A man in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district carried his specially-abled wife on his back to a public grievance hearing, where the couple recounted their decade-long struggle to secure ration benefits and access to government welfare schemes despite living in severe financial hardship.

The family, accompanied by their children, approached district authorities during a public hearing at the Collectorate and alleged that administrative lapses had deprived them of subsidised food grains and several other benefits for nearly 10 years.

Family Alleges Ration Benefits Stopped After Card Status Changed

Pushpendra Singh reached the grievance meeting with his wife, Neelu Raja, who told officials that her Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card had been converted into a standard Below Poverty Line (BPL) card around a decade ago without her knowledge.

According to Neelu, the change was made by officials of the village Panchayat, following which she was never issued a ration slip.

She alleged that the family has since remained deprived of subsidised food grains that are available under the Antyodaya scheme for households classified among the poorest sections of society.

The family also claimed that they had been unable to avail themselves of benefits under several welfare programmes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin and assistance for the construction of toilets.

Family Says Financial Distress Has Deepened

Neelu told district officials that the family has been struggling due to the lack of employment opportunities in the village.

She said she is currently undergoing treatment for a kidney ailment at AIIMS Bhopal and that mounting financial difficulties have also affected the education of her children.

The woman accused local Panchayat officials, including the sarpanch and secretary, of repeatedly ignoring her complaints.

She alleged that despite approaching authorities at multiple levels, ranging from the Gram Panchayat to the Chief Minister’s Office, no effective action had been taken to address her grievances.

Overcome with emotion while speaking at the hearing, Neelu appealed to officials for immediate assistance.

Collector Assures Assistance

After hearing the family’s complaint, Panna Collector Usha Parmar assured them that the matter would be examined.

She said the administration would take steps to ensure that the necessary ration-related documents are issued and that the family receives the benefits of welfare schemes for which it is eligible.

The case has drawn attention to the difficulties faced by vulnerable families in accessing government assistance and the challenges arising from delays in resolving long-pending grievances.

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