Poverty forces differently-abled child to crawl for firewood in Singrauli:Abandoned by parents, 11-year-old gathers wood for grandparents to help them survive cold

A heartbreaking video from Singrauli district shows an 11-year-old tribal girl crawling on her knees while carrying firewood on her head. The child is disabled in both legs since birth. After the video went viral, a media investigation led the administration to intervene and assure support, including mobility aid and medical help. Video from border village shocks viewers The video surfaced from Barahpan village in Singrauli, near the Chhattisgarh border.It shows Dil Kumari Baiga crawling on her knees with a bundle of wood balanced on her head.The incident took place during winter, when the family needed firewood. Child disabled since birth Dil Kumari is 11 years old and studies in Class 3.She has been disabled in both legs since birth and cannot walk.Despite her condition, she tries to support her family in daily chores. See pictures… Lives with maternal grandparents Dil Kumari lives with her maternal grandfather Ram Brij Baiga and grandmother Sonmati Baiga.Her mother, Urmila Baiga, has four children.Due to Dil Kumari’s disability, her grandparents took responsibility for raising her. Grandfather explains why she went for firewood Grandfather Ram Brij Baiga became emotional while speaking about the video.He said they never asked the child to bring firewood from the forest. He believes she went on her own, thinking her grandparents needed warmth during the cold. Repeated appeals for help ignored The grandfather said he had approached the sarpanch and local representatives many times.He sought help at the panchayat level but received no concrete assistance.The family continues to live in poverty while the child struggles with her disability and studies. Congress leaders visit after video goes viral After the video spread on social media and received millions of views, Congress leaders reached the village.Leader Surya Dwivedi said sharing the video was not enough and action was needed.He assured that if government help is delayed, assistance will be provided at a personal level. Administration steps in after media report After the issue was highlighted by Dainik Bhaskar, the administration took action on Friday.The girl and her family were called to the district headquarters.The Red Cross Society provided her with a tricycle to help with mobility. Medical treatment and schemes assured Additional CEO of the District Panchayat, IB Damor, said the girl’s health check-up is underway.Arrangements are being made for treatment and possible surgery.He added that all eligible benefits under government schemes will be provided to Dil Kumari.