenure in the Indian Navy at various locations, including Vishakhapatnam and Mumbai, I served the nation. Upon returning home, I found rural areas unchanged since the days of undivided Bihar.” This sentiment encapsulates his motivation for entering politics, specifically to bring change to the lives of his fellow community members.
Highlighting a stark contrast between local youth and job opportunities, Kujur pointedly remarks on the paradox of unemployment in the region. “While our youth struggle for jobs, outsiders easily secure government positions,” he asserts, pointing to a systemic issue where local talent remains overlooked. He further elaborates on the unfortunate cycle where locals leave to find unskilled labor elsewhere and return without improved prospects, while migrants from other states find stable employment in the area.
Kujur also critiques the state’s competitive examination system, noting that irregular scheduling and paper leaks have led to disillusionment among job seekers. Many individuals, he claims, find themselves aging out of opportunities while waiting for exams to be conducted, effectively robbing them of their chances at government jobs.
Another critical issue on Kujur’s agenda is the barriers facing tribal youth in accessing bank loans, primarily due to the provisions of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT) and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (SPT). He underscores the impact of land ownership laws, stating, “Our tribal lands, being non-transferable, are severely undervalued compared to other properties. This restricts our community’s access to substantial loans for business ventures.” This, he argues, stifles economic growth and self-sufficiency within the tribal population.
In his campaign, Kujur is advocating for long-term solutions rather than quick fixes, urging voters to consider the broader implications of their support. “I’m asking people to support me so I can forcefully raise these issues in the assembly,” he insists, reinforcing his commitment to addressing the real issues that affect the local populace.
His ambitions align closely with the foundational goals of Jharkhand’s creation, as he seeks to curb the ongoing migration of local residents seeking better opportunities elsewhere. “After serving the nation, I now wish to serve my people and work for regional development. This motivated my entry into active politics,” concludes Kujur, as he actively seeks to rally support from local voters in the lead-up to the elections.
