Dumka, Sept. 8: With instances of alleged large-scale anomalies in preparing the fresh BPL list in the district, genuine beneficiaries, who do not figure in the latest data, are set for a double blow. They will not only lose out on subsidised foodgrains, but may also be denied drought relief benefits.

According to the previous survey, there were around 1.65 lakh BPL families in the district, but the latest data puts the figure at 1.25 lakh.

The fear of omission has forced hundreds of deserving beneficiaries to make a beeline for the respective block headquarters demanding inclusion of their names in the list.

According to sources, there had been a surge of complaints at block headquarters after Dumka was declared drought-hit. Most of complainants either alleged their names were wrongfully excluded from the list or demanded inclusion.

Recently villagers of Massaliya and Dumka Sadar blocks staged a demonstration in front of the offices of the deputy commissioner (DC) and the block development officer (BDO), respectively, protesting against alleged irregularities in the list.

Savita Kumari, a small time farmer who along with other villagers meet DC Prashant Kumar, alleged many well off families had been included in the list while the names of deserving people were excluded as they did not bribe the officials.

Dumka BDO Sadat Anwar denied having received any complaints about manipulation in the BPL list.