Launched in 2015 by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, the AASRA Scheme is an insurance initiative aimed at providing social security cover to vulnerable sections of society. This scheme benefits widows, destitute individuals, BPL families, and breadwinners of such families whose annual income is less than ₹75,000/-. Under the scheme, the Union Territory government bears the premium of two key insurance policies for a period of five years.
Key Components
The scheme reimburses premiums for the following insurance policies:
- Pradhanmantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY):
- Eligibility:
- Age 18 to 70 years with a bank account and Aadhaar-linked.
- Annual premium of ₹12/- per beneficiary is auto-debited.
- Coverage:
- Accidental death and full disability: ₹2 lakh.
- Partial disability: ₹1 lakh.
- Renewal:
- Beneficiaries may opt for a long-term continuation with annual auto-debit.
- Eligibility:
- Pradhanmantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY):
- Eligibility:
- Age 18 to 50 years (coverage available up to 55 years) with a bank account.
- Annual premium of ₹333/- is auto-debited.
- Coverage:
- Death due to any reason: ₹2 lakh.
- Eligibility:
Objectives
- To provide comprehensive social and financial security for vulnerable families.
- To ensure that all eligible widows, destitute persons, BPL families, and their primary breadwinners receive insurance cover.
- To deliver a zero balance savings bank account to every beneficiary so that they can avail of the insurance benefits seamlessly.
Funding Pattern
- The scheme is fully sponsored by the Government of the Union Territory.
- Funds are provided under non-plan expenditure by the Finance Department.
- The government covers premium payments for both PMSBY and PMJJBY for five years, ensuring complete social security for the targeted groups.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency:
- Must be a permanent resident of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Income:
- The family’s total annual income should be less than ₹75,000/-.
- Target Groups:
- Breadwinners of low-income families.
- Widows and destitute individuals.
- Additional Conditions:
- The applicant must establish that there is no other income source as per the prescribed income certificate.
- In case of death, the benefit is paid only to the nominated beneficiary, as per guidelines.
Application Process
Online Registration:
- Citizen Registration:
- Register via the Citizen Registration Link provided on the login screen of the official website (https://www.jk.gov.in/jkeservices/home).
- Upload a passport-size scanned photo (jpg, <50 KB).
- Note down your generated User ID and Password.
- Applying for the Scheme:
- Login with your credentials (select role type “Citizen”).
- Click on the e-services tab and select the appropriate department to avail the service.
- Click the “Apply” button under “AASRA Scheme”.
- Fill in all mandatory details accurately and submit the form.
Documents Required
- Proof of residence within Jammu & Kashmir.
- Valid proof of identity and age.
- Income Certificate.
- Passport-size photographs.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Bank account details.
- BPL Card (for BPL families).
- In the case of a widow, a Death Certificate of the husband (bearing the name of the legal wife/widow).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the AASRA Scheme?
- It is an insurance and social security scheme providing coverage under PMSBY and PMJJBY for vulnerable groups in Jammu & Kashmir.
- What is the objective of the scheme?
- To ensure financial and social security for widows, destitute, BPL families, and their breadwinners.
- Which department launched the scheme?
- The scheme was launched by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Is the scheme fully government-sponsored?
- Yes, the Union Territory government bears the entire premium for the specified policies.
- Who is eligible?
- Permanent residents of Jammu & Kashmir whose family’s annual income is below ₹75,000/- including all widows, destitute individuals, and breadwinners of BPL families.
- How are premiums paid?
- Premiums are auto-debited by the bank from the subscriber’s account.
- What happens in case of the beneficiary’s death?
- The life/accident cover is paid to the nominee as per the scheme guidelines.
- How can one apply?
- Applicants need to register and apply online via the official website.