Over 35 children have lost their mothers in the tragedy.
It has been over ten days since 13 women lost their lives after mass sterilisation at a camp organised by the Chhattisgarh government in Bilaspur.
The government has given Rs 4 lakh as compensation to the families of the deceased and made arrangements so that the children, who lost their mothers in the tragedy, are taken care of.
But whether these measures ensure a secure future for these children is a question bothering the families of the 13 women who lost their lives after undergoing tubectomy operations in Bilaspur.
One-and-a-half-month old Kartik lost his mother Ranjeeta Suryavanshi who had undergone tubectomy in Pendari camp on November 8.
In their house in Nirtu village, Ranjeeta's family is in mourning; they are also concerned about the future of Kartik and his elder siblings Priyanka and Ritesh. Their father Santosh, who works as daily wage labourer, is struggling to take care of them. The government has promised to pay for the education and healthcare of these children till they turn 18; they will also arrange a fixed deposit of Rs 2 lakh for them.
Ranjeeta's mother Bhatra Bai says, "We have received the compensation from the government but it is not enough. My son-in-law should be given a government job; only then my grandchildren's future will be secure".
In Bitkuli village, which is 40 kilometres away, Abhay, Anushka and Aarya have lost their mother Janaki. Their grandmother Amrika Bai, who is now looking after them, is having a tough time facing questions from them about their mother.
Amrika Bai says, "These children constantly ask about their mother, about what happened to her. What do I tell them? They are so young. For now, the government is providing for them, but who will ensure that these children keep receiving help from the government after I pass away?"
For over 35 children in Bilaspur, who have lost their mother in the tragedy, there are no answers.