The State Government has sanctioned and released a total of Rs 6.9 crores to all the district Collectors in the State at the rate of Rs 30 lakh each for implementing the Apathbandhu Scheme for payment of Rs 50,000 for each death as ex-gratia to the BPL families (white ration card holders/Anthyodaya/ Annapurna Card holders) of the State in case of accidental death on or after November 2 last year as per Apathbandhu guidelines issued.
The Finance Department also issued Budget Release Order for Rs 6.9-crores Non-Plan from BE provision 2013-14 towards implementing the Apathbandhu Scheme. The District Collectors are authorized to draw the amount and disburse it among BPL families, in case of accidental death in the family through transfer to bank account of the concerned by way of RTGS/ EFT (Real Time Gross Settlement/ Electronic Funds Transfer) and utilize the funds for the purpose for which it is sanctioned.
The district Collectors were requested to release the ex-gratia to the families of the deceased persons only after May 28 as the Model Code of Conduct is in force due to general elections. The Collectors were also directed to furnish the Consolidated Utilization Certificates for the amounts sanctioned now duly verified by the Andhra Pradesh State Audit Authorities. The Collectors also shall remit the unspent balance amounts, if any, to the Government Account. (NSS)
