Semiliguda: Fed up with the apathy of the administration over delay in development of their panchayat, hundreds of villagers of Renga vowed to not vote or allow any politician to enter the village until steps were taken for the development of the villages under the panchayat and a concrete road, sources said.
Led by the village committee, the villagers took oath to shun voting in the upcoming election.
“It has been 72 years since Independence, however, our children are still living a life of neglect and expulsion with no basic amenities. There is no development in our village mostly due to lack of a proper road. So, we have decided to stand against the apathy of the administration, until our demands are fulfilled,” a senior man said.
The worst situation prevails in Maligunja village under Renga panchayat of this block. Due to lack of a proper motorable road, the village, inhabited by mostly tribals, is eluded of communication, education facilities, health, drinking water and anganwadi centre.
Beside lack of basic facilities, administrative apathy has deprived over 150 persons of old age pension. Similarly, several eligible residents have been deprived of government housing schemes.
Even as the panchayat is located few kilometres from block office, officials have paid no heed to catering for the basic necessities. Lack of a concrete road has stagnated development in the area. The residents, have to go through a lot of hurdles due to the absence of a proper road. While most residents have migrated to urban areas, some brave the odds on a daily basis.
Situation turns worse for pregnant women and patients. Most of the time, the residents have to carry them on cots to the nearest health centres for check-ups. In most cases, people have lost their lives after failing to reach hospital on time.
“Enough is enough. No roads, no votes,” said the agitators. The decision of the residents comes ahead of the 2019 polls. The villagers have decided to shun votes and not allow any politicians to enter villages under the panchayat until a proper road is provided.
PNN