Siliguri, 20th August: Nirmal Sathi workers in Siliguri are facing difficulties while collecting and verifying information of beneficiaries under the Annapurna Yojana.
As per the instructions of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC), Nirmal Sathi workers were assigned the task of collecting and verifying beneficiary information. Accordingly, the workers visited homes, collected the required details and submitted them to the concerned department.
Recently, several women’s applications were reportedly rejected and money was not credited to their bank accounts. The workers alleged that some beneficiaries, upset over the rejection of their applications, have been putting pressure on them and allegedly threatening them.
The workers alleged that they were being accused of submitting incorrect information. They clarified that their role is limited to verifying the information and forwarding it to the concerned department, while applications are approved or rejected at the higher level.
The workers further alleged that some SMC officials have also been putting pressure on them and allegedly threatening them when they express reluctance to carry out the work. They said the matter has been reported in writing at various places, but no satisfactory response has been received so far.
Amid the situation, the Nirmal Sathi workers have expressed concern over their safety and demanded an early resolution to the issue and appropriate action.