Kendrapada: As many as 17 women, whose spouses are still alive , are getting widow pension under Indira Gandhi National Widow pension (IGNWP) scheme every month in Ekamania GP under Aul block of the district.
The mother-in-law, and the relatives of the local sarpanch are also getting the pension under the scheme even though their husbands are alive.
Mukha Biswal, the mother-in-law of Ekmania sarpanch Ahalya Biswal, figured in the list of 17 women who have been getting widow pension even though her husband, Paramanada Biswal is alive .
As per guidelines, one has to submit the death certificate of her husband, income certificate, Adhar Card and photo to avail the widow pension .
The sub Collector sanctions the pension after the documents are verified by the Panchayat Executive Officer(PEO), the Block Security Officer and approved by the BDO.
It is surprising how the officers could not know the husbands of the women are alive.
Meanwhile, locals demanded the district administration to conduct an inquiry and take action against the guilty.
Sub Collector Niranjan Behera said he would order a probe and action would be taken against the officials as per inquiry report.
