Jamshedpur DC initiates comprehensive support for Sabar families

Regular counseling program to empower Sabar families and combat drug addiction: DC

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, May 16: District Deputy Commissioner, Vijaya Jadhav visited the Sabar families in Kashitad Sabar Tola located under Bonta Panchayat of Bodam block to assess their access to government schemes and benefits. Upon witnessing the challenging living conditions of the Sabar families, who reside approximately one kilometer away from the main road in the foothills of Dalma mountain, the Deputy Commissioner expressed deep concern. She promptly instructed the officers present on-site to ensure that these families are included in all public welfare schemes of the government. Additionally, she directed the organization of regular health check-up camps for their benefit.

During the visit, all Sabar children and women underwent hemoglobin tests on the spot. One woman was identified as malnourished and was immediately referred to the District Social Welfare Officer for admission to the MTC (Medical Treatment Center).

The Deputy Commissioner ensured that job cards were issued for all the families in Sabar Tola. Moreover, she instructed the allocation of a cow to a beneficiary of the cow shed within seven days. Simultaneously, she directed the connection of all 13 families to goat rearing for the purpose of self-employment.

While seven families already possessed Ayushman cards, the remaining families were instructed to obtain them as well. Under the Postman scheme, food grains are delivered directly to the doorsteps of all the families. Electricity is also provided in the village, and there is an awareness campaign about government schemes to facilitate the Sabar families in availing themselves of the available benefits.

The Deputy Commissioner instructed the BDO, CO, and Panchayat representatives to visit Sabar Tola regularly. Additionally, Anganwadi workers and helpers were directed to dedicate a day to visiting Sabar Tola, teaching good habits to the children, distributing nutritious food, and ensuring their educational needs are met.

Although the eligible beneficiaries of all the families had received pension approval, they had not withdrawn the amount from their bank accounts for the past six to seven months. The BDO of Bodam was instructed to accompany the Sabar families to the bank and assist them in withdrawing their pension amount.

The children of Sabar Tola had not bathed in many days, and their hair had grown long. They were found to be suffering from fungal infections and malnutrition. Taking immediate action, the Deputy Commissioner arranged for the distribution of iron and folic acid syrup, and a barber was summoned to cut everyone’s hair.

Furthermore, she distributed soap for bathing. After the children had bathed, she personally administered ORS solution to encourage them along with providing watermelon, toffees, and biscuits. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of personal hygiene urging the children to bathe daily and wash their hands before and after meals. She emphasized that cleanliness is key to warding off diseases. The Deputy Commissioner requested the heads of Sabar families to enroll their children in regular schools and promptly inform the BDO/CO if they encounter any livelihood-related issues.

This visit by District Deputy Commissioner Vijaya Jadhav to Sabar Tola showcased her dedication to addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities and ensuring their access to essential government schemes and services. Her hands-on approach and commitment to improving the living conditions of the Sabar families have been greatly appreciated by the local community.

Houses to be repaired, platform to be built

While inspecting the village and assessing the living conditions of all the families, the Deputy Commissioner observed that their houses were in a dilapidated state. Consequently, she directed the Assistant Engineer to estimate the cost of repairing all the houses. She also discussed the construction of a platform in Sabar Tola for community activities. There was no issue regarding drinking water, but the road leading to the tola required repairs. Notably, the residents of Tola consume bones, prompting the Deputy Commissioner to mention that counseling would be provided to integrate the Sabar families into the mainstream and motivate them to abandon drug use.