The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension (IGNWP) scheme has become a mess in Ekamania GP under Aul block as 17 women, whose spouses are alive, are getting the pension under the scheme.
Surprisingly, the mother-in-law and the relative of the local Sarpanch are also among the beneficiaries despite not being widows. One Mukha Biswal, who is the mother-in-law of the local Sarpanch, is getting the widow pension though her husband Paramanada Biswal is alive. Ahalya Biswal, the Sarpanch of Ekamania GP, is the daughter –in-law of Mukha. Similarly, Saraswati Biswal, Ahalya’s relative, is entitled illegally to the benefit, though her husband, Ananda Biswal is alive.
The other illegal beneficiaries are Rambhabati Parida , wife of Rangadhar, Mandari Nayak, wife of Sankarshan , Abanti Rout, wife of Fakira, Basanti Das, wife of Raghunath, Hemalata Rout, wife of Natabar, Kanchan Sahu, wife of Dhusasan, Malati Nayak, wife of Baikuntha, Menaka Biswal, wife of Golekh, Rangalata Malik, wife of Kasinath, Ranjubala Biswal, wife of Adeitya, Sabitri Behera, wife of Maheswar, Shova Jena, wife of Meghu , Srimati Barik, wife of Harekrushna, Surama Nayak, wife of Gourahari, and Jharana Nayak, wife of Kalandi. All these women belong to the Ekamania GP.
Widows belonging to BPL are eligible to get the pension. As per guidelines, to avail the pension scheme, one has to apply by submitting death certificate of her husband, income certificate, Aadhar card and photo online. Later, the Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) conducts an inquiry by visiting the house of the applicant and submits a report to the Block Social Security Officer. The Block Security Officer later verifies the documents and sends the same to the BDO for approval to enrol the woman in the widow pension scheme. The Sub-Collector sanctions pension in favour of the beneficiary on the recommendation of the BDO.
Though a lengthy procedure is maintained to ensure transparency, in these women’s cases, corruption and nepotism played a role, alleged the locals. The local Sarpanch’s representative, Pramod Biswal, however, informed they were unaware about it. Meanwhile, an inquiry into matter and action against those found guilty has been demanded in the locality.
When contacted, Sub Collector Niranjan Behera stated that he is going to direct a probe into the case and take action against the errant as per the inquiry report.