Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16: Prasanta Sahu, 24, belongs to the economically weaker section of the society, but he was able to cremate the body of his uncle at Swargadwara in Puri in keeping with the tradition, thanks to the Raja Harishandra Sahayata scheme.

Launched in Puri on the occasion of Independence Day, this initiative of the Naveen Patnaik government scheme helps the poor to cremate bodies.

Prasanta said: “When we reached Puri with the body of my uncle, we came to know that the government has introduced Raja Harishandra Sahayata scheme. The administration gave us 1.5 quintal of wood, ghee and other necessary items for cremation. It came as a big help to us as the financial condition of my uncle’s family was not good.”

Prasanta said: “When the assistance came from the government, we were all surprised. I will spread the message about the scheme to all those I know.”

Though the scheme was launched in Puri yesterday, it was done without much fanfare.

Fearing that it might invite the wrath of the state election commission as dates for urban election have already been announced, no minister was invited to launch the programme.

So far, 22 bodies have been cremated under the scheme.

Puri collector Naba Kishore Nayak said: “Whenever people approach us saying that they are unable to cremate bodies, we will give them necessary help. The wood and other things will be provided to them free of cost.”

Under the scheme, financial assistance would be given to the poor and destitute for performing the last rites of their family members and also for cremation of unclaimed bodies.

Funds will be placed with the gram panchayat, Notified Area Council, municipality and municipal corporation to the tune of Rs 20,000, Rs 60,000, Rs 1 lakh and Rs 3 lakh per year, respectively.

A sarpanch can sanction assistance between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 in rural areas and the chairperson and mayor between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 in urban areas.

Though the scheme does not include expenses incurred on taking bodies to Puri, all arrangements will be made for the cremation at Swargadwar.

Puri temple sevayat Ramkrushna Das Mohapatra said: “Swargadwar has a special importance. Hence it’s a good move by the government.”