Following reports received from various sources, Sanjay Kumar, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Garhwa, paid a visit to an elderly couple in Patharia village on Thursday.
Acting on information received that morning regarding the challenges faced by Bhulai Biar and Murti Devi, an elderly couple, in relation to their ration and pension, the SDO arrived at their home in Tetaria Basti, Patharia village, whichfalls under Padhua Panchayat and is located approximately 20 kilometres from the sub-divisional headquarters. He was accompanied by relevant officials and brought rations with him.
Upon his arrival, Kumar initially provided the couple with the rations. He then proceeded to enquire about their overall well-being, financial circumstances, health, care arrangements, pension, housing situation, and ration card information.
Investigations revealed that the couple's pension payments were current, with funds having been deposited into their account up to March. However, biometric issues were preventing them from accessing the money. The SDO immediately contacted the State Bank of India (SBI) branch manager and instructed them to resolve the issue in accordance with the rules. The bank manager addressed the technical problem without delay. Instructions were also given to the Circle Officer cum Block Supply Officer to include the couple's names on the ration card.
The Block Development Officer (BDO) and Circle Officer (CO) were instructed to ensure that the couple received their monthly ration promptly until their names were officially added to the card. Before leaving, Sanjay Kumar gave the elderly woman a small amount of money to cover the cost of her medication.
Kumar also appealed to the couple's sons to look after their parents properly and to contact the sub-divisional or block office directly if they encountered any problems.