Dimapur, May 23 (MExN): Sensitization on National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) was conducted at Leangkonger village on May 20 by Legal Aid Clinic (LAC), Shamator in collaboration with Leangkonger Village Council.
A press release from Para Legal Volunteers, Tsurito and Thsantong informed that the programme was attended by Village Council Members, GBs, Citizen Union office bearers, Students’ Union representatives, Church leaders, beneficiaries of NSAP and village elders.
Thsantong, Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) sensitized participants on various components, eligibility conditions and criteria for availing schemes under NSAP like National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), Indira Gandhi National Disability Scheme (IGNDS), National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and Annapurna Scheme, the release informed. During the interaction session, many cases of unidentified beneficiaries were disclosed. The interaction session also brought to light the ignorance of few beneficiaries on monetary benefits implemented by department despite of being enrolled as beneficiaries and cases of dead person/unidentified person still availing benefits by relatives and unknown person. Consequently, village authorities were asked to initiate corrective measures and ensure replacement or elimination of ghost or proxy beneficiaries.
LAC also suggested ensuring fair and transparent implementation of all the schemes at different levels to avoid necessary legal proceedings and action. Thereafter, a separate advocacy on Village Development Board Model Rules 1980 (Revised) was also held among the representatives of Village Council Chairman and members, VDB secretary, Citizen Union Office bearers, GBs and students union leaders. The participants were also advocated on duties of VDB, composition of VDB, Procedure on operating bank account, audits and accounts and meetings.
