PDS beneficiaries suffer in Odisha’s Bhadrak, demand action against erring employees

The Odisha Government had recently announced to distribute two jute carry bags and Rs 1,000 as livelihood assistance to each beneficiary family under the Public Distribution System (PDS).  However, several beneficiaries across the State are facing difficulties in getting the announced money and the bags.

Take the case of Mangalpur village under Tihidi block in Bhadrak district. The PDS beneficiaries in the village have been visiting the distribution centre and returning empty-handed for the last three days.

As per reports, the beneficiaries in the village are facing lots of difficulties in getting the announced money and the bags. Even the retailers don’t have any information in this regard. As per them, they can’t do anything in the absence of anganwadi supervisors.

Such negligence has caused anger among the beneficiaries in the village. They have demanded a probe into the matter by the block administration. They have also sought strong action against the erring employees.

“I have been waiting for the last three days to get my money and bags. However, the retailer is clueless about the disbursement of the cash to the beneficiaries,” rued a beneficiary.

“Several beneficiaries have been returning empty-handed from the distribution center for the last three days. The employees in charge of disbursement of money and bags are only dillydallying with the beneficiaries in providing the cash. They are clueless about the process and, as a result, while waiting the people are wasting their precious time. We demand a probe into the negligence and stern action should be taken against the erring employees,” said another beneficiary.