Raisuan: Although the state government has been providing houses to the poor and the disadvantaged people under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana, the schemes have reportedly been ineffective for many people at Naupada under Mahadeijoda panchayat in Keonjhar district who are genuinely in need of houses.
Over 90 per cent of tribal people live under thatched and dilapidated huts, but the administration and the peoples’ representatives have not paid attention to their housing.
Most of the residents here depend on collecting and selling firewood. They lament that they have been exhausted from frequently visiting the panchayat office to the block office, but no steps are being taken by the government officials.
Shyam Naik, Parsu Mahakud, Abji Mahakud, Ajay Mahakud, Bideshi Mahakud, Janam Singh, Mangulu Munda and Gamia Munda are among the people who have been facing a lot of problems in their dilapidated shanties.
They also alleged that some panchayat officials had taken Rs 100 each from them with assurance to provide them pucca houses. They had even submitted their photographs several times in the past with the hope of getting houses, but their hopes have petered out after long waiting.
Several social activists have urged the district administration to provide them houses.
PNN