GULBARGA: Though devadasis from various villages of Gulbarga are now busy with earning money from different activities, their past is worrisome as they were part of flesh trade. For instance in Indira Nagar of Chittapur, an old woman, Devamma sells groceries. She narrates her share of miseries from earlier life. Her parents had dedicated her to the goddess Yellamma of Nagavi, when she was a 9-year-old. When she attained maturity in 1992, as per customs she accepted her maternal uncle as her caretaker. He turned out to be a caretaker for namesake, and hence she had to sell her body to earn her living and beg, without many choices to survive. The Devadasi Rehabilitation Scheme which was commenced from 2006-2007 in Gulbarga helped Devamma become self-reliant. The project officers of the scheme approached Devamma and informed of ill practices and the schemes offered by the government. She was given `20,000, including subsidy of `10,000, with which she started a grocery shop. She has now forgotten her past and living is happy with her children. In another incident, Sharanamma of Yalasangi, Aland, was lived as a devadasi for over 5 years and now, she is a vegetable vendor. Sharanamma earlier begged, but now helps the needy. Anusuyabai of Chinchansoor recalls she had spent her life like prostitute as her parents had dedicated her to a goddess. She says though she quarrelled with her parents before they dedicated her, it went in vain. Now, she rears sheep from the funds allotted through Devadasi Punarvasati Yojane. Devadasi Punarvasati Yojane Project Officer Renuka told Express that as per the survey conducted on Devadasis in 2007-08 in Gulbarga, 864 Devadasis were identified. Nearly 339 women who were earlier devadasis were given the benefit of monthly pension [Rs 400 per month] and 307 women were aided with Rs 40,000 for constructing houses and other basic facilities.
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