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Sulabh International gives Rs. 30 lakh to Kalawati - THE HINDU
Date:17-FEB-2010

Special Correspondent, The Hindu, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 

NEW DELHI: Sulabh International has given Rs.30 lakh to Kalawati Bandurkar, the widow of a farmer of Vidarbha region who committed suicide because of mounting debt and a failed crop. Kalawati had come to limelight after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mentioned her plight during a Lok Sabha debate in 2008.

The amount has been kept in a fixed deposit in Kalawati’s name at the Maragaon branch of the Central Bank of India against which she will get a monthly interest of Rs.25,000 for 20 years to meet the education expenses of her children and help them lead a comfortable life, Sulabh International founder Bindeshwar Pathak said in a statement here.

“Money cannot buy her happiness; money cannot bring her husband back. But it can certainly ensure that Kalawati and her children never ever have to go to bed empty-stomach. It can, in fact, take care of all her needs and afford a decent education for her children. She can also buy some agricultural land,” said Mr. Pathak, whose NGO has also adopted Kalawati and her family.

Sulabh International has also given Rs.20 lakh to Shashikala, a woman living in Yavatmal district of Vidarbha region who had a fate similar to Kalawati’s. Shashikala is getting a monthly interest of Rs.15,000.

Source: The Hindu