Development gaps and voter consolidation set stage for fierce battle in Banka – Times of India

Analysis of Banka Constituency: Electoral Dynamics and Sustainable Development Goal Deficits

1.0 Political and Electoral Overview

The Banka assembly constituency, once a stronghold of the Indian National Congress, has demonstrated a pattern of alternating electoral victories between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) since 1990. The upcoming election presents a direct contest between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Grand Alliance (GA).

1.1 Historical Electoral Performance

• Pre-1990 Era: Dominated by the Congress party, which secured victories in 1952, 1957, 1969, 1972, 1980, and 1985. The constituency produced Congress Chief Minister Chandrashekhar Singh.
• Post-1990 Bipolar Contests: The political landscape shifted to a contest primarily between the BJP and the Janata Dal/RJD.
• Key Contestants: The seat has been frequently contested between Ram Narayan Mandal (BJP) and Javed Iqbal Ansari (Janata Dal/RJD), with victories alternating between them from 1990 to 2020.

1.2 Current Electoral Scenario

1. Incumbent: Ram Narayan Mandal of the BJP, a five-time MLA, is the NDA’s candidate.
2. Challenger: The Grand Alliance has fielded Sanjay Kumar of the Communist Party of India (CPI), indicating a strategic shift.
3. Electorate: The constituency comprises 2,59,879 registered voters, including 1,37,717 men and 1,22,162 women.
4. Key Factors: The election is anticipated to be a close contest, influenced by the popularity of central and state NDA leadership versus the consolidation of the Muslim-Yadav (M-Y) vote bank and CPI’s cadre support for the GA.

2.0 Assessment of Development Gaps Against Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Despite its political significance, the Banka constituency faces substantial developmental challenges that represent significant shortfalls in achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2.1 Infrastructure and Economic Growth (SDG 9 & SDG 11)

Progress towards SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) is severely hampered by infrastructural deficits.

• Transportation: Chronic issues include poor road conditions, severe traffic congestion, and significant delays in the completion of a declared National Highway. This undermines the goal of building resilient infrastructure and providing access to safe and sustainable transport systems.
• Urban Planning: Unplanned urban development and widespread encroachment in city areas indicate a failure to make human settlements inclusive, safe, and sustainable as mandated by SDG 11.

2.2 Social Development: Health and Education (SDG 3 & SDG 4)

The constituency lags in providing essential social services, directly impacting human development goals.

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): There is a stated need for modern health services to cater to the region’s large population, highlighting a gap in ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): A shortage of quality educational institutions, with only one constituent college established since 1968, impedes progress towards inclusive and equitable quality education for residents.

2.3 Environmental and Resource Management (SDG 2, SDG 6, SDG 15, SDG 16)

Critical environmental and resource management issues threaten the sustainability of the region.

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Residents report poor drinking water supply, a direct challenge to the goal of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water.
• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Inadequate irrigation facilities for agriculture constrain the potential for sustainable food production.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land) & SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Rampant illegal sand mining not only degrades local ecosystems, contrary to SDG 15, but the associated criminal activities also point to a weakness in governance and the rule of law, which is central to SDG 16.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights a significant gap in healthcare infrastructure. A resident is quoted stressing the “urgent need for… modern health services for the vast population of the region,” indicating that the current health facilities are inadequate to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for the people of Banka.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The need for educational improvements is explicitly mentioned. The article points out the demand for “more good schools and colleges to promote education in the area.” The fact that “Only one constituent college (PBS College) was established in 1968” underscores the severe lack of access to quality higher education.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article directly points to a failure in providing basic services by mentioning the problem of “poor drinking water supply.” This connects to the goal of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water for all.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Chronic infrastructural issues are a central theme. The text describes “poor roads, traffic congestion, and long delays in completing the declared National Highway.” This lack of reliable and resilient infrastructure severely affects connectivity and economic activity, which is a core concern of SDG 9.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses several challenges related to urban living in Banka. Issues like “unplanned urban development,” “encroachment in main city areas,” and severe “traffic congestion” point to the need for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban planning.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The mention of “rampant illegal sand mining” directly relates to the degradation of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. This unsustainable exploitation of natural resources threatens local biodiversity and the stability of the land.
7. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article links illegal sand mining to “related criminal activities.” This indicates a breakdown in the rule of law and the inability of local institutions to prevent illicit activities, which undermines peace and justice in the community.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • The call for “modern health services for the vast population” directly aligns with this target’s goal of ensuring access to quality essential healthcare services.
2. Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • The statement that “Only one constituent college… was established in 1968” highlights a critical gap in access to tertiary education, making this target highly relevant.
3. Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • The problem of “poor drinking water supply” mentioned by a resident is a direct challenge to achieving this target.
4. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
   • The description of “poor roads” and the “long delays in completing the declared National Highway” shows a failure to develop the quality and reliable infrastructure this target aims for.
5. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
   • The issues of “traffic congestion” and commuters being “forced to take circuitous routes due to… deteriorating road conditions” are directly related to the lack of a sustainable and accessible transport system.
6. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • “Rampant illegal sand mining” is a direct contradiction to the sustainable use and conservation of inland freshwater ecosystems (like riverbeds), making this target relevant.
7. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • The mention of “criminal activities” associated with illegal mining points to a lack of enforcement and rule of law, which this target seeks to address.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for Target 3.8: The availability of “modern health services.” Progress could be measured by tracking the number and quality of healthcare facilities and personnel per capita in the Banka region.
2. Indicator for Target 4.3: The number of higher education institutions. The article provides a baseline: “Only one constituent college.” An increase in the number of colleges would be a direct indicator of progress.
3. Indicator for Target 6.1: The proportion of the population with access to a safe and reliable water supply. The article describes the current situation as “poor,” implying this proportion is low.
4. Indicator for Target 9.1: The condition and completeness of transport infrastructure. A specific indicator mentioned is the completion status of the “National Highway connecting Bhagalpur-Rajoun-Dhakamod-Banka.” The general condition of local roads is another.
5. Indicator for Target 11.2: The level of “traffic congestion” and the physical state of urban areas. Progress could be measured by reduced travel times and a decrease in the number of “encroachment in main city areas.”
6. Indicator for Target 15.1: The incidence of illegal resource extraction. The prevalence of “rampant illegal sand mining” serves as a key negative indicator. A reduction in such activities would signify progress.
7. Indicator for Target 16.3: The rate of “criminal activities” related to environmental crimes. A decrease in crimes associated with illegal mining would indicate an improvement in the rule of law.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com