Dhenkanal, May 27: An elderly woman from Odisha’s Dhenkanal district has sought help from the administration for her eight-year-old differently-abled grandson, who has been battling severe health issues since birth. Unable to walk or sit properly, the child is being raised solely by his 70-year-old grandmother amid extreme poverty and hardship.

The incident has been reported from Mathkaragola village under Bhuban block in Dhenkanal district. The elderly woman, identified as Juluki Naik, travelled nearly 50 kilometres carrying her grandson to meet the District Collector and seek assistance for the child’s treatment and rehabilitation.

According to sources, Juluki’s daughter-in-law had abandoned the family years ago and eloped with another man. Distressed by the incident, her son reportedly lost his mental balance and went missing nearly eight years ago. Since then, Juluki has been taking care of her grandson, who was just a year old at the time.

Despite consulting doctors, the child’s condition has not improved. The grandmother and grandson are reportedly living in a dilapidated house and surviving on a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 and 5 kg of rice provided under government welfare schemes. Villagers said lack of proper treatment and nutrition has worsened the child’s condition.

Adding to their plight, the child does not have an Aadhaar card even at the age of eight, depriving him of several government benefits, including disability assistance.

Taking note of the matter, the District Collector directed the District Social Security Officer (DSSO) to initiate necessary steps. DSSO Naresh Chandra Swain said arrangements would be made for the child’s admission to a special school and steps would also be taken to prepare his Aadhaar card and disability certificate so he can avail disability pension benefits.

However, officials said the grandmother is reluctant to part with her grandson. The administration is counselling her to ensure better care and support for the child.

Meanwhile, locals and social activists have appealed to compassionate individuals and organisations to extend support to the distressed grandmother and her grandson.