Launched in the financial year 2018-19 by the Social Welfare Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister Pension Scheme targets senior citizens, widows, and abandoned women. Using the survey list of the Social, Economic and Caste Census 2011, the scheme supplements the existing Central and State Pension Schemes by providing an additional monthly pension benefit.
Benefits
- Monthly Financial Assistance: Beneficiaries receive a pension of ₹500 per month.
- Direct Bank Transfer: The pension is credited directly to the bank account, promoting ease and transparency in the disbursement process.
- Supplementary Support: Acts as an additional benefit alongside existing Central and State pension schemes.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Native Requirement: The applicant must be a native of Chhattisgarh.
- Target Groups:
- Senior Citizens: Must be 60 years of age or older.
- Widows and Abandoned Women: Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Survey List Inclusion:
- In urban areas, the applicant’s name must be listed in the survey list of the Socio-Economic and Caste Census 2011.
- In rural areas, the applicant’s name should be in the list of households having at least one deprivation index in the automatically included or deprivation index of the survey list.
- Exclusivity: The applicant must not be receiving pension benefits from any other central or state government pension scheme.
Application Process
In Rural Areas
- Collect Application Form:
- Visit the office of the Gram Panchayat to collect the application form, available free of cost.
- Submit Form:
- Fill out the form and submit it to the Gram Panchayat. An acknowledgment receipt will be provided.
- Review and Forward:
- The Gram Panchayat reviews the application and recommends it to the District Panchayat within 7 days.
In Urban Areas
- Collect Application Form:
- Visit the office of the concerned Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Nagar Panchayat, or Panchayat Raj institution to obtain the application form, available free of cost.
- Submit Form:
- Complete the form and submit it to the respective office, where an acknowledgment receipt is issued.
- Alternate Submission:
- If a printed application form is not available, the applicant may submit the application on plain paper.
Additional Note:
If beneficiaries change their area within Chhattisgarh, they do not need to reapply. However, they must submit an application with a proper reason to the approving District Panchayat or urban body for the pension case to be transferred.
Documents Required
- Passport-Size Photograph
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card (or equivalent)
- Domicile Certificate of Chhattisgarh
- Proof of Age: Birth Certificate, Marksheet, Passport, or Driving License. If unavailable, age must be certified by the Sarpanch (rural) or the Mayor/Administrator/Chairman (urban).
- For Widows: Death certificate of the husband
- For Abandoned Women: Certification of abandonment by the concerned Sarpanch or Panch/Councilor
- Bank Passbook/Bank Account Details
- Other Documents: As required by the scheme guidelines.
- Note: Applicants without a bank account must open a savings account immediately after pension acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who can benefit from this scheme?
A1: The scheme benefits native Chhattisgarh residents who are senior citizens (60+), widows, or abandoned women (18+).
Q2: What is the monthly pension amount provided under this scheme?
A2: Eligible beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of ₹500.
Q3: How is the pension amount disbursed?
A3: The pension is directly transferred to the applicant’s bank account during the first week of each month.
Q4: What are the eligibility criteria for senior citizens?
A4: Senior citizens must be 60 years of age or older and must be listed in the relevant survey list (urban or rural) as per the guidelines.
Q5: What are the eligibility criteria for widows and abandoned women?
A5: Widows and abandoned women must be 18 years of age or older and must meet the survey list requirements in their respective areas.
Q6: Where should the applicant’s name be listed for eligibility in urban areas?
A6: In urban areas, the applicant’s name must be on the survey list of the Socio-Economic and Caste Census 2011.
Q7: Where should the applicant’s name be listed for eligibility in rural areas?
A7: In rural areas, the name should be in the list of households with at least one deprivation index as per the survey list.
Q8: Can someone receiving pension from other central or state government schemes apply for this scheme?
A8: No, applicants already receiving pension benefits from any other government scheme are not eligible.
Q9: How can an applicant apply for the scheme in rural areas?
A9: Rural applicants must visit their Gram Panchayat office, collect and fill out the application form, and submit it along with the required documents.
Q10: How can an applicant apply for the scheme in urban areas?
A10: Urban applicants should visit the concerned municipal or local body office, complete the application form, and submit it along with the necessary documents.
Q11: What if a printed application form is not available in urban areas?
A11: The applicant may submit the application on plain paper if a printed form is not available.
Q12: What happens if a beneficiary moves to a new area within the state?
A12: They need not reapply; however, they must submit an application with a proper reason for transferring their pension case to the new local authority.
Q13: How often is the pension paid?
A13: The pension is paid monthly, with disbursement occurring during the first week of each month.
Q14: Can an applicant from a different state apply for this scheme?
A14: No, only native residents of Chhattisgarh are eligible.