An elderly couple from the remote Muslim Para area of Gulirai Bari village under Jampuijala block in Tripura is struggling to survive amid severe financial hardship, with the 80-year-old husband bedridden due to paralysis and neither he nor his wife receiving an old-age pension.
Manik Mia, who has been completely paralysed and confined to his bed for the past year following a heart-related illness, is unable to carry out his daily activities without assistance. His wife, Helena Khatun, despite her own age-related physical limitations, has taken on the entire responsibility of caring for her ailing husband and managing the household.
According to information available, the couple holds a Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration card but continues to face acute financial difficulties. They have no son, while their daughters are married and live separately. With no immediate family member available to assist them regularly, Helena has been left to manage the challenging situation largely on her own.
Despite her advanced age, Helena has to perform physically demanding tasks, including bathing her husband, helping him get out of bed and taking him outside whenever necessary. The situation has become even more difficult as the family lacks the financial means to arrange proper medical treatment for Manik Mia.
Neighbours and a local club have extended assistance to the couple, helping them manage their daily needs as far as possible. However, such support has proved insufficient to meet the expenses of long-term medical care and household necessities.
With their financial condition deteriorating and no regular government assistance reaching them, the elderly couple has now appealed to Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha for intervention. They have sought old-age pensions, stating that both are eligible for such assistance but have yet to receive any benefits.
The couple believes that even a modest monthly pension would provide some relief and help them meet their basic needs amid their present circumstances.
Their plight has raised concerns over the accessibility of social welfare benefits for vulnerable elderly people living in remote areas. As Manik Mia battles prolonged illness and Helena struggles to care for him without adequate resources, the couple continues to wait for government assistance.
The question remains whether the authorities concerned will take note of their appeal and extend the support they desperately need.
