Shagun scheme

Certain changes in the rules relating to the Shagun scheme have been mooted to check frequent frauds in its execution in various parts of the state. Besides, the authorities concerned have also proposed to increase the financial assistance under the scheme to Rs 21,000 per person.
Sources today said the Department of Social Security had proposed that the submitting of the marriage certificate as well as the income certificate from the competent authority should be made mandatory for the beneficiary. That would help eliminate frauds in the execution of the scheme.
Earlier, there was a condition for the submission of the annual income certificate from the competent authority. However, this condition was waived on October 30, 2007, through a Cabinet decision.
Instead, the submission of an affidavit with regard to the annual income from the beneficiary was introduced. At present, to be eligible under the scheme, the family annual income should not exceed Rs 20,000 in the case of the rural areas and Rs 27,500 in the case of the urban areas.However, the department has proposed that the limit of the annual income should be increased to Rs 40,000 in the case of the rural areas and Rs 55,000 in the case of the urban areas.
Likewise, the financial assistance under the scheme should be increased to Rs 21,000 from the existing Rs 15,000. In addition, Rs 1,000 should be given to the beneficiary to get the required documents--- the income certificate and the marriage certificate- prepared from the authorities concerned.
The changes proposed would go to the Cabinet for appropriate action, it is learnt. The Administrative Reforms Commission has also suggested some changes in the implementation of the scheme.