Meet Renuka Nayak: The 20-Year-Old Battling Cerebral Palsy and Government Delays

A Life of Challenges in Rayagada

Renuka Nayak, a 20-year-old from Rayagada, has been bedridden since birth due to cerebral palsy, relying entirely on her mother for daily care. Despite being issued a disability certificate indicating 90% impairment, she receives a meager pension of only Rs 1,200 monthly, which is significantly lower than the Rs 3,500 promised by the Odisha government for individuals with 80% or greater disability.

Renuka's condition prevents her from sitting or moving independently. She has a disproportionately large head caused by a brain disorder, and her limbs are severely underdeveloped. Living with her mother, Basanti Nayak, and younger brother in a rented house in Nehru Nagar, Basanti juggles multiple household jobs to support the family while her husband works outside the district.

Initially rated at 80% disability in a 2013 certificate, Renuka's status was upgraded to 90% on March 26 following a recent government policy change, which should qualify her for a higher pension. Unfortunately, this increase has not yet been realized, and she has not received any government assistance for her medical needs.

In a show of compassion, lawyer Gouri Patnaik, whose home Basanti works in, donated a modern bed from Visakhapatnam to improve Renuka's living conditions. Patnaik has called on local authorities and philanthropists to assist further. District Social Security Officer Shrikant Panigrahi has promised to take action to ensure Renuka receives the benefits she is entitled to, but the family's ongoing struggles highlight the delays in government support.