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Government of Jammu & Kashmir
Evaluation Report On
National Family Benefit Scheme(NFBS) in Kashmir Division (2008-09 – 2011-12)
Office of the Regional Joint Director, Evaluation & Statistics, Kashmir
Directorate of Economics and Statistics, J&K Planning and Development Department
Contents
Chapter No Description of Chapter . Page Nos
I Introduction 1 – 4
II Physical & Financial Achievement 5 – 15
III Field Findings 16-39
IV Summary of Main Findings 40 – 43 & Suggestions Annexure A List of beneficiaries not existing 44
Annexure B List of beneficiaries who have not 45
received assistance
Annexure C List of beneficiaries not deserving beneficiaries 46
Highlights of Evaluation Study on NFBS
1. Under NFBS Scheme, 9203 case were sanctioned/disbursed during the reference period in respect of entire Kashmir Division against the set target of 14013 cases thereby achieving 66% targets. The low physical achievements were due to limited financial resources made available under the Scheme against the requirements.
2. On the financial side, against the actual requirement of Rs 1364.00 lacs, only an amount of Rs 925.70 lacs were made available during the reference period. The utilization of funds has remained satisfactory as Rs 920.50 lacs(99%) stands utilized during the reference period.
3. As per the instructions of State Level Evaluation Committee(SLEC), the field study was
restricted to district Kulgam of Kashmir division.
4. As per the findings of field study, 77% sample beneficiaries were deserving and 23% were not deserving on account of various parameters like not possessing BPL Ration Cards and not falling in the prescribed age group.
5. The field enquiry revealed that out of 150 sample beneficiaries 140(93%) were found
existing and had received the assistance under NFBS. In spite of strict directions for effecting payments through post office/bank, 10 cases were found either not traceable or had denied to have ever received the assistance. The norm of effecting payments through post office/ bank alone would not ensure transparency. It needs strict vigil and supervision by the officers at the helm of affairs.
6. Out of the remaining 10 sample beneficiaries, 8 could not be traced in the field and 2
reported that no such assistance was provided to them as claimed by the Department. This needs an in-depth Departmental enquiry by the Social Welfare Department at the highest possible level for ascertaining facts and fixing the responsibility.
7. 79% of the enquired beneficiaries were in possession of BPL ration card, 2% were
possessing AAY card and the remaining 19% were having APL cards. To ensure that only the deserving lot(BPL) of the society gets the envisaged benefit, it is of utmost importance to implement the scheme under proper supervision.
8. The incentive based schemes are most vulnerable on the account of coverage of undeserved
people. At the implementation level, it is only the proper supervision of middle level and higher level officers which could arrest this malpractice. Once instances of such un-deserving people are noticed, the Department must act promptly to weed-out such cases. This practice
is expected to act as a deterrent and discourage people for managing malified coverage under the scheme.
9. The field enquiry results revealed that 97% deceased persons were falling in the criteria fixed
under the guidelines of the scheme and consequently their families were qualifying for assistance. In 3% of the cases the age of the deceased was above 65 years and their families were undeservedly covered under the scheme which again tentamounts to undermining the norms of the scheme.
10. The enquiry results revealed that all the beneficiaries who had received the assistance were
of the view that it proved fruitful to them.
11. While elaborating on the scope of assistance 28% stated the amount of Rs 10,000= provided under NFBS saved them from begging. The same percentage of beneficiaries revealed that without this assistance they would have sold their household assets for surviving the family. 20% reported that had the assistance not been provided, they were left with no option but to obtain loans from the banks. 21 beneficiaries (15%) admitted that the assistance was fruitful as it allowed their family children to continue the studies which otherwise were not possible. The remaining 9% were facing no such emergency problems as reported by them.
12. While offering suggestions for further improvements in the NFBS, 58% sample
beneficiaries suggested that the amount of assistance should be raised as it is too meager to support a family which suddenly loses the breadearner. 14% beneficiaries suggested that the assistance should be provided instantly and later on adjusted.
13. To ensure that the assistance provided under the scheme remains ever effective and impact
oriented, its enhancement must be linked to a suitable price index and periodical revision in the amount of assistance made biennially, if not on annual basis.
Chapter - I
Introduction:
The National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) was introduced by GOI throughout the country in August 1995 with the aim to provide immediate succor to those Below Poverty Line (BPL) families whose lone bread earner expires due to natural or accidental cause. Till 2002-03 it was fully funded by GOI under centrally sponsored scheme. Thereafter it was shifted to State Sector and is currently in vogue under the same pattern. The instant Scheme is being implemented by the social Welfare Department throughout the state.
Under National Family Benefit Scheme one time financial assistance of Rs.10000/=(ten thousand) is being paid to the bereaved family living below poverty line whose lone bread earner expires due to the natural or accidental death and is having no substantial source of income. In addition to this the deceased bread earner should be in the age group of 18-64 years.
Eligibility Criteria :
Before sanctioning the cases under National Family Benefit Scheme following parameters are required to be fulfilled by the applicant:-
i) The deceased person should be primary bread earner of the family and his earnings should be substantially contributing to the overall house hold income.
ii) The deceased person should be in the age group of 18-64 years.
iii) The family applying for assistance under National Family Benefit Scheme should belong to Below Poverty Line category.
iv) There should be no earning son in the family.
Note:- The term “ household” includes spouse, minor children, un-married daughters and dependent .
Parents of the deceased. In case of death of an unmarried adult the term “ household” will include minor brothers/sisters.
Objective of the Scheme:
The main objective of National Family Benefit Scheme is to provide immediate succor to the dependents of the deceased by way of providing one time financial assistance of Rs.10,000/=(ten thousand) to the next of the kin of deceased.
Conceptualization of study
The State Level Evaluation Committee (SLEC) in its 5th Meeting held on 25.11.2011 under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary to Govt. Planning & Development Department, among other programmes/ schemes decided to get National Family Benefit Scheme”(NFBS) Evaluated in Kashmir Region through Regional Joint Director E&S Kashmir Srinagar. Accordingly district Kulgam was identified for conducting Evaluation study on NFBS. The National Family Benefit Scheme is in operation in District Kulgam like other districts of the
state. In order to assess the success of the scheme and to ascertain its impact with regard to social security of benefited families in district Kulgam following objectives were postulated for the Evaluation Study:-
Objectives:
i. To know the physical/financial progress under the scheme viz-a-viz physical coverage of beneficiaries and disbursement of financial assistance.
ii. To assess actual quantum of beneficiaries along with disbursement of financial assistance and their genuineness on ground.
iii. To assess the impact of the scheme with regard to social security of benefitted families. iv. To know the difficulties/bottlenecks faced by the Implementing Authorities during
implementation of the scheme and suggestions. If any, offered for improvement.
Sample size and selection procedure:
District Kulgam comprises of three tehsils. As per the stipulated procedure, the tehsil with maximum coverage was to be selected for field enquiry. As per the information provided by the concerned Department, tehsil Kulgam qualified for selection and was, accordingly selected. In the selected tehsil, 40% of beneficiaries covered during the reference period 2008-12 with representation to each year was drawn through simple random sampling for the purpose of field enquiry.
Reference period:
The reference period for the study was 2008-12. However, field data was collected in respect of sample Tehsil in the month of March 2013.
Instruments of investigation:
Following two types of schedules were devised for the Evaluation study:-
i) Schedule-I for official data.
ii) Schedule-II for sample beneficiaries.
Source of data:
Secondary data was collected from the District Social Welfare Officer Kulgam while as primary data was collected in the field by the Evaluation teams.
Field Work and supervision:
The field work and scrutiny of schedules was done by the staff of DSEO under the close supervision of DSEO Kulgam and senior officers of RJDK.
Tabulation and Report writing:-
Tabulation of official/ field data was done by the staff of DSEO Kulgam under the technical guidance of Regional Joint Director Kashmir and report writing was done by the Regional Joint Director Kashmir.
Analytical Tools:
Simple averages and percentages were used as analytical tools in the Evaluation Report. Graphs and diagrams were also used, wherever, necessary.
Chapter-II
The Scheme and its progress: The Directive Principles of State Policy in the constitution of India enjoin upon the States to undertake within its means a number of welfare measures. In particular, Article 41, of the constitution of India directs the State to provide public assistance to its citizens in case of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement within the limit of its economic capacity and development. It is in accordance with these principles that the Government of India introduced in 1995 the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) to lay foundation policy for Social Assistance for the poor.
National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) is one among the five schemes running under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). The instant scheme is in operation in entire Jammu & Kashmir and is being executed and monitored under the nodal authority of Social Welfare Department. The Department is headed by District Social Welfare Officer at District Level and at the Tehsil Level by Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO). A fixed number of beneficiaries to be benefitted annually in each district is determined under the scheme as the total targets. The districts are allocated the targets in terms of number of beneficiaries to be benefitted every year. The District-wise availability and expenditure of funds during the reference period 2008-09 to 2011-12 is reflected in the table hereunder:
Table- 1.00
District Wise Availability/Expenditure of funds during reference period 2008-09 to 2011-12 in Kashmir Division.
(Rs in lacs) S/
No
District Actual Require-ment
O.B. as on 01-04-2008
Allocation Availability Expen-diture
Closing Balance
SS ACA SS ACA Total
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
1. Srinagar 193.00 - - 129.50 - 129.50 129.50 129.50 -
2. Ganderbal 41.30 - - 41.30 - 41.30 41.30 41.30 -
3. Budgam 92.00 - - 92.00 - 92.00 92.00 92.00 -
4. Anantnag 198.10 - - 101.90 - 101.90 101.90 101.90 -
5. Kulgam 129.00 - - 74.30 - 74.30 74.30 74.30 -
6. Pulwama 68.00 - - 68.10 - 68.10 68.10 68.10 -
7. Shopian 24.20 - - 24.20 - 23.10 23.10 23.10 -
8. Baramulla 379.50 - - 197.50 - 197.50 197.50 197.50 -
9. Bandipora 88.10 - - 55.50 - 55.50 55.50 55.50 -
10. Kupwara 101.70 - - 99.20 - 99.20 99.20 99.20 -
11. Leh 8.50 - - 13.70 - 13.70 13.70 8.50 5.20
12. Kargil 40.50 - - 40.50 29.30 29.30 29.30 -
Total 1364.00 - - 937.70 925.70 925.70 920.50 -
The National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) has simple operational aspects and once identification of beneficiary gets authenticated, there remains no hindrance in disbursement/utilization of money. But such type of schemes are equally vulnerable to misappropriations as such needs close supervision and monitoring in addition to placement of checks and balances on the ultimate disbursement of benefit to the bonafide beneficiaries. The financial profile shown above reflected the expected state of situation across the districts. The data as contained in the above table indicates that during the period from 2008-09 to 2011-12, the actual requirement of funds in respect of the cases received for assistance by District Social Welfare officers was Rs .1364.00 lacs. The maximum requirement of the funds was in respect of district Baramulla at Rs .379.50 lacs and minimum for District Leh to the extent of Rs .8.50 lacs. It can further be seen from the above table that against the actual requirement of Rs .1364.00 lacs, an amount of Rs .937.70 lacs (68.75%) funds were allocated as ACA thus creating a gap of 31% between allocation and actual requirement of funds. The data also reveals that although Rs 937.70 lacs were allocated during the reference period for Kashmir division but the availability was only to the tune of Rs .925.70 lacs, thereby with holding an amount of Rs .12.00 lacs. All the districts except Leh were able to utilize the available funds fully. In fact district Leh was provided Rs .13.70 lacs against the requirement of only Rs .8.50 lacs, thus naturally resulting in non utilization of Rs .5.20 lacs .
Physical profile:-
The physical achievements under NFBS go hand in hand with the financial achievements in view of its peculiar nature. With every ten thousand utilization, one beneficiary gets covered under the scheme. The efficiency of the scheme, therefore, lies in the identification of bonafide beneficiaries and promptness with which the assistance is provided to the target family. The physical achievements made under National Family Benefit Scheme during the period from 2008-09 to 2011-12 in entire Kashmir Division is reproduced in the table given below:
Table - 1.01
District Wise breakup of cases Sanctioned/Distributed during the reference period 2008-09 to 2011-12 in Kashmir Division.
S.no District Targets Total Number of Cases
Received Recommended
Sanctioned Disbursed
Spill over to next
year Back log of Beneficiaries
During the period
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1. Srinagar 1930 785 1145 1295 1295 1295 635
2. Ganderbal 413 - 413 413 413 413 -
3. Budgam 920 - 920 920 920 920 -
4. Anantnag 1981 539 1442 1981 1019 1019 962
5. Kulgam 1290 290 1000 1290 743 743 547
6. Pulwama 1054 - 1054 1054 681 681 373
7. Shopian 242 10 232 242 232 232 10
8. Baramulla 3795 220 3575 3795 1975 1975 1820
9. Bandipora 881 446 435 881 555 555 326
10. Kupwara 1017 - 1017 1017 992 992 25
11. Leh 85 - 85 85 85 85 -
12. Kargil 405 - 405 405 293 293 112
Total 14013 2290 11723 13378 9203 9203 4810
The figures in the above table reflected that 14013 applications were received in the entire Kashmir Division during the reference period out of which 2290(16%) were backlog of previous years and rest 11723(84%) were fresh ones. During the period, the maximum applications viz 3795 were received by District Social Welfare office Baramulla and minimum viz 85 by District Social Welfare Office Leh. Out of 14013 applications received under the scheme, 13378 (95%) were recommended for sanctioning and ultimately 9203(69%) cases were sanctioned and disbursed during reference period. The quantum of available funds during the reference period restricted the Implementing Department to sanction and disburse the assistance
to only 69% of the received cases. By the end of 2011-12 there were 4810 cases across Kashmir division which spilled over to the next year. In the same manner at the beginning of the reference period 2008-09 there were 2290 backlog cases which had to be accommodated during the reference period. This situation clearly indicated, among other things that the assistance which warrants to be immediate, is provided belatedly in most of the cases. The Implementing Department has no blame on this account. It is the limited financial resources provided under the scheme which force the implementing Department to spill-over cases to the subsequent years. The Govt. at the appropriate level must consider the enhancement of allocations under the scheme in proportion to the estimated targets so that the suffered families are accommodated within the financial year and that too immediately as per the requirement and exigencies of the scheme.
Financial profile in district Kulgam:
Normally the evaluation studies are restricted to limited geographical areas due to various constraints and considerations. Given the fact that the parameters of the scheme and the field of operation are homogeneous, there exists no technical barrier in applying the evaluation results to the whole of area/scheme on the principle of statistical regularity. The district Kulgam was selected for conducting the field operations under the study. In order to make proper assessment of the programme at grass-root level by means of personal contacts with the beneficiaries, the official claims with regard to financial and physical aspects need appraisal.
The year wise details of expenditure of funds against the availability for the last four years in respect of district Kulgam is produced below:-
Table: 2.00
Availability & expenditure of funds during the period 2008-09 to 2011-12 in district Kulgam
(Unit -Rs in.lacs)
S.no
Year
actual Require-ment
O.B.
at the end of the FY
Allocation Availability
Exp
Closing Balance as on 31/3/2009
Remarks for shortfall if any
SS ACA SS ACA Total
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1 2008-09 20.00 Nil Nil 15.00 Nil 15.00 15.00 15.00 -- --
2 2009-10 30.00 -- -- .00 -- 23.00 23.00 23.00 -- --
3 2010-11 37.00 -- -- 0.00 -- 0.00 0.00 20.00 -- --
4 2011-12 42.00 -- -- 6.30 -- 16.30 6.30 6.30 -- --
Total 129.00 -- -- 4.30 -- 4.30 4.30 4.30 -- --
The information depicted above brings this fact to the fore that the actual requirement of funds was increasing year after year. In 2008-09 the requirement was Rs 20.00 lacs which increased to Rs 30.00 lacs in the year 2009-10 and further to Rs 37.00 lacs and Rs 42.00 lacs in the subsequent years. The allocation/availability of funds was Rs 15.00 lacs during 2008-09 i.e less by 25% of the requirements. In 2009-10 against the requirement of Rs.30.00 lacs, the availability was Rs 23.00 lacs again less by 23 %. During the two subsequent years the availability was not only less viz-a-viz requirements but slashed down to Rs 20.00 lacs in 2010-11 and further down to Rs 16.30 lacs in 2011-12. This curtailment in the availability of funds against the ever increasing requirement was unwarranted and bound to affect the efficiency and impacts of the scheme. The funds were utilized fully during all the four years of reference period. In aggregate Rs 74.30 lacs were provided for the district during the reference period against the requirement of Rs 129.00 lacs which was less by 42%. The resultant effect of the decreased allocation was spill over of cases to the next financial years and conversely belated payments to the beneficiaries who by emergency needed immediate assistance for survival. The expenditure/utilization efficiency of the scheme is maximum in view of its simple characteristics.
The District Social Welfare Officer Kulgam could not give reasons in respect of the shortfall of funds witnessed during the period under reference. District Kulgam comprises of three Tehsils viz Kulgam, D.H. Pora and Devsar. While implementing any scheme efforts are required to be made by the Implementing Agency to ensure that benefits percolate in every part of the targeted area in a proportionate manner. To ascertain the scenario on this account, the Tehsil-Wise availability and expenditure made in District Kulgam during the reference period 2008-09 to 2011-12 is given hereunder:-
Table: 2.01
Tehsil wise availability and expenditure of funds during the period 2008-09 to 2011-12 in district Kulgam
(Unit - Rs . in lacs)
Year
Kulgam D.H. Pora Devsar Total
Avail.
Ep.
Avail.
Exp.
Avail.
Avail
Exp.
2 3 4 5 6 7 910
2008-09
8.50
8.50
3.50
3.50
3.00
15.00
15.00
2009
10.70
10.70
8.1
8.1
4.2
23.0
23.0
-10
0 0 0 0 0
2010-11
10.20
10.20
7.40
7.40
2.40
20.00
20.00
2011-12
7.60
7.60
5.70
5.70
3.00
16.30
16.30
Total 37.00
37.00
24.70
24.70
12.60
74.30
74.30
The Tehsil wise tabulated data revealed that Rs 74.30 lakhs were made available in favour of the three Tehsils during the reference period. Against the total availability of Rs 74.30 lakhs in District Kulgam during the reference period Tehsil Kulgam received highest share of Rs 37.00 (50%) lakhs, Tehsil D.H. Pora received Rs 24.70 (33%) lakhs and Tehsil Devsar remained at bottom with availability of Rs 12.60 (17%) lakhs. All the Tehsils attained full utilization of allocated funds.
The data with regard to the physical targets and achievements was collected from the Implementing Agency as per
the devised format which is reproduced hereunder in the following table for analysis:
Table: 2.02 Year wise break up of cases sanctioned/disbursed
Year
Total No. Of Cases Spill over to next year
Received Recommen
ded Sanctioned
Disbursed
Backlog of previous year
During the year
Total
New
2 4 5 6
9=col(3
12
-8)
2008-09
--
200
200
150
50
cases
2009-10
50
250
300
180
70
cases
2010-11
70
300
370
130
170
cases
2011-12
170
250
420
--
257
cases
Tot
29
100
129
46
54
al
0 0 0 0 7
cases
The physical data on yearwise basis shown above reflects the same situation as was observed at the division level. The number of backlog cases was on the increase year after year. In 2008-09, there were 200 cases identified for assistance under the scheme but only 150 could be accommodated from the allocated amount. The financial resources could not kept pace with the growing number of prospective beneficiaries with the result the number of spill-over cases had increased gradually from 50 in 2008-09 to 257 in 2011-12. The only solution to this problem is the enhancement in the allocations proportionately to the number of victim beneficiaries. This would also do away the problem of belated disbursement which is most unwelcome feature of the scheme on practical front.
The Tehsil wise physical targets and achievements are reproduced in the table hereunder:-
Table: 2.03 Tehsil wise breakup of total cases sanctioned/disbursed
Year
Kulgam D.H. Pora Devsar Total
No. of cases No. of cases No. of Cases No. of cases
2
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Total
The perusal of the above table reveals that out of 1290 targeted cases during the reference period, 655 (51%) were in respect of Tehsil Kulgam, 335 (26%) were from Tehsil D.H. Pora and 300 (23%) were from Tehsil Devsar. In respect of Tehsil Kulgam out of 655 targeted cases, 370 were disbursed with an achievement of 56% while as in respect of Tehsil D.H. Pora out of 335 targeted cases, 247 were disbursed with achievement of 74%. As far as Tehsil Devsar is concerned out of 300 cases received, 126 cases were disbursed with an achievement of 42%. The coverage of all the three tehsils seems to have been ensured. The cases are peculiar in nature and depend on occurrences, as such proportionate coverage in tehsils does not apply at all.
Chapter-III Field Findings: Keeping in view the objective of the Evaluation Study, field operations as per the approved sampling procedure were launched in Tehsil Kulgam by using the approved questionnaire. The field operations were carried out by the concerned staff of DSEO Kulgam under the supervision of DSEO Kulgam and senior officers of Regional Joint Directorate of Evl & Sts, Kashmir. In order to assess the success or failure of the scheme, the beneficiaries covered under the instant scheme were contacted and interviewed with reference to the set objectives of the study. The secondary data was collected from the District Social Welfare Office Kulgam. In order to make analysis and draw conclusions regarding the implementation of the scheme at ground level, both primary and secondary data had been used appropriately. As per approved design one Tehsil with maximum coverage was selected at first stage. District Kulgam comprises of three Tehsil viz Kulgam, Devsar and D.H. Pora. As per the data made available by the District Social Welfare office (DSWO) Kulgam, Tehsil Kulgam having maximum coverage was selected for the field enquiry. At the second stage, out of the total beneficiaries covered during the reference period 2008-12, a sample of 40% representing each year of the reference period was drawn through simple random sampling procedure for field enquiry. As a result of above mentioned sampling procedure, the sample size which finally emerged is given below in the following table:-
Table: 3.00 Sample selected
Year Tehsil Cases
Disbursed
Sample Size
Selected
2 3 4 5
2008-09
Kul
ga m 85 35
2009-10 107 43
2010-11 102 42
2011-12 76 30
Total 370 150
According to the approved design 40% sample beneficiaries were to be covered for detailed field enquiry. While adopting the stipulated sample size and procedure, a sample of 150 sample beneficiaries emerged for carrying out the field operations. The status of the sample beneficiaries observed in the field with reference to their coverage under the scheme is given below:-
Table: 3.01 Status of the sample beneficiaries as on date of survey
Year Tehsil Sample selected for
study
Contacted
& Received Assistance
Not
Traceable
Not Receiv
ed Assistance
2008-09
K
U
L
G
A
M
35 31 03 1
2009-10
43 42 01 --
2010-11
42 38 03 1
2011-
30 29 01 --
12
T o t a l 150 140 8 2
%age To Total 93.33% 5.33
% 1.33%
As is evident from the above table that out of 150 sample beneficiaries 140 (93.33%) were found existing and had received the assistance under the scheme. This means that the scheme has to a great extent been implemented successfully at the gross root level. Out of
remaining 10(6.66%) sample beneficiaries’ 8(5.33%) could not be traced by the field agencies and 2 (1.33%) sample beneficiaries reported that no such assistance was
provided to them as claimed by the Department. The incentive based schemes like the NFBS are generally simple so far as the operational part is concerned. Once identification of beneficiaries is got done there remains no hurdle in utilizing the money sanctioned and made available under the scheme. But these schemes are equally vulnerable to misappropriations and leakages due to their simplicity. Keeping these
facts in view, the Govt of India is contemplating to link all incentive based schemes to Adhar Card. The untraced beneficiaries and those who denied to have ever received the benefits under the scheme needs in-depth enquiry by the social welfare Deptt. at the highest possible level for ascertaining the facts and fixing the responsibility. The list of such cases is reflected below for further investigation by the Deptt.
List of not-traceable sample beneficiaries S.
No.
Year Name & Address Physical Status
1 2008-09
1. Gulshana Bano
W/o: Mohd. Sultan
R/o: B/Lamed
Not
Traceable
2. Rehti Banu
W/o: Manzoor Ahmad Mochi
R/o: Frisal
Not
Traceable
3. Haneefa Bano
W/o: Gh. Mohammad
R/o: Budgam
Not
Traceable
4. Abida Jan
W/o: Ali Mohd. Itoo
R/o: Gudder
Not
Received
2 2009-10
1. Salfiya Akhter
W/o: M. Ismail Sheikh
R/o: H.S. Bush
Not
Traceable
3 2010-11
1. Saleema
W/o: M. Yousuf Khan
R/o: Kraloo
Not
Traceable
2. Zareefa
W/o: M. Abdullah
R/o: Kraloo
Not
Traceable
3. Ruby Jan
W/o: M. Ashraf Thoker
R/o: Nowbugh
Not
Traceable
4. Fahmeeda Akhter
W/o: Ali Mohd. Naik
R/o: H.C. Gam
Not
Received
2011-12
1. Hajira Bano
W/o: M. Abdullah Ganie
R/o: Frisal
Not
Traceable
Family profile of beneficiaries:
When a primary bread earner of the family expires and leaves behind a family which totally or substantially was dependent on him/ her, it suffers economically and psychologically to a great extent. The family including widows, children, old aged and those pursuing studies face tremendous problems on both economic and social front. Though in the modalities of the scheme, the size of family has nothing to do with the determination of the amount of assistance, yet it may be useful for the policy makers to consider/ reassess the immediate needs of the families having an average
given size. The following table provides information on the size of the families of the sample beneficiaries with gender combination.
Table: 3.02 No. of family members of sample beneficiaries
Year
Sample Benefici
aries contacte
d
Number of family members
Total Male Femal
e
2008-09
31 156 66 90
2009-10
42 165 81 84
2010-11
38 188 69 119
2011-12
29 166 73 93
T o t a l 140 675 289 386
Average per family
- 4.82 2.06 2.76
As can be seen from the above table that the total strength of the families dependent on the deceased persons was 675 comprising of 289 (43%) male members and 386 (57%) female members. The average size of the affected families works out to be 4.82 members. The information also suggests that by the coverage of a beneficiary under the scheme, the assistance is infact provided at an average to nearly five persons. It also provides an assessing
tool to the policy strategists to think whether a meager assistance of Rs. 10000 provided to the beneficiaries under the scheme was enough for a family of nearly 5 persons to settle down and feel some sort of relief in the present pressing economic situations.
Occupational pattern of the head of families:
The analysis of the occupational pattern of the head of the household provided with incentive under NFBS would be helpful in determining the economic status of the beneficiary families. Accordingly, during the field enquiry the occupational pattern of the head of the household was ascertained, which among other things, has bearing on the criteria of selection of the beneficiary under NFBS. The findings on the score are detailed below:-
Table: 3.04 Occupational pattern of the heads of the families
Year
Total
No. of Sampl
e Beneficiaries
Self Employed in Agri.
Self Employed
in Non Agri.
Regular
Salaried
Daily
Paid
Employee
Casual Labour
Domestic Service/ agri
culture
2008-09
31 3 2 2 -- 2 22
2009-10
42 9 6 1 -- 2 24
2010-11
38 1 4 2 31
2011-12
29 4 1 -- -- -- 24
T o t a l
140 17 13 3 2 4 10
1
%age to
Total
12%
9% 2% 1% 3%
73%
The perusal of the above table revealed that of the total of 140 heads of the sample beneficiary families, 73% were busy in domestic chores, 12% were self employed in agricultural activities, 9% were self employed in non agriculture activities, 2% were regular salaried, 3% were casual labourers and meager 1% were daily rated employees. The information on the employment pattern suggested that the families covered for assistance under NFBS were prima facie deserving on the score.
BPL status of sample beneficiaries: As per the criteria prescribed under this scheme those
bereaved families qualify for this scheme which are living below poverty line. The information regarding the type of ration card possessed by the sample beneficiaries is reflected in a table hereunder:-
Table: 3.05 BPL status of sample beneficiaries
Year
Total No. of Sample
Beneficiaries
APL BPL AAY
2008-09
31 6 24 1
2009-10
42 10 31 1
2010-11
38 7 31 --
2011-12
29 4 24 1
T o t a l 140 27 110 3
%age to Total
19% 79% 2%
The data in the above table shows that 79% sample beneficiaries were in possession of BPL ration card, 2% were possessing AAY Card and rest 19% were having APL cards. Although as per the observations of field investigators certain APL Card holder were in real sense deserving assistance under this programme but the criteria as laid down in rest of the APL cases was violated which needs to be looked into by the Department. To ensure that only the deserving lot of the society gets the envisaged benefits, it is of utmost importance to implement the scheme under proper supervision. The incentive based schemes are most vulnerable on the account of coverage of undeserving people. At the implementation level, it is only the proper supervision of middle level and higher level officers which could arrest this mal practice. Once instances of such undeserving people are noticed, the Deptt. must act promptly to weed-out such cases. This practice is expected to act as deterrent and discourage people for managing mollifide coverage under the scheme. Age criteria:-
Besides other things, the age of the deceased bread winner has a direct bearing on the eligibility of the family qualifying for assistance under NFBS. The deceased bread winner must necessarily be in the working age group of 18-64 years. During the field enquiry the age of the deceased was ascertained from the family sources and authenticated from other neighborhood sources as well. The aggregate results are shown below:
Table: 3.06
Age of the deceased persons
Year Total Age in Years
No. of Sample Benefici
aries
18-40 41-64 65 & Abov
e
2008-09
31 11 19 1
2009-10
42 13 28 1
2010-11
38 5 32 1
2011-12
29 12 15 2
T o t a l 140 41 94 5
%age to Total 29% 68% 3%
The data reflected in the above table revealed that 97% deceased persons were falling in the criteria fixed under the guidelines of the scheme and consequently their families were qualifying for assistance under the scheme. In 3% of the cases the age was above 65 years and their families were undeservedly covered under the scheme which again is an instance of undermining the norms and guidelines of the scheme. Source of income of sample beneficiaries:
In order to analyze the economic conditions of eligible beneficiaries the enquiry was made regarding their main source of income. The information in this regard is reflected hereunder:-
Table: 3.08
Main source of income of sample beneficiaries
Year
Total
No. of Sample Beneficiaries
Main Source Of Income
Labour
Agricultural
Activitie
s
Daily
Wages
Regular
Salary
Donations
2008-09
31 11 13 4 2 1
2009-10
42 15 17 9 1 --
2010-11
38 20 6 8 3 1
2011-12
29 13 12 -- 3 1
T o t a l 140
59 48 21
9 3
%age to Total 42 3415
7 2
% % % % %
The data reveals that out of 140 sample beneficiaries 59 (42%) sample beneficiaries were having labour as major source of income, 48 (34%) were having agriculture as main source of income, 21 (15%) were making their living by way of earning daily wages and 9 (7%) were having regular source of income. Furthermore, 3 (2%) sample beneficiaries were making their two ends to meet by way of getting donations from charitable institutions.
Land status is also an indicator to ascertain the economic status of sample beneficiaries. The data collected in respect of land possessed by the sample beneficiaries is reproduced hereunder:-
Table: 3.09
LAND STATUS OF THE SAMPLE BENEFICIARIES
Year
Total No. of
Sample Beneficiaries
Land Status (in Kanals)
Less than 2
2 to 4 4 to
6
6 & above
2008-09
31 11 8 7 5
2009-10
42 12 13 11 6
2010-11
38 21 6 6 5
2011-12
29 9 8 8 4
T o t a l 140 53 35 32 20
%age to Total 38%
25% 23% 14%
The perusal of the above table reveals that 53(38%) sample beneficiaries were having land holdings less than 2 kanals, 35 (25%) sample beneficiaries were having 2 to 4 kanals, 32 (23%) sample beneficiaries were having 4 to 6 kanals and rest 20 (14%) were having more than 6 kanals of land. Both the economic indicators of employment and land ownership suggested beyond any doubt that the families covered under the NFBS scheme were mostly weaker sections of the society. Inspite of some cases not qualifying for coverage under the scheme on other norms, the families in the given economic conditions require assistance by the Govt. for survival and minimum day to day needs. Mode of payment: As per the guidelines of National Family Benefit Scheme the assistance to be given to the beneficiary should be credited into post office or public sector bank account of such surviving member who is determined by local enquiry to be head of the household. The data collected about the mode of payment is tabulated hereunder:-
Table: 3.10
Mode of payment
Year
Total No. of Sample Beneficiar
ies
Mode of payment
Cash
Cheque
Through Bank
2008-09 31 -- 24 7
2009-10 42 -- 41 1
2010-11 38 -- 37 1
2011-12 29 -- 25 4
T o t a l 140 -- 127 13
%age to Total 91% 9%
The data reveals that 91% sample beneficiaries reported that they received the assistance through cheque and rest 9% sample beneficiaries reported that they received assistance under the instant scheme through bank. The mode of payment of assistance must necessarily be under proper scrutiny and checks, particularly in incentive oriented schemes. Inspite of strict directions for effecting payments through post office/ banks, 10 cases ( Annexure A) were found either not traced in the field or had denied to have ever received the assistance. The norm of effecting payments through post office/ banks alone would not ensure transparency. It needs strict vigil and supervision by the officers at the helm of affairs. Mere regime of norms with faulty implementation and ineffective supervision is very unlikely to pave way for transparent coverage of prospective beneficiaries. Satisfaction of sample beneficiaries:- The satisfaction of the beneficiaries is the ultimate goal of any scheme launched by Government for betterment/upliftment of the various sections of the society. Although as per guidelines the payment under NFBS must be sanctioned within the minimum possible time and payment arranged by programme office at the earliest and preferably in a fortnight but such a mechanism does not exist on ground level. The information with regard to satisfaction level of sample beneficiaries with regard to assistance received and time taken in providing assistance is presented in the following table:-
Table: 3.11 Satisfaction of sample beneficiaries with regard to assistance and time taken in disbursement
Year Total No. of
No. of sample beneficiaries reporting that
Sample Benefici
aries
Assistance received as Per
norms
Assistance received well
in time
Yes
No Yes No
2008-09
31 31 -- 31 --
2009-10
42 42 -- 42 --
2010-11
38 38 -- 38 --
2011-12
29 29 -- 29 --
T o t a l 140 140
-- 140 --
%age to Total 100%
-- 100%
--
The perusal of the above table reflects that 100% sample beneficiaries were satisfied with the assistance received and time taken in disbursement of the assistance. This is a healthy trend and needs to be continued in future to make it more fruitful and people friendly. It needs special mention that the satisfaction was regarding receiving full quantum of Rs. 10000 and not on the adequacy of assistance. The disbursement was also not within a fortnight but within the permissible time frame to the satisfaction of beneficiary families. Impact of Assistance:- In the present economic scenario the impact of an assistance of Rs. 10000 on the economic and social life of the family is unlikely to be visualized. The assistance infact is provided to fill the void
caused due to the death of primary bread winner. The assistance enables the family to sustain and adapt itself to the new situations. In the enquiry process the beneficiaries were asked to report about the scope of assistance provided to them on the sustenance of their family, the responses are aggregated below:
Table: 3.12 Views of sample beneficiaries with regard to scope of assistance
Year
Total
No. of S.
Benef.
Whether
aid proved fruitful
No. of sample beneficiaries reporting that the assistance proved fruitful by way of
Yes
No
Save
d
from
beg
ging
Savi
ng fr
om se
lling
hou
seho
ld a
sset
s
Savi
ng
from
obt
aini
ng
Allo
wed
scho
ol ch
ildre
n to
cont
inue
th
eir s
tudi
es
Help
ed to
aug
men
t hou
seho
ld
inco
me
Assis
tanc
e sa
ved
in b
ank
2008-
31
6 4 7 6 8
09
2009-10
42
14
10 11
6 1
2010-11
38
9 15 5 7 2
2011-12
29
10
10 5 2 2
Total 140
39
39 28
21
13
%age To Total
28%
28% 20%
15%
9%
The enquiry results revealed that all the beneficiaries who had received the assistance were of the view that it proved fruitful to them. While elaborating on the scope of assistance 28% stated that the amount of Rs. 10000 provided under NFBS saved them from begging. The same percentage of beneficiaries revealed that without this assistance they would have sold their household assets for surviving the family. 20% reported that had the assistance not been provided, they were left with no option but to obtain loans from the
banks. 21 beneficairies( 15% ) admitted that the assistance was fruitful as it allowed their family children to continue the studies which otherwise were not possible. The remaining 9% were facing no such emergency problems as reported by them. However, it augmented their household income substantially at the time of distress. It was thus established that all the enquired beneficiaries had in one way or the other acquired a breathing space on the eve of the death of the bread winner of the family. The immediate assistance enables the family to settle down and think ahead for new openings/ arrangements for pursuing sustainable economic activity. Problems faced by the sample beneficiaries:
With regard to the difficulties faced by the sample beneficiaries right from applying for the assistance till the payment, the following information emerged which is reflected in the following table:-
TABLE: 3.13
PROBLEMS FACED BY THE SAMPLE BENEFICIARIES
S.
No. Year
Total No. Of
S. Beneficiaries
Whether faced any difficulty
Yes
No
1 2008-09 31 4 27
2 2009-10 42 4 38
3 2010-11 38 4 34
4 2011-12 29 2 27
T o t a l 140 14 126
%age to Total 10%
90%
The information depicted in the above table revealed that 90% sample beneficiaries did not faced any problem in getting the assistance under NFBS. The scheme has limited operational aspects which enabled beneficiaries to obtain the envisaged assistance easily without facing any difficulties. It is worth appreciation on the part of Social Welfare Deptt. also. The beneficiaries who reported to had faced difficulties in settlement of their cases were 14 (10%). The difficulties reportedly faced by them were different in nature and merely implementational in character. The scheme modalities have nowhere come under criticism by the beneficiaries. The description of problems faced by the beneficiaries are detailed below:
Table: 3.14
DIFFICULTIES FACED BY THE SAMPLE BENEFICIARIES
Year
No. of sampl
e beneficiaries reporti
ng about
the difficul
ties
Nature of difficulties
Huge time was involve
Sanctioning needs politic
al appro
ach
Needs
bribe for sanctioni
ng
Lengthy Process
d
Yes
No Yes No
2008-09
4 2 2 -- --
2009-10
4 2 1 -- 1
2010-11
4 3 -- -- 1
2011-12
2 1 -- -- 1
T o t a l 14 8 3 -- 3
%age to Total 57%
21.5% --
21.5%
The perusal of the above table revealed that out of 14 sample beneficiaries 8(57%) reported that it takes huge time to settle the case, 3 (21.5%) reported that sanctioning needs political approach while as 3(21.5%) reported that applying for the assistance is lengthy one and hence disheartens the people applying for the assistance under the instant scheme. The assistance under NFBS requires to be immediate, if not instant. The Deptt must evolve all possible measures to ensure speedy disposal of cases for providing the envisaged succor to the bereaved family. Assistance under other schemes:
The assistance provided under NFBS to the beneficiary family is not enough to revive their livelihood as it is meant for immediate succor so that the family could revive their means of livelihood. In order to find out whether they got any other benefit other than NFBS from government sponsored programmes, an enquiry was made from the sample beneficiaries on the subject. The aggregate result of the enquiry are provided below:-
Table: 3.15
DETAILS OF OTHER ASSISTANCE RECEIVED BY SAMPLE BENEFICIARIES OTHER
THAN NFBS
Year
Total No.
of sample beneficiarie
s
Whether receiving any
other assistance
If yes name of the agency and amount
Yes
No Agenc
y
Programme
Amount
2008-09
31 20
11 SWD
Old Age Pension
Rs.200/-
P.M.
2009-10
42 22
20 -
do- -do-
-do-
2010-11
38 17
21 -
do- -do-
-do-
2011-12
29 8 21 -
do- -do-
-do-
T o t a l
140 67
73 -
do- -do-
-do-
%age to Total 48%
52%
As can be seen from the above table that 48% sample beneficiaries reported that they were getting financial assistance other than NFBS, while as 52% reported that no other assistance
was being provided to them. The other assistance reported being received by the beneficiaries was Rs. 200 monthly under old age pension scheme of the Social Welfare Deptt. Satisfaction of Sample beneficiaries :
The satisfaction of stakeholders, particularly, the beneficiaries with regard to the programme in totality and in respect of various components is regarded as an important parameter of gauging the successfulness of the programme. Accordingly in every evaluation exercise, the satisfaction level of beneficiaries is obtained on various components and processes of the programme for determining the status from the beneficiary perspective. The following table provides the response of the beneficiaries in respect of amount of assistance, mode of payment and process of sanctioning.
Table: 3.16 Satisfaction level of sample beneficiaries regarding the norms of scheme
Year
Total No. of S. Benefici
aries
No of Beneficiaries satisfied with
Amt. of
Assistance
Mode of
payment
Process of case
sanctioning
2008-09
31 15 11 5
2009-10
42 19 12 11
2010-11
38 7 22 9
2011-12
29 3 23 3
T o t a l 140 44 68 28
%age to Total 31% 49% 20%
In respect of the amount of assistance only 31%beneficiaries were satisfied. The rest 69% regarded it meager in the present economic and market situation. Though on the mode of payment also only 49% were satisfied but factually it has to remain under proper checks and balances to promote transparency. If the mode of payment is simplified as per the aspirations of the beneficiaries, the transparency is very unlikely to remain in-tact. The process of sanctioning of cases also claimed very low satisfaction of beneficiaries to the extent of just 20%. The Department Implementing the scheme is required to streamline the process to the possible extent. Suggestions offered by beneficiaries :
The suggestions offered by the beneficiaries for effecting improvement in the programme are mostly one-sided. However, some suggestions posses enough weight for consideration by the concerned Department in view of them being within the stipulations of the programme. Secondly , the beneficiaries are the prime stakeholders of the programme, as such their feedback deserve to be given consideration and wherever, possible steps must be taken to act-upon them for effecting improvement in the programme. The suggestions offered are detailed below.
Table: 3.17 Suggestions offered by the sample beneficiaries
Year
Total No. of S. Beneficiarie
Suggestions offered by the sample beneficiaries
Amt. of as
Easy san
Timely
Sanct. wit
Sanction
Should
s sistance be raised
ctioning
disburs
-mentt
hout pol.
approach
-ing without bribe
be provided instantly
2008-
09
31 15
5 --
3 -- 8
2009-
10
42 25
7 --
4 2 4
2010-
11
38 24
7 --
3 -- 4
2011-
12
29 17
6 --
3 -- 3
T o t a l 140
81
25
--
13
2 19
%age to Total 58
18
--
9%
1%
14
% % %
The data reflected in the above table states that 58% sample beneficiaries suggested that the amount of assistance should be raised as it is too meager to support a family which suddenly loses the lone breadwinner. Further 18% sample beneficiaries suggested that the sanctioning of the cases proves cumbersome and hectic. It can also be seen from the above table that 9% sample beneficiaries reported that there should not be political approach in sanctioning of the cases, 1% sample beneficiaries suggested that the cases should be sanctioned without bribe while as 14% suggested that the assistance should be provided instantly and later on adjusted. Assessment of the field Investigator :
In order to establish the genuiness of the enquired beneficiaries on all the stipulated parameters, the field investigators of the Evaluation Agency have provided their assessment in respect of the selected beneficiaries. The outcome of this assessment exercise as observed on spot is detailed below:-
Table: 3.18
Assessment of the field investigators Year Total No. of S.
Beneficiaries Whether
beneficiary deserving one
If no reasons thereof
Yes No The deceased was not primary bread
winner of the family
The deceased was not in
age group of 18-64 yrs
B There was earning
Son/Brother in the family
2008-09 31 -- 1 6 --
2009-10 42 -- 1 10 --
2010-11 38 -- 1 7 --
2011-12 29 -- 2 4 --
T o t a l 140 -- 5 27
--
%age to Total -- 4% 19%
--
It can be observed from the above table that 108(77%) sample beneficiaries were deserving assistance under this programme while as 32(23%) were non deserving owing to different reasons as observed by
the field investigators. Out of 32 non deserving sample beneficiaries 5(4%) were not in the age group of 18-64 years as laid down in the norms of the scheme, 27(19%) were not belonging to BPL families which needs to be looked into by the concerned Department. The violation of the norms and guidelines of the scheme often proves fatal in successful implementation of the scheme. It extends benefits to the non-deserving with the result the deserving ones are left-out of the ambit of the scheme to the proportionate extent. It needs special mention here that schemes like the NFBS are launched with precise estimates of prospective beneficiaries and financial resources are provided accordingly to the Implementing Department for coverage of the same.
Chapter-IV Findings of Knowledgeable persons: In the instant Evaluation study against every sample beneficiary, one knowledgeable person was contacted to elicit his/her opinion on the functionality and usefulness of the scheme. Accordingly as per the approved frame and design against 140 located sample beneficiaries, 140 knowledgeable persons were contacted and their feedback incorporated in the report as an additional and unbiased source of information. The selection of knowledgeable persons was done on hit and run method. Any person, if found unaware of the scheme was left out and only aware persons were enquired for obtaining the necessary feedback. The information with regard to their source of knowledge about NFBS is provided in the following table:-
Table: 4.03
Source of awareness
Year Total No. of K. Persons contacted
Whether aware about NFBS
If yes, source of awareness
Deptt. Of SW
Radio TV News Paper
Benf. Others Yes
2008-09 31 31 19 5 3
2009-10 42 42 22 9 10
2010-11 38 38 20 8 8
2011-12 29 29 15 5 5
Total 14 140 76 27 26
0
%age to Total
100% 54% 8% 19% 19%
The source of awareness for 54% of the knowledgeable persons was the social welfare Department and for 19% the source of awareness were the beneficiaries of the scheme who had managed coverage under the scheme. Newspaper and other sources were also projected as source of information on the subject by the knowledgeable persons.
The response of the knowledgeable persons on the genuiness of the NFBS beneficiaries was mixed in nature which, obviously, was based on their observations. The data obtained on this parameter is tabulated below.
Table: 4.04 Genuiness of the beneficiaries
S.No. Year No. of
persons contacted
Whether assistance
provided to deserving
people
If no any case of
coverage of
non-deserving
Yes No -- 1 2008-09 31 22 9 -- 2 2009-10 42 33 9 -- 3 2010-11 38 26 12 -- 4 2011-12 29 12 17 --
Total 140 93 47 -- %age to Total 66% 34% --
66% knowledgeable persons reported that assistance was provided to the deserving ones whereas 34% reported that the assistance is not usually provided to the deserving people. But none of the knowledgeable persons could cite any instance of non deserving beneficiary. Thus the views were general and not specific in nature.
The knowledgeable persons were also asked to offer suggestions for effecting more improvement in the NFBS scheme to make it compatible to the needs and emergencies of the target group of population. The suggestions offered by them are in consonance with the views of beneficiaries on the subject. The suggestions with the related frequencies are detailed below.
Table: 4.08
Suggestions sought by the knowledgeable persons to make the scheme fruitful
S.No.
Year
No. of Knowledgeable persons contacted
Suggestions
Enhanced rate of assistance
Instant payment
Continued assistance for specific period
Transparency
2008-09 31 17 6 6 2
2009-10 42 20 6 7 9
2010-11 38 19 8 5 6
2011-12 29 14 2 7 6
Total 140
70 22 25 23
%age to Total 50% 16% 18% 16%
50% knowledgeable persons suggested enhancement in the amount of assistance in stressing present day socio-economic conditions. 16% stated that the target group of population needs instant assistance which needs to be ensured. A proper mechanism must be evolved under which instant payment could be made under the scheme to enable the target group to sustain themselves
economically, socially and more so psyclogically. 18% knowledgeable persons have put-forth another weightful suggestion that the assistance be continued for a specific period of time. This will definitely provide a breathing space to the bereaved family to look for a sustainable source of income. The transparency in the system was also suggested by 16% knowledgeable persons in order to ensure coverage of deserved ones only.
Need for revision of Assistance :
The scheme was originally launched in the state/country in 1995 and at that time the assistance envisaged under the scheme would definitely had been genuine and attractive keeping in view the price level of the economy at that particular time. The non-satisfaction of beneficiaries in the field of enquiry was found mainly due to the meager amount of assistance which had not been revised since the inception of the scheme in spite of huge price escalation that had taken place over the years in the country. For successful implementation of these incentive based scheme, some mechanism is required to be evolved so that assistance provided could be revised on scientific basis periodically. Linking the rate of assistance with some suitable index may provide a solution to this problem. The revision in the rate of assistance is over due as could be seen from the following table which depicts the rate of inflation as per the price index of agricultural labourer (General Index)for J & K State from 1995-96 to 2012-13 with base year 1986-87=100
Assistance provided under NFBS viz-a viz due as per index for Agriculture Labourers(General ) for J & K State.
S.No Year Index Assistance Provided
Boosted as per index
Difference
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 1995-96
226 10000 10000 -
2 1999-2000
323 10000 14292 4292
3 2004-05
348 10000 15398 5398
4 2009-10
524 10000 23185 13185
5 2012-13
671 10000 29690 19690
While boosting the assistance of Rs .10,000= as per the price index for agriculture labourers (J & K State) it should have been Rs .29690 during 2012-13. But the rate of assistance had remained stagnant for all the years, thus rendering the scheme less effective as compared to its initial years of implementation. In other words it could be concluded that the amount of assistance was three times more effective during 1995-96 as compared to 2012-13 in terms of its value and consequently in terms of boosting the purchasing power of the beneficiary families. In fact in all the incentive based schemes, there is dire need to link the amount of incentive to a suitable price index and enhance it periodically so that the amount provided does not decrease in value terms. In case of NFBS an appropriate revision is strongly recommended at the earliest. Further, to ensure that the assistance provided under the scheme remains ever effective and impact oriented, its enhancement must be linked to a suitable price index and periodical revision in the amount of assistance made biennially, if not on annual basis.
Chapter-V
Summary of Main Findings
1) During the reference period from 2008-09 to 2011-12 the actual requirement of funds in respect of the cases received for assistance in Kashmir division was Rs . 1364.00 lacs. The maximum requirement of the funds was in respect of district Baramulla at Rs .379.50 lacs and minimum for district Leh to the extent of Rs. 8.50 lacs. Against the actual requirement of Rs .1364.00 lacs, an amount of Rs .937.70 lacs (68.75%) were allocated and thus creating a gap of 31% between allocation and actual requirement of funds. Further against the allocated amount of Rs .937.70 lacs, the availability was made only to the tune of Rs .925.70 lacs , thereby withholding an amount of Rs .12.00 lacs. All the districts except Leh were able to utilize the available funds fully. Infact District Leh was provided Rs .13.70 lacs against the requirement of only Rs .8.50 lacs, thus resulting in non utilization of Rs .5.20 lacs.
2) In Kashmir division 14013 applications for assistance under NFBS were received during the reference period out of which 2290(16%) were backlog of previous years and the rest 11723 (84%) were fresh ones. Out of 14013 cases received under the scheme 13378 (95%) were
recommended for sanctioning and ultimately 9203 cases (69%) were sanctioned and disbursed during the reference period. The quantum of available funds restricted the Social Welfare Department to sanction and disburse the assistance to only 69% of the received cases. By the end of 2011-12 there were 4810 cases across Kashmir division which spilled over to the next year. In the same manner at the beginning of the reference period 2008-09 there were 2290 backlog cases which had to be accommodated during the reference period. This situation clearly indicated that the assistance which warrants to be immediate, was provided belatedly in most of the cases.
3) In the sample district Kulgam the requirement of funds for 2008-09 was Rs .20.00 lacs which increased to Rs .30 lacs in 2009-10 and further to Rs .37.00 lacs and Rs .42.00 lacs in the subsequent years. The allocation / availability of funds was Rs .15.00 lacs during 2008-09 i.e less by 25% of the requirement. In 2009-10 against the requirement of Rs .30.00 lacs, the availability was Rs .23.00 lacs again less by 23%. During the two subsequent years the availability was not only less viz-a-viz requirements but slashed down to Rs .20.00 lacs in 2010-11 and further down to Rs .16.30 lacs in 2011-12. This curtailment in the availability of funds against the ever increasing requirements was unwarranted and bound to affect the efficiency and impacts of the scheme. In aggregate Rs .74.00 lacs were provided to the district during the reference period against the requirement of Rs .129.00 lacs which was less by 42%. The resultant effect of the decreased allocation was spill over of cases to the subsequent years and conversely belated payments to the beneficiaries.
4) The physical profile of sample district kulgam reflected the same situation as was observed at the division level. The number of backlog cases was on the increase year after year. In 2008-09 there were 200 cases identified for assistance but only 150 could be accommodated from the allocated amount. The financial resources could not kept pace with the growing number of prospective beneficiaries with the result the number of spilled over cases had increased gradually from 50 in 2008-09 to 257 in 2011-12. The only solution to this problem is the enhancement in the allocations proportionately to the victim beneficiaries. This would also do away the problem of belated disbursement which is most unwelcome feature of the scheme on practical front.
5) The field enquiry revealed that out of 150 sample beneficiaries 140(93%) were found existing and had received the assistance under NFBS. Out of the remaining 10 sample beneficiaries 8 could not be traced in the field and 2 reported that no such assistance was provided to them as claimed by the Department. This needs an in-depth
Departmental enquiry by the Social Welfare Department at the highest possible level for ascertaining facts and fixing the responsibility.
6) 79% of the enquired beneficiaries were in possession of BPL ration card, 2% were possessing AAY card and the remaining 19% were having APL cards. Although, as per the observations of the field investigators certain APL card holders were deserving assistance in real sense but the criteria as laid down in rest of the APL cases was violated which needs to be looked into by the Department. To ensure that only the deserving lot of the society gets the envisaged benefit, it is of utmost importance to implement the scheme under proper supervision. The incentive based schemes are most vulnerable on the account of coverage of undeserved people. At the implementation level, it is only the proper supervision of middle level and higher level officers which could arrest this malpractice. Once instances of such un-deserving people are noticed, the Department must act promptly to weed-out such cases. This practice is expected to act as a deterrent and discourage people for managing malified coverage under the scheme.
7) The field enquiry results revealed that 97% deceased persons were falling in the criteria fixed under the guidelines of the scheme and consequently their families were qualifying for assistance. In 3% of the cases the age of the deceased was above 65 years and their families were undeservedly covered under the scheme which again tentamounts to undermining the norms of the scheme.
8) The primary information revealed that 91% sample beneficiaries reported that they received the assistance through cheque and the remaining received it through the bank. The mode of payment of assistance must necessarily be under proper scrutiny and checks, particularly, in case of incentive oriented schemes. In spite of strict directions for effecting payments through post office/bank, 10 cases (Annexure A) were found either not traceable or had denied to have ever received the assistance. The norm of effecting payments through post office/ bank alone would not ensure transparency. It needs strict vigil and supervision by the officers at the helm of affairs. Mere regime of norms with faulty implementation and in-effective supervision is very unlikely to pave way for transparent coverage of prospective beneficiaries.
9) The enquiry results revealed that all the beneficiaries who had received the assistance were of the view that it proved fruitful to them. While elaborating on the scope of assistance 28% stated that the amount of Rs.10,000= provided under NFBS saved them from begging. The same percentage of beneficiaries revealed that without this assistance they would have sold their household assets for surviving the family.20%
reported that had the assistance not been provided, they were left with no option but to obtain loans from the banks.21 beneficiaries (15%) admitted that the assistance was fruitful as it allowed their family children to continue the studies which otherwise were not possible. The remaining 9% were facing no such emergency problems as reported by them. However, it augmented their household income substantially at the time of distress. It was thus established that all the beneficiaries had in one way or the other acquired a breathing space on the eve of the death of the breadwinner of the family. The immediate assistance enables the family to settle down and think ahead for new openings/arrangements for pursuing sustainable economic activity.
10) 90% of the enquired sample beneficiaries had not faced any difficulty in getting the assistance under NFBS. The beneficiaries who reported to had faced difficulties in settlement of their cases were 14 (10%). The difficulties faced by them were reportedly different in nature and implementational in character. 8 beneficiaries reported that it takes huge time to settle the cases, 3 reported that sanctioning needs political approach and 3 more reported that sanctioning is a lengthy process. The Department must evolve all possible measures to ensure speedy disposal of cases as the assistance under NFBS requires to be immediate if not instant.
11) In respect of the amount of assistance only 31% beneficiaries were satisfied. The rest 69% regarded it meager in the present economic and market situation. Though on the mode of payment also only 49% were satisfied but factually it has to remain under proper checks and balances to promote transparency. If the mode of payments is simplified as per the aspirations of the beneficiaries, the transparency is very unlikely to remain intact. The process of sanctioning of cases also claimed very low satisfaction to the extent of just 20%. The Department Implementing the scheme is required to streamline the process to the possible extent.
12) While offering suggestions for further improvements in the NFBS,58% sample beneficiaries suggested that the amount of assistance should be raised as it is too meager to support a family which suddenly loses the breadearner.14% beneficiaries suggested that the assistance should be provided instantly and later on adjusted.
13) 50% enquired knowledgeable persons suggested enhancement in the amount of assistance in stressing present day socio-economic conditions. 16% stated that the target group of population needs instant assistance enabling them to sustain themselves economically, socially and more so psychologically. 18% knowledgeable persons have put forth another weightful suggestion that the assistance be continued for a specific
period of time. This will definitely provide a breathing space to the bereaved family to look for a sustainable source of income. The transparency in the system was also suggested by 16% knowledgeable persons in order to ensure coverage of deserved ones only.
14) While boosting the assistance of Rs .10000 as per the price index for agricultural labourers ( general) J&K state, it should have been nearly Rs .30000 during 2012-13. But the rate of assistance had remained stagnant for all the years, thus rendering the scheme less effective as compared to its initial years of implementation. In other words it could be concluded that the amount of assistance was three times more effective during 1995-96 as compared to 2011-12 in terms of its value and consequently in terms of boosting the purchasing power of the beneficiary families. In case of NFBS an appropriate revision is strongly recommended at the earliest. Further, to ensure that the assistance provided under the scheme remains ever effective and impact oriented, its enhancement must be linked to a suitable price index and periodical revision in the amount of assistance made biennially, if not on annual basis.
Annexure “A”
List of the Beneficiaries not existing as on date of Survey
S.No Name and Address 1 Gulshan Banu
W/o Mohammad Sultan
R/o Budgam
2 Haneefa Banu
W/o Ghulam Mohammad
R/o Budgam
3 Rehti Banu
W/o Mohammad Sultan
R/o Frisal
4 Safiya Jan
W/O Ali Mohammad Itoo
R/O Gudder
5 Saleema
W/O Mohammad Yousuf khan
R/O kraloo
6 Zareefa
W/o M.Abdullah
R/O kraloo
7 Ruby Jan
W/O Mohammad Ashraf Thokar
R/O Noorbagh
8 Hajira Banu
W/o Mohammad Abdullah Ganai
R/o Frisal
Annexure “B”
List of the Beneficiaries who have not received assistance
S.No Name and Address
1 Aabida Jan
W/O Ali Mohammad Itoo
R/O Gudder
2 Fahmeeda Akhter
W/o Ali Mohammad Naik
R/o H.C.Gam
Annexure “C”
List of the Beneficiaries not deserving on account of age and APL Status
S.No Name and Address Status
1 Zareefa Begam
W/o Abdul Majid Wani
R/o Budgam
APL
2 Raja Begam
W/O Mohammad Sidiq Rather
R/O Tarigam
APL
3 Fareeda Banu
W/o Abdul Rashid Dar
R/o T. N. PORA
APL
4 Kawseera Akhter
W/O Shabir Ahmed Ganai
R/O Frisal
APL
5 Muneera Banu
W/O Basher Ahmed Zargar
R/O Okey
APL
6 Bega Begam
W/O Gh. Ahmed Rather
R/O H.C. Gam
Age 68 yrs
7 Nazira
W/O Ali Mohammad Dar
R/O Chhewan Chadder
APL
8 Hajira Banu
W/o Ghulam Hassan Ganie
R/o Khudwani Rehpora
APL
9 Shareefa
W/o Abdul Rashid Bhat
R/o Tantraypora
APL
10 Hajira Begum
W/o Ghulam Mohd. Ganie
R/o Rehpora
APL
11 Misra
W/O Mohammad Ramzan Dar
R/O Laroo
APL
11 Kulsuma
W/O Gh. Mohammad Bhat
R/O Tantraypora
APL
12 Raja Banu
W/O Gh. Hassan Najar
R/O Malvan
APL
13 Zamrooda Akhter
W/O Gh. Mohammad Lone
H.C. GAM
APL
14 Ruqaya Akhter
W/O Hamidullah Shah
R/O Poripora
APL
15 Hajira Banu
W/O Mohd. Anwar Najar
R/O Malvan
APL
16 Sakeena
W/O Abdul Khaliq Khan
R/O Brinal
APL
17 Khurshi Begam
W/O Gh. Mohammad Shiekh
R/O Malvan
APL
18 Raja Begam
W/O Mohd . Ramzan Sheikh
R/O Bogam
APL
19 Haleema Banu
W/O Abdul Hamid Bhat
R/O Tarigam
APL
20 Saja Banu
W/O Gh. Nabi Ganie
R/O Frisal
APL
21 Haleema Banu
W/O Abdul Hamid Bhat
R/O Tarigam
APL
22 Saja Banu
W/O Gh. Nabi Ganie
R/O Frisal
APL
23 Zaina Begam
W/O Abdul Rahim Dar
R/O Sohuchan
69 Yrs + APL
24 Khateeja Begam
W/O Gh. Ali Jan
R/O Shaho Sachin
75 Yrs
25 Jana Begam
W/O Ab. Gani Lone
R/O Kakran
APL
26 Haneefa Banu
W/O Nazir Ahmed Wani
R/O Okay Ganie Mohalla
APL
27 Raja Banu
W/O Basher Ahmed Dar
R/O Aarch
APL
28 Saida Begam
W/O Mohd. Abdullah Teli
R/O Akhar
APL
70 Yrs
29 Shahmali Begam
W/O Mohd. Asadullah Mir
R/O kujar
APL
30 Khurshee
W/O Gh. Nabi Bhat
R/O kujar
APL
31 Janti Begam
W/O Mohd. Sultan Itoo
R/O Guddar
APL
70 Yrs
32 Haleema
W/O Gh. Mohd Dar
R/O Rehpora
APL
32 Nazeera Banu
W/O Rehmatullah Khan
R/O Brinel
68 Yrs
The Manager, Reliance Communication Ltd. Rajbagh Srinagar.
Subject: Discontinuance of Reliance Service (Mobile No.9103305484. Dear Sir,
I want to discontinue reliance mobile service under No. 9103305484. In this connection, You are requested to cancel my above referred mobile Number with immediate effect. The outstanding bill amounting to Rs 1400/- as per representative of your office has been cleared by me. The receipt of the payment bearing No. 004448 dated 13-08-2015 is enclosed herewith for reference.
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Yours faithfully,
Ab Rashid Sofi Mobile No. 9419005484
