No gender discrimination will be made in National Family Benefit Scheme

Bhopal: With reference to the guidelines issued by Union Ministry for Rural Development, the Department of Social Justice and Disabled Welfare has re clarified the eligibility, standards and quantity of assistance under National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS). Now under National Family Benefit Scheme, a component of National Social Benefit Programme, this assistance will be available to those falling under below poverty line category. Rs 20 thousand will be granted to the bereaved family in case of death of the head of a family. The guidelines make it clear that the family will be eligible for assistance in case of death under any circumstances (natural or other).

In case of death of any earning member of a family falling below poverty line who contributes in running the family, the dependants will be eligible to avail the benefits of National Family Benefit Scheme. The family members of the deceased may be women, men or transgender. No gender discriminations will be made for eligibility for availing National Family Benefit. After local enquiries the family benefit amount will be paid to a living member of the deceased’s family who is found to be earning member.

Under this scheme, the word “family” includes husband-wife, small children, unmarried girls and dependant parents in case of death of a married adult; in case of unmarried adult’s death the family may consist of younger siblings or dependant parents. For eligibility under the scheme, the main breadwinner’s death should be either after 18 years of age or under 60.

The department has issued instruction that it should be ensured that every family falling in the Below Poverty Line category should be able to avail benefits under National family benefit Scheme in case of death of each breadwinner.-Window To News