This mountaineer has uphill task

Srikakulam: Karajada Bhoolokam, the climber of Kilimanjaro Mountain in South Africa, has been looking for government aid for the last six months. Karajada Bhoolokam, a graduate from Korapam village in Amudalavalasa mandal, climbed Kilimanjaro Mountain on September 13, 2018. He was selected by youth services department officials of Srikakulam district for mountain climbing as part of encouragement of adventure activities.

The 22-year-old Bhoolokam climbed the mountain in seven days and unfurled national flag there. Later he was felicitated by several people's representatives. He met Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on December 13, 2018 and sought his blessings. At that time, the Chief Minister assured to give Rs 2 lakh from the government to encourage poor youth.

Since then he has been eagerly waiting for government aid. Due to lack of clear direction to any particular department for payment of aid to mountain climber even CM's recommendation kept in cold storage. Officials have no clarity on payment provision under which account the aid should be paid.

Both the offices of the Chief Minister and Commissioner of Youth Services yet to take any decision in this regard. "We are yet to receive any communication regarding payment of Rs 2 lakh from either the CM's office or Commissioner of Youth Services," said Chief Executive Officer of Youth Services, Srikakulam, VVRS Murthy to The Hans India. "We have not received any clear direction from the Chief Minister's office in this regard," said Ramakrishna, Assistant Director in the state office for youth services.