GUWAHATI, April 22 - The State panchayat and rural development department released the first instalment of ex-gratia of Rs 500 to each of 8,51,642 beneficiaries today. Out of these beneficiaries 7,05,022 are old age pensioners, 1,12,040 are widow pensioners and 34,580 beneficiaries are under the disabled pension scheme.
This financial assistance is provided under the special package of the Government of India, rolled out under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) to help the vulnerable section of people in view of the nationwide lockdown. According to a statement, Minister of department Naba Kumar Doley has been personally monitoring the disbursement process.
Under this assistance programme, Rs 1,000 each will be paid in two instalments of Rs 500. For this, the beneficiaries of old age pension, widow pension and disabled pension under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) will be covered. The Government of India has sanctioned around Rs 42 crore under this scheme.
