In 2004, the army set the village on fire after warning them to leave. The residents soon returned and rebuilt their homes. Twenty years and a new People’s Movement later, they have nothing more than pots and pans in their name.
With help from local NGO Samari Utthan Sewa, the people of Badarjhula have pushed for development in other areas too. Unable to secure loans without any collateral, they started 35 savings and co-operative groups. A local health committee runs a health clinic. A landless committee represents the villagers in dealings with the government.
The new school, however, seemed the most promising. The government had offered partial funding for the school building, and agreed to provide most of the teachers, giving rise to hopes that the settlement was on its way to being officially recognised.
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