Malkangiri families shift base to Chhattisgarh for 'better facilities'

Malkangiri: Six families from Malkangiri district have migrated to Chhattisgarh since last four years claiming to have got better facilities there in comparison to their home State.

As per a ground report carried out by OTV, these families have not only changed their address, but also their names, voter card and ration cards as per Chhattisgarh guidelines.

A resident of Burudi who migrated to Chhattisgarh, Tularam Madkami changed his surname to Baghel after he became a permanent resident of the bordering State. "We are provided with ration and drinking water free of cost. We have created our voter ID, Aadhaar card and ration card in this State," said Tularam.

Not only Tularam, many others have moved from their birth place in search of greener pastures. They said basic amenities like food, shelter, education, drinking water and communication facilities enticed them to shift base from their ancestral place.

Another migrated Odia Ganga Baghel has similar claims. He said that even the neighbouring State has provided them land 'patta'.

According to reports, not only these families from Burudi, but many others from the bordering areas have shifted to Chhattisgarh. However, local legislator Manas Madkami, unaware of the development, said Chhattisgarh will cheat them after they settle there permanently.

"Odisha government has never neglected them in any field. Chhattisgarh government has lured them with false assurance in a bid to cheat them," Madkami said.