A deeply disturbing scene unfolded during the Sushasan Tihar programme in Gariaband district – over 80 kilometers from the state capital - where members of the Kamar community, classified among the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), were seen pleading before officials for allotment of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The incident reportedly took place at Madagaon in Devbhog development block, where several tribal families from Barhi village reached the public grievance redressal programme seeking housing assistance. A video of the incident, which surfaced on Saturday, showed community members bowing before officials and making emotional appeals for sanction of houses. According to local residents, the affected families claimed they had submitted applications multiple times and approached authorities repeatedly over the past several years but had not received benefits under the housing scheme.

 

Eyewitnesses present at the venue said some family members held the feet of officials while narrating their plight. They alleged that they continue to live in dilapidated mud houses and face severe hardship during the monsoon season. The Kamars are recognised as a (PVTG) and are considered among the most socio-economically marginalised communities in the region. Various welfare and protection schemes are operated by both the Central and State Governments for their rehabilitation and upliftment. The visuals from the programme triggered widespread discussion locally, with many questioning why beneficiaries from a protected tribal category were allegedly compelled to publicly plead for access to a basic welfare scheme. Social media users commented that government schemes can be considered successful only when benefits reach genuine beneficiaries with dignity and without repeated appeals before authorities. However, till the reports last went for the print, no official statement had been issued by the administration regarding the incident or the allegations raised by the affected families.