Fresh allegations have emerged in Bolangir district, Odisha, as Patnagarh BDO Suman Kumar Minj has been accused of arbitrarily stopping allowances and ration supplies for beneficiaries who have not completed their housing construction under the government Awas Yojana, despite receiving financial aid. Similar complaints were reported from Agalpur block earlier.
According to reports, departmental letters were issued targeting beneficiaries whose Biju Pucca Ghar houses remain incomplete. One such notice was served to Uttara Bariha of Saramuhan village, stating that failure to complete the house after receiving three instalments would result in suspension of monthly allowances, ration, and other government benefits.
Following the notice, ration supply to the beneficiary has reportedly been stopped, sparking widespread concern among locals. Residents questioned the authority under which essential welfare benefits can be withheld as a penalty, demanding clarity and accountability from the administration. Uttara’s son, Suresh Bariha, said the family had completed construction up to the lintel level but was still deprived of benefits.
