Baripada: Upset over lack of development and denial of basic facilities, villagers of tribal-dominated Hatikotbasi under Badasahi block in Mayurbhanj district decided to not allow entry of candidates to their village and to boycott the coming panchayat polls.
Another reason behind their decision was unsuccessful implementation of various government schemes and programmes in the panchayat. They decided to stick to a line of ‘no solution to problems and no votes’.
Villagers say the district administration has been awarded successful execution of projects and schemes, but ground realities show something completely different. People were living with deprivation.
They held a meeting Monday and made it clear that the district administration and people’s representatives will be responsible for boycott of elections.
“The candidates visiting villages to seek votes will not be allowed entry this time. We have several basic problems like lack of drinking water, road, communication and education. The village is the most neglected one in Jadupur panchayat,” they lamented.
For villagers, electricity has been a dream while they have to suffer due to absence of proper road communication. Drinking water is another major problem. “We have a tube well, but it has been out of order. We have no way but to drink contaminated water from a pit. An Anganwadi centres has no house of its own and is run under a tree. No villager has been provided toilets under the Swachch Bharat Mission,” they rued.
Somabari Singh, another villager, said “Our kids face inconveniences in studies in the absence of light. Since the village is on the foothills of Similipal, wild animals and reptiles often stray into the village.”
The villagers listed out their demands like construction of a road from Jadunathpur High School to Besarpani under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, a canal for irrigation, a boundary wall around the school, drinking water supply to the village and repair of dam and canal.
Gourachandra Mohant, a villager, said the villagers had drawn attention of the collector, BDO and people’s representatives about the problems several times in the past, but to no avail.
Former ward member Somnath Singh said over last five years, he is tired of frequenting to the bock officials and people’s representatives to seek lighting and drinking water in the village.
ADM Surath Mallick said he would ask the BDO to talk with villagers for sorting out the issue. “As election code of conduct is in force, no development work can be carried out. The issue will be sorted out amicably,” the ADM said. PNN
