Ensure CMRF Benefits To Eligible Beneficiaries: CM

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday asked the officials of the concerned departments to ensure that all eligible persons avail the benefits of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).

The chief minister issued the directive at a review meeting on implementation of Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) and Harishchandra Yojana at the State Secretariat here.

He also announced reward for the district collectors who have successfully implemented these welfare schemes in their respective districts.

It was revealed that financial assistance to the tune of Rs 10 crore is being provided to the needy persons from the CMRF every year. Besides, Rs 4 crore assistance is extended to the eligible persons through the district collectors.

Likewise, under the Harishchandra Yojana, the state government has provided financial assistance to the tune of Rs 15 crore to 80,000 persons last year, while Rs 17 crore has been disbursed among 88,000 people under the Yojana in 2017-18,

For the ‘Mahaprayana’ vehicle service, a total of 39 vehicles have been provided to 29 districts from the CMRF. Besides, six vehicles have been provided to three medical colleges and hospitals of the state.

The CMRF aid is earmarked for ‘Mahaprayana’ vehicle service, Harishchandra Yojana, health services to needy patients and management of Aahar centres.

It was decided in the meeting that a proposal will be sent to the Centre to adopt the CMRF as CSR activity in line with the Prime Minister Relief Fund (PMRF).

On the occasion, the chief minister launched the Harischandra Yojana Expenditure Reimbursement portal through which financial assistance will be disbursed online among the beneficiaries in 16 districts in the first phase.

Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi and other senior officials were present in the meeting.