Odisha government mandates strict 20-day disposal timelines for NFBS applications. Learn about the revised process for BPL families to receive financial assistance
OdishaPlus Bureau
Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities of the Odisha government has issued fresh guidelines for the implementation of the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), directing district administrations to ensure timely verification and disposal of applications under the Odisha Right to Public Services Act (ORTPSA), 2012.
In a letter to all district collectors, the department said a large number of NFBS applications have remained pending for months. To streamline the process and ensure eligible families receive assistance without delay, the government has revised the online application and verification procedures.
Under the NFBS, below-poverty-line (BPL) families are entitled to a one-time financial assistance of Rs 20,000 following the death of the family’s primary breadwinner.
According to the revised guidelines, applicants must upload five mandatory documents while applying online through the SSEPD portal. These include a death certificate issued by the competent authority, an income certificate showing annual income up to Rs 1 lakh, age proof or EPIC, Aadhaar card, and Aadhaar-linked bank account details, along with the first page of the bank passbook.
For rural areas, Block Social Security Officers (BSSOs) have been directed to complete field verification and scrutiny of applications within 15 days of receipt. In cases involving errors or incomplete documentation, officials must contact applicants and facilitate corrections within the same period.
The guidelines state that applications must be forwarded to the sanctioning authority — the Block Development Officer (BDO) — on the 16th day. The BDO has been instructed to approve or reject the application by the 20th day.
In urban areas, commissioners or executive officers have been tasked with completing verification, correction of errors and approval or rejection of applications within 20 days.
The department further directed that payment processing should be completed within seven days after approval of the application.
Warning officials against delays, the department stated that violation of the prescribed timelines and procedures would invite disciplinary action under the provisions of the ORTPSA Act, 2012.
