In 1995, Novi Bečej thrived despite economic challenges. The town, closely tied to the Tisa River, saw growth in education, culture, tourism, and community initiatives.
Schools modernized with computers and new facilities, cultural events attracted hundreds, and tourism developed along the riverfront. Meanwhile, agriculture and livestock faced environmental and economic pressures, and healthcare and social services worked tirelessly to support residents. This snapshot captures life, work, and progress in Novi Bečej during a pivotal year.
Culture and Library
In 1995, the Novi Bečej Public Library had 919 members: 481 in the children’s section and 438 in the adult section.
Cultural activities included:
- February 21: Promotion of Dejan Medaković's poetry book Zaveštanje at the "Selo" gallery, attended by the author and literary critics Radivoje Mikić and Dimitrije Tasić.
- April 23: Promotion of Danilo Kiš's book Skladište, with readings by actress Jelena Žigon and critiques by Marko Nedić and Dimitrije Tasić.
- May: The first issue of a literary magazine featuring works by young authors from Novi Bečej, Bočar, Bečej, and Bačko Gradište was published, visually designed by artist Olivera Miloradović and financed by the local community.
- June: Publication of Lazar Mečkić's book Teodor Pavlović – Life and Work.
- July 21: Literary evening dedicated to Stanislav Vinaver, featuring Konstantin Vinaver, actors Slavko and Nikola Simić, and architect Miša Berbakov.
- September 15 & 19: Promotions of the first issue of Q.E.D. magazine and a literary evening with poet Duško Trifunović, attended by the publisher Zoran Kolundžija and guitarist Branko Pažić.
- September 22 & October 2: Promotion of the comic magazine Patagonija and Momo Kapor’s book Last Flight to Sarajevo, with authors and literary critics present.
These events were attended by approximately 650 visitors, mostly residents of Novi Bečej and surrounding areas.
Local Community (Mesna Zajednica)
The work of the Novi Bečej local community in 1995 focused on organizing citizens’ contributions and coordinating all local activities.
Funds were allocated for:
- Road construction (Jagićeva, Maksima Gorkog, Filipa Kljajića, Dušana Miljevića, and Aračka streets)
- Water supply network (Bašaidski put)
- Sports (12%), culture (8%), civil organizations (1%), and administrative costs
The local community also:
- Oversaw fairs held after 30 years, with new facilities including a septic tank and sanitary facilities
- Assisted in sending recruits to the army and maintained contact with all soldiers during holidays
- Supported refugees arriving from August 1995 onwards
- Contributed to medical fundraising campaigns and published the first guidebook to Novi Bečej in December 1995, funded by local businesses
- Facilitated cultural exchanges, such as the establishment of the Novi Bečej – China Friendship Club
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry
Crop Farming:
In spring 1995, late snow damaged cherry, plum, and apricot trees, leading to poor yields. Grapes suffered from fungal diseases due to a wet September. Corn harvest exceeded the average, but oil shortages prevented full collection. Early-sown wheat struggled to sprout until November 5 after the first snowfall. Low wheat prices (12 para/kg) also reduced sowing. Bread (600 g loaf) cost 90 para; salt 1–1.3 din/kg; sugar 3 din/kg; fuel 3 DM/liter.
Livestock Farming:
Animal husbandry continued to decline:
- Horses fell from 3,500 to about 100, mainly Lipizzaners
- Cattle fell from 3,000 to around 600, with few dairy cows maintained
- Pigs and poultry also declined, with disease outbreaks threatening livestock
Economic uncertainty and low profitability were key factors, causing a shift toward crop farming over animal husbandry.
Education
Primary School "Josif Marinković":
The school had 26 regular and 3 special classes for children with mild mental disabilities. In 1995, it received its first personal computer, fax, and photocopier. A computer classroom for informatics was established with help from "Ivo Lola Ribar" Secondary School. The school introduced gas heating, and 26 awards for excellence were distributed, including 9 "Vuk Karadžić" diplomas. Hor of older grades earned a silver medal at regional competitions. The new 1995/96 school year began with 25 regular classes (663 students) and 4 special classes (32 students), totaling 695 students and 50 staff members.
Primary School "Miloje Čiplić":
The largest school in the municipality by student number and facilities, it expanded by 342.84 m² in 1995. Central heating was planned for 1996. A wave of refugees from the Republic of Serbian Krajina was accommodated in the school’s gym and yard (150 people). The school’s newspaper, Školsko zvono, kept the community informed about activities and events. Students of the year were recognized, and end-of-year celebrations took place in the Sports Hall "Jedinstvo."
Technical School "Ivo Lola Ribar":
The school enrolled 447 students in 19 classes, including vocational and three high school classes from Bečej. Facilities included classrooms, six specialized labs, six cabinets, and two workshops. The school introduced computer labs with six computers and planned for five more. 43 staff members were employed, with 37 teachers and 73% instructional coverage. Students participated in recitation, history, and physics competitions.
Social Protection
Social Welfare Center:
The center employed 10 staff members and provided support for children, youth, adults, and elderly residents. Services included work with juvenile offenders, children from broken families, mediation in divorce cases, and reporting to courts. Programs stabilized delinquent behavior due to economic improvements and targeted supervision.
Preschool Institution "Pava Sudarski":
Preschool education, preventive health care, and social work were provided across all settlements. Major improvements included roof and facade renovations, new gas heating, educational equipment, and recreational programs such as winter trips to Zlatibor and "kindergarten in nature" on Divčibare. Local events and awareness campaigns emphasized environmental care and health promotion.
Tisa River and Tourism
The Tisa River remains central to Novi Bečej’s identity, with annual improvements such as beach construction, five modular beach facilities, and a marina with 200 boat slips. Nautical tourism began, highlighted by a July survey for a navigation chart. Seasonal water plants affected swimming and fishing conditions in late summer.
Hospitality and Tourism
Tourism and hospitality operated under DD "Jadran," with the main hotel featuring 25 double rooms and 4 apartments. In 1995, there were 12,400 overnight stays, mostly sports teams (42 teams, 226 matches). Other attractions included sports facilities, the Tisa promenade, hunting, cultural events, the horse parade, and historical sites. The Second Parade of Show Horses in August, with 103 carriages, was the largest of its kind in Europe.
Health – Novi Bečej Health Center
The Health Center, independent since 1991, included stations in Novi Miloševu, Kuman, and Bočar. Despite economic hardships, the center served nearly 30,000 residents with 144 staff members, including 26 general practitioners and 12 specialists. Preventive care and home treatment were prioritized, offering wound care, medication administration, infusions, and specialist check-ups. A total of 464,475 health services were provided, a 19% increase compared to 1994.
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