West Bengal Somobyathi Scheme

Somobyathi Scheme is a West Bengal Government initiative that provides Rs. 2,000 one-time financial assistance to bereaved families for cremation or burial expenses. Launched in November 2016, the scheme ensures immediate cash support at the time of a funeral without any complex application process, making it accessible and practical for poor households across the state.

Introduction of West Bengal Somobyathi Scheme: A Brief Insight

Somobyathi Scheme (সমব্যথী), meaning “a companion in sorrow”, is a humanitarian initiative launched by the Government of West Bengal through Order No. 1151-F.B dated 24 November 2016 to provide immediate financial support to bereaved families. The scheme ensures that poor households facing sudden loss can perform cremation or burial rites without financial hardship.

The primary objective of the scheme is to offer one-time assistance at the time of a funeral for meeting essential expenses such as cremation or burial charges, transportation of the body, and ritual-related costs. It is implemented by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department in rural areas and the Municipal Affairs Department in urban areas, ensuring coverage across the entire state.

Under the Somobyathi Scheme, the West Bengal Government provided an amount of Rs. 2,000 as a one-time ex gratia grant to the next of kin or nearest family member of the deceased. The assistance is disbursed in cash at the cremation or burial ground itself, making it one of the few schemes that deliver immediate support without lengthy procedures or online applications.

To be eligible, the deceased must belong to a poor family residing in West Bengal, and the cremation or burial must take place within the state. The application process is simple and requires only a written request on plain paper along with the cremation or burial certificate, ensuring accessibility for all sections of society.

If you are exploring other welfare initiatives of the West Bengal Government, you can also check the Banglar Bari Scheme, which provides housing assistance to eligible families, along with other schemes aimed at social and economic support.

For a complete list of government benefits, visit our All Welfare Schemes of West Bengal Government section to explore detailed information on various schemes available for citizens.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

Somobyathi Scheme provides immediate financial support to bereaved families to manage funeral-related expenses without delay, ensuring assistance is available at the time it is most needed.

• Rs. 2,000 one-time financial assistance is provided per deceased person.
• Cash disbursement at the time of cremation or burial.
• Covers cremation/burial charges at authorised grounds.
• Includes the cost of materials required for performing last rites and rituals.
• Supports the transportation cost of carrying the dead body to the cremation/ burial ground.
• Also covers other incidental funeral-related expenses.
• Assistance available even for cremation/ burial at private grounds within the jurisdiction.
• Provision to receive benefit immediately during the funeral or shortly after (in rural areas).

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

Eligibility under the Somobyathi Scheme is determined at the time of cremation or burial based on financial condition and relationship with the deceased person.

• The deceased person must belong to a poor family residing in West Bengal.
• Cremation or burial must take place within the State of West Bengal at:
  • Crematoriums.
  • Burning Ghats.
  • Burial Grounds (including private grounds within jurisdiction).
• Applicant must be one of the following:
  • Next of kin of the deceased person.
  • Nearest family member (if next of kin is not available).
• Applicant must apply at the time of cremation/ burial along with the Cremation/ Burial Certificate.
• In exceptional cases where no family or relative is available:
  • Any member of the immediate neighbourhood can apply.
  • Grant will be provided after verification of genuineness by an authorised officer.

Documents Required to be Attached

Since the Somobyathi Scheme is designed for immediate assistance at the time of a funeral, only minimal documents are required and the process is kept simple for quick disbursement.

• Application Form or Written Application on Plain Paper (submitted by next of kin / nearest family member).
• Cremation / Burial Certificate (issued by an authorised authority at the cremation/burial ground).
• Basic Identity Details of Applicant (for verification at the local level).
• Receipt of Grant (signed by beneficiary after receiving Rs. 2,000 assistance).

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

Somobyathi Scheme does not require any online registration or a complex form. The application process is designed to provide immediate assistance at the time of cremation or burial through a simple written request.

Application Process at Cremation / Burial Ground (Urban Areas)

Step 1: At the time of cremation or burial, the applicant (next of kin or nearest family member) approaches the authorised person present at the cremation ground or burial ground.

Step 2: Submit a written application on plain paper along with basic details of the deceased person.

Step 3: Apply for the issuance of a Cremation / Burial Certificate from the authorised officer.

Step 4: After verification, the authorised officer sanctions the assistance.

Step 5: ₹2,000 financial assistance is provided in cash at the cremation/burial ground itself.

Application Process through Gram Panchayat / BDO (Rural Areas)

Step 1: Get the Application Form or submit a plain paper application to the Gram Panchayat, Extension Officer, or Block Development Officer (BDO).

Step 2: Provide necessary details and apply for the Cremation / Burial Certificate.

Step 3: The application is verified by the concerned authority.

Step 4: Assistance is provided in either of the following ways:

• Immediate cash payment at the time of the funeral.
• Reimbursement after the funeral upon verification.

Step 5: Beneficiary receives Rs. 2,000 and provides receipt confirmation.

Important Notes

• No online application or portal is required under this scheme.
• The prescribed application form is available, but a simple written request on plain paper is sufficient.
• Assistance is designed to be provided immediately to support funeral expenses.
• Verification is done on the spot by authorised local officials.

Important Links Available

• West Bengal Somobyathi Scheme Application Form.
• West Bengal Somobyathi Scheme Guidelines.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

For assistance related to the Somobyathi Scheme, applicants can approach the following authorities based on their location at the time of cremation or burial.

• Rural Areas:
  • Block Development Officer (BDO) of the concerned block.
  • Executive Assistant / Secretary of the Gram Panchayat.
• Urban Areas:
  • Executive Officer of the concerned Municipality / Municipal Corporation.
  • An authorised officer is present at the Cremation Ground / Burning Ghat / Burial Ground.
• Supervisory Authority:
  • Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) having jurisdiction over the area.
• Implementing Departments:
  • Panchayat and Rural Development Department (for rural areas).
  • Municipal Affairs Department (for urban areas).
• On-Ground Assistance:
  • Authorised personnel available at cremation or burial grounds for immediate support and disbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These questions address key aspects of the Somobyathi Scheme, including eligibility, process, and benefit disbursement.

Q1. What is the Somobyathi Scheme?

Ans. Somobyathi Scheme is a West Bengal Government initiative that provides one-time financial assistance of ₹2,000 to bereaved families to help cover cremation or burial expenses.

Q2. Who can apply for the Somobyathi Scheme?

Ans. The next of kin or nearest family member of the deceased person belonging to a poor family can apply. In exceptional cases, even a neighbour can apply if no family member is available.

Q3. What is the amount provided under this scheme?

Ans. A fixed amount of Rs. 2,000 is provided as one-time financial assistance for funeral-related expenses.

Q4. When is the assistance provided?

Ans. The assistance is generally provided at the time of cremation or burial itself, or immediately after the funeral in rural areas.

Q5. Is there any online application process?

Ans. No, there is no online application process. The scheme follows an offline process with a simple written application on plain paper.

Q6. What documents are required to apply?

Ans. A plain paper application and a Cremation/Burial Certificate are the main requirements. Minimal documentation is needed to ensure quick assistance.

Q7. Can the benefit be availed at private cremation grounds?

Ans. Yes, the benefit is also available for cremation or burial conducted at private grounds within the jurisdiction of the Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body.

Q8. How is the payment made under the scheme?

Ans. The amount is disbursed in cash to the applicant at the cremation/burial ground or through local authorities.

Q9. What happens if there is no family member of the deceased?

Ans. In such cases, a member of the immediate neighbourhood can apply for assistance after verification by the authorised officer.

Q10. Which department implements the scheme?

Ans. The scheme is implemented by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department in rural areas and the Municipal Affairs Department in urban areas.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.