Agartala, May 1 – In a significant step to streamline welfare services for cancer patients, the Tripura government has launched a dedicated Help Desk at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Cancer Hospital in Agartala. The initiative was inaugurated by Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy on Thursday.
Speaking to ANI, Roy said the move is aimed at ending the long delays in disbursing pensions to critically ill patients. “Earlier, cancer patients had to wait months after applying for pensions, and unfortunately, many passed away before receiving any benefits,” he said. The new desk will allow patients to collect and submit pension applications on-site, drastically reducing turnaround time.
Support for Cancer Patients
A dedicated monthly pension scheme for cancer patients has also been introduced. Under this scheme:
- Patients registered with the hospital,
- With an annual family income below Rs 1.5 lakh, and
- With no government-employed family members,
will be eligible for a monthly pension of Rs 2,000.
Expanded Pension Services
The Help Desk is part of a broader effort under the Department of Social Welfare and Social Education, which administers:
- 34 pension schemes (3 central, 31 state),
- Covering over 3.90 lakh beneficiaries, including:
- 1,77,477 women under women-centric schemes, and
- 19,150 persons with disabilities (with over 60% disability).
A special drive is underway to enroll individuals with disabilities and low family incomes (below Rs 1 lakh annually, no government job) into pension schemes. So far, 2,537 new beneficiaries have been added, with more expected in the second phase.
Required Documents
Eligible applicants must submit:
- Aadhaar card,
- Ration card,
- Bank passbook,
- Date of birth proof,
- Income certificate (issued by SDM/DCM or waived for Antyodaya families),
- Declaration of no government job in the family (certified by a Gazetted Officer or Panchayat Secretary, countersigned by the local BDO).
Looking Ahead
Roy urged eligible individuals to contact their local Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) for assistance. Officials expect the Help Desk to drastically reduce delays and ensure timely support to some of the most vulnerable sections of society.
