SIRAHA: Dhanasair Kumari Mahato has been living a frustrated life, while others of her age have already settled down with a family. Mahato was born to Raj Kumar and Kaushilyadevi of Dandatol in Chandrodayapur VDC-2, Siraha district, in 1991. However, she has grown only 43 centimetres and weighs a mere 13 kg.

Mahato has physical disabilities and has to crawl. However, she has a very sharp mind, said Kaushilyadevi, the mother. "Her hands and legs were not straight when she was born. We massaged her body parts. But nothing improved. Neither did her body parts develop," she added.

Raj Kumar, father of the bandy-legged girl, said that he could not take her to hospital due to poverty. The government has provisioned a monthly social security allowance of Rs 500 to persons with disabilities. "Despite certificate of a person with disability from the District Administration Office, we have not received any money," Mahato lamented.

Raj Kumar said he went from pillar to post seeking help for his daughter's treatment, but in vain.

"Our daughter can receive good treatment in a good hospital if only we could manage funds from somewhere," Mahato added.