Mrs. Pramila Gouda, a resident of a remote village in Khallikote Block, Ganjam District, faced significant challenges in applying for the Old Age Pension Scheme due to errors in her Aadhaar Card. Living with her husband, while both her sons had migrated to another state for labor work, she felt increasingly isolated and helpless.
Pramila made two arduous trips to the block headquarters, 25 kilometers away, to correct her Aadhaar Card, but each time, technical issues thwarted her efforts. With no one to assist her, she began to lose hope.
In 2023, as part of the equity and social justice promotion program, the Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) organized a camp in Chandapur village to help vulnerable communities access various social security and welfare schemes. During this camp, Pramila’s Aadhaar Card was finally corrected. The VHAI field team also assisted her with the online application for the Old Age Pension.
In February 2024, Pramila was successfully enrolled in the pension scheme, bringing much-needed relief to her and her husband.
VHAI continues to organize such camps in remote and hard-to-reach areas of Ganjam and Mayurbhanj districts in Odisha. In collaboration with government departments, PRI members, and young enablers, they assist in the preparation and correction of Aadhaar Cards, job cards, ration cards, E-Shram cards, and the enrollment of eligible beneficiaries in various social protection and welfare schemes. Thousands of beneficiaries have been enrolled through these camps, availing themselves of essential services and support, thanks to VHAI’s efforts.