Alive but declared dead: 75-year-old Odisha farmer stripped of PM, CM-Kisan aid

In a shocking case of alleged administrative lapse, a 75-year-old farmer from Odisha’s Bargarh district has been declared ‘dead’ in official records, resulting in his exclusion from key government welfare schemes.

The incident has come to light from Beniapali village under Ambabhona block. The elderly farmer, Chamara Barik, is widely regarded in his village as a model cultivator and has been associated with several community welfare activities. However, shockingly, official documents related to the CM Kisan and PM Kisan schemes reportedly list him as deceased.

Deprived Of Financial Assistance

Due to this, Barik has been deprived of financial assistance under the schemes. The visibly distressed farmer has been appealing to authorities for correction of the error, as he is very much alive, but has been turned into a ‘ghost’ on paper.

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Barik has alleged that the mistake may have been politically motivated, claiming that his past political affiliations led to the situation. He has submitted written complaints to block-level officials as well as the District Collector, but says no concrete action has been taken so far.

Assured Of Help

Local residents have also raised concerns over the incident and demanded a thorough investigation. Responding to the issue, Bargarh Additional District Magistrate Prasanna Kumar Pandey stated that if the farmer is found eligible, his benefits will be restored.

He also assured that an inquiry will be conducted to determine how such a serious error occurred and that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible.