As BPl cards were issued on the basis of a 1998 survey, many poor people are still deprived of the benefit and hence, there has been a demand for a fresh BPl survey here.
But when the authorities are distributing (Poor left Out) PlO card (substitute for BPl card) for relief operation to poor families, all the 33 councillors have been directed to ensure that the PlO card reaches to the genuine beneficiaries. Sources said there are as many as 9,000 families identified to be provided the card under the Rourkela civic body.
However, it is alleged that many councillors and certain municipality officials instead of distributing the PlO card to the proper beneficiaries, are resorting to nepotism and corruption. After allegation from various sections, 487 cards were withdrawn from the people recently, while as many as 352 cards are still to be distributed.
Interestingly, the State Government has planned to resume rice distribution from January 2014 to the PlO card beneficiaries. But what would be done with regard to the rice of the beneficiaries of 352 cards, not distributed yetIJ
It is to be mentioned here that on July 18, 2012, Basti Suraksha Samiti had lodged a complaint with the Collector, Sundargarh regarding the irregularity and favouritism in PlO card distribution by Rourkela Municipality. Besides, the Samiti had organised a demonstration in front of civic body office on November 5, 2012. Even many other organisations and political parties had demonstrated against the irregularities in PlO card distribution but nothing was done so far to solve the problem.
Basti Surakshya Samiti president Biren Senapati said still in Rourkela 23,000 families need either BPl or PlO cards. Similarly, an independent enquiry is needed about the missing of 3,506 quintal of rice, he demanded.