A team of senior BJP leaders led by State president KV Singh Deo met family members of deceased nursing student Sunita who committed suicide on August 13 last due to non-receipt of the stipend from the Government in time.
The team met family members of Sunita at their Diptinagar residence at R Udayagiri in Gajapati district and held discussions with the family members about the circumstances that led to the suicide by the girl.
Among others former Deputy Speaker of Assembly and BJP Krushak Morcha national vice president Rama Chandra Panda, Remuna MlA Govinda Pradhan, Chillika MlA Bibhuti Bhusan Harichandan, State BJP Mahila Morcha president Sumantini Jena, BJP leaders Samir Mohanty, Bibhuti Jena, Biranchi Tripathy, Prabhat Parida, former Mayor Sibasankar Das, Bhrugu Baxipatra, Saroj Sabat besides party workers, social workers, and scribes met the victim family members.
The leaders after meeting the bereaved family held the State Government responsible for the death of the nursing student. The leaders demanded stern action against the Project Director/Administrator of the Coordinated Tribal Development Organisation who is mainly responsible for delay in releasing the stipend. When the district Collector has been transferred in this tragic incident, why the Government is protecting the Project Administrator in the case, the leaders questioned. The State BJP will soon discuss the matter with the Union Tribal Welfare Minister Jual Oram to provide necessary assistance to the deceased family, said Singh Deo to mediapersons.
In addition to financial assistance to the family, efforts will also be made to find out a mechanism to provide assistance to the brother and sister of Sunita to continue their studies, Singh Deo pointed out.
While expressing concern over this tragic incident, the leaders alleged that neither the SC/ST students are well treated nor they are paid their legitimate stipend in time in various educational institutions in the State. Besides, he said proper and hygienic food under midday meal (MDM) scheme is also not given to the hapless students.
The BJP will demand before the Union Ministry for Tribal Welfare for a thorough investigation into all irregularities, Singh Deo pointed out.Senior BJP leader Panda demanded justice to the deceased family and job to one of the family members of Sunita so that the remaining members of the family can continue their study and sustain their livelihood.
Notably, after the girl committed suicide due to perpetual harassment in getting her stipend, the State Government first transferred district Collector Basudev Bahinipati and directed RDC (Southern Division) Bikas Mohapatra to probe the matter and submit a report. The RDC (SD) is investing into the matter since August 19, sources said.
On the other hand, Additional District Collector Sunil Kumar Nayak has paid an assistance of Rs1 lakh to the family members of Sunita on behalf of the district administration.