Woman staying in 4.5 sq ft hut from last 20 years

A woman in Karnataka's Kalburgi has been living in a space of 4.5 sq ft for the last 20 years. Having no Aadhar card, she is unable to get the free ration given by the government. Failing to provide her with an Aadhar card, the govt has failed to take note of her situation.

Kalburgi (Karnataka): An old woman has been staying in a small hut of just 4.5 sq ft from past 20 years in Gogikera of Surpura taluk in Kalburgi district.

Gurubayi has been staying in the same place for last 50 years. The house provided to her by the government under Ashraya Yojana( A scheme of Building the shelter to the poor people) collapsed during a natural calamity after which she has been living in this small space from past 20 years. After the incident, Gurubayi had built a small hut in the same place within 4.5sq.ft for her survival.

Gurubayi got married 50 years ago, but her husband left her for another woman. The society made her daughter a Devdasi, who now sells vegetables to help Gurubayi. Devadasi is a religious practice where parents marry a daughter to a deity or a temple. The marriage usually occurs before the girl reaches puberty.

Not having an Aadhar card has kept Gurubayi deprived of government scheme's benefits like free nation and old-age pension. Even after making regular attempts, the government has failed to provide her with an Aadhar card. Seeing her difficulties, Gurubayi's neighbours have been providing her with food during the lockdown. Many have also tried to explain her situation to the Govt, but no action has been taken.