Undergo COVID19 Test First: Villagers Allegedly Denied Ration In Odisha

Villagers in Ganjam district of Odisha have allegedly been denied ration without undergoing COVID19 tests. The incident took place in three villages under Gopalpur Sasana panchayat in Soroda block of Ganjam district.

The villagers have alleged that they were asked to undergo COVID19 tests first, if they wanted ration under the PDS. Unable to get ration, they alleged that the move is denying them of their basic rights in the name of COVID19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the administration has denied such charges. An officer at the Panchayat level has said that the COVID19 tests are not mandatory for getting ration. In fact, the step has been taken to sensitize people about the virus.