Post News Network
Sambalpur, Nov 26: The state government spends big to improve the standard of life of tribals by undertaking various schemes including in education, health, infrastructure, housing, lighting and drinking water. However, Mankadia tribals in some parts of Sambalpur district are still wallowing in neglect.
There have been no visible changes in their lives and living standards. They burn lanterns even during the day in the absence of lighting facilities. 68 years have passed since independence, but basic facilities have remained a dream for the tribals. About 90 per cent of them are still illiterate.
It may sound incredible but it is true. Television, cinema and songs are beyond their dreams.
A case in point is Mankadiapada under Maneswar block in Sambalpur district. Villagers said in the last 20 years, no officials, BDO, sarpanch and collector have ever visited the village, only 15 km from Sambalpur town.
Over 300 people live in the village which lacks basic facilities. In the absence of a proper road, patients are carried to the main road before being shifted to a hospital.
During rainy season, their problems get compounded when the village is surrounded by water and the road gets submerged.
For lack of electricity, tribal children fail to study at night. Absence of electricity has posed a serious social problem for them. They say many do not like to give marriage of their daughters in the village because of lack of electricity.
What the residents say
“I have been living here for the last 50 years, but I have not been provided homestead land. The government has not provided electricity too. We have not been registered as labourers,” says Nakul Munda (70).
“We do not have a proper road to the village. Two of the four tube wells in the village are lying unused due to contaminated water. A health centre is needed here,” says Kurtibash Mallick.
“I had an ambition to pursue higher studies and to become a teacher and educate all. But lack of electricity has come up a hurdle for pursuing higher education. Electricity is badly needed,” says Krupasini Munda, a Plus Two student.
“The government should make a provision of safe drinking water and set up toilets in the village. In the absence of a pond and toilets, womenfolk face a lot of problems. We have no television sets and are disconnected from the world for lack of electricity,” says Mathew Kujur, Sitlenpali.
