Anantnag, Jan 30: The Anantnag Social Welfare Department is fostering hope within underprivileged families by extending assistance through various centrally and state-sponsored schemes. This support, provided on a monthly or one-time basis, aims to empower these families in their day-to-day affairs.
Rubi (name changed) was scheduled to get married last month and was informed about the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS), bringing her immense delight and much-needed support.
Under the SMAS, the applicant must be a female of marriageable age, i.e., 18 years or above (the legal age for marriage in India). The applicant should belong to either AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) or PHH (Priority Households) ration card holder families, according to Muzaffar Ahmad, District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Anantnag.
Ahmad said, the eligible, identified poor applicant (girl) will receive one-time financial assistance of Rs. 50,000. Applications are submitted online, simplifying the process for deserving girls.
Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO), Shangus, Shah Raouf, said Rubi got informed through an awareness programme about the scheme. She received the assistance well on time to manage her marriage properly.
Rubi received the amount directly in her account, ultimately assisting her and her family in contributing towards the wedding. “Schemes like these, especially for girls, are a shot in the arm and a blessing,” he said.
Ahmad said that in Anantnag the department has approved 2,700 cases under SMAS. In addition to this scheme, the department provides monthly assistance to 55,657 beneficiaries under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) and to 8,517 beneficiaries under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) in the district.
“We also have the Prosthetic Aid scheme with 155 beneficiaries and the Rehabilitation of terrorism Victims (RMV) —a DBT scheme providing assistance to 617 beneficiaries,” he added.
In the “Prosthetic Aid Scheme,” individuals with disabilities receive Prosthetic Aids and Artificial Appliances, including tricycles, wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, and artificial limbs. Likewise, under the Rehabilitation of Militancy Victims (RMV), assistance is extended to all dependents of those killed in militancy cases.
