Gumla: A former Navy serviceman, Arbind Kujur, has entered the electoral arena as an Independent candidate from the Sisai (ST) seat in Gumla. After serving 15 years in aviation air electrical engineering department of the Navy, Kujur returned to his native Murgu Ambatoli village with a mission to address youth unemployment, rural development, and tribal rights.
“During my 15-year tenure in the Navy at various locations, including Vishakhapatnam and Mumbai, I served the nation. Upon returning home, I found rural areas unchanged since the days of undivided Bihar,” Kujur told TOI.
Highlighting the paradox of local unemployment, he said, “While our youth struggle for jobs, outsiders easily secure govt positions. Our people live as unskilled labourers, while migrants from other states get permanent govt jobs here.”
Slamming the state’s competitive examination system, Kujur pointed out that “irregular scheduling and paper leaks have discouraged many aspirants, with many crossing the age limit while waiting for opportunities”.
A key issue in Kujur’s campaign is the challenge that tribal youths face in securing bank loans due to the CNT-SPT. “Our tribal lands, being non-transferable, are severely undervalued compared to other properties. This restricts our community’s access to loans for business ventures,” he said.
Advocating for long-term solutions, the former navy person urged voters to look beyond immediate benefits. “I’m asking people to support me so I can raise these issues in the assembly,” he says.
His campaign focuses on fulfilling the original aspirations behind Jharkhand’s formation and addressing the continuing exodus of local people as migrants.
“After serving the nation, I now wish to serve my people and work for regional development. This motivated my entry into active politics,” said the former naval person.