Keonjhar: A host of programmes and schemes are being implemented to bring tribals living in remote hilly pockets to the mainstream, but their objectives seem to have been defeated
as Juanga tribals of Kadadiha village under Telkoi block in Keonjhar district have remained socially and economically backward over the years.
Kadadiha is situated at a foothill area near SN Pur Goda, which is rich with
scenic forested surroundings.
Even 70 years after Independence, development has taken a backseat for
16 families belonging to the primitive Juanga tribe. Their sorry state of living is evident from their humble shanties while the housing schemes of state and central governments have remained out of their reach.
More than four to five people have to adjust in just one room. “There is a tube well in the village, but it produces dirty water. We are compelled to drink contaminated water from creeks,” rued Jema Juanga, a woman of the village.
Electricity has remained a far cry for the tribals, who have to live in the dark.
Locals said solar lights have been provided to them, but they are not working. “We have to live in the dark. There is always the fear of getting attacked by wild animals and reptiles, but we have left everything to our fate,” said other residents.
There has been no visible change in their lifestyle and economic condition. Tribals survive on forest produce, mushrooms and firewood. They resort to ‘podu’ cultivation to raise paddy.
A few people venture out to work for a living while no wok is made available to them under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Healthcare facilities are out of their reach, as the nearest hospital is 20 km away from the village. In the absence of healthcare facility in the periphery, they have no way but to resort to superstitious practices or visit traditional healers for treatment of the ailing.
Wearing amulets or something believably having magical powers are their only hopes. A hillside dyke has been set up, but it is of no use for the villagers due to its sub-standard work, said villagers.
A perennial creek flows by the village, which has become the only sources of drinking for people and domestic animals. Villagers have been left out of food and social safety net.
Many elderly tribals have not been provided pensions while ration cards are a dream for them. PNN
