Sinapali: A poor family of Chacharabhata village under this block in Nuapada district was left in the lurch after its sole breadwinner, who had gone to work as a bonded labourer in Chennai, died while working at a construction site.
The deceased was identified as Neta Chatria (42). Even as the incident occurred January 4, the family has failed to bring back the body to the village for last rites.
Now, Chatria’s family comprising his handicapped wife Sunadi (35), 80-year-old mother and three daughters – Doleswari (12), Ramakanti (8) and Puspa (5) – are left with no source of livelihood. As there are no male members in the family, Sunadi and her daughters are in a state of shock.
After being lured by labour agents, Chatria went to work as a bonded labourer in Chennai along with some of his relatives. He was engaged at a construction site where he died after falling from off a building January 4.
Among his three daughters, the eldest studies in Class VI, while the youngest goes to a local Anganwadi centre. The sudden death of their father is likely to act as a hurdle to the girls’ education, Sunadi said, as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Monthly PDS rice is the only source of food for the family as they have no land of their own for agriculture. A thatched hut serves as their shelter. They pleaded with the administration to take note of their plight and bring back Chatria’s body to the village.
“If Sunadi produces all documents she would avail compensation of Rs 20,000 under National Family Benefit Scheme and pension for widows,” BDO Surendra Kumar Meher said. PNN
