Nagpur: When Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) missed the deadline for changing the names of several regions that have a caste-based name, the population of Gond Mohalla in the constituency of the West Nagpur Assembly itself stated that it has been renamed a locality after the Tribal Freedom-Fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
In a function on the day of independence, the population, led by Janhit NGO, unanimously announced a new name.
Abhijit Jha, founder of the organization, said Janyit interaction with regional residents.
He persuaded people about the government’s order and the need to change names based on certain caste.
In the end, it was unanimously decided to mention the settlement after Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
After the state government’s decision to regain residential areas that have a caste-based name, the Division Commissioner’s office has set a August 15 deadline for that purpose.
However, the Civic body only changed its name to four regions, mostly in Central Nagpur, – Telangipura as Santajipura, Telipura as Nagar Snehdip, Marathipura as Sahu Nagar and Bhoipura as Maharihi Nathudham.
Deputy Engineer (department of slum) Avinash Bulangate recognizes the delay and blames zonal offices for this.
So far, NMC headquarters has accepted the names of caste-based areas only from two zones – Dhantoli and Gandhibagh.
The two zones consist of around 43 locations named after caste, he said.
NMC has not received the names of such regions to be renamed from the remaining 8 zones.
“The Civic body always supports the replacement of regional names that have a caste-based name,” said Deputy Mayor of Manha Dhawde, who is also the Chair of the Committee changed NMC.
Before the government’s orders, NMC has changed its name to Chambar Nullah with the North Canal, he said.
Deputy Mayor said there were many residential areas in the city that had the name referring to caste or community.
This step will bring change in the mindset of people and it is part to eliminate the caste system gradually.
According to him, everyone has the same right to live with dignity.
There is nothing to discriminate against the caste and someone’s religious affiliation, he shows.
He also said that all 10 zonal offices have started a survey to identify areas or regions that have caste-based names.
After the survey ended, the civil body without further delay would change the name of the area by inviting residents to be confident, Dhawde said.