Sarpanch makes quarantine centre more than home
At a time when several state-run quarantine centres in Odisha are hitting headlines for all the wrong reasons like mismanagement, illtreatment of guest workers and poor quality food, one facility in Kendrapara district presents a completely different picture.
The quarantine centre located at Gobindapur Kacheri under Aul block has turned a home for guest workers, so much so they do not want to leave for their native places even after completing the mandatory stay of 14 days there.
On Saturday, when 39 inmates completed their quarantine period at the centre set up in Godavarish Vidyapitha, they were issued discharge certificates and advised to go home. Instead of showing eagerness towards returning home, the inmates appeared a reluctant lot, as they did not want to miss the hospitality of quarantine centre in-charge and local sarpanch Padamalaya Dhal and her husband Ratan Dhal.
Tears rolled down the eyes of inmates when they were seen off by the sarpanch. Emotions ran high when sevenyear-old girl Roshni Debanth staying in the centre held tightly to the woman sarpanch and cried bitterly, pleading not to be parted from her.
“I tried my best to treat all inmates as my family members. They were served food and other essential items on time. My husband Ratan Dhal was all along present at the facility taking care of every inmate,” said sarpanch Dhal.
Debadutta Palai, a guest worker from Rajnagar area, said, “All our misconception that a quarantine centre is like a prison faded away when we entered the facility. We were welcomed with flower bouquets and served snacks and mineral water. During our stay, we received all care that a person gets from his family,” said Debadutta.
Odisha Chief Minister’s Office called up the woman sarpanch on Sunday and praised her work.