SRINAGAR: Announcing enhancement of monthly pension from Rs 200 to Rs 1000 in favour of old aged, widows and physically challenged persons, Minister for Social Welfare Sajad Gani Lone said today the decision will benefit about 5.70 lakh beneficiaries of the State who are currently registered with the Department of Social Welfare.
The enhanced amount will be paid to the beneficiaries with effect from April, 2016 by the Social Welfare Department (SWD), Mr Lone announced here. He said the enhancement of the monthly pension under the National Assistance Programme (NASP) and Integrated Social Assistance Programme (ISSS) will have the additional financial implication of about Rs 350 crore as the annual budget will record an increase from Rs 400 crore to Rs 750 crore.
Mr Lone reiterated the Government’s resolve to provide each and every facility to the people of the State at their door steps.
He said the decision is aimed at alleviating suffering of the weak and under privileged. The Minister said to provide better facilities to the beneficiaries of the SWD, a lot of reforms and structural changes are taking place to ensure that benefits of the welfare schemes reach to the disempowered sections.
Divulging some measures the Minister said for special marriage assistance scheme, the bride is now required to self-certify her marriage date to avail the assistance instead of an affidavit before the judicial magistrate. He said similarly in case of widow certificate, a self certification attested by two village community members would be required instead of a certificate from Station House Officers (SHOs) concerned which was the norm earlier. (AGENCIES)
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