Mayurbhanj, Sept. 9 (UDN): Anger over alleged delays and irregularities in the disbursement of social security allowances erupted into a street protest in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Wednesday, with beneficiaries from nine panchayats under Kaptipada block blocking the road at Sarat Chhak.
The blockade disrupted communication between Kaptipada and Keonjhar as elderly and other beneficiaries demanded that pending allowances be released without further delay.
Beneficiaries Allege Months-Long Delay
The protesters alleged that several beneficiaries have not received their allowances for months, despite government announcements regarding an increase in the assistance amount.
Some beneficiaries also claimed that newly enrolled recipients have been waiting for their payments despite submitting applications long ago.
According to protesters, the payment mechanism has also caused difficulties, with beneficiaries saying they have faced problems receiving money through banks and Jan Seva Kendras.
One beneficiary, Ram Tudu, alleged that he had not received his Rs 1,000 monthly pension for the past three months. He said repeated attempts to raise the issue, including submitting a petition before the sub-collector, had failed to resolve the matter.
Sarpanch Backs Beneficiaries
Sarat Panchayat Sarpanch Padmabati Singh said elderly beneficiaries should not be made to face difficulties while accessing their entitled assistance.
She also raised concerns over beneficiaries whose payments were reportedly transferred to bank accounts but had not reached them, claiming that some people had been waiting for four to five months.
Singh said she stood with the affected beneficiaries and urged the authorities to ensure timely and hassle-free disbursement of the allowances.
Protesters Warn of Bigger Agitation
The protesters have demanded immediate intervention by the administration to verify the alleged discrepancies, release all pending payments and ensure that beneficiaries receive the full amount due to them.
They warned that the agitation could be intensified if the issue remains unresolved.
The road blockade has brought renewed attention to concerns over timely delivery of social security benefits to vulnerable beneficiaries in the region.
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