The lok Adhikar Yatra, being organised by the Odisha Khadya Adhikar Abhiyan beginning from December 13, has so far covered eight districts in the State involving 25 thousands of people.
The participants are mainly discussing about exclusion of the poorest of the poor from the National Food Security Act (NFSA). They are of the opinion that many eligible families are not included in the first round of card distributions in all KBK and Northern and Western Odisha districts. “The 1997 BPl Census was better than this survey. While around 20 to 30 per cent houses had been left out in the 1997 BPl list, this NFSA card has gone beyond that,” said a villager.
At a meeting held at Krusiwarda village under Korkunda block in Malkanigiri district, the villagers opined that only 60 cards have been distributed among the beneficiaries while the village has 200 households. The poorest of the poor are not in the list while many ineligible people are included in the list. Moreover, PDS rice has not been distributed in many gram panchayats since November.
Besides, the participants are highlighting non-implementation of the Forest Rights Act and non-payment and delay in payment of the MGNREGS wage.
The Yatra will conclude at Sambalpur on Thursday with a mass meeting.