Dhenkanal, June 11: While governments, policies, and administrative officers continue to change over time, the plight of many genuine beneficiaries remains unchanged. Two impoverished families in Kahneipal village under Dayanabil Gram Panchayat of Bhuban block in Odisha's Dhenkanal district are still waiting for a house under a government housing scheme despite repeated appeals to authorities.
According to villagers, both families have approached officials from the panchayat level to the block administration several times seeking assistance. However, they allege that they have received nothing more than assurances.
One of the affected beneficiaries is 55-year-old Bhagaban Patra, who lives with his wife Kain Patra and their only son. Bhagaban earns a living as a daily wage labourer, and the family survives on his meager income. Apart from receiving 15 kilograms of rice every month under a government welfare scheme, they have little support.
Due to financial hardship, the family is unable to repair their crumbling house. The roof and walls are in such poor condition that sunlight enters during the day and moonlight is visible at night. With the monsoon season approaching, the family fears the structure could collapse at any time.
The family members claim they have repeatedly appealed to local representatives and block officials for a permanent house. Although a housing survey was conducted under the Antyodaya scheme a few months ago, they allege that their condition was overlooked.
Another beneficiary awaiting assistance is 75-year-old widow Gauri Patra. Her husband, Bhagirathi Patra, passed away around 25 years ago, leaving her to raise four sons and a daughter under extremely difficult circumstances.
The family currently resides in an old cement-tiled house with very limited space. The structure contains only a few small rooms, forcing family members to live in cramped conditions. One son, along with his wife and children, reportedly stays at his in-laws' house due to the lack of accommodation.
Gauri and her unmarried youngest son are often forced to take shelter in a neighbour's partially constructed house. All four sons work as daily wage labourers and are unable to build a house because of financial constraints. The family receives 40 kilograms of rice and a widow's pension of Rs 1,000 per month, but says housing assistance has remained out of reach.
Residents allege that several financially better-off families have received housing benefits, while genuinely needy families continue to be ignored. They have urged the administration to conduct a fresh assessment and provide houses to deserving beneficiaries.
Responding to the issue, Bhuban Block Development Officer (BDO) Ayushi Mahapatra stated that the matter would be examined and that eligible families would be considered for inclusion under the Antyodaya housing scheme after verification.
The affected families now hope that the administration will act swiftly and provide them with the shelter they have been seeking for years.
