Kathmandu: The Jhijha community continues to face challenges in regaining social respect, as reported by Tikaram Sunar and Chandra Dev Shah from Bideha municipality-4 in Dhanusha. Biltu Mandal, a resident of the area, encountered family opposition when enrolling his daughter in the local National Primary Secondary School. This opposition stemmed from the school's admission of children from the Jhijha settlement, believed to be descendants of individuals allegedly involved in looting and dacoity.

While Mandal remains committed to his decision, concerns about the school's status now trouble him. Despite Mandal's focus on the educational environment, Birendra Paswan emphasized discontent over societal discrimination against Jhijha based on ancestral issues. Mukesh Paswan, a Ward No. 4 member, criticized the neglect of the Jhijha community by successive governments, accusing them of overlooking the needs of Jhijha folks and their children.

Located 30 kilometers east-south from Janakpur, the village reportedly grappled with poverty, unemployment, and lack of education in the past, pushing some to resort to 'looting' for survival. Shailendra Mahato, a journalist familiar with Jhijha's issues, highlighted the community's shift towards foreign employment, farming, and other occupations for a dignified life.

Despite these efforts, locals like Mukesh express dissatisfaction, citing neglect of the Shree Rastriya Primary School as an example. Established in 2017 BS, the school lacks a name board and struggles with insufficient land ownership. Guardians feel humiliated by the lack of attention from past governments and express sorrow over shattered dreams of providing quality education for a brighter future.

Jay Prakash Paswan, a relief quota teacher at the school, lamented the difficulties in arranging teachers and infrastructure despite efforts from guardians, the school management committee, and himself. Head teacher Bhogendra Maharan (Yadav) pointed out challenges in teaching-learning activities due to inadequate infrastructure and teachers.

The situation worsened with a suspension of the day meal for students in the past year. Despite appeals to lawmakers, there is a perceived lack of interest in improving the school's conditions. Wajib Pramani, Chair of Ward No. 4, expressed frustration over failed attempts to secure teachers for the school.

While efforts are underway to address the school's challenges, uncertainty lingers. School Management Committee Chair Surendra Paswan remains hopeful after discussions with stakeholders, including the Mayor and the chief administrative officer. Eighty-seven households in the settlement belong to the Paswan community, with 20 belonging to the Mahara community.