Balasore: Even as the government provides land to poor and landless families, scores of people in Balasore town have allegedly been deprived of such facilities for years. Over 1,000 landless women Wednesday warned of agitation against the state government.
Landless women united under the banner of Jagruti Nari Sangha met the collector Wednesday and submitted a memorandum to him.
The women alleged that they had applied for land several times in the past, but no steps were taken in this regard.
They said that if they are not provided with land pattas before August 15, they will take to the streets on the same day. They will also gherao ministers and MLAs who will be the guests at Independence Day celebrations.
In their memorandum, they stated that slums alongside the streets are being removed on the pretext of development. As a result, displaced and homeless, they have been taking shelter here and there, they pointed out.
Jhuna Das of Ranipatana said, “My husband died of heart attack in 2008. I have got voter identity card, Aadhaar card, widow pension and ration card. I have been staying with my son and daughter in a rented accommodation for a long time. We are not well off to buy land and make our houses.”
Similarly, Sabita Jena of Haripur said that she had stayed near Nayanjodi in Aradbazar for 18 years but her family was removed from the road side two years ago. “It is not possible on our part to buy land because of our poor financial condition. It will be of great help to us if we are provided with land by the government,” she added.
Dipa Majhi of Aradabazar said that after the death of her husband due to cardiac arrest, she has been staying with her four children in a shanty and manages her family by doing odd jobs. She has been deprived of government benefits, Dipa added. PNN
