Even as the State Government is boasting of several welfare schemes being run successfully for the poor and underprivileged, 12 tribal widows under Bonei subdivision are yet to get widow pension.
Similarly, an elderly couple and their physically challenged son are yet to get their pension. This has raised a question on the activities of the persons working in panchayat or block level for implementation of the much-touted Government pension scheme.
Sources said Badapurunapani village under lahunipada block under Bonei subdivision consists of Munda Sahi, Mundari Sahi and Oram Sahi. Several widows of these hamlets are yet to get their widow pension. Suruj Munimunda of Mundasahi became widow 20 years ago; Bariba Munda became widow 10 years ago, Malati Mundari 12 years ago, Muguli Mundari 20 years ago, Sukumari Mundari 10 years ago, Suru Munda 20 years ago, Sumitra Munda two years ago, Gandhae Munda 16 years ago and lunga Munda eight years ago. Similarly, Nandi Munda, Jamuna Munda and Kuni Munda became widow two years ago. These widows have been pursuing with ward members, the Sarpanch and other officials at panchayat and block level to avail their widow pension but in vain.
Similarly, one Budhu Oram(64) and his wife Rahila Oram (60), residing at Juniani village Oram Sahi have not yet got their old age pension. This elderly couple is also not listed in the BPl category.
Budhu Oram and Rahila have a 16- year- old son Rajesh, who is dumb and disabled. Rajesh has got physically challenged certificate, let alone his disabled pension.
“I will definitely look into it and see to it that those deprived of pension get it at the earliest,” said lahunipada BDO RK Pradhan.