A video capturing a woman, Sukhmaniya, carrying her 90-year-old mother-in-law on her back for nearly three kilometers in Surguja, Chhattisgarh, has gained viral attention. The incident occurred as bank officials allegedly required the elderly woman’s physical presence for pension-related formalities. Despite scorching heat, Sukhmaniya persevered to secure her mother-in-law’s monthly pension of Rs 500, which had been pending for four months due to incomplete KYC verification.
The incident, reminiscent of ‘Vikram-Betaal’ tales, highlights the challenges faced by elderly pensioners in accessing welfare benefits. Sukhmaniya, in her late 50s from Jangalpara village, undertook a long journey on foot to the Central Bank of India branch in Mainpat town. This incident has sparked online outrage, questioning the necessity for physical appearances of elderly and immobile pensioners for verification in remote areas despite government initiatives for digital services and doorstep welfare delivery.
Social media users have expressed concerns over the lack of accessible systems for senior citizens and have called for more sensitivity and accountability from authorities handling welfare beneficiaries. The incident has raised questions about the challenges faced by elderly individuals in rural areas in availing their entitled benefits, emphasizing the need for more efficient and empathetic welfare processes.
