Following detection of irregularities through an RTI query in disbursement of National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) grants to beneficiaries in 2014-15 in Mokokchung district by para legal volunteers ST Yapang Lkr and Odi Jamir, as published in local dailies on January 15 this year, the Directorate of Social Welfare department made a thorough investigation, after which necessary rectifications were made.
According to a Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) press release, the first appellate authority of the directorate informed this during a hearing.
An amount of Rs 80,000 drawn in the names of four deceased persons who were shown as beneficiaries – two from Longkhum village and two from Chungtia village – was returned to the directorate.
Similarly, eight beneficiaries who were paid only Rs 10,000 each, instead of Rs 20,000, were paid in full, while four beneficiaries who were not paid at all were also paid, the NSLSA release added.
It may be mentioned that families living below the poverty line are entitled to get financial benefit of Rs 20,000 after the death of the sole breadwinner (male/female) under the NFBS. Any kind of death (natural or accidental) will make the family eligible for this assistance.