Kaptipada: Social security schemes that are to be implemented by the government in the form of old-age pension, widow pension and pension for differently abled persons is not reaching scores of eligible people in various parts of Kaptipada block in Mayurbhanj district because of the indifference of officials and people’s representatives, sources said.
Collector Surendra Kumar Meena, who has been taking note of people’s grievances at camps at regular intervals and directing officials to redress the problems, hasn’t worked much, the sources added.
As a result, dozens of elderly persons at Tailisahi Bhangabandh village in Kaptipada panchayat are currently being deprived of pension benefits.
Arati Nayak (80), Bhama Nayak (74), Parbati Bindhani (62), Rabindra Nayak (79), Shankaru Nayak (71), Harishchnadra Bindhani(63), Mahendra Nayak (64), Bhama Nayak (74) and Kangali Nayak (64) have not been enrolled for the pension scheme, it was learnt.
Besides, four widows—Jamuna Nayak, Saraswati Nayak, Pramila Nayak and Sumati Padhuria are out of the social security net. The widows alleged that though they have been frequenting panchayats to block offices for pension, nothing had happened till date.
The condition of these people is pathetic as they eke out their living with daily wages.
It was alleged that sarpanch, ward members and panchayat executive officer have not paid heed to the plight of the widows though they had applied for pension thrice.
Kaptipada Bhinnakhyama Manch, a local outfit fighting for the cause of differently abled persons, has decided to take up their issue with the BDO and the collector.
BDO Yudhisthir Nayak said that steps would be taken only after discussing the matter with the sarpanch and the panchayat executive officer. PNN