The Sant Surdas Scheme is a welfare initiative launched by the Director Social Defence, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. This scheme is designed to provide monthly financial assistance to children with disabilities from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Targeted at young beneficiaries aged between 0 and 17 years, the scheme aims to support those with a disability of 80% or more, ensuring they receive crucial aid during their developmental years.
Benefits
- Monthly Assistance: Beneficiaries receive ₹1,000 per month.
- Direct Transfer: Funds are transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through DBT, ensuring timely and secure disbursement.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Sant Surdas Scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- Native of Gujarat: The applicant must be a native resident of Gujarat.
- Age Group: The beneficiary must be within the 0 to 17 years age group.
- Disability Percentage: The applicant must have 80% or more disability or be unable to move independently even with the help of artificial limbs.
- BPL Registration: The beneficiary should be registered under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list with a BPL score up to 20.
- Disability Card: Possession of a disability card or certificate issued by the state government is mandatory.
- Cessation of Benefits: The monthly assistance will stop once the beneficiary turns 18 years of age.
Application Process (Online)
- Visit the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal:
- Navigate to https://esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in/.
- User Registration:
- Under the “Citizen Login” tab, click on “New User – Please Register Here”.
- Enter your details (Full Name as per Aadhaar, Gender, Date of Birth, Aadhaar Card Number, Email ID, Caste, etc.) and click “Register”.
- Profile Update:
- After successful registration, log in using your User ID and Password.
- Click on “User Profile” and update all mandatory information, then click “Update”.
- Select the Scheme:
- Choose the Sant Surdas Scheme from the home page to open the application form.
- Fill in Application Form:
- Complete the form by filling in all mandatory details and uploading the relevant documents.
- Agree and Submit:
- Agree to the terms & conditions and click “Save Application”.
- Submit the form and print a copy for future reference. Note the application number to track the status later.
Documents Required
- Passport-size Photograph
- Aadhaar Card: Copy of the applicant’s Aadhaar card.
- Caste Certificate: Issued by the competent authority, if applicable.
- Disability Identity Proof: Disability Identity Card or Certificate from the District Civil Surgeon, indicating the disability percentage.
- Proof of Age: School Leaving Certificate, Birth Certificate, or Medical Certificate.
- BPL Certificate: Certificate confirming inclusion in the BPL list with a score up to 20.
- Proof of Residence: Any one document such as Ration Card, Electricity Bill, Driving License, Aadhaar Card, or Election Card.
- Bank Details: First page copy of Bank Passbook or a Cancelled Cheque.
- Any Other Documents: As required by the scheme guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Sant Surdas Scheme?
A1: It is a welfare scheme that provides monthly financial assistance to children with disabilities from BPL families in Gujarat.
Q2: Who is eligible for the scheme?
A2: Beneficiaries must be native to Gujarat, aged between 0 and 17 years, with a disability of 80% or more, and registered under the BPL list (with a BPL score up to 20). They must also possess a valid disability card issued by the state government.
Q3: What financial assistance is provided under the scheme?
A3: Eligible beneficiaries receive a monthly assistance of ₹1,000 through DBT.
Q4: Is there a cutoff age for receiving assistance?
A4: Yes, the assistance is provided only to beneficiaries under the age of 18. Benefits will cease once the beneficiary turns 18.
Q5: How can one apply for the scheme?
A5: Applications can be submitted online through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal by registering, updating your profile, and filling out the application form with the required documents.