Jemu Burgess, a resident under 15th Paralakhemundi Municipality, is a helpless 60% disabled person. The Gajapati District Food Supply and Camp Welfare Officer in Letter No. 89 dated 12-01-2021 had directed the Parlakhemundi Municipal Executive Officer to include Burgis in the National Food Security Scheme, but it has not been complied with yet.
Burgess alleged, "It is very sad that the order has not been implemented yet. Therefore, I repeatedly approached the Parlakhemundi municipal office, but the EO avoided me.”
The Central Government has introduced various public welfare schemes to integrate the persons with disabilities, especially those below the poverty line, into the mainstream of society. But it is clear that the plan could not be implemented successfully due to some corrupt, irresponsible, negligent, bureaucratic officials at the grass root level.
The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has made special arrangements for inclusion of the differently abled in the Antodaya Anna Yojana. But the officials are not following the rules. Burgess' case is just the tip of an iceberg.
