Maharashtra: Anjanvel plans Rs 1K pension for its physically-challenged

In what can be an example for other gram panchayats to aid their physically challenged citizens, the local body of Anjanvel — the site of the 90s Enron crisis — has announced a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 to every physically challenged in the village.

A small village with a population just over 3,000, the gram panchayat intends to provide for this out of income from its own funds. Speaking to DNA, sarpanch of the village, Yeshwant Sonu Bait said that the Gram Panchayat receives Rs 1.28 crores every year from Ratnagiri Gas and Power Private Limited (which replaced Enron). This money "is utilized for the betterment of the village". "We have built four Anganwadi schools and also have given buildings for 3 zilla parishad schools in the village. We also provide ambulance service for villagers at concessional rate," says Bait.

He also informed that the panchayat has arranged for specialized teachers in English and sports, there is a Karate trainer as well. A chaupati has been developed at beach and kutcha roads had been concerted into Pucca tar roads. The panchayat has a staff of 30 which comprises of village women, neatly dressed in uniforms.

Yeshwant Sonu Bait worked with Bank of Badoda and after agitation against Enron intensified in 1993, he led it from the frontlines.