Lathor: A girl from the state who has passed her plus-2 exams is reportedly working as a bonded labourer in Andhra Pradesh to repay a debt she took for the treatment of her father, suffering from cancer.
Manbodh Surya, a resident of Sanagurjibhata village of Karuanjhar panchayat under Khaprakhol block in Bolangir district, worked hard on his farmland to sustain his family – his wife Sitaya, four daughters and a son.
Manbodh had managed to get his elder daughter married. His three other daughters Chhayabati, Subhi and Sunita continued their studies while his son Shivcharan has already completed a diploma course in engineering.
However, things went awry, when Manbodh developed a tumour on his neck. Family members took him to hospitals in Patnagarh and Nuapada for treatment but his condition did not improve.
In despair, the family sold off their valuables including the land they possessed. However, in spite of shifting Manbodh first to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and then to AIIMS in Bhubaneswar, his condition worsened in spite of the advanced treatment facilities.
Unable to meet costs, Chhayabati approached a person who supplies labourers to various locations across India. He agreed to pay an advance, but made it clear that Chhayabati will have to work as a labourer if she is unable to return the money. With costs spiralling and with no income in sight, Chhayabati had no option, but to leave for Andhra a few weeks back.
Locals in the area have urged the district administration to come for the rescue of the distressed family. Khaprakhol block development officer (BDO) Tarini Suna has already visited the family and promised all help.
PNN