1. What is NFBS (National Family Benefit Scheme) and when was this scheme launched?
ANS: NFBS is a social assistance scheme that is meant for the spouse of a deceased person who is the only earning member in the family. It was launched on August 15, 1995, as one of the components of National Social Assistance Scheme.
2. What are the guidelines of National Family Benefit Scheme?
ANS:The major guidelines of NFBS are as follows: 1) The deceased person should be of BPL category. 2) The deceased person should be the primary earning member in the family. 3) The deceased person should be in the age group of 19 to 64. 4) There should not be any post-death assistance from any other Insurance company. 5) The applicant should showcase the death certificate issued by the Medical Officer of the concerned PHC.
3. What are the objectives of National Family Benefit Scheme?
ANS:The major objective of National Family Benefit Scheme is to provide financial and social assistance to the families below poverty lines in case of the demise of the primary family member. The scheme also aims to assure the minimum living standards along with the other social protection to the nominee in every state of India without interruption.
4. Who implements NFBS?
ANS: NFBS is implemented by the States/UTs as per the general and specific condi-tions applicable. NFBS Schemes are implemented by Social Welfare departments and are extended to rural and urban areas of the state.
5. What is the eligibility criteria under NFBS?
ANS: The scheme benefits are given to the individuals under certain conditions as follows: 1) The main breadwinner (male or female) is to be the family member whose earnings substantially contribute to the total income of the household. 2) The death of the primary earning member should occur between 18 to 65 years of age. 3) For getting under NFBS scheme, the claimant should belong to a BPL family (Below Poverty Line.)
6. How are the beneficiaries in rural and urban areas identified?
ANS: As per the eligibility criteria, the beneficiaries are identified from the list of BPL category prepared by the UTs/States on the basis of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Rural Development. For the urban areas, the identification of beneficiaries is carried by preparing BPL list in connection with the poverty alleviation programme by the Ministry of Urban Housing and Poverty Alleviation.
7. What are the major features of the NFBS scheme?
ANS: Some of the main features of this scheme include: a) Selection: Shisu -O- Nari Unnayan ebong Tran Sthayee Samiti of Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad is the nodal body regarding selection in rural areas b) Disbursement: The financial benefits are given through the accounts in the Saving Bank Account c) Monitoring: The States/UTs works flexibly to implement NFBS schemes through the State Government Department. However, the Nodal Secretary is designated at the State level to highlight the progress of implementation through different departments. The progress is reported through quarterly re-ports.
8. What is the amount of payable financial assistance under National Family Benefit Scheme?
ANS: An amount of Rs 40,000 is awarded to the deprived family under the criteria prescribed by the Government. The benefit is paid to the surviving member of the family after conducting a local inquiry.
9 If there is any complaint on NFBS, who can I report to?
ANS: The Welfare Officer or the Nodal Secretary in the district/block or State dealing with NSAP can be approached for the redressal of the complaints against the scheme