ZIRA: Industry missing, youth disillusioned

Anirudh Gupta

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One of the oldest subdivisions of Ferozepur district, Zira still gives an impression of being an ‘urbanised ‘village’ owing to poor infrastructural growth along with lack of basic civic amenities and employment opportunities.

Locals feel over the last few decades, nothing much has been done by successive governments which could catalyse economic growth and prosperity. Considered an Akali bastion, the Congress wrested power in the constituency in the last poll when Kulbir Singh defeated Akali heavyweight Hari Singh in 2017.

Kulbir claims to have spearheaded a lot of developmental works, including setting up of gyms in villages besides getting a clock tower constructed at entrance of the town. However, his opponents are vocal about the “deteriorating” law and order issues besides poor hygienic conditions. Gurpreet Singh, a local youth, said youngsters were moving abroad in search of greener pastures due to lack of job avenues here.

Past trend

From 1977 to 2002, the seat was won six consecutive times by the SAD. However, in 2007, Naresh Kataria halted the winning streak of SAD’s old war horse Hari Singh who bounced back to defeat Kataria in 2012. However, in 2017, the Congress won the seat.

Electorate strength

Total voters 1,82,938
Male 96,732
Female 86,203
Third gender 3