Kendrapara: Many schemes meant for Dalits have been implemented in the district by the government. But the projects meant for Dalits have become a farce in Chandanpur Jenasahi.
Living without basic facilities has become a habit for the Dalit families of Chandanpur (Jenasahi) village of Kendrapara block. Though the administration and PRI members know about this they have never helped the Dalits.
Since generations the Dalit families of Jenasahi have been living without roads and electricity. To go out they have to cross bamboo thickets, said Sabita Jena, a resident.
The situation turns grim during rains. The Dalits generally remain indoors marooned as water rises in the Govari Patnali river, says Rabinarayan Jena, a Dalit resident of Jenasahi.
If anyone needs medicare the Dalits generally carry them on basket slings to the main road. During rains children hardly go to school. For them rains means holidays, says Rashmita Jena, a nine-month pregnant woman of Jenasahi village.
Dalit children and pregnant women do not get food supplied under the ICDS programme from the anganwadi as it is difficult to reach Jenasahi during the rains.
“Although we have ration cards we do not get subsidised grain. Nobody informs us when grain comes to the dealer. When we go to the dealer most of the time we have to return empty handed. The dealer asks us to collect the grain arrears next time. This is due to lack of a road to Jenasahi,” said Rajani Jena.
The Dalits who remained indoors during the last four days due to rains have to wade through the water of the Govari Patanali to reach the road. As Dalits do not have electricity vipers enter their houses at night, said Uttara Jena.
“We met the Sarpanch, MLA, BDO and the Collector. But nothing came out of it. During elections many leaders come. But once it is over nobody visits Jenasahi,” Rajani Jena added.
Collector Reghu G said he came to know about the problems of the Dalits of Jenasahi from a Orissa Post reporter. He said he would visit the village and take steps to provide road and electricity to Jenasahi. PNN
