Nayagarh: In the quiet village of Haripur, within the Nuagaon block of Nayagarh district, a story of service and subsequent struggle unfolds. Mr. Mania Naik, a man who once led his community as its first elected sarpanch, now faces his greatest challenge, not in the public eye, but from the confines of his home. For six long years, he has been paralysed, and his family now fights a daily battle for survival, turning to the government's disability pension scheme as their last hope for sustenance. 
Ex-Sarpanch Paralysed, Fights for Pension in Nayagarh


Mania Naik made history for Haripur. He was the first person to hold the office of Sarpanch for the Haripur Gram Panchayat, a position of leadership and responsibility. He dedicated his early years to the development and progress of his community. Today, that same community watches as their former leader endures a severe health crisis that has left him completely dependent on his family.
The backbone of this family is his wife, Pratima Naik. She now carries the immense weight of caring for her paralysed husband and managing a household with no stable source of income. The situation is particularly dire because there is no other earning member in the family. The financial pressure on the Naik household is immense and unrelenting.
The family includes four children, whose educational journeys reflect both hope and hardship. The Naiks have three daughters and one son. Two of their daughters are now married and have started their own families. A third daughter had to discontinue her +3 level education, likely due to the family's financial constraints. The youngest, their son Milan Prasad Naik, is currently studying in the 10th standard. His education represents a significant expense and a source of anxiety for the family, who are determined to support his future despite their circumstances.
For six years, the family's resources have been stretched to the limit. The costs associated with long-term medical care, daily living, and education are a heavy burden to bear without a regular income. This prolonged period of hardship has exhausted their savings and left them in a precarious position.
Recognising the severity of their situation, the family has taken a crucial step. They have formally applied for the government's disability pension scheme. This social welfare initiative is designed precisely for such scenarios, offering financial support to individuals with severe disabilities who come from families living below the poverty line. For the Naik family, the successful approval of this pension is not just a matter of assistance; it is a matter of survival.
The story of Mania Naik is a poignant reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. It highlights the vulnerability of families facing long-term medical crises without a financial safety net. His case also underscores the critical importance of social security schemes like the disability pension, which act as a vital lifeline for the most vulnerable citizens.
The community of Haripur now waits, hoping that the administration will process the application swiftly. They hope that the man who once served them in a position of authority will now receive the support and dignity he deserves in his time of profound need. The approval of his pension would be a powerful affirmation that the system works for those who have helped build it.