Kolkata, 02 October (H.S.): A three-day special public welfare camp, 'Seva-Setu Abhiyan', commenced across West Bengal, including Kolkata, on Friday. Through this extensive initiative, citizens can directly apply to avail themselves of various social welfare schemes offered by the state and central governments. Individuals who have not yet been able to enroll in programs such as the Annapurna Yojana are being provided another vital opportunity to register their names through these special camps.

The welfare camps will operate daily from 11 AM to 5 PM. Government officials will be stationed at the venues to provide essential services and accept application forms for crucial schemes, including the Annapurna Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Shikhashree, Jai Johar, PM Kisan Credit Card, and PM Kisan Nidhi. Additionally, multiple banks will set up dedicated counters at the campsites for the convenience of the public. Political analysts note that with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections anticipated shortly after the Durga Puja festivities, this proactive government drive to connect the masses with social welfare schemes is considered a highly significant strategic move.

In the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) jurisdiction alone, 53 camps are being organized across 16 boroughs, averaging three to five camps per borough. KMC Commissioner Smita Pandey stated that keeping public convenience in mind, a health check-up center has been established at every camp. Furthermore, the administration has arranged 'e-KYC' centers for the instant updating of documents, designated breastfeeding rooms for mothers, and separate safe play areas for children.

The responsibility of disseminating information about this massive outreach program to the grassroots level has been primarily entrusted to local legislators. Anticipating heavy public enthusiasm and potential overcrowding at the scheme counters, the KMC has formally requested Lalbazar (Kolkata Police Headquarters) to deploy additional security personnel across all camps for the three-day duration.

Corporation employees apprehend maximum pressure specifically for the submission of Annapurna Yojana forms, prompting the administration to maintain strict vigilance and ensure smooth, hassle-free operations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh