SIKKIM: 21618 BPL families will benefit from Universal Financial Inclusion project – Dahal

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK, June 11: The Chief Minster’s Press Advisor, Bhim Dahal today said that the works for the State government’s ambitious project, Sikkim Universal Financial Inclusion project will begin immediately as per the decision of the State cabinet.

The State cabinet had yesterday approved the project and had earmarked a sum of Rs. 14.74 crores for the project.

Highlighting the decision as an exemplary social welfare of the State government, Mr. Dahal said the Sikkim Universal Financial Inclusion project was per the promise made by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party before the elections.

The Chief Minister had promised before the elections to implement the project for the welfare of the Sikkimese people, said Mr. Dahal. He said that around 1 lakh families in Sikkim will benefit from the project. Families having members in government service will not be included in the project, he said.

Mr. Dahal said that around 21618 BPL families will get health and property insurance. In case of accidental death, the surviving family members will get Rs. 1 lakh as insurance cover, he said. Around 50,000 APL families will also get insurance cover of Rs. 30,000 each, he added.

Damages suffered by houses of BPL families during natural calamities will also be compensated from the project. Rs. 1 lakh will be provided to damages of permanent houses while Rs. 50,000 will be provided for damaged kachha houses, said Mr. Dahal.

Leading banking institutions will be deputed in the project.

Mr. Dahal pointed out that as per the universal financial inclusion project, bank accounts will be opened for the selected beneficiaries. Other government benefits and largesse like old age pension and widow grants will go directly to these accounts thus benefiting the beneficiary immensely, he said.