New Delhi, Nov 4 (Masarrat.com): Highlighting the various problems facing Seemanchal, senior Congress leader and Forbesganj MLA Manoj Vishwas said that collective efforts were necessary to address the region's educational, social and economic challenges, as well as the problem of unemployment.

He was speaking at a reception organised in his honour by the Seemanchal Circle of Delhi (SCD) here.

He said education was the biggest challenge facing Seemanchal, particularly in minority-dominated areas, where the condition of schools was extremely poor. He said he had made efforts to improve the situation to a considerable extent, but much remained to be done. No community could progress without education, and therefore, the highest priority must be given to it, he added.

Vishwas said unemployment was the second biggest problem in Seemanchal, and its solution largely depended on government initiatives. However, people from the region who were running businesses outside Bihar should also focus on Seemanchal and establish factories and industries there.

He said Seemanchal was also grappling with recurring floods and a growing problem of drug abuse, which was destroying the future of young people. Instead of pursuing education and seeking employment, many youngsters were falling prey to addiction. He stressed the need for a vigorous campaign against drug abuse, warning that failure to collectively confront the menace at this stage would seriously harm future generations.

Strongly criticising the government's alleged discriminatory approach, Vishwas said madrasas in Seemanchal were being unnecessarily targeted and harassed. The administration's double standards must come to an end, he said.

M Shamsuz Zuha, Chairman of Sahyog Urban Thrift and Credit Cooperative Society Limited, said neither Bihar nor the country could achieve meaningful development without the progress of Seemanchal. The region was known for its products such as makhana, pineapple and maize. Setting up food-processing units could generate employment and help address unemployment in the area, he said.

He also announced a contribution of Rs 25,000 from his side towards providing accommodation for the people of Seemanchal.

Abid Anwar, President of Seemanchal Circle of Delhi and senior journalist with UNI, said Seemanchal was among the most neglected regions of the country. Despite being a border region, which should have received special attention for development, successive governments had kept it marginalised and deprived it of educational, social, political and economic progress.

He also highlighted the region's recurring annual floods, unemployment, healthcare and education-related problems. He raised the issue of obstructed water flow and the need to address it.

Maulana Ikramul Haq Qasmi, Chairman of Quran Academy, drew attention to the problems faced by madrasas in Seemanchal. He alleged that the government was unnecessarily harassing madrasa authorities by demanding irrelevant documents and called for corrective measures.

Referring to the dilapidated condition of schools in the region, he said the education system had deteriorated and schools lacked essential basic facilities.

Maulana Nisar Ahmad Nadwi also highlighted the various problems of the region and appealed for concrete steps to resolve them. He said it was a pleasure to welcome the MLA and expressed hope that he would work actively towards addressing the region's challenges.

Dr Shamim Ahmad Nadwi introduced the Seemanchal Circle of Delhi and outlined its activities and contributions.

Conducting the programme, SCD General Secretary Dr Mehrban Falahi welcomed the guests and expressed hope that MLA Manoj Vishwas would emerge as an ambassador of development for the region. He said the people of Seemanchal had high expectations of him.

The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hamad. Among those present were Jahangir Falahi, Riyaz Mukhia, Danish Mohsin, Amjad Nadwi, Zafar Kamal, Imran and several other prominent personalities.