More than 2,200 eligible persons for various social benefit schemes have been identified in Khariar block by the Khariar block office through special panchayat-level consultations with villagers in 18 gram panchayats of the block.
Khariar BDO NC Naik and SEO Duryodhan Bisi spearheaded the effort to select the deserving beneficiaries for the schemes like OAP, National Family Benefit Scheme and Widow Pension. The eligible persons were invited to a consultation held at the panchayat offices and the selections were made through verification of documents and discussion with the people.
“It was the best method to identify the deserving beneficiaries and to save people from exploitation.” said Motilal Bag, a social worker of Nehena village. The last consultation for the identification was held at Nehena panchayat which was also attended by the president and secretary of District Press Club Ajit Panda and Tapan Dash and Nehena sarpanch and Samiti member Purnami Bag and Puspanjali Dandasena.
“It was a great achievement, and we get satisfaction that these old people and widows avail their right without being exploited by corrupt people,” said the BDO and the SEO.