Assam Movement veteran deprived of government schemes pass days in poverty

In the bustling district of Bongaigaon, Assam, resides Siddheshwari Roy, an elderly woman who once stood tall amidst the tumultuous Assam Movement, fighting for the very essence of her homeland. Today, however, her valor seems forgotten as she languishes in neglect, untouched by the benefits of any government scheme.

Despite the nation celebrating over seven decades of independence and numerous initiatives being launched to uplift the underprivileged, Siddheshwari Roy remains untouched by their reach. Living in her ancestral home in Old Bongaigaon no. 1, under the Bongaigaon assembly constituency, she hasn't benefited from any governmental support, not even the basic provisions such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or access to a Ration Card. The irony is stark as even the Arunoday Scheme, aimed at providing essential amenities, seems to have eluded her grasp. The absence of something as fundamental as a free toilet scheme highlights the extent of her deprivation.

Siddheshwari Roy's narrative is not just about her personal struggle but also a reflection of a broader societal failure to honor those who contributed significantly to the nation's history. Having endured police brutality during the Assam Movement, her sacrifices seem to have faded into obscurity as she now grapples with poverty in her twilight years. Forced to rely on the kindness of neighbors to make ends meet, she lives in a dilapidated house, the cracks in its walls mirroring the neglect she faces from those in power.

It begs the question of when Siddheshwari Roy, and others like her, will receive the recognition and support they deserve. Her plight serves as a poignant reminder of the unmet promises and the urgent need for a more inclusive and compassionate approach towards the marginalized sections of society.

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