Jajpur: Aug 8 [UDN}:The application portal for the Harishchandra Yojana has been reopened, allowing hundreds of pending applicants from the Rasulpur Block area to apply for financial assistance. The portal had remained closed for some time, causing difficulties for many families waiting for support. Following a report published by Dharitri on July 21 highlighting the issue, the portal was opened for the public in August.
With the reopening of the portal, the difficulties faced in submitting online applications have been resolved. The block administration has informed that families awaiting death-related financial assistance can now submit their applications through the online system.
Under the Harishchandra Yojana, the Odisha Government provides ₹3,000 financial assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to poor and helpless families for performing the last rites of deceased members. Eligible families can apply for the assistance within 15 days of the person’s death.
The responsibility of providing immediate assistance has been entrusted to Gram Panchayat Sarpanches. Earlier, Sarpanches were providing the amount from their own funds to eligible families and later applying online for reimbursement. However, due to the closure of the portal, many Sarpanches were uncertain about whether the expenses would be reimbursed.
Some Panchayat representatives had even provided assistance to families but failed to submit reimbursement applications due to the portal issue. After the matter was highlighted in the media and the portal was reopened, Panchayat representatives expressed gratitude to Dharitri for bringing the issue to the attention of authorities.
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