Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, May 12: A family living at Polya in Kabaka village in the taluk has been deprived of even basic things. The local gram panchayat and the taluk administration have promised to extend whatever possible help, and thus the poor people have started to believe that they will see good days soon.

After they realised the pathetic condition of the poor family, the panchayat as well as the taluk panchayat promised to provide all basic facilities to the family of Narayana Naik.

The small family of Narayana Naik, of which himself, his wife, Harinakshi, and daughter, Pratijna, are members, relies on coolie work for a living. On February 22 this year, heavy rain was experienced in the region. At 8.30 pm that day, a tree had fallen across the dilapidated house of the family. Even though the mother-daughter duo was inside then, they escaped from danger. Thereafter, the panchayat officials had visited the family, taken photographs and promised to provide compensation from the government.

The family was waiting for compensation under the natural calamity fund but even after 75 days of the incident, they did not get anything. Even though they approached different people, nothing was moving. The panchayat officials said they were waiting for the money from the district level. However, when the media carried the story of the family's plight, officials and people's representatives have been meeting the family often.

Puttur tahsildar, Ramesh Babu and staff inspected the house. They expressed sympathy at the sad state of the family's house. They assured to release funds to undertake repair of the house within a week even though the damage inflicted to te house was less than the government norms. Kabaka panchayat said they will provide Rs 15,000 to the family to build a toilet. Some organizations have also expressed their willingness to help the family. The poor family, which was mentally devastated, is a little relieved now. Once they get electricity connection, the family will be able to live comfortably.

The family wants to build house at Balnad as they find it difficult to go to Polya but Kabaka panchayat president, Vijayakumar, said that he has spoken to the MLA and the family will be given a government site at Vidyapura, Kabaka, where all facilities would be provided. The family is relieved now with help coming in from all directions.