Sundargarh, June 25: In a heart-rending incident highlighting the harsh realities of poverty, a daily wage labourer from the Kinjirkela area of Odisha's Sundargarh district has handed over his three children to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), unable to provide them with basic necessities, including food.
The father, who lost his wife four years ago, had been struggling single-handedly to raise his three young children. With no stable source of income and mounting financial hardships, he found it increasingly difficult to ensure even two meals a day for his children.
Faced with extreme distress and helplessness, the labourer ultimately decided to entrust the future of his children to the government's care, hoping they would receive proper food, shelter and education. During the process, the emotional father broke down in tears while explaining his circumstances.
After completing the required legal formalities and documentation, Childline officials handed over the three children to the Child Welfare Committee. The children have since been rehabilitated at the SOS Children's Village in Rourkela.
The incident has also exposed serious gaps in the delivery of welfare schemes. The family reportedly did not possess Aadhaar cards, depriving them of access to various government benefits. Furthermore, the children lacked birth certificates, preventing them from enrolling in school.
Officials have stated that the family has been given four months to reconsider its decision. If the father wishes to take back the children within this period and is able to provide a suitable environment, the children may be reunited with their family, according to the District Child Protection Officer.
The incident has sparked concerns over the effectiveness of welfare outreach mechanisms, as a family living in extreme poverty remained outside the ambit of government support despite the availability of several social welfare schemes. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable families and the need for timely intervention to prevent such heartbreaking situations.
