Beneficiaries in Rayagada district have alleged that they have not received their monthly social security allowance for the past four months.
Elderly men and women, widows and persons with disabilities from J.K. Pur area raised the issue during the grievance hearing before the Collector on Monday, led by former Zilla Parishad member P. Gouri Shankar Rao.
According to the complainants, the stoppage of allowance has left them struggling to manage daily expenses and purchase essential medicines for ailments like hypertension and diabetes. Many said they depend entirely on the Rs 1,000 monthly allowance, but have been forced to spend Rs 200–Rs 300 on travel and repeated visits to banks and government offices without clear information.
Beneficiaries complained that despite assurances that the allowance would be credited directly to their bank accounts, several remain excluded. The lack of clarity at the panchayat and block levels has added to their frustration.
Local residents and BJD leader P. Gouri Shankar Rao demanded immediate investigation and resolution of the issue. They urged the administration to ensure that all deprived beneficiaries receive their dues by next month.
Additional Collector Naveen Chandra Naik assured that the administration will take prompt steps to address the problem and streamline the distribution process.
