Raisuan: The government spends crores of rupees to ensure free education for children aged between 5 and 14 under the Sarva Sikhya Abhiyan (SSA). However, the programme has failed to help 12-year old Rajani Munda, daughter of Pana Munda in Rayagoda panchayat under Bansapal block in Keonjhar district.
Rajani and her mother lead a miserable life without a livelihood. Her father deserted her mother. She studied up to Class-V at Binida primary school, but could not continue it due to poverty.
Her mother has been doing odd jobs, but finding work is difficult at times. “I am not in a condition to pay for education of my kid when we have no work and go hungry at times,” rued Pana Munda.
Like Rajani, scores of children in this tribal-dominated pocket, are deprived of primary education. Locals demanded that the administration provide the poor family with a house and help Rajani receive education.