Nayagarh: Failing to arrange money for the treatment of her ailing husband, a woman from Bhapur block of Nayagarh district in Odisha mortgaged her ration card issued under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to raise funds.
The woman, identified as wife of one Chaitanya Naik of Badashara village, kept her ration card as mortgage to avail a loan of Rs 4,000 for treatment of her ailing husband.
As per the woman, despite repeated requests to the legislator and sarpanch, she did not get any financial assistance, which forced her to mortgage her ration card.
“I informed the legislator and the sarpanch, but no one has come forward to help me yet. As I am in need of money for treatment of my husband, I mortgaged my ration card,” Chaitanya’s wife said.
On the other hand, Bhapur block chairman, Gayadhara Parida feigned ignorance about the matter.
“I am not aware that anyone has mortgaged ration card. Meanwhile, the woman had met me yesterday and I assured her help in every possible way. I have also spoken to the doctors who are in-charge of Chaitanya’s treatment and asked them to provide assistance from the Odisha Treatment Fund (OTF). However, the lady has to apply for the same.”