Sajanagad: The government spends crores of rupees in implementing a host of welfare schemes for the socially and economically backward people. But when we see people like Biswanath Majhi, questions arise as to whether the funds are going to the beneficiaries.
Majhi, 63, of Sajanagad area in Balasore district has been struggling all alone to survive under a polythene sheet in Panabandh village at the foothills of Kuladiha.
The broken walls and a blue polythene sheet above supported by rickety poles is his shelter. Having lost all his family members Majhi lives alone. With no means of livelihood, he goes to bed on empty stomach most of the time. Housing and ration card have become a dream for him, even though he had unsuccessfully tried to get a ration card.
“Whenever I get sick, I fail to do any work and have to go hungry,” Majhi bemoaned.
His house was flattened by a gale three years ago. Since then, he has been sleeping under a polythene sheet drawn over bare crumbling walls.
Upset over the administration’s apathy towards him, Majhi has buried his Aadhaar and voter identity cards, deeming them useless.
The panchayat executive officer and the gram rozgar sevak were not available for their comments, while Nilagiri BDO Ramdas Tudu said he was unaware of Majhi’s case.
“I will look into the matter and will ensure that Majhi gets all benefits he is entitled to,” the BDO said.
Locals demanded immediate steps for the rehabilitation of the elderly man.
PNN
