Kaptipada: Scores of poor, landless and economically backward persons are allegedly deprived of benefits of social security schemes in this block of Mayurbhanj district, thanks to the apathy of people’s representatives and the block administration.
A glaring example of official callousness is 107-year-old Rohini Khalpadia, a resident of Barabadi in Badagudugudia panchayat.
Weak in body, bent under age and supported by a staff, she is a picture of misery. At an age when one should have been taken care of at home, the centenarian was found waiting outside the collectorate a few of days ago. She had come to the office to apply for pension, which she badly needed.
When the government has made provision of monthly pension for aged persons of weaker sections, an elderly widow escaping the notice of people’s representatives and the block administration raises several questions.
Life had taken a miserable turn for her 40 years ago when her husband died. Rohini says, “I have been pursuing the pension matter for the last 38 years by frequenting to the panchayat and the block offices, but to no avail.”
Her six-member family is struggling to arrange a square meal a day when none is there to earn bread and butter.
When she was physically able and fit, she used to earn enough to feed her family after the death of her husband. Her son and daughter-in-law too supplemented the family income.
However, fate cracked whip on the family five years ago, when Rohini’s son Saras Khalpadi (42) was struck by paralysis and is now unable to venture out to work.
The family is solely dependent on the meagre earnings of her daughter-in-law Sarasmani, who is burdened with the care of three children — a daughter and two sons.
All her children have almost dropped their studies for shortage of money.
Regrettably, despite being landless, poor and aged, Rohini has not yet been considered eligible to receive pension benefits.
Besides, the poor family has not been provided a house under Indira Awas Yojana or Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana while wealthy people have grabbed housing units under the schemes.
The BDO said he had not received any complaint in this regard and will look into the matter soon. PNN