Hiramani Beck, a 60-year-old woman of Diapathar village in Sundargarh district, has been running from pillar to post for the last 20 years to get her widow pension. Sources said, Hiramani’s husband James Beck died over 20 years ago. But surprisingly, the widow, who has six children, is yet to receive her widow pension.
The tribal lady, who runs her livelihood by collecting Sal leaf, Kendu and Mahul has no other option left with her except waiting. “I am very poor. I have been running from the Balishankara block office to Panchayat since last 20 years to get my widow pension, but in vein,” said Hiramani with chocked voice.
However, Balishankara block development officials are now investigating the case. “I have taken the charge as the Block Development Officer since last four months. I am examining the case to provide her pension and soon she will get it,” said BDO Ashwini Kumar Meher.