Odisha: Elderly Woman Forced to Crawl for Pension Sparks Outrage

A 70-year-old woman from Keonjhar district, Odisha, was compelled to crawl nearly two kilometers to collect her old-age pension due to her inability to walk. Despite directives for doorstep delivery of pensions, she was asked to visit the office. This incident has drawn significant attention and led to corrective measures.

An elderly woman in Odisha's Keonjhar district endured a harrowing experience as she had to crawl nearly two kilometers to her panchayat office to collect her old-age pension. The 70-year-old, identified as Pathuri Dehury from Raisuan gram panchayat, is unable to walk due to age-related ailments.

A video showing Dehury crawling along a village road has gone viral on social media, prompting outrage. Raisuan gram panchayat sarpanch Bagun Champia brought the incident to the administration's attention after seeing the video and news coverage. He confirmed from villagers that Dehury's condition prevented her from walking.

Although the state government had directed officials to deliver pensions to elderly and disabled beneficiaries at their homes, Dehury was still asked to collect her pension in person. After the incident, it's been decided that her pension will be disbursed at her home each month. Additionally, a wheelchair and doorstep ration delivery have been arranged for her.