OTV Impact: Koraput sub-collector directs probe into 83-yr-old woman pensioner’s death

A day after an 83-year-old woman, who had gone to the bank to withdraw her pension, died while returning home in Koraput district, the district sub-collector on Sunday directed a thorough probe into the heart-wrenching incident.
He also directed the BDOs to prepare a list of bedridden and extremely elderly persons and provide them cash at their doorstep.

The sub-collector’s directive comes a day after OTV highlighted the plight of the elderly woman Kanta Meleka, a resident of Baunsaput village under Bandhugaon block in the district.

“The 83-year-old woman’s death is indeed heartbreaking. I had earlier requested officials to change her central scheme and provide assistance at her doorstep under the state government scheme. But, for some reason, it could not be done. Now also, I requested the BDO to make a list of bed-ridden and extremely elderly patients and change their schemes from central to state government so that they can be provided with cash at their doorstep,” Sub-Collector Benudhar Sabar said.

Likewise, Bandhugaon BDO Avinash Biswajit Sethi said, “I came to know about the incident. She was on her way to the bank to avail her pension when she died a natural death. As per the probe, the money was being transferred to her account under the central National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) scheme which she would withdraw from time to time as per her requirements. This is indeed a sad incident and we will try to extend help for her final rites as per government law.” 

According to family members, Meleka had gone to Utkal Grameen Bank at Bandhugaon to collect her old age pension. However, she didn’t get the money and was returning back home empty-handed when she died mid-way.

Expressing dissatisfaction over his sister’s death, Meleka’s brother said that the administration should make necessary arrangements so that elderly persons should get their old-age pensions at their doorstep.