Bolangir BDO accused of ‘withholding social benefits’ of PMAY beneficiaries for incomplete houses

Allegations have surfaced against Kuldeep Mohanty, Block Development Officer (BDO) of Agalpur block in Bolangir district, over the alleged denial of ration and social security benefits to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

According to the complaints, beneficiaries who have not completed construction of their houses under the PMAY have been deprived of food grains and allowances linked to their ration cards. It has been alleged that rice supply and monetary benefits were stopped for several beneficiaries because their PMAY houses were incomplete.

As a result, affected families have reportedly been unable to avail themselves of their entitled rice and allowances for the past few months, causing hardship, particularly among economically weaker sections.

The matter has been brought to the notice of the district administration, with beneficiaries submitting written complaints to the Bolangir District Collector. The issue has also been raised by Bolangir Zilla Parishad Chairperson Debaki Sahu, who has reportedly urged the administration to look into the allegations and ensure that essential benefits are restored to the affected families.

“We have not received our old-age pension for the last four months. We are struggling make ends meet. We could not complete the house under PMAY, so they have withheld our pension,” alleged Banita Tripathi, a complainant.

The complainants have alleged that the withholding of ration and allowances amounts to undue pressure on beneficiaries and is against the spirit of welfare schemes meant to support the poor.

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However, attempts to seek a response from Agalpur BDO Mohanty on the allegations were unsuccessful. District administration sources said the matter is likely to be examined, and appropriate action will be taken after verification of the complaints.