If you are not aware of the government scheme or have forgotten the deadline, then definitely read this order of Kanjyamoor Court

Missed a Government Scheme Due to Lack of Information? Chhattisgarh Court Orders ₹4 Lakh Compensation – Read the Landmark Verdict

In a significant ruling, the Chhattisgarh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered the District Cooperative Union and Forest Produce Committee to pay ₹4 lakh compensation to the family of a tendu leaf collector. The case highlights the importance of fair access to government schemes and sets a precedent for similar claims where beneficiaries were unaware of their rights.

What Happened?

The incident involves Santoshi Patel, a resident of Gopaltola in Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan district. Her husband, Komal Patel, a registered tendu leaf collector under the forest produce committee from 2019 to 2021, tragically died of an electric shock on October 11, 2021.

Under the Shaheed Mahendra Karma Tendu Leaf Collector Social Security Scheme, registered tendu leaf collectors are entitled to:

• ₹2 lakh for natural death

• ₹2 lakh additional for accidental death

Hence, Santoshi Patel was eligible for a total of ₹4 lakh compensation.

Why the Compensation Was Initially Denied

Santoshi applied for the compensation on July 2, 2022, but the application was rejected by the administration, citing that it was submitted after the 90-day deadline from the date of death. The district-level consumer forum upheld the rejection, stating that late applications could not be entertained.

What the State Consumer Commission Decided

Unsatisfied with the district ruling, Santoshi approached the State Consumer Commission. The bench, led by Justice Gautam Chauradia and member Pramod Kumar Verma, found merit in her argument.

The Commission observed that:

• The compensation list included schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Bima Yojana, Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana, Atal Group Insurance Scheme, and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, but not the Shaheed Mahendra Karma Scheme.

• This omission proved that the family likely had no knowledge of the specific scheme.

Final Order

After carefully reviewing the case, the Commission ruled in favor of the petitioner, ordering:

• ₹4 lakh compensation to be paid within one month

• 6% interest from October 6, 2023, until the date of payment

• ₹20,000 for mental agony

• ₹10,000 for legal expenses

Why This Verdict Matters

This judgment has reaffirmed that citizens cannot be penalized for a lack of awareness about government schemes, especially when the communication and outreach by authorities are found lacking. It sets a precedent that justice and access to welfare benefits must be inclusive, even when procedural deadlines are missed due to genuine unawareness.

Conclusion:
If you’ve missed a scheme’s deadline due to lack of information, don’t give up. This case proves that courts can ensure justice if there is a valid reason for delay. It’s a call to action for both the public to stay informed and the authorities to ensure proper dissemination of welfare schemes.