Women gherao Khurda Municipality over PMAY lapses

Khurda: While the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) promises 'pucca' houses to the urban poor, irregularities under the scheme has left the targeted beneficiaries in deep distress. Alleging delay in allotment of houses over 100 women gheraoed the Khurda Municipality office today.

According to sources, 490 persons from 22 wards were identified as beneficiaries in a joint survey by a private organisation and Khurda Municipality in 2016. However, only 142 persons have reportedly received work order under the PMAY, sources said.

"The officers visited our place and assured me that houses will be provided. However, they are yet to grant us work order," said Shanti Nayak, an agitating beneficiary.

Another beneficiary Anita Nayak said "The condition of my house is really bad and we are living under polythene roof. We don't know why the houses have not been allocated."

Later the women withdrew their protest after the executive officer of the Khurda Municipality, Swetapadma Satpathy assured to look into their problems.

"We will conduct an enquiry into the correctness of the papers submitted by these beneficiaries. If their papers are correct, they will surely get their houses in the next phase. I will personally investigate the allegations raised by the beneficiaries," Satpathy said.