The Duare Sarkar programme is an innovative initiative by the West Bengal government designed to bring government services directly to the people’s doorsteps. This outreach effort is scheduled to continue until 30th January 2021 and will be conducted in four distinct phases. The primary objective of the programme is to ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to benefit from 11 state-run welfare schemes. By setting up camps across the state, the government aims to make these services accessible to all, thereby preventing any individual from being excluded from the assistance they are entitled to receive.
Overview of Duare Sarkar Programme
The Duare Sarkar programme is structured to unfold in four phases, each phase dedicated to reaching out to different parts of the state to maximize coverage and impact. The government officials and representatives travel to various locations, setting up temporary camps where citizens can come to seek information, enroll, or avail themselves of the services offered by the state welfare schemes. This proactive approach is designed to bridge the gap between the government and the populace, especially those who may face difficulties in accessing services due to lack of awareness, mobility, or bureaucratic hurdles.
Inclusion of Key Welfare Schemes
A central aspect of the Duare Sarkar initiative is the inclusion of 11 significant welfare programmes that cater to various needs of the people of West Bengal. Among these is ‘Kanyashree’, a flagship programme that provides financial aid to families to keep their daughters in school, thereby working towards reducing the rates of child marriage. Another critical scheme is ‘Khadya Sathi’, which ensures food security for approximately 90% of the state’s population, reflecting the government’s commitment to combating hunger and malnutrition. Additionally, ‘Sikhashree’ is included to support SC and ST students from class 5 to 8 with a one-time grant, aimed at reducing dropout rates by easing the financial burden on families.
Targeting Education and Food Security
Education and food security are two pillars of the Duare Sarkar programme. With the Kanyashree scheme, the government targets the empowerment of young girls through education, recognizing that educated women are pivotal to the development of society. The cash transfer component of Kanyashree acts as an incentive for families to prioritize their daughters’ education over early marriage. Similarly, the Sikhashree scheme addresses the educational needs of students from marginalized communities, ensuring they have the necessary resources to continue their education.
On the other hand, the Khadya Sathi scheme plays a crucial role in safeguarding the basic right to food. By aiming to cover 90% of the population, the scheme is an ambitious endeavor to create a safety net for the vulnerable, ensuring that no individual goes hungry and that everyone has access to nutritious food.
Impact and Accessibility
The impact of the Duare Sarkar programme is expected to be far-reaching, with its success hinging on the accessibility of the welfare schemes to the common person. By holding camps across the state, the government is effectively taking steps to remove barriers that often prevent people from availing themselves of the benefits they are eligible for. These camps are not just about disseminating information; they serve as practical venues where individuals can complete necessary formalities, submit documentation, and receive immediate assistance.
Through this direct approach, the West Bengal government is not only reinforcing the importance of inclusive governance but is also setting a precedent for other states to follow. By ensuring that welfare schemes reach every eligible person, the programme embodies the principle of leaving no one behind and underscores the government’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens.
