Awas Yojana: Despite eligibility, Sahasabhapati surrenders her claim for ‘those in greater need’

Malda: In a commendable act of selflessness, Sikha Mondal, Sahasabhapati of Gazole Panchayat Samiti, voluntarily surrendered the houses allotted to her and two other relatives under the Bangla Abas Yojana. This gesture, made to ensure that those in greater need benefit from the government housing scheme, has been widely praised as an exemplary act of leadership and compassion.

Mondal, a resident of Amaitope Gobindapur in Karkach Gram Panchayat under Gazole Police Station, had applied for a house in 2017. Following a recent survey of the area, Mondal and her two relatives were found eligible for the benefit and were granted houses under the scheme.

However, upon seeing the dire situation of others who were in greater need of housing, Mondal and her family decided to surrender the three houses allotted to them. They submitted an official request to the Block Development Officer (BDO), Gazole, to forgo their benefits and allow others to receive the houses instead.

“We are in actual need of the houses, but as the Sahasabhapati of the Panchayat Samiti, I believe that those in greater need should be given priority. This is why we decided to surrender the benefits,” Mondal stated.

The decision has received widespread praise, with Mozammel Hossain, Sabhapati of Gazole Panchayat Samiti, hailing it as a shining example of integrity. “In a time when people often fight for government benefits, Sikha Mondal’s voluntary surrender sets an example for everyone. Hats off to her,” he said. Sudipta Biswas, BDO of Gazole, confirmed the receipt of Mondal’s application and assured that it has been accepted.

This act of generosity serves as a reminder of the values of selflessness and community spirit, setting a powerful example for others in positions of leadership.