ANGUL: She is 65, physically challenged and alone. The Rs 300 old age pension she gets is her only succour. But availing the pension is an uphill task for Rudana Dehury.
Incapacitated by both her legs and no relatives to fall back on, Rudana of Kadalimunda village crawls 2 km to Nunukapasi panchayat office under Kishorenagar block in Athamallick sub-division for getting the pension, which is her only source of sustenance.
Rudana was deserted by her husband and two sons long back and has been staying alone ever since. Due to her physical condition, she has to crawl all the way to the panchayat office, crossing NH-55, to collect pension every month.
Her repeated pleas to panchayat and other Government authorities to deliver her pension at home fell on deaf ears.
“I had appealed on several occasions that I cannot walk as my condition does not permit me and my pension may be delivered at home. The pleas went unheard and I have to drag myself the distance to get this,” said Rudana.
Athmallik Sub-Collector Amulya Panda said, “There is no provision to deliver pension at the doorstep if there are legal heirs. We will find out if anybody can collect the money on her behalf.”