BHUBANESWAR: The state government has issued fresh guidelines for implementation of the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), directing district administrations to ensure timely verification and disposal of applications under the Odisha Right to Public Services Act (ORTPSA), 2012.
In a letter issued to all collectors, the department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) underlined that a large number of NFBS applications have remained pending for months. To streamline the process and ensure benefits reach eligible families without delay, the department has revised the online application and verification mechanisms.
The NFBS provides a one-time financial assistance of Rs 20,000 to BPL families after the death of the primary breadwinner. As per the revised guidelines, applicants must submit five mandatory documents while applying online through the SSEPD portal.
These include death certificate issued by the competent authority, income certificate showing annual income up to Rs 1 lakh, age proof or EPIC, Aadhaar card and Aadhaar-linked bank account details along with the first page of the bank passbook.
For rural areas, the department has instructed block social security officers (BSSOs) to complete field verification and scrutiny of applications within 15 days from the date of receipt. In case of errors or incomplete documents, the BSSO must contact the applicant and facilitate corrections within the same period. On the 16th day, applications will be forwarded to the sanctioning authority, namely the BDO, who has been directed to approve or reject the application by the 20th day.
In urban areas, commissioners or executive officers have been tasked with carrying out verification, corrections and approval or rejection within 20 days.
The department further stated that payment processing must be completed within seven days of approval. It has warned that any violation of the timelines and guidelines would invite disciplinary action under the provisions of the ORTPSA Act, 2012.
