Even as the Government is making tall claims of providing jobs at doorsteps of the poor and destitute to improve their livelihood, allegations of neglect and subsequent starvation death of women, especially destitute women, are galore.
According to reports, Bhagabati Kaunar (80) of Mahumnda village, located15km away from the district headquarters, was living alone in the village and managing her livelihood though job work and by doing small household work in the village. Her husband had died more than 20 years ago. Her only son Hadu Kaunnar has migrated to Tamil Nadu in search of job. Her son comes to village once or twice in a year. He had come to the village last year. There was no relation to look after her.
Slast four days she was suffering from fever and could not go outside to work. As she could not eat anything, she died on Tuesday.
Earlier she used to get the subsidized rice under Antodaya Yojana. But after the introduction of new ration card, her name was struck off. “I took her case to the Executive Officer to include her name in the ration card list, so that she could get the rice and other rations. But the Executive Officer was only giving assurances and did not to do anything,” said a villager.
A house was allotted in her name, but she could not get the funds to build the house in her lifetime, another villager said, demanding an inquiry into it.
She was only getting rupees Rs300 towards the old age pension and for the last four days, she did not eat anything. Unable to get food for four days, she died, alleged villagers.
Strangely, the emergency feeding by Anganwadi Center for old and destitute people did not reach her.
However, Punitala BDO Y Nayak said she was given PDS rice. When the villagers contested his claim, Naik said he would crosscheck the record.
The district administration would provide Rs20,000 under NFBS scheme and another Rs20,000 from Red Cross to one of the family members of deceased, Naik said further.
As per a joint inquiry, the reason of death of the women is due to old age, said district Collector Ashis Thakre when contacted.