Author: PTI
Publication: Rediff.com
Date: June 9, 2009
URL: http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/jun/09/rahuls-kalavati-says-promises-unkept.htm
One year after Kalavati hit the headlines
after Rahul Gandhi highlighted her plight in the parliament, the frail looking
woman wants another endorsement from the Congress leader so that his promises
to her are translated into action.
Kalavati says she needs a certificate from
Gandhi, who visited her hut in Vidharbha region and promised her a house,
so that officials do not turn their face away when she goes to them trying
to get the promises.
"Everybody knows that Rahulji has come
to my house. But nobody is listening to me. I now want a certificate of endorsement
from Rahulji so that I can show it and get help," she told media persons
in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The widow of a farmer, Kalavati got national
attention after Gandhi pointed out her plight during the trust vote debate
in the Lok Sabha. She has a cumulative debt of Rs 90,000 taken from a number
of relatives and other lenders.
"After Rahul's visit, many officials
came to my place and promised me many things but nothing happened. I want
the promise of a house for me to be fulfilled," she said releasing an
'All India People's Manifesto' brought out by a Non-Government Organisation
in New Delhi.
Kalavati also pitched for a health facility
and an English medium school with computers in her village. On the delay in
getting a house, Kalavati said, "When I go to panchayat officials, they
say you go to Block Development Officer. The BDO says it is not under his
purview." She is likely to meet Gandhi on Thursday.
