The State Government has so far spent a total of Rs 34,42,15,227 towards cremation of 1,92,973 dead persons belonging to poor families under the Harichandra Sahyata Yojna in over two years since the scheme was implemented in August 2013.
Replying to a question of BJD MlA Ranendra Pratap Swain, Panchayati Raj Minister Arun Kumar Sahoo said sarpanches have been authorised to pay Rs 2,000 for cremation of dead persons belonging to poor families in their respective Gram Panchayats. For this, Rs 20,000 was provided to each gram panchayat initially.
According to information furnished by the Minister, the State Government had spent a total of Rs 8,66,60,600 for payout of assistances to 49,792 deceased persons from Augst 2013 till March 31, 2014. In 2013-14, Rs 16,35,49,405 was spent for 88,914 death cases and by October-end this year, the Government has incurred an expenditure of Rs 9,40,05,216 for 54, 267 death cases.
The Minister said applications in 37,499 death cases are pending under the scheme till October-end and the State Government has already released funds for the same.