Don’t need anything for myself, give jobs to my sons: Mathura

NAGPUR: Half a century passed bearing a trauma that had revolutionised anti-rape laws in India and saved thousands of identities from being exposed to shame, but when TOI’s story on her plight put her back on the spotlight, Mathura forgot about her hardship and sought help for her two sons.On Tuesday, when Chandrapur district collector Vinay Gowda stepped into her ramshackle home in a tiny hamlet in east Maharashtra and wanted to know how he could help her, she demanded nothing, only jobs for her sons.Gowda and his team, surprised by her selflessness, have now begun planning contractual openings or business grants for her sons. “The younger of the two seemed proactive. We can think of helping him start a shop or a goat-rearing business,” said Gowda, who handed over a cheque of Rs8 lakh to Mathura. The cheque was given to the bank manager, who was in Gowda’s team.”The cheque has been deposited and a fixed deposit opened, which would need the tehsildar’s nod to encash. She would now get Rs5,000 per month as interest,” said Gowda, who reached Mathura’s home amid his tight schedule on a polling day in the district.Gowda further stated the govt would extend a grant under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to build a home at the same place, where Mathura lives. The gram panchayat would carry out the construction, said the collector, who also deputed a person to coordinate and monitor her requirements. Gowda stated he’s also contemplating helping Mathura get land under a scheme for the tribal population. “Up to Rs 20 lakh grant can be allocated for 3-4 acres of land,” said the collector, adding her ration card has been updated to ensure 30kg of grains, while benefits under the Niradhar Yojana would resume too.Mathura’s custodial rape in 1972 triggered nationwide protests and ushered legal reforms. The fire was rekindled by the outgoing Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, during a speech at a lecture series in Delhi.TOI’s story on Mathura’s impoverished life paved the way for nationwide concern and help poured in from various corners of the country. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also took cognisance and showed keenness to help.