DASPALLA – (Report - Subash Chandra Barik): In a significant intervention, the "Project Adhikar" successfully helped Sushila Bindhani, a poor and widowed tribal woman from Nephari village, access her entitled government funds that were stuck due to a duplicate bank account opened without her knowledge. 
Sushila had applied for benefits under the state's Subhadra Yojana welfare scheme months ago. Despite being fully eligible, she repeatedly received nothing. She visited the Odisha Gramya Bank branch in Banigochha multiple times, but left feeling hopeless each time.
The Adhikar Mitra, a local rights activist named Damodar Nayak, investigated her case. The investigation revealed a critical problem. The bank held two accounts in Sushila's name. One was her known account, but a second was opened secretly by an unknown person for undisclosed reasons.
All her pending funds—₹15,000 from the Subhadra Yojana and ₹4,600 from Kendupatra sales, totaling ₹19,600—were deposited into this duplicate account, leaving her unable to access the money.
Damodar Nayak immediately met with the bank manager. Following discussions, the illegally opened account was formally closed. The team then completed the necessary KYC (Know Your Customer) process and activated her single, legitimate account, finally giving Sushila control over her money.
Sushila and other villagers acknowledged that a lack of awareness made them vulnerable to such issues. They expressed deep gratitude for the timely assistance. "In our moment of distress, Adhikar Mitra came to our aid with direct support and guidance," they said.
Villagers have praised the role of the "Project Adhikar" a genuine alternative for development. They urged for an expansion of this development work in Dasapalla, which is a joint initiative of the Mahashakti Foundation and TPCODL.
The case highlights the importance of financial literacy and vigilant oversight in ensuring government welfare schemes truly reach their intended beneficiaries.
Sushila had applied for benefits under the state's Subhadra Yojana welfare scheme months ago. Despite being fully eligible, she repeatedly received nothing. She visited the Odisha Gramya Bank branch in Banigochha multiple times, but left feeling hopeless each time.
The Adhikar Mitra, a local rights activist named Damodar Nayak, investigated her case. The investigation revealed a critical problem. The bank held two accounts in Sushila's name. One was her known account, but a second was opened secretly by an unknown person for undisclosed reasons.
All her pending funds—₹15,000 from the Subhadra Yojana and ₹4,600 from Kendupatra sales, totaling ₹19,600—were deposited into this duplicate account, leaving her unable to access the money.
Damodar Nayak immediately met with the bank manager. Following discussions, the illegally opened account was formally closed. The team then completed the necessary KYC (Know Your Customer) process and activated her single, legitimate account, finally giving Sushila control over her money.
Sushila and other villagers acknowledged that a lack of awareness made them vulnerable to such issues. They expressed deep gratitude for the timely assistance. "In our moment of distress, Adhikar Mitra came to our aid with direct support and guidance," they said.
Villagers have praised the role of the "Project Adhikar" a genuine alternative for development. They urged for an expansion of this development work in Dasapalla, which is a joint initiative of the Mahashakti Foundation and TPCODL.
The case highlights the importance of financial literacy and vigilant oversight in ensuring government welfare schemes truly reach their intended beneficiaries.
Posts
0 Comments