Angul: In a letter to President Pranab Mukherjee, a 45-year-old physically-challenged man has pleaded for euthanasia.
Chandu Behera of Bijigol village in Kaniha block of this district has accused the administration of leaving him neglected and depriving him of government benefits despite running from pillar to post for the last five years.
Behera worked as a casual labourer for a contractual firm under NTPC. About 15 years ago, he met with an accident while going to work and lost both legs. Adding to his woes, the firm sacked him due to his disability.
His father was the sole bread-earner of the family. However, as ill-fate would have it, Behera was left to fend for his widowed mother, wife and a minor son after his father passed away four years back.
With much difficulty, he manages to take care of his family. His son after pursuing ITI had to drop out due to financial constraints.
Without a proper house, the family dwells in a thatched house built in a government land. His only source of income is the disability pension of Rs 300 he receives per month.
Long ago, the administration had provided a wheel chair to Behera. Unfortunately, the chair got damaged due to wear and tear. Since then, Behera has been running from pillar to post to avail another wheel chair. However, no one pays heed to his pleas in any manner, Behera wrote in his letter.
Behera’s plight has been highlighted in media reports, but the coverage failed to attract the administration’s attention.
After receiving Behera’s letter, the President’s Office sent a letter to the Chief Secretary’s Office directing a probe and immediate steps in this regard.
On the other hand, a letter from the department of social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities has reached the district collectorate directing the collector to take immediate action, it was learnt. PNN
