Loisingha: The state government has launched several schemes for benefits of children. However, real beneficiaries are deprived of these sops thanks to the indifferent attitude of government officials.
In a glaring example, three visually-impaired minor siblings Laxmi Dharua (10), Badal Dharua (6) and Mukesh Dharua (2.5) have been left neglected for years.
According to sources, Jayanti was married to Jehru Dharua, son of Veer Dharua of Kutenpali panchayat under Loisingha block in Bolangir district. The couple lived a happy life until Jayanti gave birth to her first daughter.
Happiness of the family members knew no boundaries over the birth of a Laxmi. However, things took an ugly turn after Laxmi failed to walk and play like children of her age. Jayanti approached a doctor who clarified that the girl was blind in her left eye.
The news shattered the family members. Being illiterate and coming from a below poverty line family, Jayanti failed to afford her daughter’s treatment. The couple lost all hopes and waited for their second child.
To everyone’s shock, the second child was also born blind along with their third child who was also blind from birth. Shockingly, all three children of Jayanti and Jehru were born blind without any genetical disorders. None of our ancestors were blind, the couple said. They were shattered so much that they are praying for a miracle to cure their children.
The couple is left with no option but to blame their destiny. No government officials took note of their plight and offered help.
The administration turned a deaf ear to their plight.
However, the couple has not lost their hopes. Jayanti takes care of three children while Jehru struggles day and night to educate the kids and make them stand firm in society.
“My only aim in life is to make my children self-sufficient,” said Jehru adding that he was the only hope for his children as the administration has turned them away. Locals also sympathised with the the kids and condemned the negligence of the administration.
“I had gone for a medical check-up before the birth of my children. However, the doctors did not reveal the vision problems of my children,” said Jayanti.
Now, my elder daughter studies in Class V. However, she has till now not availed any compensation or assistance from the government. The authorities have not even given her a visually-challenged certificate, Jayanti added.
“It’s the time of election and now every party is promising to provide compensation and certificates. However, they will forget their promises after elections,” Jayanti said. She called for the education department to rehabilitate the kids. PNN