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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Hopes dry up in drought-hit Marathwada -Sudhir Suryawanshi

Hopes dry up in drought-hit Marathwada -Sudhir Suryawanshi

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published Published on Sep 9, 2015   modified Modified on Sep 9, 2015
-DNA

Talking about her late son Sampatrao, Gayabai's voice breaks. "He was cleaning a well to increase its depth and width. Suddenly, the manual lift that was carrying the boulders and mud from the well fell on his head. He succumbed to his injury even before reaching the hospital," she says.

Gayabai Murkute (75) lost her son Sampatrao (45) in an accident three years ago. Same year the rain stopped falling. Her family of three – including Gayabai's daughter-in-law and 18-year-old grandson – have nowhere to go now as the authorities turn a blind eye to the drought-hit land.

Gayabai is a resident of Jafrabad in Jalna district – 750 km from Mumbai and 106 km from Aurangadbad, Marathwada's industrial district that boasts of being the hometown of BJP state president Raosaheb Janave. His son Santosh Janave has been elected from Jafrabad as well.

Talking about her late son Sampatrao, Gayabai's voice breaks. "He was cleaning a well to increase its depth and width. Suddenly, the manual lift that was carrying the boulders and mud from the well fell on his head. He succumbed to his injury even before reaching the hospital," she says.

"In June, I borrowed Rs 10,000 from my relatives for sowing. There was scanty rainfall, however, and the Soybean sprout dried up. We were compelled to sow a second time and had to take the seed on credit from the market. We are still waiting for a good rainfall," she says. She adds that most families, unable to provide for themselves, are leaving Jafrabad in search of livelihood.

"See how everything changed. Earlier, people used to come to our farm in search of work. Now we are looking for work other people's farms. But even the rich farmers have stopped hiring labourers. We want to work but where to go? We do not have relatives in big cities who can give us some work. And who will hire me at the age of 75? Our village is deserted. No one wants to stay here," she says.

"My hope is my grandson Vishal. I can see life in his eyes. Me and my daughter-in-law are living and working for his future only. Everyday is traumatic experience and sometimes we sleep on an empty stomach. But Vishal's future is most important. He is in Class XII. One day, he will be a big government officer and change our fate," she adds.

Mature before his age, Vishal laments, "There is no elder male who can look after our family in this crisis. Therefore, I have to contribute by working with my grandmother and mother. I feel very bad when I see my grandmother working at this age. In cities, people retire at 60. I also work in other people's farms. Sometimes, I have no energy left to study at night. Just average marks will not get me a job."

The teen says the life without his father is very difficult. "Sometimes I feel I should quit my studies and go to Mumbai or Pune to get some money and support my family. To live each day is turning out to be a daunting task," he says.

Meanwhile, Gayabai has pinned her expectations on the government now. "Private money lenders charge a high interest rate. So we generally borrow money from relatives. Now they are also going through the same thing. I hope the government steps in immediately," she says.

Jivan Murkute, a 22-year-old relative of tha family, who recently finished his graduation in social science, wants to pursue post graduation but does not have any money to pay the fee. "I have decided to not study this year. The situation is turning from bad to worse. Most students in our area are cancelling their admissions as they are unable to pay the fees. The government does not exist for poor. Our MLA Santosh Danave had come during the elections 10 months ago to beg for the vote. Now he will be seen during next elections only," he rues.

DNA, 9 September, 2015, http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-hopes-dry-up-in-drought-hit-marathwada-2123296


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