Bargarh: An elderly man in Odisha’s Bargarh district has taken the difficult decision to hand over his nine-year-old granddaughter to the District Child Welfare Committee (CWC) due to his ill health and financial struggles. The child, whose parents are deceased or incapacitated, will now await adoption in a local ashram.
Mukunda Banchhor, a resident of Sakhadunguri village under Jharbandha police limits, along with his 73-year-old paralytic wife, had been caring for their granddaughter since the tragic loss of their son Dibakara in an accident in 2016. With their son’s wife also unable to provide care due to mental health issues, the elderly couple bore the responsibility of raising the young girl.
However, as Banchhor and his wife face increasing health challenges and financial constraints, they made the difficult decision to surrender custody of their granddaughter to the District Administration for adoption. Dependent solely on government assistance, which proved insufficient for the child’s upbringing and education, the couple felt compelled to seek assistance from the authorities.
Speaking to the media with tears in his eyes, Banchhor expressed the emotional turmoil behind their decision, stating, “We have been taking care of her since she was 10 months old. But like everyone said, how long will we be able to look after her? The government incentives we get as old age pension and through Public Distribution System (PDS) are insufficient to give her an education.”
Accompanied by the Jharbandha Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) Coordinator Rakhi Meher, Banchhor undertook the necessary formalities to transfer custody of his granddaughter to the CWC in Bargarh. Per regulations, Banchhor will have the opportunity to meet his granddaughter for the next two months before the adoption process commences.
Officials from the CWC assured that the adoption process for the nine-year-old will proceed, with efforts underway to identify a suitable family to provide her with a loving home and supportive environment.
