In Bhagalpur, the family of Mangal Rishi, a resident of Pannuchak in Ghogha block, was unable to arrange firewood for his last rites and was forced to bury his body. Following media reports, Kahalgaon Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Rakesh Ranjan and Block Development Officer (BDO) Rajiv Ranjan, along with a team of officials, visited the grieving family on Monday.

Mangal Rishi's wife, Soni Devi, now faces the immense challenge of raising five children and supporting her family. She appealed to the administration for assistance with old-age pension, widow pension, ration facilities, and land-related issues. The SDO assured the family of support, including ration cards, widow pension, a sewing machine, and assistance with land matters. Initiatives have been launched to ensure the newborn child receives benefits under the Chief Minister Kanya Utthan Yojana and to facilitate birth certificates for the children. A death certificate for the deceased will also be processed to enable future pension assistance.

According to the administration, the family already possesses a ration card, Ayushman card, labour card, and MNREGA job card. However, the names of the younger children are not yet linked to the ration card, a process that will now be completed. Based on eligibility and necessary documents, the paperwork for widow pension, Laxmibai pension, and Kabir Antyeshti Yojana is being processed through the Panchayat Secretary.

Mangal Rishi used to earn a living by working at a brick kiln to support his family. His death has severely impacted the family's financial stability. Efforts are also being made to empower the family. The SDO stated that the women in the family wish to become self-reliant by learning tailoring, for which the district administration will facilitate free tailoring training and provide sewing machines through RSETI. Additionally, possibilities of connecting the family with schemes for unorganized workers and the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana will be explored.

One of the most significant challenges for the family is the lack of land and housing. A land-related dispute is reportedly pending in a civil court. The SDO clarified that if the investigation confirms the family is indeed landless, steps will be taken to provide land under the Abhiyan Basera scheme.