The 2023 panchayat election, which is being held after a gap of over two decades in Darjeeling hills unlike other elections, is seeing a new generation of youths both as contestants and voters. The Telegraph brings to the fore the voices of some hill youths for whom rural polls are a completely new experience and spell a better future for the region.
Priya Ramudamu, 24
Uncontested BGPM winner at panchayat samiti
Area: Glenburn-Takdah
Her take: I come from a tea garden worker’s family. Even though I was not much interested in politics earlier, I realised that the rural election is an opportunity to serve the people of my area. I am happy that the party, which is supported by my family, made me their official candidate and that I won uncontested. I want to provide basic services to our village people in a transparent manner. People have faced difficulties because of the lack of the panchayat (polls) for the past 22 years.
Prashanth Bairaily, 30
Assistant manager, Tindharia tea garden
Area: Tindharia
His take: At the age of 30, this is the first time that I will witness a panchayat election in my region. I want women to be given responsible and influential positions. Men have dominated politics in the region for far too long. Until now, we only know that panchayat offices are only places to collect income certificates, residential certificates or venues to get 100 days' work, in the absence of an elected body. However, this time people's expectations are high as many believe that an elected body can do much more work for the people of this region.
Since the elected panchayat system will be returning to the hills after many years, people do not know about the functions of the different tiers of the panchayat. It is thus important for candidates to spell out their vision clearly to voters.
Sahil Sunar, 23
Student preparing for WBCS exams
Area: Kurseong
His take: This is my first vote and I am excited about it. We do not want an affluent old politician in our area but a young independent leader. Unemployment is the biggest problem in our region and this is why I believe that a youth leader is the hope for our future. People under the age of 25 constitute 46.9 per cent of the country's population, so our vote is very important in any election. I also believe that the panchayat elections are important and hence I will think carefully before voting for anyone. The government should also start awareness classes in schools on electing good leaders.
Deepraj Tamang, 24
Businessman
Area: Gayabari
His take: This is the first time I will be voting. But I strongly feel that youths should not just participate in politics, they should also consider politics as a career. I feel a youth leader can understand and represent us better. Youths can air their grievances more frankly. We have many issues like water scarcity and unemployment to address. I believe that the younger generations are a conscious lot.