Kaptipada: Sixteen years after Baya Mankidia scripted history as the first matriculate from his tribal community, the promise of education in his village remains under a cloud. More than 15 children from the particularly vulnerable Mankidia tribal community in Damasahi village under Kaptipada block of Mayurbhanj district have reportedly dropped out of school, all because of Aadhaar cards emerging as a major hurdle to their educational progress.

Ground reality

1. 15-plus children out of school: Children from the Mankidia tribal community in Damasahi village have reportedly dropped out, including the son and daughter of the community’s first matriculate.
2. Education disrupted: Lack of Aadhaar cards has reportedly hindered access to bank accounts, scholarships and stipends, pushing some children into labour.
3. 15-day deadline: ITDA Udala Project Administrator Ashish Kumar Mahapatra has assured that the Aadhaar-related issues will be resolved within 15 days.

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The situation has raised serious concerns over the future of tribal education in the village where Baya’s achievement in 2010 had inspired hopes of a new beginning. Ironically, his own son and daughter are among the children who have reportedly discontinued their studies.

From educational milestone to dropout crisis

Damasahi is home to more than 35 Mankidia families. According to villagers, several children have abandoned their studies at different stages, with some leaving after Class V and others after Class IX.

Families allege that the lack of Aadhaar cards has made it difficult to open bank accounts and access scholarships and stipends. Despite repeated applications and appeals, many are yet to receive the documents, leaving children caught between administrative requirements and their right to education.

The consequences extend beyond classrooms. Some children have reportedly migrated to other states to work in shrimp-processing factories, while others stay back to tend goats, make leaf plates or work as daily-wage labourers to supplement family incomes.

The problem has also affected younger children. Only around five to seven children reportedly attend the village Anganwadi centre, while more than ten have stopped attending, according to the information provided.

Administration promises resolution

Baya Mankidia expressed concern over the situation, alleging that administrative hurdles are depriving children of educational opportunities. Parents and community members appealed to the authorities for urgent intervention. Anganwadi worker Niru Mankidia also highlighted the difficulties confronting families.

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