SOMOBYATHI –

Financial Assistance for Cremation/ Burial

1. Objective:

To provide a one-time financial assistance of Rs. 2000/- in each such case, for the performance of the rites and rituals and to meet incidental expenses related to cremation/burial, to the next of kin/ nearest family members of the deceased person.

2. Nodal Department and Agency:

Panchayat and Rural Development Department will act as the Nodal Department in Panchayat areas and Municipal Affairs Department will act as the Nodal Department in Urban areas of the State.

3. Purpose of Grant:

3.1 To provide a one-time assistance for performance of the rites and rituals and to meet incidental expenses related to cremation/burial, to the next of kin/ nearest family members of the deceased person, who are in extreme financial necessity to perform such rites and rituals.

3.2 This assistance will be of Rs. 2,000/-, which will include cremation/ burial charge, purchase of necessary articles required to perform the rites and rituals at the time of cremation/ burial and charges to carry the dead body at the Cremation/ Burial ground, and other incidental expenses, if any.

4. Eligibility:

4.1 The “scheme” will be applicable to the people from poor families, living in the State of West Bengal and where the cremation/ burial takes place at Crematoriums, Burning Ghats, Burial grounds etc. situated within the State of West Bengal.

4.2 The assistance will be provided to the next of kin, and if not available, to the nearest family member of the deceased person, who will apply with necessary cremation/ Burial Certificate at the time of cremation/burial, as the case may be.

Department Name: PANCHAYAT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT.
Officer & Staff Name with Designation:	1.     Sudeshna Sikder. Inspector, BCW & TD