Sambalpur: Future in Jeopardy: 12 Families Suffer as Administration Forgets Commitments

Sambalpur: Residents of Commissioner Colony’s Bandhkhand Pada have been living on government land for three generations. They are provided with all the government facilities like roads, electricity, drinking water, Swachh Bharat Toilets, ration cards, etc. On October 9 last year, their house was demolished after the forcible occupation was revealed. The administration told them that a place would be provided for the house when the house was demolished. For the last four months, they have been visiting various offices and asking the officials for the place. No official has time to listen to people’s problems. It is recommended to go to another office after going to one office.

12 Families Struggle in the Shadows of Forgotten Commitments

Sanat Mohanty (65) and Kalpana Mohanty (60) of Bandhkhand Pada. After the untimely death of her two sons, they have taken up the responsibility of raising her 13-year-old granddaughter and 10-year-old grandson. The family runs from the breakfast stall of Jail Street. Similarly, since the husband Chintamani Mohanty (70) is unable to work, Sudhakanti (65) has the responsibility of the disabled daughter. Every morning the family faces a new challenge to survive. At such times there is no roof over the head.

Other families whose house was demolished have been relocated to Kanijuri. The villagers have complained that there are some government jobs people among them. But 12 families from economically disadvantaged classes have been ignored. They are concerned about their food and place. The women who are unable to marry their adult daughters due to a lack of a place stated in a raspy voice. They cannot afford to rent a house. Therefore, they are living with cloth around their broken houses.

During the rains, polythene was distributed at the Tehsil Office. In the meantime, the officers who made the commitments have changed. In four months, they have reported in writing to the Tehsil Office three times, to the SMC twice, and to the former District Collector twice. Finally, on Thursday, they informed the new district mayor again in writing. Women questioned the purpose of the state government’s “Jaga Mission” and warned that they would take on a more agitating posture.