Nuapada: How difficult do you think is it to survive without any proper means of livelihood? It is. And when you come across a family of an Indian Army soldier living in utter poverty, it gives an impression how stressful it can be for all and sundry.
Once fighting the enemies and terrorists on the borders as a brave soldier, Havildar Chanduram Majhi of Parasakhola village is now left with a real sense of difficulty and frustration to make the ends meet every month.
Majhi is not battling the challenges posed by this Covid-19 pandemic, but his fight for survival started almost a decade ago when he retired from the Armed Forces.
Majhi served the country for nearly 25 years from 1988 to 2012. However post his retirement, Majhi alleged that he hasn’t received pension and other monetary assistances he was supposed to avail.
Not finding any other option, Majhi has turned a daily wage labourer as his family completely relies on his income.
The retired Army Jawan, who shoulders the responsibility of 4 daughters, says he is barely making enough money to fulfil their basic needs.
“On December 9, 2019, all my documents have been cleared. Almost a year has passed, but I am yet to get any benefits including pension and GPF. The government has ensured provision of assistance to all poor families, but for someone who has fought for the country for more than 24 years, there are no benefits. I haven’t received a single penny so far,” Majhi said.
Meanwhile, Nuapada Collector Swadhadev Singh has assured that the administration would take adequate measures to help the Jawan and his family. “We will have to first find out why his (Majhi) pension is pending for so many years. And if he is eligible for government benefits, I will give necessary instructions to the concerned officials to ensure he is not deprived of the aides.”
During his service, Chanduram Majhi was posted at Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, West Bengal and many other States to defend the bordering areas.
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