CM's Livelihood Support Scheme guidelines notified
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, July 22 2021:
The state government has published guidelines for 'Chief Minister Covid-19 Affected Livelihood Support Scheme' in the Official Gazette Extraordinary No.79 dated July 15.In a notification issued Thursday, secretary (Social Welfare) Ningthoujam Geoffrey informed that the mode of implementation of the scheme has been reviewed considering the need for early disbursement of assistance vis-a-vis constraints arising as a result of curfew and other restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Based on the review, the government has decided that implementation of the scheme will be taken up in phases, with priority to be given to street/women vendors, performing artistes, labourers, public transport drivers (rickshaw puller, auto driver, etc.), school van drivers, shop assistants, artisans and weavers possessing valid registration card/permit/license or those included in specified verifiable list issued by competent authority of the state government, it stated.
The notification continued that assistance will be disbursed based on database of beneficiaries of various relevant schemes as available with various line departments concerned, or on the basis of such verification mechanism as may be separately required and specified for certain categories.
Disbursal of benefits to other categories of people engaged in informal sector, whose livelihoods have been affected by Covid-19 will be considered during subsequent phases after examining the evolving Covid-19 situation.
Scheme guidelines and application formats will be revised accordingly, wherever required, it added.
Social Welfare Department also cautioned that certain unauthorised people are illegally selling application formats or collecting money on the pretext of submitting application forms on behalf of prospective beneficiaries.
It clarified that the Social Welfare Department has not issued any formal public notification for issue/submis-sion of application forms and the public to refrain from dealing with unauthorised people in connection with the scheme.
Any instances of such illegal activities should be brought to the notice of the social welfare director to enable initiation of appropriate legal/punitive action against such persons, it further said.