2.4 mn family units to receive ’Aswasuma’ in second phase: Minister

28 February 2024 07:44 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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Colombo, Feb. 28 (Daily Mirror)- All necessary arrangements have been made to extend benefits in the second phase of the "Aswasuma" programme to 2.4 million family units, starting from June 2024, Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said.

The State Minister underscored the imminent closure of the second phase of the applications, slated to conclude on March 15, 2024.

Emphasizing the importance of timely submission, he reiterated that individuals failing to submit their applications by the given deadline will forfeit eligibility for benefits associated with the programme.

He said this during a media briefing at the Presidential Media Centre today (28), themed 'Collective Path to a Stable Country'.

Minister Semasinghe said that approximately 7,000 individuals who were found to have received benefits based on false information have been removed from the programme due to appeals and objections.

He said 3.4 million family units were certified for the programme's first phase. Out of this, 1.9 million families have been deemed eligible to receive benefits.

"Following the assessment of appeals and objections received, the Welfare Benefit Board is prepared to commence payments to the selected beneficiaries from July 2024.

A total of 1,227,000 appeals and objections were registered, of which around 1,197,000 have been resolved. Furthermore, there is a group of deserving individuals who did not receive welfare benefits because they did not submit their application forms during the initial application period.

"Following extensive online awareness efforts, we have received approximately 200,000 to 250,000 applications so far. The application forms handed in directly to the Divisional Secretariats are currently being processed through our online system. The call for applications in the second phase will conclude after March 15, 2024. It's crucial to note that failure to submit application forms renders individuals ineligible for relief benefits," he said.

Comments - 7

Cherath Wednesday, 28 February 2024 10:56 PM

3.4 million family units in 1st phase and 2.4 million family units in 2nd phase. These 5.8 million family units must number approximately 24 million individuals who depend on handouts. Can these numbere be correct, seriously? Cannot understand the logic in handing money every month to such vast numbers. Where is the incentive to find a decent employment if you are physically able to? How can the country move forward?

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Cherath Wednesday, 28 February 2024 10:56 PM

3.4 million family units in 1st phase and 2.4 million family units in 2nd phase. These 5.8 million family units must number approximately 24 million individuals who depend on handouts. Can these numbere be correct, seriously? Cannot understand the logic in handing money every month to such vast numbers. Where is the incentive to find a decent employment if you are physically able to? How can the country move forward?

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Lk Thursday, 29 February 2024 01:35 AM

Do you think you can fool people with this . People have suffered enough . Remember the election of 1977 This time it will be more worst than that . NPP has done its home work well this time and have the general election first to see the differences

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Buddhist Thursday, 29 February 2024 05:41 AM

Election paga? Is this what Ranil delivered to date? Kata witharai.

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Those illiterate May Be Overlooked Thursday, 29 February 2024 07:33 AM

Some may not be receiving it as they may not have access to on line applications or overlooked by the system. Some may be illiterate and not able to appeal. Arrange university students with officials to go around various areas to verify if the needy are on the programme. Maybe over a 3 to 5 month period they can collect data and report their findings accordingly.

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Sambo Thursday, 29 February 2024 08:04 AM

You seem to be very proud of what you are saying. By this you are accepting that the country is in poverty while you people enjoy.

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Mahendra Fernando Thursday, 29 February 2024 09:34 AM

Pray tell who is footing the bill for this?

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