Septuagenarian man living in dire poverty seeks govt aid
Kumarghat, Apr 05, 2025, TRIPURATIMES Desk
Kumarghat, Apr 05: Shangmohan Chakma, a septuagenarian of Madhya Karaicherra village under Pecharthal block in Unakoti district, is living in heartbreaking conditions.
With age restricting him of his ability to work, Chakma doesn't even have a proper shelter. Besides, he is listed in APL category. According to Chakma, he is deprived of key government welfare schemes meant for the poor.
While the government is giving housing benefits to many of the families under PMAY across the state, Chakma's reality paints a grim contrast. The elderly man along with his grandson continues to live in a dilapidated bamboo-thatched hut.
He is barely able to speak or hear clearly due to his old age, and as a member of the indigenous Chakma community, he struggles to express himself fluently in Bengali. Still, in broken speech and with teary eyes, he shared his painful story.
“I have no income and a proper shelter. Many have come and made promises, but nothing changed so far," he said in a heavy voice.
The only source of income is the meager wage earned by his grandson, who works as a conductor on a local vehicle.
APL ration card category further limits his access to various government aids.
While sharing the story, Chakma sought government assistance including housing benefit to spend his final years in dignity.