Sambalpur: Administrative Chaos at CM’s E-rickshaw Distribution Program; Differently-abled People Harassed to Show Crowd, Made to Wait for Hours Without Reason

Sambalpur Hosts E-Rickshaw Distribution Program

Sambalpur: Sambalpur recently hosted an e-rickshaw distribution event aimed at empowering differently-abled individuals through self-employment. The Chief Minister personally distributed e-rickshaws to selected beneficiaries from 30 districts. However, the event also attracted many hopefuls who were not on the beneficiary list, leading to confusion and frustration.

Large Crowds Leave Differently-Abled Struggling

To showcase the event’s success, a large crowd of people, including many differently-abled individuals not on the beneficiary list, was invited. Many came from faraway places, expecting to receive e-rickshaws or other assistance. However, when their names were not called, they felt harassed and disappointed.

Early Arrival but Delayed Program

The beneficiaries and other invitees arrived at the venue, Mandalia Padia, as early as 9 AM, hoping the program would end before evening. However, the event was delayed until late in the afternoon, forcing many to wait aimlessly for hours. By evening, some attendees were visibly tired and frustrated, roaming the grounds or sitting wherever they could find space.

Lack of Support for Differently-Abled Individuals

The venue was crowded, and adequate seating was not arranged. Differently-abled individuals, who struggled to move around, received little to no support. Many were left to sit on the ground as they awaited further instructions. This mismanagement caused widespread dissatisfaction among attendees and drew criticism from observers.

Officials Express Discontent Over Delays

The program, initially scheduled for the afternoon, did not begin until 7 PM. Government officials and attendees criticized the delay, stating such inefficiencies rarely happened under previous administrations. One officer, speaking anonymously, noted, “Under earlier governments, such programs were punctual, and arrangements for attendees were far better.”

CM’s Speech Amid Empty Chairs

As the Chief Minister finally began his speech, many attendees had already left due to the long delay. Large sections of the seating area were empty, reflecting the frustration of the crowd.

Public Reactions to Mismanagement

The chaotic organization became a topic of discussion among the local intellectual community. Many compared the event unfavorably to past programs, stating that better arrangements were made during previous governments.

While the government’s intent to empower differently-abled individuals was commendable, the poor planning and execution of the event overshadowed the initiative, leaving many disappointed and questioning the effectiveness of such programs.