Papadahandi: Despite receiving work orders under the Antodaya Housing Scheme, beneficiaries have not received the first installment of funds even after more than three months, leaving them in distress. Many had already demolished their existing huts in preparation for constructing new houses, but due to continuous rains, they are now struggling to find shelter. As a result, beneficiaries gheraoed the Assistant Project Director (APD) when she visited the block office.
According to reports, under the 2024–25 financial year, 416 beneficiaries in Papadahandi block were sanctioned homes under the Antodaya Yojana. As per guidelines, once the work order is issued, ₹40,000 should be credited to the beneficiary’s bank account as the first installment. However, even after three months, the payment has not been made.
Having received the work order, the beneficiaries demolished their old huts and took temporary shelter nearby using tarpaulins and sheets. Some borrowed money from shopkeepers and tractor owners to purchase sand, bricks, and cement, expecting funds to be released soon. But as payments were repeatedly delayed, they are now stuck in the rain, unable to proceed with construction. The lenders are now pressuring the beneficiaries to return the money.
Despite repeated visits and pleas to the block office, there was no solution. On Tuesday, when APD Debasmita Kar came on a visit to the Papadahandi block office, a group of beneficiaries surrounded her, expressing their frustration. They included Kamala Majhi, Sangeeta Jani, Dutika Kandi, Rukuni Bhatra, and Sonadi Bhatra, among others. BDO Kapildev Sahu and BPC Shashikanta Das were also present at the office during the protest.
APD clarified that the funds are being processed at the state level, and the block office currently has no control over the release. She assured the crowd that installments will be credited soon. Earlier, payments were made based on Aadhaar verification, but now the system is being updated to account-payee transfers, causing the delay.
Of the total sanctioned, 297 beneficiaries have already started construction and are awaiting the second installment. As per government rules:
Rs40,000 is released with the work order (first installment),
Rs65,000 upon completion of the roof level (second installment),
Rs15,000 after full house construction (final installment),
Additionally, if completed within a limited time, an extra Rs20,000 incentive is provided.
The beneficiaries warned that if funds are not disbursed soon, they will launch a protest in front of the block office.
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