Assam: Beneficiaries made to wait for hours under scorching sun in Nagaon, residents demand accountability

Residents of Dhingbari Chapori Gaon Panchayat in Assam’s Nagaon district have accused local panchayat representatives and concerned authorities of negligence after thousands of beneficiaries were allegedly made to wait for hours under the scorching sun during a village meeting without adequate arrangements for drinking water or shade.

The incident was reported in the Juria Development Block, where beneficiaries had gathered in the hope of receiving government benefits. According to local residents, people were asked to arrive early in the morning but were left waiting in an open area exposed to intense heat.

Residents alleged that no adequate arrangements had been made to provide drinking water or shaded spaces for those attending the meeting. Women, elderly people and children were among those who reportedly struggled to cope with the heat.

The alleged lack of basic facilities has triggered resentment among residents, who have questioned the arrangements made by the authorities and the conduct of the elected panchayat representatives responsible for facilitating the process.

“We were asked to come here early in the morning. There is no arrangement for drinking water or shade in this scorching heat. Elderly people and women are falling ill,” residents alleged, condemning the arrangements at the venue.

The residents further accused the representatives of failing to take adequate measures to address the difficulties faced by the beneficiaries, many of whom had gathered in the expectation of accessing government assistance.

The incident has raised concerns over the arrangements made for public meetings involving large numbers of beneficiaries, particularly during periods of intense heat. Such gatherings require adequate provisions for drinking water, shade and other basic facilities to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees.

Tensions reportedly continue in Dhingbari Chapori following the incident, with residents demanding accountability from the concerned representatives and officials.

It remains to be seen whether the authorities will initiate an inquiry into the allegations and take action over the reported lack of basic facilities at the meeting venue. No official response from the concerned authorities was provided in the information available.