Bhadrak: Deprived of their dues for their contribution towards COVID-19 management, several sarpanchs of the district have resorted to peaceful agitation to draw the attention of the authorities.
Soon after the national lockdown was lifted and the migrant labourers started returning to their homes, the state government assigned the responsibility of managing the situation to the sarpanchs. They were told to identify each returnee, and open Temporary Medical Centres (TMCs) in their areas.
The panchayat heads were also directed that they should ensure that each returnee undergoes a mandatory quarantine at the TMC for the stipulated period. They were told to take care of food, treatment and basic needs of the TMC inmates and the government would reimburse the expenditure.
As the inflow of migrants stopped and whoever had come earlier completed the quarantine period left the TMCs, the sarpanchs were told to close down the TMCs. But the amount they had spent towards COVID-19 is yet to be paid to them.
According to sources, the sarpanchs have spent lakhs of rupees in this regard. They have also submitted a memorandum to the district collector in this regard. “A total amount of Rs 1,07,00,000 is pending. We have been requesting for the last two months to give us our money but nobody is paying any heed,” said a sarpanch.
Left with no option, they have launched a dharna demanding payment of the dues. Admitting the genuine demand of the sarpanchs, Bhandaripokhari BDO said he has also apprised the collector of the matter.
