Telkoi: The government implements several schemes to tackle problems like malnutrition and promote pre-schooling, but many of such schemes failed to make a significant impact in certain tribal pockets under Telkoi block in Keonjhar.
Tribal village Ranki under Patang panchayat is a picture of utter negligence where many children seem to have been affected by malnutrition. The bony and emaciated constitution of children here reminds the grim picture of the infamous Nagada village in Jajpur district, where malnutrition claimed the lives of 22 kids.
According to reports, the hamlet is inhabited by 200 people of 40 families. It is alleged that given the protruding bellies and weak constitution of kids, almost all of them are suspected to be malnourished.
“The government has given a short shrift to healthcare, education, connectivity, drinking water and housing sector in the remote village,” lamented residents Purnachandra Juanga, Bharat Juanga and Rangia Juanga.
In the absence of safe drinking water, people have no way but to drink water from pits or contaminated sources. Ward member Kabula Juanga blamed the administration and local MLA for the sorry state of his village.
The MLA could not be reached to comment on the issue. Another Juanga village Baidyanali Sahi in Karmangi panchayat under the same block also wallows in neglect.
Locals alleged that 25 kids have been deprived of supplemental nutrition programme for the last several weeks as the mini Anganwadi centre here was closed. Its temporary thatched shanty speaks volumes of the sorry state of ICDS implementation here.
Locals like Choudhury Juanga and Madhu Juanga alleged that the centre is of no use for their kids as the Anganwadi worker plays truant for a long time.
Local ward members said that all government programmes have been confined to only pen and paper. It was alleged that nutritional food has not been provided regularly to kids and pregnant women. PNN
