Berhampur: A 66-year-old widow in Chadheyapada village under Beguniapada block of Ganjam district allegedly consumed pesticide, reportedly distressed at being denied her old-age pension for past three months.The incident occurred on Sunday but came to light on Tuesday after one of her daughters alleged that her mother took the extreme step due to non-payment of pension. “My mother was living alone. She was dependent on monthly pension of Rs 1,000 and 5 kg rice under the food security scheme,” said B Chandi Dora, one of her daughters.She said her mother visited the bank regularly to check her account balance. “She might have consumed pesticide as she did not get the pension for the past three months,” she alleged. The woman’s husband died a few years ago, and her three daughters are married and live in other villages. Beguniapada BDO Sunil Kumar Samant confirmed that the woman was a beneficiary of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme under Mardhakote panchayat and received her last pension in March. “After getting information, I have asked the panchayat executive officer to conduct a preliminary inquiry,” he said.Samant said the death has been confirmed, but the cause is yet to be ascertained. “We are waiting for the post-mortem report,” he said. The post-mortem was conducted at MKCG Medical College and Hospital here.Meanwhile, more than 1.49 lakh beneficiaries under the National Social Assistance Programme in Ganjam district have not received their monthly pensions for the past three months.Under NSAP, old-age, widow and disability pension beneficiaries receive Rs 1,000 per month. Those above 80 years of age and persons with over 80% disability get Rs 3,500 per month. “Most needy persons depend solely on the pension amount and are facing hardship as they have not received their pensions,” said Manoranjan Gouda, sarpanch of Kaithakhandi, who recently staged a week-long dharna at Digapahandi block demanding early disbursal of pensions.
