Apply for the Marriage Assistance Scheme in Puducherry: Eligibility & Process

The “Marriage Assistance Scheme” is a welfare initiative by the Puducherry Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board under the Labour Department of the Union Territory of Puducherry. This scheme provides financial assistance of ₹7,000/- via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to registered construction workers for the marriage of their children. Additionally, a female construction worker is eligible to receive the same assistance for her own marriage. The benefit can be availed for the marriage of up to two children of the worker, and interested applicants must apply within six months from the date of marriage.

Benefits

• Financial Assistance:
  • A total of ₹7,000/- is provided.
• Applicability:
  • Assistance is available for the marriage of up to two children of the registered construction worker.
  • A female worker can avail the benefit for her own marriage.
• Disbursement:
  • The financial assistance is credited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through DBT.

Eligibility

• Citizenship:
  • The applicant must be a citizen of India.
• Registration:
  • Must be registered as a Construction Worker with the Puducherry Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
• Age Requirement:
  • The applicant should have completed 18 years of age.
  • The applicant must not have completed 60 years in the construction work during the preceding 12 months.
• Contribution:
  • The beneficiary should be contributing regularly to the Board’s Fund.
  • The applicant should not have defaulted in the payment of contributions for more than one continuous year.

Application Process

Registration

1. Obtain Registration Form:
   • Visit the Office of the Puducherry Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (Industrial Estate, Thattanchavady, Puducherry – 605 009) to get the prescribed registration form free of cost from the designated authority.
2. Complete the Registration Form:
   • Fill in all mandatory fields, affix a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required), and attach self-attested copies of all necessary documents. Include a declaration stating your status as a construction worker and mention your worksite.
3. Submit and Acknowledge:
   • Submit the filled and signed registration form with the documents to the concerned authority.
   • Request a receipt or acknowledgment that includes the submission date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
4. Enrollment and Fees:
   • Once verified by the inspectors, the worker is enrolled as a beneficiary with the approval of the Secretary (Board).
   • At enrollment, a registration fee of ₹25/- is required, along with an annual subscription fee of ₹100/-.
   • The Board also collects a renewal fee of ₹300/- once every three years.

Application for Marriage Assistance

1. Obtain Application Form:
   • Visit the Board’s office (same address as above) to obtain the prescribed application form free of cost, or print the format available in the “Application for Welfare Benefits” section of the Citizen’s Charter (Page No. 77).
2. Complete the Application Form:
   • Fill in all mandatory fields, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required), and attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
3. Submit the Application:
   • Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the required documents to the concerned authority.
4. Acknowledge Submission:
   • Request a receipt or acknowledgment that includes essential details such as the submission date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).

Note: The application for marriage assistance must be submitted within six months from the date of marriage.

Documents Required

For Registration

1. Duly filled and signed application form.
2. Birth Certificate/Transfer Certificate/Doctor Certificate for age verification.
3. Experience Certificate from a registered engineer/contractor/association/trade union as evidence of being a construction worker.
4. Details related to construction work/worksite.
5. Proof of blood group (Medical Health Card or Laboratory Certificate).
6. Two passport-sized photographs.
7. Ration Card.
8. Aadhaar Card.
9. Bank details.
10. Family particulars/status and nomination details of the beneficiaries.
11. Certificate from the Revenue Department, Social Welfare Department, or Anganwadi officials of the respective area.

For Marriage Assistance Application

1. Marriage Certificate.
2. Latest Subscription Bill.
3. Board ID Card.
4. Aadhaar Card.
5. Ration Card.
6. Bank Passbook.
7. Marriage Invitation Card.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can an applicant update their personal details or make corrections after submitting the application?
  Procedures for updating or correcting personal details are available at the Board’s office; please consult the guidelines.

• How does the scheme ensure that applicants are informed about the necessary documents during registration and application?
  Detailed guidelines and checklists are provided in the official documents and at the Board’s office.

• Are there any specific provisions for widowed or divorced construction workers applying for assistance?
  For special cases, please refer to the Board’s guidelines or contact the concerned authority.

• Can a construction worker apply for assistance for the marriage of more than two children?
  The assistance is strictly limited to the marriage of up to two children.

• What is the frequency and process for collecting the annual subscription fee and renewal?
  The annual subscription fee is collected every year (₹100/-), and a renewal fee of ₹300/- is collected once every three years.

• How is the authenticity of an applicant’s construction worker status verified?
  Verification is done by inspectors under the Act during the registration process.

• Can a female construction worker avail financial assistance for her own marriage under the scheme?
  Yes, a female worker is eligible to receive assistance for her own marriage.

• What is the time frame for applying for assistance after the marriage?
  The application must be submitted within six months from the date of marriage.

• Are there any financial obligations during the enrollment process?
  Yes, there is a registration fee of ₹25/-, an annual subscription fee of ₹100/-, and a renewal fee of ₹300/- every three years.

• What role does DBT play in the disbursement of financial assistance?
  The financial assistance is credited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through DBT.

• What is the grievance redressal mechanism for the scheme?
  Detailed grievance redressal procedures are outlined in the guidelines provided by the Board.

• What are the overall registration processes and documents required for the scheme?
  The registration process and document list are clearly provided above and in the official guidelines.

Sources and References

• Guidelines (Page No. 60)
• Application Form (Page No. 78)
• Registration Process (Page No. 57)
• Documents Required (Page No. 58)
• Grievance Redressal (Page No. 131)