Jharsuguda: Even though the state government has been boasting of its popular schemes aimed at uplifting the poor, the fact remains that many needy are still deprived of those state largess.
In yet another example of the pattern, an old man, identified as Jogendra Nikhunti, a resident of Pujaripalli village under Lakhanpur block in Jharsuguda, has been languishing in a toilet, which he has made his home, for the past one year since his kuccha house was damaged in rains.
The daily-wage labourer has been living in the toilet, built under the Centre’s flagship programme Swachh Bharat Mission. But no one has extended any help to the helpless old man despite several pleas.
“My house got damaged in the rain last year. Since then I have been living in the toilet with all my belongings. It is very difficult to fit into the small room, but I am forced to live here as I don’t have an option,” Nikhunti said.
“Despite several pleas no one is paying any attention towards my plight,” he further added.
Adding to his woes, Jogendra does not get any ration under the State Government’s scheme. Ironically, he has got a hefty electricity bill though he does not have a house or electric connection.
Sarapanch Krushna Kalo said that ration card has been provided to Jogendra, but he is ineligible to get ration as his Aadhaar card has not been linked to it.
“We will look into the matter and try to provide ration and a Biju Pukka house to him soon,” said Kalo.
Lakhanpur BDO Sanjeeb Patel said he will conduct an inquiry into the matter.
“We have a Permanent Waiting List (PWL) of beneficiaries. We provide houses to the beneficiaries as per their turn in the waiting list. We have to check the list before extending any help,” said Patel.
“We came to know about the matter from the media. We will start an enquiry very soon,” he added.
https://youtu.be/nWPIhL_BVYg