Suryakant Jena

Who better can set a true example of the Atmanirbharata than mothers. Yes, women residents of Balichaturi village in Tihidi block of Bhadrak district have exemplified the true spirit of self-reliance by establishing a long-unfulfilled dream of an anganwadi in the area that too with their own money and labour.

According to sources, the local administration had earmarked some funds for the construction of an anganwadi building and other allied amenities for the welfare of children in the village in 2018.

Residents of the village had also approached the BDO, Tehsildar and other administrative officials demanding identification of land for the project.

However, their demand had remained unfulfilled until a few days ago when some women of the village prepared to complete the daunting task of realising the dream of an anganwadi for the area.

After lot of efforts and collection of funds, the locals of the village managed to build an asbestos-roofed house for the anganwadi.

Odisha Women Villagers Build Anganwadi With Own Money Odisha Women Villagers Build Anganwadi With Own Money

"We moved from pillar to post seeking help in establishing an anganwadi in our area but no one listened. With no option left, we decided to join our hands together for this noble cause," said a parent Ramanibala Nayak.

When approached for a response on the incident, Tihidi block chairman Bidyutlata Nayak said that everyone is interested to see the long-pending demand of a full-fledged anganwadi centre in the village materialises but due to some land 'Kisam' issues, the same is yet to see the light of the day.

"We have requested the local Tehsildar and Revenue Inspector to resolve the issue by converting some Gochar land and handing it out for establishing the centre," said the block chairman.

Comments from other administrative officials could not be obtained.

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