More assistance to BPL families in case of breadwinner's death

NEW DELHI: The Government will consider raising the Rs 10,000 assistance given under National Family Benefit Scheme ( NFBS) in case of death of the primary bread earner of a BPL family, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

"We will certainly consider this suggestion (to raise the grant) seriously," Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said during Question Hour.

He said in addition to NFBS, compensation under insurance schemes, where premium is paid by the Centre and state government, should also be made available for BPL families.

NFBS was introduced in 1995 as a component of National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). At the time of inception of the scheme, the amount fixed was Rs 5,000 in case of natural death and Rs 10,000 in case of accidental death.

In 1998, the grant in case of natural death was also enhanced to Rs 10,000.

At present, a grant of Rs 10,000 under NFBS is made to the bereaved household living below poverty line in case of death of the primary breadwinner in the 18-64 age group, he said.

To another question, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said complaints were received against two pharmacists working in North Avenue Ayurvedic Dispensary and Janakpuri Ayurvedic Dispensary (both in Delhi) relating to misbehavior, rude language, non-availability in office hours and issue of wrong or substitute medicines.

"Both pharmacists were asked to explain their conduct and behavior and they have been warned to improve their conduct," he said, adding the two have been transferred to dispensaries in other zones.

Azad said since the two pharmacists are of city cadre, they cannot be transfered outside the city.

"Whatever is possible within rules, strictest action will be taken against both officials," he said. "Transfer within city was not enough considering the heinous charges."