Moga: The District Administration expressed concern over receiving fake Marriage Cards, Affidavits and forged Marriage Certificates with the help of Sarpanches and Councillors for taking financial assistance since the government enhanced the amount of Shagun Scheme from Rs 21,000 in 2017 and now Rs 51,000 since 2021.
Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Hans the officials concerned brought to his notice that some of the documents attested by the Sarpanches and Councillors were found forged during the verification. This is an apparent move to get benefit of the scheme by manipulating the facts.
He said he had directed all the Sarpanches and Councillors to attest documents only after verifying the facts. If such more cases come in future a strict action will be taken against them.
The District Administration has received atleast twenty such claims. The number could be even more as they are in the process of verifying other claims as well. Under the scheme for marriage of the girl belonging to the Schedule Cast, Backward Classes of Below Poverty Line daughter of Widows the amount was Rs 21,000 and increased to 51,000. To avail the scheme the beneficiary needs to apply before getting married 30 days are after the marriage but the district administration was receiving the claims of marriages that took place even a year ago.
The District Welfare Officer said the beneficiaries are required to furnish documents such as Marriage cards and Certificates attested by Sarpanches and Councillors but the elected representatives are attesting forged and counterfeit documents. (UNI)
