Thuamul Rampur (Kalahandi): Deprived of the benefits of a government housing scheme, Manjukala Nayak (56) of Odisha’s Kalahandi district struggles to live in a house that offers little protection from rain, snakes and other insects.
A resident of the Thuamul Rampur area, Manjukala said she lives in constant fear of snakes hiding in holes inside her dilapidated house. During the rainy season, the house gets flooded, allowing snakes, frogs and other insects to enter and forcing her to sleep on a cot to stay above the water.
Widowed nearly 30 years ago, Manjukala lives alone as her only daughter is married. She depends on rice provided through the public distribution system and earns a living by selling bangles and working as a daily wage labourer. “I humbly appeal to the government to sanction a house for me soon, so that I can at least sleep peacefully in it,” she said.
When contacted, Rural Housing Block Programme Coordinator (RHBPC) Rajendra Narayan Deba said he was unaware of Manjukala’s plight and learnt about her situation only after being informed by us.
“We will visit her house and assess the situation before submitting a report to the BDO. If she is found eligible after verification, she will soon be included under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana and provided with a house,” he said.
PNN
