OTV Impact: Odisha govt promises houses to 3 visually impaired T20 World Cup winners

In a significant development, following an OTV report, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday announced that the state government will provide houses to the three members of the Indian women’s visually impaired cricket team, who recently made the state proud by clinching the T20 World Cup title.

Four players from Odisha Phula Soren, Parbati Marandi, Basanti Hansda and Yamuna were part of the victorious squad that brought glory to India. However, three of them, Phul Soren, Parbati Marandi and Basanti Hansda, had earlier disclosed to OTV that they did not have houses.

The revelation aired by OTV sparked widespread public reaction, prompting the Chief Minister and School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond to intervene. Both leaders assured that houses would be provided to the players under government schemes.

“It is a matter of pride that four of our Odia girls were part of the World Cup-winning team. Even if they are not eligible under PMAY, we will construct houses for them under Antyodaya Gruha Yojana. We have directed the district administrations to look into the matter,” CM Majhi said.

Reacting to the government’s decision, the cricketers expressed heartfelt gratitude and acknowledged OTV’s role in highlighting their struggle. Fighting back tears while speaking to OTV, they said that getting a house would finally allow them to keep their trophies and awards in a dignified space.

“With a house of our own, our families will live happily,” they said with tears of joy.

“We are delighted to receive prize from the Chief Minister. However, I have no house to keep the prizes. I don’t have a proper house to sleep in. The CM has assured us to construct houses for us. We will be thankful if we get the house,” said Parbati Marandi.

Also Read: Major security breach: Car enters CM Mohan Majhi’s convoy lane in Bhubaneswar

“I will be happy when I get the house. When I was a part of Asia Cup-winning team in 2023, the then Sports minister and Collector visited my house. They promised to provide a plot and construct a house. But that never happened,” said Phula Soren.