Srinagar: Internet shutdown in Kashmir has deprived economically weaker sections of the society from getting their monthly online cash assistance for last four months.
The social welfare department provides financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per month to beneficiaries under different schemes such as pension for old age, widows, physically
challenge.
According to official data, 6,333 beneficiaries are not able to receive their monthly cash assistance due to the internet blockade in the valley.
Internet is suspended on all platforms in the region since the midnight of August 4 last year in the run up to abrogation of Article 370.
An official said the department is unable to dispense cash assistance into the bank account of the beneficiaries due to the blackout.
Every day almost 10 to 15 people reach the department to verify about their cases.
District Social Welfare Officer Ashraf Akhoon admits the internet suspension has dealt a blow to functioning of the department.
He said that the social welfare department would provide cash assistance to beneficiaries through online system but since August 5, they are unable to get information from
districts.
As such, it has affected the department from distributing cash assistance to beneficiaries, he added.
According to Akhoon, they are now going to use internet at DC office and within a stipulated time-frame, cash assistance will be distributed.
“The concerned agency (CDAX) will make the payment after completing the formalities,” he said

NAZIMA SIDIQ