Monco GP remains backward

Rourkela: Administrative apathy has taken a toll on the development of the Monco Gram Panchayat under Bisra Block. Consequently, 439 residents belonging to Oram and Mahato tribes have been facing a host of problems with many of them excluded from coverage of various welfare schemes.

The tribal people living in two clusters are deprived of facilities including drinking water, electricity, Health, proper education for children, old-age pension and different government schemes.

Though their village is only 5 km from the block headquarters, sadly they are reeling under backwardness. They depend on farming and woods from jungles for their livelihood. Many elderly persons like Gangi Oram (62) and Budhua Oram (70), alleged that they have been left out of BPL card and old age pension.

Subha Mahato, an anganwadi worker, fumed, “We have a lot of problems, but nothing is being done for their solution.” She alleged that even though BPL survey was conducted, the tribal families have not have been included in the scheme. “After a gap of seven months, some beneficiaries have been provided with rice and sugar”, she added.

The anganwadi centre, where Subha is working, cries out for repair. This has posed dangers to small children studying here while another room adjacent to the anganwadi centre is in a dilapidated condition needs to be demolished soon.

Subha stated that despite several reminders to the concerned authorities, no steps are being taken for its repair. With the health centre in the village remaining non-functional, people have to go to Bisra CHC. Malaria in the area has emerged as a menace in the absence of healthcare facilities.

Laxmi Mahato, a resident, said for the first time, Palli Sabha was conducted in the village. Still no information on any schemes was being informed by the officials alleged Laxmi with anger.

The area needs more tube-wells while Piped Water Supply to Monco does not cater to the needs of the people. The tribal village does not have a high school while children have to go to Bersuan, about six km from the village, Laxmi said.

People are not provided work under MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme), she alleged, saying people are forced to go outstations in search of livelihood and added that roads are in deplorable condition and a road under PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna) has remained incomplete.

Surprisingly, executive officer of Monco GP, D Bhumiz, is not aware of the schemes including BPL being implemented in the village.