During periods of hardship, numerous families encounter difficulties in performing the final rituals for their deceased family members, primarily due to financial limitations.
To address this pressing concern, the Government of Odisha introduced the Harischandra Sahayata Yojana (HSY), a program aimed at extending financial support to individuals facing such circumstances.
This article aims to present an in-depth overview of the initiative, encompassing information on the application process, eligibility prerequisites, and the advantages it extends to the residents of Odisha.
What is Harischandra Sahayata Yojana?
The Harischandra Sahayata Yojana, initiated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in August 2013, aims to extend financial assistance to indigent families to perform the final rituals for their deceased relatives.
This program provides Rs 2000 in rural regions and Rs 3000 in urban areas to alleviate the expenses associated with cremation.
To streamline the application procedure, the government of Odisha has established an online portal, enabling eligible individuals to submit their requests for support.
Objective of Harischandra Sahayata Yojana
| Name Of The Scheme | Harischandra Sahayata Yojana (HSY) |
| Launched By | Government Of Odisha |
| Beneficiary | Citizens Of Odisha |
| Motive | To Provide Financial Assistance For Last Rites |
| Official Website | https://cmrfodisha.gov.in/ |
| Launched Year | August 2013 |
| State | Odisha |
| Mode Of Application | Online/Offline |
| Updated | Sep 2023 |
The primary goal of the Harischandra Sahayata Yojana is to ease the financial challenges that families encounter while conducting the last rites for their deceased relatives.
Through the provision of financial support, the program strives to guarantee that all citizens have the necessary resources to carry out the final rituals without being burdened by the related expenses.
This endeavor empowers families to pay their respects to their departed loved ones and seek comfort during challenging moments.
Benefits and Features of Harischandra Sahayata Yojana
The Harischandra Sahayata Yojana offers several benefits and features to eligible beneficiaries:
- Financial Assistance: Under the scheme, eligible families receive Rs 2000 in rural areas and Rs 3000 in urban areas to cover the expenses of conducting cremation rituals.
- Online Application: The Odisha government has developed an online application software, making it convenient for individuals to apply for financial assistance under the scheme.
- Budget Allocation: The scheme has been allocated a budget of 14 crores from the Chief Minister’s relief fund. Out of this amount, Rs 10 crore will come directly from the relief fund, while the remaining 4 crores will be collected through collectors.
- Wide Coverage: Initially launched in 16 districts, the scheme has expanded its reach to provide financial assistance to a greater number of families across Odisha.
- Mahaprayan Hearse Services: In addition to financial assistance, the government has also launched Mahaprayan hearse services to transport the deceased. This service includes the provision of vehicles to districts and medical colleges for the transportation of bodies.
Harischandra Sahayata Yojana Amount
The amount provided under the Harishchandra Sahayata Yojana has been increased by the Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik.
Previously, Rs 2000 was given in rural areas and Rs 3000 in urban areas for performing last rites of the deceased.
However, the assistance amount has now been increased to Rs. 3000 in rural areas and Rs. 4000 in urban areas.
This financial assistance is provided through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and each Grampanchayat has been sanctioned a revolving fund of Rs 15,000 to support the scheme.
The implementation and monitoring of the scheme will be overseen by gram panchayat extension officers or block-level officers.
Harischandra Sahayata Yojana Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents
To be eligible for the Harischandra Sahayata Yojana, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: The applicant must be a resident of Odisha.
- Income Level: The applicant must fall below the poverty line.
Applicants will need to provide the following documents when applying for the scheme:
- Aadhar Card
- Income Certificate
- Passport Size Photograph
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
- Residence Certificate
- Ration Card, and any other relevant documents.
Application Process for Harischandra Sahayata Yojana
Harischandra Sahayata Yojana Online Apply
To apply for the Harischandra Sahayata Yojana online, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the Chief Minister’s relief fund at cmrfodisha.gov.in.
- Navigate to the Harischandra Sahayata Yojana section on the homepage.
- Login to the website using your credentials.
- Fill out the application form with the required details.
- Upload the necessary documents as per the guidelines provided.
- Submit the application and wait for the verification process to be completed.
- Once approved, the financial assistance will be disbursed to the eligible applicant.
Harischandra Sahayata Yojana Ofline Apply
For those who prefer to apply offline, follow these steps:
- Download the application form from the official website of the Chief Minister’s relief fund.
- Print out the form and fill in all the required details.
- Attach the necessary documents to the application form.
- Submit the completed form along with the documents to the designated department or office.
- The application will be processed, and if approved, the financial assistance will be provided.
Harischandra Sahayata Yojana Form PDF Download
To download the Harishchandra Sahayata Yojana application form in PDF format, you can access the dedicated official website established for this scheme by the Odisha government.
Within the website, there is a designated section where you can either view or download the application form.
By selecting the relevant link, you will be able to acquire the form in PDF format. Following the download, you can proceed to complete the form and submit it to the appropriate authorities for processing and approval.
If you do not want to go to the official website then you can download the form from the button given below.
Download FormChecking Harischandra Sahayata Yojana Beneficiary Details
To check the beneficiary details under the Harischandra Sahayata Yojana, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the Chief Minister’s relief fund.
- Navigate to the HSY beneficiary details section.
- Select the desired date and block municipality.
- Click on the check button to view the relevant details.
FAQ’s Related to Harischandra Yojana
1. What is the Harishchandra Sahayata Yojana?
Ans: The Harishchandra Sahayata Yojana is a governmental program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals facing economic hardship, enabling them to carry out the funeral rites for their deceased loved ones. This initiative falls under the umbrella of social welfare schemes, with the primary goal of offering support during the difficult time of conducting end-of-life ceremonies.
2. Who is eligible for the scheme?
Ans: Individuals belonging to below-poverty-line (BPL) households and those holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards are eligible for the Harishchandra Sahayata Yojana.
3. How can one apply for the scheme?
Ans: The procedure for applying differs from one state to another. Typically, individuals who wish to apply can acquire the application form either at their closest government office or by downloading it from the official website. After completing the form, it should be submitted along with the necessary supporting documents.
4. Is there an age limit for availing the benefits?
Ans: There is usually no specific age limit for availing the benefits of the scheme. However, it is primarily intended for individuals from economically weaker sections of society.
Conclusion
The Harischandra Sahayata Yojana serves as a lifeline for families facing financial difficulties during the last rites of their loved ones.
By providing financial assistance, the scheme enables families to honor their departed relatives without the added burden of expenses.
The online and offline application processes make it convenient for eligible individuals to apply for support.
With the implementation of the Mahaprayan hearse services, the government has further ensured the smooth and dignified transportation of the deceased.
Overall, the Harischandra Sahayata Yojana stands as a testament to the Odisha government’s commitment to supporting its citizens during challenging times.
