Keonjhar: Lack of development in tribal-dominated and hilly pockets of Keonjhar has triggered discontent among Juangas. With a host of basic problems yet to be sorted out, the primitive tribals seem to have lost all interest in participating in any further election.
“We are least concerned with these elections. We have been suffering from a number of problems for ages. Leaders come and promise to sort out our problems if we vote for them, but nothing happens thereafter,” lamented Juangas of some villages under Harichandanpur block which is home to several Juangas.
According to reports, development has taken a backseat in tribal pockets such as Kharaba, Kuladhankuni, Maragola, Ranipada, Nalo, Janheigola and some other villages tucked away amidst forests.
There seems to be no enthusiasm among the tribals this time for the three-tier panchayat elections. Despite that, candidates of different political parties have pasted posters and put up banners at some spots.
Many Juangas admitted that they only take part in elections just for getting benefits such as rice, ration cards and pension. Even boycotting of the elections makes no difference for the leaders, they opined.
These villages lack proper road connectivity while safe drinking water and electricity have become a dream for them even after 70 years of Independence. The villagers always live in fear of wild animals and Maoists. All commodities are carried on shoulders and it is extremely difficult to take patients to hospitals in emergency cases, they added.
“When development has become a dream, we have no way but to resign ourselves to this fate. No leader or official ever visits our villages,” they rued. Even the Rs 1- rice is not being made available to beneficiaries regularly. Contaminated water from pits is the only source of drinking water. Education in these areas has been out of whack due to lack of proper monitoring by officials. Many children have remained out of schools. Youths and people have to sit idle as work is not available for them.
The health sector in the area too is in a deplorable state. The tribals have no access to healthcare facilities in their vicinity. They have no option but to turn to quacks and traditional healers.
Social activists alleged that the government spends crores of rupees for development of these underdeveloped areas, but funds are misappropriated.
The Juangas said no development takes place even though they had drawn the attention of the district collector, BDO and panchayat office to their plight several times. PNN