BiswanathKhara, a skilled mason, aged about 35 years belongs to Karadabadi village under Khairput Block of Malkangiri, returned from Andhra Pradesh two months back owing to the outspread of COVID-19 pandemic all over the country. Following the lockdown situation everywhere, declared by the government, he left the masonry job and made up his mid to return homeland to see his family members first and find out a job somewhere nearby his community. Biswanath’s family comprises of wife Sumi, two daughters Lata&Bati and two sons Bali & Kuna. Unfortunately, while entering his village he was caught by the police and had to spend 14 days in Panchayat TMC. While under quarantine at TMC, Khairput Block being the partnering area of CYSD, he was sensitised by its volunteers on how to keep away from the deadly coronavirus following social/physical distancing, practicing hand wash and sanitization, etc. He also gathered information on how to get instant employment under MGNREGS for the survival of his family.

Being inspired by the GP functionaries and the volunteers of CYSD, Biswanath put job demand in his Panchayat office and was called to join the earthwork for construction of village road under MGNERGS. Getting engagement as daily labourer @207 per day, Biswanath was bit ashamed while comparing his past income against the existing job available nearer by his community.

Suppressing the inner feelings and blaming his destiny, Biswanath continued to engage himself in road construction work along with his fellow beings under MGNREGS and could earn around Rs. 7245/- in first 35 days. Out of the earned money he repaid Rs.2000/- as hand loan taken from Sahukar and purchased new clothes for his wife and children along with rations to survive for a month or so.

Receiving further support and guidance from CYSD volunteers, Biswanth has recently planned to rebuild his goat-shed to revive goat rearing and accordingly has submitted an application to Panchayat functionaries which is likely to be approved soon. Besides, as a potential beneficiary his family has been included under ‘MO BAGICHA’ program. Sumi, his wife inherits the skill of promoting backyard vegetable garden which she had learnt from her in-laws. Sumi will undertake this work which can further ensure 33 man-days to substantiate the family’s income.

The story not only speaks about Biswanath  but also about more than hundreds of families who have resettled their life and livelihoods cooping the current pandemic changing scenario. Many migrant returnees like Biswanath have started negotiating to resettle their lives under the new curve of MGNREGS.