Paralakhemundi,(Tarini Prasad Panda): Alleged irregularities in the implementation of the disability pension scheme have come to light in Gajapati district, with a seven-year-old girl certified with 75 per cent disability reportedly being denied the disability allowance.
The beneficiary, Bhagyalakshmi Raita, daughter of Sanjay Raita of Batasahi in Guburiguda village under Manikapur Gram Panchayat in Mohana block, has been deaf and mute since birth. Unable to hear or speak, she communicates only through gestures.
Her parents said they spent all their savings on treatment at various hospitals, but her condition did not improve. Having exhausted their resources, they have appealed to the block administration to sanction the disability pension.
Despite her disability, Bhagyalakshmi attends the Government Primary School at Guburiguda. Teachers said she comes to school regularly, plays with other children and participates in activities, though teaching her remains difficult as she cannot hear or speak.
The family has alleged that she has been deprived of the disability pension despite being eligible. Local residents have urged the district administration to immediately extend the pension benefit to the child.
