The Suvendu Adhikari-led government in West Bengal is set to launch its first single-window outreach programme, Jan Kalyan Shivir, from June 15 to 17. The initiative will include facilitation for Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) applications among the services offered at these camps.
Three-Day Drive to Offer Services from 19 Departments
The three-day drive will bring services from 19 departments under a single platform. Citizens will be able to apply for various schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Annapurna Yojana, PM-Kisan, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM Vishwakarma, PM SVANidhi, Aadhaar enrolment and seeding, land mutation services, and scholarship programmes.
Objective of Jan Kalyan Shivir
The Jan Kalyan Shivir was earlier announced by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari as an initiative to bridge the gap between government welfare schemes and their intended beneficiaries. The camps will remain open from 10 am to 5 pm for interaction, awareness, receipt of applications, and facilitation under individual benefit schemes.
Coordination and Supervision
For coordination and smooth conduct of the campaign, Nabanna has deployed 23 senior IAS officers across districts. They will visit the camps, coordinate with district magistrates, and guide officials in managing arrangements. Former chief secretary Nandini Chakravorty has been entrusted with overseeing the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area. The officers have been asked to ensure that citizens can submit applications online and offline. They will also supervise logistics and basic amenities at the venues, including drinking water, sheds, toilets, medical facilities, childcare centres, and arrangements for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
Monitoring Progress
Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal, in a missive, stated that the officers will also monitor the progress of implementation of schemes for which applications are received. A state-level apex committee has been formed under Agarwal, assisted by 30 departmental heads. A Jan Kalyan Shivir task force comprising nine IAS officers has also been set up. District magistrates will head the campaign in the districts.
Camp Organisation
Each camp will have a Shivir commander. In rural areas, one camp will be organised for every seven gram panchayats, while in urban areas, one camp will cover every 10 wards. In the KMC area, camps will be held in the borough offices.
Standard Operating Procedure
According to the standard operating procedure issued by Nabanna, the camps are designed to cover 54 schemes of 19 departments. Citizens will be able to apply for central and state welfare schemes, with on-the-spot registration and verification provisions. Photocopying facilities will be provided free of cost, and all services will be free except Aadhaar-related services.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Women from self-help groups will be engaged for community mobilisation. Bilingual pamphlets in English and Bengali will be distributed to create awareness. A structured grievance redressal mechanism will be in place, and applicants who are unable to complete forms at the venue will be contacted afterwards.
Dedicated Counters and Health Services
The SOP mandates dedicated counters for Aadhaar enrolment, bank account opening, Annapurna Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat. Each venue will also have a health counter with paramedics, ambulance support, and screening for non-communicable diseases. CCTVs, free photocopy facility, and grievance registration will be available at all camps.
