Kaptipada, Oct 27: The lack of Aadhaar cards has reportedly pushed more than 15 children from the Mankidia tribal community out of school in Damasahi village under Kaptipada block of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. The situation has raised concerns over the future of tribal education, particularly in the village where Baya Mankidia, the community’s first matriculate, once inspired hopes of educational progress.

Baya Mankidia passed the matriculation examination in 2010, becoming the first person from his community to achieve the milestone. His success had raised expectations that more children from the community would pursue formal education. However, 16 years later, several children in his own village have reportedly discontinued their studies, including his son and daughter.

Damasahi village is home to more than 35 Mankidia families. According to residents, over 15 students have dropped out of school, with some leaving after Class V and others after Class IX. Villagers claim that the absence of Aadhaar cards has become a major hurdle for children trying to continue their education.

Families say they have faced difficulties opening bank accounts and accessing scholarships and stipends because their children do not have Aadhaar cards. Despite repeated applications and appeals, many families are still waiting for the documents.

The consequences have been severe for some children. While some have reportedly gone to work in shrimp-processing factories in other states, others remain at home, look after goats, dry leaf plates or work as daily-wage labourers to support their families.

The problem also affects younger children. Only around five to seven children are reportedly enrolled at the village Anganwadi centre, while more than ten children have stopped attending, according to the information provided.

Baya Mankidia has expressed concern over the situation, blaming administrative hurdles for depriving children of educational opportunities. Parents and other community members have also appealed to the authorities to resolve the Aadhaar-related difficulties.

Meanwhile, Niru Mankidia, an Anganwadi worker, has highlighted the challenges faced by families in the village.

Ashish Kumar Mahapatra, Project Administrator of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Udala, has assured that the issue will be resolved within 15 days.

The assurance has raised hopes among families who want their children to return to school. However, the immediate priority remains ensuring that the affected children obtain the necessary documents and are able to resume their education.

For a community that celebrated a historic educational achievement in 2010, the current situation highlights the urgent need to address documentation barriers and ensure that children are not left behind.