Implementation of CM's Covid scheme reviewed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 22 2021:
The implementation of the 'Chief Minister's COVID-19 Affected Livelihood Support Scheme' has been reviewed and it has been decided that the implementation of the scheme will be taken up in phases.
The scheme implementation was reviewed considering the need for early disbursement of assistance vis-a-vis constraints arising as a result of curfew and other restrictions in place, said Secretary of Social Welfare Department in a notification.
Based on the review, it has been decided that priority will be now given to street or women vendors, performing artistes, labourers, public transport drivers (rickshaw and auto rickshaw driver etc), school van drivers, shop assistants, artisans and weavers who possess valid registration card/permit/license or those included in specified verifiable list issued by competent authority of the State Government, it said.
As per the notification, the assistance will be disbursed based on a database of beneficiaries of various relevant schemes as may be 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 persons engaged in the informal sector, whose livelihoods have been affected by Covid may be considered during the subsequent phase after considering the evolving Covid situation, it said.
Scheme guidelines and application formats will be revised whenever it is required, the notification read.
On reports of some unauthorized persons illegally selling application formats or collecting money on the pretext of submitting application forms on behalf of prospective beneficiaries, the Department of Social Welfare clarified that it has not issued any formal public notification for issue or submission of application forms and advised public to refrain from dealing with unauthorized persons in connection with the scheme.
Instances of such illegal activities should be brought to the notice of the Director of Social Welfare Department to enable initiation of appropriate legal/punitive action against such persons, the notification added.
It may be mentioned that the Chief Minister's COVID-19 Affected Livelihood Support Scheme was approved earlier this month by the State Cabinet with a bid to provide assistance of Rs 5,000 in two instalments to every identified family whose livelihood has been directly affected by COVID-19 .