Jajpur: Even as the state and the Centre have launched a series of developmental schemes for the benefit of the poor, many needy in this district are yet to be included in these endeavours. This is due to the apathy and negligence of government officials and matching disinterest on the part of people’s representatives.
For one, casual labourer Krushna Chandra Swain is struggling to make both ends meet despite the presence of a host of welfare schemes at Shyamsundar village under Dharmasala block. Krushna is over 50 but has not been married. He works as a daily wager and a major part of his income is spent on treatment of his ailing, 80-year old mother.
The woman and son do not have a ration card of their own or a pucca house. They have not been included in any of the government housing schemes. The mother receives Rs 300 as old-age pension. The family lives in a shanty and move on to the verandah of their neighbours at times of rain. Krushna does not have the means to build a pucca house.
Villagers have urged the district administration and block officials to provide government assistance to Krushna and his mother.
