Bhadrak, May 26: A shocking incident highlighting alleged administrative negligence was witnessed on the third day of a public protest in front of the Ramachandrapur Panchayat office in Bant Block of Bhadrak district, Odisha.
In an era where crores of rupees are spent promoting government welfare schemes, a son was forced to carry his 82-year-old mother on his shoulders to the Panchayat office just to demand her basic rights and benefits.
According to reports, Chandramani Majhi, a resident of Ward No. 6 of Ramachandrapur Panchayat, alleged that his elderly mother has been deprived of benefits under the government housing scheme as well as the enhanced old-age pension despite being over 82 years old. Despite repeatedly approaching local administrative officials and Panchayat authorities with requests and applications, no action was reportedly taken.
Frustrated by the continued neglect, Chandramani carried his mother in a traditional shoulder sling to the protest site.
The protest was organized in front of the Panchayat office over allegations of large-scale irregularities and corruption in various welfare schemes. Protesters claimed that many deserving poor families have been excluded from the Chief Minister’s housing scheme, while elderly people, widows, and persons with disabilities are being denied their rightful pensions and assistance. Several beneficiaries above the age of 80 are still allegedly waiting for pension support.
