Launched on 7th March 2024 by the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles, Government of West Bengal, this social welfare scheme provides financial assistance to the family of a deceased weaver or artisan. The scheme is in force for five years and aims to support the families of skilled craftsmen during their time of loss.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
- A grant of ₹2,00,000 is provided per deceased weaver or artisan.
Eligibility
- Age of the Deceased:
- The deceased artisan or weaver must have been between 18 and 60 years of age on the date of death.
- Date of Death:
- The artisan or weaver must have expired on or after 7th March 2024.
- Exclusivity:
- The claimant should not have availed any other death benefit scheme offered by the State Government.
Application Process
Offline Process
- Collection of Application Form:
- The eligible claimant must collect the prescribed application form from the local BDO/SDO office corresponding to their Block or Municipal Corporation area.
- Submission:
- Fill in the form along with all requisite enclosures and submit it at the earliest.
- Timeframe:
- The application must be submitted within 3 months of the death of the artisan or weaver.
- Post-Expiry Certification:
- After the death, the claimant(s) must obtain a certificate from the local BDO confirming their eligibility for the claim (a form for this certificate will be drafted by the department).
Documents Required
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Any other documents as required by the local authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the definition of “Artisan”?
The term “artisan” refers to skilled workers engaged in traditional crafts, including weavers, who produce goods manually. -
Which department is the management authority for this scheme?
The scheme is managed by the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles, Government of West Bengal. -
What is the objective of the scheme?
The scheme aims to provide financial relief to the family of a deceased artisan or weaver, supporting them during their time of loss. -
When was this scheme launched?
The scheme was launched on 7th March 2024. -
Who are the targeted beneficiaries under this scheme?
The scheme targets the families of deceased weavers and artisans. -
What kind of assistance can be availed through this scheme?
Beneficiaries receive a one-time financial assistance of ₹2,00,000 per deceased artisan or weaver. -
How can the benefits be availed?
Applications must be submitted offline to the local BDO/SDO office of the concerned Block or Municipal Corporation area. -
Is there any income criteria to be eligible for the scheme?
No specific income criteria have been mentioned. -
Within what timeframe must the application be submitted?
The application must be submitted within 3 months of the death of the artisan or weaver. -
What document must the claimant provide to prove their eligibility for benefits after the death?
The claimant must produce a certificate from the local BDO confirming their eligibility (post-expiry certificate).