Malkangiri,2nd Sept 2025: Kumari Hantal from Papermetla village, located in the Swabhiman area under Chitrakonda Block, lost both her parents at just 12 years old. At such a young age, she took on the responsibility of raising her three younger sisters and one brother. Despite her age, she worked hard to provide food and care for her siblings.
A few days ago, their heartbreaking story was published in some newspapers. Following this, on the 29th, under the direction of Malkangiri District Child Welfare Committee Chairperson Smt. Sanyukta Pradhan, a team along with Chitrakonda Block Chairperson Smt. Rajeshwari Khul reached out to the orphaned children in Papermetla village.
After observing the condition of the children, arrangements were made for their shelter (rehabilitation). Today, the orphans — Kumari, Ajita, Radhoka, Kandru, and Minati — were brought to Malkangiri by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Mrs. Sumari Tangulu and Block Chairperson Mrs. Rajeshwari Khul.
The Child Welfare Department held discussions regarding the arrangements for the children’s shelter.
As a result, since Ajita and Raka are currently attending school, they will continue their education at the nearby Papermetla school and will be provided with a monthly financial aid of ₹4,000 each.
The eldest sister, Kumari, will stay at home to take care of the younger ones. Since Kandru (the boy) and Minati (the youngest girl) are still very young, they will be kept near their home under the supervision of the local Anganwadi center and the village Sarpanch, as informed by Block Chairperson Rajeshwari Khul.