Jawans’ families ostracized for inter-caste marriage; Labour Minister intervenes

After OTV telecast news pertaining to the banishment of two jawan families over inter-caste marriage at Polsara Kalamba village in Ganjam district, Labour Minister Srikanta Sahu on Wednesday met both the families to resolve the issue.

Families of Arabinda Pradhan and his cousin Binay Pradhan were ostracized from village and community for getting married to girls outside their caste.

Sahu visited Polsara and held talks with the members of the outfit Rajashree Balasi Samaj which ostracized the two jawans’ families.

Polsara tehsildar, police inspector in-charge and some senior citizen of Polsara were also present at the meeting. 

Sources said Arabinda Pradhan, an IAF jawan had tied the knot with Monalika Ghosh in the presence of parents of both sides on May 24 though his community was against of his marriage. Rajashree Balasi Samaj ostracized his family from the village and community for marrying girl of his choice. Moreover, the community imposed fine on guests who attended Arabinda’s marriage reception held in Berhampur.

Similarly, Arabinda’s cousin brother Binay who is a Jawan of the Indian Navy had to face the same fate for marrying girl of different caste.

Aurobindo said, “I have written a letter to Kendra Parishad urging it to instruct the community to allow me to live with my wife and family members inside the Balasi community. The Parishad has received my letter and assured to resolve the issue soon.”

Binay said, “After having meeting with minster, assistant block development officer, tehsildar assured me to participate in social gatherings with my wife. We also wrote to Kendra Parishad in this regard. We are hopeful that the Parishad will come up with a strong decision.”

Minister Srikant Sahu said “I held discussion with local administration including assistant block development officer, tehsildar and a few members of their community. The matter will be resolved soon.”