To ensure the effective implementation of the Central government’s Jiyo Parsi scheme, the Maharashtra government has decided to appoint two panel committees at the state and district levels. This initiative aims to address the specific needs of the Parsi community, including both young and elderly Zoroastrians, with a focus on improving community health and promoting cultural awareness.
### Declining Parsi Population Drives Initiative
According to recent census data, the Parsi population has sharply declined from 1.14 lakh to 57,264. Several factors, such as increasing infertility, late marriages, and an ageing demographic, have contributed to a low birth rate within the community. This demographic challenge has prompted the urgent need for targeted interventions.
The Jiyo Parsi scheme, which is 100% centrally sponsored, provides comprehensive support including medical assistance, community health programs for children and the elderly, and awareness initiatives aimed at preserving Parsi culture.
### Role of District-Level Committees
Each district-level committee will be headed by the district collector and will include the district minority officer. These committees serve as a crucial link between the Parsi community and the state and Central governments. Their key responsibilities include:
– Receiving applications from Parsi individuals seeking assistance
– Evaluating eligibility in consultation with medical professionals
– Recommending beneficiaries for treatment under the scheme
– Scrutinising medical bills for reimbursement claims
– Conducting quarterly meetings to review progress
### State-Level Oversight Committee
At the state level, a committee headed by the Secretary of the Minority Development Department will oversee the scheme’s implementation. Members of this committee include the district collectors of Mumbai and Pune.
The state-level committee’s primary responsibilities are:
– Overseeing the overall implementation of the Jiyo Parsi scheme
– Monitoring the progress and effectiveness of the scheme
– Raising awareness about the scheme’s benefits across the community
Through these coordinated efforts at both state and district levels, the Maharashtra government aims to support the Parsi community’s health needs and cultural preservation, helping to reverse the trend of population decline.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-sets-up-state-and-district-panels-for-effective-implementation-of-jiyo-parsi-scheme
