MLA Kewal Singh Pathania Interacts with 715 BPL Families in Ridkmar

WhatsApp Group to Be Created to Provide Information on Government Welfare Schemes

Shahpur, August 19, 2026: Shahpur MLA and Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania on Tuesday interacted with members of 715 families identified under the BPL survey in panchayats of the Dharkandi area at Ridkmar.

Addressing the gathering, Pathania announced that a dedicated WhatsApp group for BPL families would be created to share information about welfare schemes and programmes of the state government relevant to these households. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive timely information and can avail themselves of government assistance.

The MLA also urged panchayat representatives to inform poor and needy families in their respective wards about various welfare schemes so that the benefits reach genuinely eligible beneficiaries.

Pathania said several important decisions are expected to be taken by the Chief Minister for BPL families in the coming period, which would help such families improve their livelihood and support their households more effectively.

He highlighted the state government’s enhanced disaster relief provisions, stating that assistance for a completely damaged house has been increased to **₹7.50 lakh**, along with an additional **₹1 lakh for household goods**.

The MLA said various development projects are currently underway in the Dharkandi area and would be completed at the earliest. He added that healthcare facilities are also being strengthened to ensure that residents have access to better medical services closer to their homes.

During the programme, Pathania honoured officers, employees and panchayat representatives with certificates of appreciation for their commendable efforts during the recent disaster in Boh.

Artists affiliated with the Department of Information and Public Relations also used songs and musical performances to spread awareness among residents about various welfare schemes and programmes of the state government.

SDM Shahpur Ganesh Thakur said similar interaction programmes are being organised across the Assembly constituency and that interactions have already been held with identified BPL families in most panchayats. He said applications and representations submitted by residents would be forwarded to the state government through the MLA for appropriate consideration.

Zila Parishad member Sandeep, panchayat representatives Omraj, Nirmal Singh and Akshay Atri, among others, also shared their suggestions during the programme.