Odisha villagers spend Rs 500 on transportation to get 5 kg free PDS rice!

Residents of Jhirjhira village under Dharakot block of Ganjam district continue to confront severe obstacles in accessing essential government services. Although they are eligible for 5 Kg of free rice provided through ‘food security scheme’, transportation costs make it an expensive necessity, sources said on Sunday.

Also Read: After Center’s announcement, Odisha govt to extend supply of free rice till Dec 2028

Allegedly, villagers spend about Rs 500 to transport the rice home, navigating tough forest and hill paths.

To collect their allocated rations, villagers must undertake a gruelling 40-kilometre journey on foot to the panchayat office in Balrampur. The lack of proper roads means that the trek is both time-consuming and exhausting.

Rs 500 for transportation to get 5 kg free PDS rice

Due to the absence of a direct road linking their village to the panchayat, some residents resort to hiring vehicles, which costs up to Rs 500. As a consequence, many villagers opt to sell their free rice at a lower rate to offset the transport expenses.

The community of over 30 families in Jhirjhira continues to battle for basic amenities such as roads, electricity, and water supply. Education facilities for children remain inadequate, with schools still beyond reach.

Furthermore, the absence of ambulance services exacerbates medical emergencies, often resulting in tragedy for those unable to access timely medical care.

What local MLA and Sub-Collector say

Local political figures urge the residents to be patient, with development pledges often unfulfilled following elections. Administrators insist they were uninformed of the village’s infrastructure issues, but have now vowed to probe and address the concerns.

“Local residents are facing problems while bringing the ration materials. Efforts are on to immediately resolve the issue,” Sanakhemundi MLA Ramesh Jena expressed.

Must Read: Over 40 lakh ghost ration card holders found in Odisha so far: Minister

“I do not have any information if there is any issue of roads. However, I will discuss with Roads & Buildings (R&B) and Rural Development (RD) authorities in this regard. I will try to sort out the problem,” Bhanjanagar Sub-Collector Umakanta Behera said.