A very sensitive issue has come to the fore in which a Dalit BPl family belonging to Rengalapadu village of Dunduli gram panchayat under Rayagada’s Kolnara block has alleged that the local Tehsildar and Block Development Officer (BDO) advised them to convert to Christianity to live a standard life.
A woman of the family, Nilandri Nag, brought this complaint against the two before the district Collector in grievances cell, according to reports.
She said her landless and poor family members moved from pillar to post to avail benefits of various Government welfare schemes. One day, when she approached the Tehsildar seeking help for family, the latter told her that all the welfare schemes, including land patta for IAY house, would be at her doorsteps if only the family converts to Christianity.
She said the BDO too told her that the family should convert to Christianity for better living. ‘You have a son and a daughter. Think of their future. If you convert to Christianity, the future of your children will be secured. A savings account will be opened in your name and you will be eligible to avail all the social security benefits,” Nilandri told mediapersons quoting the BDO.
Nilandri detailed this before the district Collector at the grievance redressal cell recently.
“We are Hindus since generations and we won’t convert to any other religion at any cost, even for financial benefits,” Nilandri was quoted as saying at the grievances cell.
Acting on the complaint, the Collector has asked the Sub Collector to probe into the allegations.