This Assam village in Margherita builds its own roads after govt abandons promises

The residents of No. 1 Tinisuti, a remote village under Kumchai Gaon Panchayat in Assam's 83rd Margherita constituency, have constructed their own roads—after nearly eight decades of state neglect.

Established in 1930, this village of 500 families and over 1,000 voters, home to Assamese, Sonowal Kachari, Ahom, Adivasi, and Hindi-speaking communities, has lived in deprivation for generations. Despite being courted by politicians during every election, the village remains without basic facilities: no proper roads, drainage systems, clean drinking water, healthcare, or agricultural support.

"The last time a politician stepped into our village was just before the elections. They come with folded hands and leave with fake promises," one resident told the media with tears in his eyes.

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While successive governments have spoken of Digital India and development, ground realities in No. 1 Tinisuti remain grim. The Jal Jeevan Mission’s multi-crore water project has bypassed the village, women remain excluded from the Arunodaya scheme, and not a single house has been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Farmers, who rely solely on agriculture, struggle without irrigation.

In a bold move, villagers pooled their resources and labor to build roads themselves, a task they believe should have been fulfilled by the government.

Their voices are now rising louder as Panchayat elections approach. Villagers have accused the BJP-led government of betrayal and vowed to give them a fitting reply at the ballot box.

“This is Amrit Kaal for them, but we still live in darkness,” one resident said. “We’ve been patient long enough.”