Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and Member Parliament, Ms Mehbooba Mufti has welcomed the launch of “Aasra” scheme, which was approved by the State Cabinet today.Terming operationalization of the scheme as a landmark initiative, Ms Mehbooba said it will provide social and financial security to the widows, the poor and the destitute in the State.She said “Aasra” will provide adequate and affordable social protection to the underprivileged citizens of the state and widen the financial security net for them.
Pertinently, under Aasra, the State Government would pay premium for the Prime Minister Surakhsha Bhima Yojna and Prime Minister Jeevan Jyoti Bhima Yojna in case of eligible beneficiaries including breadwinners of families whose annual income is less than Rs 75000 and all widows and destitute of the State.Ms Mehbooba said in situations like natural disasters or fatal accidents, the dependents of uninsured breadwinners of poor families, widows and destitute hardly get any financial help except for modest ex-gratia from the government. She said even in cases of natural death of breadwinners of such families no financial help is available to the dependents. “There are also widows and destitute having a dependent family without any financial support from the State and in case of their demise no financial safety net is available to the dependents.The PDP President said Aasra would cover all such families and save them from any financial distress during untoward situations.