Bhadrak, July 2, 2025: Elderly, widowed, and differently-abled beneficiaries in Bhadrak district, reliant on monthly pensions provided by the central and state governments, are facing significant distress due to delays in fund disbursal. These beneficiaries, who depend on the pension for essential expenses like medicines and settling debts at local shops, have reported that payments have not been credited to their bank accounts on time for nearly a year.
Previously, under the former government, pensions were disbursed by the 15th of each month, with bank account holders receiving funds by the 20th. However, beneficiaries now claim that funds often fail to arrive even by the 28th to 30th of the month. This delay forces them to make repeated visits to banks, only to return disappointed. The prolonged wait has caused significant hardship, with many struggling to meet basic needs.
Frustrated beneficiaries have been contacting sarpanches to voice their grievances, urging swift resolution. They have called on the district and block administrations to address the issue promptly and ensure timely pension disbursal to alleviate their plight.
(Reported by Chandini Mohanty)
