From Trishna Pegu Doley
GUWAHATI : Biswanath district’s guardian minister and Assam government’s minister of water resources, information and public relations etc. Mr. Pijush Hazarika today handed over cheques to 9 widows who have lost their husbands due to Covid-19. All the nine widows were handed over cheques of Rs. 2.5 lakh each as a onetime financial assistance under the ‘Chief Minister’s Covid-19 Widows Support Scheme’ at a programme held at Biswanath Chariali Circuit House. Earlier on July 17, Mr. Hazarika had handed over cheques to 32 other widows. While addressing the gathering, the minister said that though the government cannot compensate the loss of a loved one, yet the onetime financial assistance would help mitigate financial hardships of the widows to an extent and help them lead a life of dignity.
Mr. Hazarika also thanked Assam’s Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for always being a pioneer in envisioning welfare schemes. Those women whose husbands have died with Covid positive status are entitled for availing benefits under this scheme. However, the widow must be from low-income group and the annual income must be below Rs. 5 lakh. The ‘Chief Minister’s Widow Support Scheme’ followed the launch of ‘Sishu Seva Scheme’ where financial assistance are provided to children who have lost their parents due to Covid-19.
