Dharashiv Collector visits Pardhi settlement in Panagaon on Diwali, promises action on land, water, jobs

To share the joy of Diwali with a deprived section of society, Dharashiv Collector Kirti Kiran Pujar visited the Pardhi settlement at Panagaon in Kalamb taluka. She spoke to residents and heard their problems. She also assured them of priority action on questions of land, drinking water and employment.

Collector Pujar reached the settlement at Panagaon on the night of November 9. Resident Deputy Collector Vidyacharan Kadvakar was with her. The Collector asked the residents how they live, how they earn their livelihood and what their daily difficulties are, and listened to them.

Residents said Pardhi families have lived at the site for several generations, yet they have still not been given land of their own. Drought conditions are prevailing at present, and the drinking water problem has become serious as a result. Many families in the settlement get by on wage labour at a firecracker factory and in farms. There is no source of regular employment, so they face a shortage of money. The Collector assured them that she would take appropriate action on all these issues and find a solution soon.

During the visit, Collector Pujar spoke freely with the young children of the settlement. She appealed that every child should go to school regularly and study, and that parents should also come forward for their children's education. She said education could give children's lives a new direction, so not a single child should be deprived of schooling. Resident Deputy Collector Kadvakar explained to parents the free education, lodging and health facilities available in government ashram schools.

On the occasion of Diwali, the administration distributed festive food to the residents of the settlement and gave firecrackers to the children. The Pardhi families expressed happiness that the Collector had listened to their problems with warmth. They lovingly offered her some of the food they had, and the Collector accepted their affection and ate it.

The moment was an emotional one for those present. Going straight to the settlement to listen to people, rather than sitting in a government office, and sharing in their joys and sorrows was the notable feature of the visit.