Malkangiri: Orphaned, impoverished and with a physically-challenged minor brother to fend for, survival with basics has been a big challenge for this family of four siblings.
Laxmi (13) is a student of Std VII, in Katamateru Ashram school, and is a very ambitious girl who aspires to achieve something noteworthy in life. Along with her education, Laxmi takes care of her younger siblings, one among whom, is physically challenged.
The parents of these children, Sukra Madi and Muke Madi of Dharampalli village in Niliguda panchayat in Padia block of Malkangiri district, passed away two years back in quick succession, leaving behind four minors in quandary.
Two of the elder daughters of the Madi couple were married off when they were alive and live at their in-laws’, but misfortune struck the younger four after their demise. The differently-abled child, Krishna (9) is looked after by two of his younger sisters when Laxmi is at school.
Poverty-stricken and with a bedridden brother to take care of, life has been miserable for the three sisters who said that things are becoming difficult for them, as every day passes. Locals of Dharampalli village said that the family needs urgent attention from the local administration.
“Two of them are deprived of education because they have to guard Krishna during the day. We support the children as much as possible, but there needs to be some form of permanent support and solution to address their distress,” the locals said.
Contacted District Child Protection Officer Narayan Das said that his team came to know about the situation from media reports, and there has been a prompt response to attend the Madi family.
“We will facilitate rehabilitation for the disabled child and ensure that the two youngers sisters go to school. All possible assistance will be provided to them as per Government norms,” Das added.
