The Decline of Traditional Industries in West Bengal: The Rise of the ‘Club Industry’
When discussing the economic landscape of West Bengal, one cannot ignore a peculiar phenomenon that has emerged over the past few decades - the proliferation of clubs that engage in extortion. This practice, often veiled under the guise of “donations,” has transformed the traditional club industry into a lucrative but morally reprehensible business model, leading to serious concerns about the state of governance and democracy.
Introduction to Club Industry in West Bengal
West Bengal is often celebrated as a model state in India, known for its vibrant cultural heritage and progressive policies. However, beneath this veneer, there is a troubling trend of white-collar extortionists, particularly in and around Siliguri. As these entities continue to thrive, they have evolved from community facilitators to oppressive institutions, employing informal networks to extort money under various pretexts.
The Nature of Extortion in West Bengal
The so-called “clubs” in West Bengal typically masquerade as sporting or social organizations, but their primary purpose is to extort money from unsuspecting individuals. From ‘pujas’ to dance parties, these clubs use every possible pretext to collect large sums, branding their illegal practices as ‘donations,’ ‘contributions,’ or ‘subscriptions.’ For example, newly settled residents are compelled to pay these exorbitant fees under the false promise of providing security, which is a responsibility entrusted to the government by the constitution.
This practice is deeply concerning, as it not only bypasses legitimate institutions but also breaches democratic and constitutional frameworks. Those who refuse to comply are subjected to social boycotts, harassment, and constant intimidation by their neighbors, often brainwashed by the very clubs responsible for their plight.
Law and Order: A Government Responsibility
It is the fundamental duty of any government to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of its citizens. In West Bengal, it is the elected government and the state constitution that are charged with safeguarding public security. Instead, these clubs are operating as a parallel security apparatus, extorting money in exchange for largely fictional services. This represents a stark deviation from democratic principles and undermines the rule of law.
Official Recognition and Regulation
What is even more perplexing is that these extortionist clubs are ‘registered’ by the government, granting them legitimacy that should be reserved for lawful organizations. This raises serious questions about the regulatory framework and its effectiveness in curbing such activities. It is essential for the state government to clarify its stance and legally address this issue, potentially revoking the registration of these clubs.
A Call for Banning the Club Industry
The proliferation of these extortionist clubs not only subverts the concept of community welfare but also poses a significant threat to the moral fabric of society. Given the widespread nature of these illegal practices, it is imperative for the government to take decisive action and ban this ‘club network’ permanently. Such a move would not only restore faith in the state's governance but also protect the rights and dignity of citizens.
Conclusion
While West Bengal boasts a rich cultural heritage and progressive policies, the rise of the club industry as a conduit for illegal extortion poses a serious challenge to its integrity. By addressing these issues through robust regulation and transparent governance, the state can regain its reputation as a shining example of democratic governance in India.