The “Annual Tour to the Differently Abled Persons” scheme, introduced by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry, aims to provide an opportunity for differently abled persons to explore places of cultural and historical importance, enhancing their knowledge and exposure to India’s rich cultural heritage.
Benefits
- Free Annual Tour
- One free tour to culturally and historically significant locations each year for eligible participants.
- Prohibition Clause
- Drugs and alcoholic items are strictly prohibited during the tour.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residence:
- Applicants must be residents of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 years.
- Disability:
- A disability of 40% or above is required.
- Age:
- Applicants must be between 18 and 50 years of age.
- Income:
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹75,000.
- Previous Participation:
- Applicants who have participated in this scheme in the past 10 years are not eligible.
- Employment Restrictions:
- The applicant and their parents should not be Government servants.
- Health Condition:
- Applicants should not have any contagious diseases.
- Anganwadi Registration:
- Applicants should be registered at an Anganwadi Centre.
- Notification Period:
- Applications are accepted only after notifications are issued in local newspapers.
Application Process
Mode
Offline
Steps
- Notification Period
- Wait for a notification about the scheme in local newspapers before applying.
- Application Form Collection
- Visit the Office/Sub-Office of the Department of Social Welfare to collect the prescribed application form. Alternatively, applicants can print the form online, if available.
- Form Submission
- Fill in the application form, attach a recent passport-sized photograph, and self-attested copies of all required documents.
- Submit to Appropriate Authority:
- Submit the completed form to:
- Puducherry: Deputy Director, Differently Abled Section, Directorate of Social Welfare.
- Karaikal: Assistant Director, Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Mahe/Yanam: Welfare Officer (in-charge), Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Submit the completed form to:
- Acknowledgment
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment with details such as the submission date, time, and unique identification number.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card.
- Ration Card.
- Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Disability Certificate or Medical Certificate.
- Financial Assistance Identity Card.
- Recent Passport-size Photograph.
- Bank Passbook (for account details).
- Caste Certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can individuals above 50 years apply?
- No, the age limit is 18 to 50 years.
- How does Anganwadi registration affect eligibility?
- Applicants must be registered with an Anganwadi Centre as part of the eligibility criteria.
- Is there a specific application period?
- Yes, applications are accepted only after the scheme’s notification is issued in local newspapers.
- What is the income limit for eligibility?
- The maximum annual income allowed is ₹75,000.
- What percentage of disability qualifies?
- Applicants must have a disability of 40% or above.
- Can government employees apply for this scheme?
- No, the applicant and their parents must not be Government servants.
- Are there restrictions on tour activities?
- Yes, consumption of drugs and alcoholic items is strictly prohibited during the tour.
- How frequently can an individual apply?
- Once in 10 years.
- What health conditions disqualify an applicant?
- Contagious diseases disqualify applicants.
Sources and References
- Guidelines: Detailed official guidelines issued by the Department of Social Welfare.
- Citizen’s Charter: Information available in the charter for public reference.
- Sub-Offices and Contact Information: Assistance available at local offices for application and inquiries.
For further details, visit your nearest Social Welfare Department office or contact the designated helpline.