The ARAVANAIPPU scheme is an initiative by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Puducherry, designed to uplift the status of the girl child by supporting lactating mothers with nutritious food and essential financial assistance. This scheme not only aims to promote the health and education of girl children but also seeks to ensure that economically weaker families in Puducherry can celebrate the future of their daughters with dignity.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
Lactating mothers receive ₹1200/- to support the nutrition and well-being of their children. - Nutritional Support:
The grant helps in providing nutritious food and care, essential for the growth and health of the girl child. - Empowerment:
By alleviating financial burdens, the scheme enables families to focus on the long-term education and empowerment of their daughters. - Dignified Celebrations:
The assistance contributes to uplifting the social status of the girl child, ensuring that her future is celebrated with dignity.
Eligibility
To qualify for the ARAVANAIPPU scheme, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Citizenship:
The applicant must be a citizen of India. - Residency:
The applicant should be a native of Puducherry by birth or have continuously resided in the Union Territory for at least five years. - Income:
The annual family income must not exceed ₹24,000/-. - Age:
The applicant must be at least 18 years old. - Girl Child Birthdate:
The girl child must have been born after April 1, 2005. - Number of Daughters:
Financial assistance is provided only for up to two girl children.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
- Obtain the Application Form:
Visit the Office or Sub-Office of the Department of Women and Child Development during office hours to request a hard copy of the prescribed application form, or print the form if available online. - Complete the Form:
Fill in all mandatory fields on the form. Attach a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required) and all other necessary documents (self-attested as required). - Submit the Application:
Submit the duly filled and signed form along with the required documents to the Deputy Director (Women Development) or the Child Development Project Officer, at least 30 days before the proposed marriage date if applicable. - Obtain Acknowledgment:
Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the authority, ensuring it contains the date, time of submission, and any unique identification number.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Residence Certificate from the Revenue Department
- Income Certificate from the Revenue Department
- Voter ID Card
- Passport-Sized Photograph
- Declaration/Undertaking (if required)
- Birth Certificate of the Girl Child
In the absence of an Aadhaar Card, provide the Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any one of the following:
- Bank or Post Office Passbook with photo
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Ration Card
- Voter Identity Card
- MGNREGA Card
- Kisan Photo Passbook
- Driving License
- Certificate of identity issued by a Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar on official letterhead
- Any other document specified by the Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How can individuals contact the relevant authorities for queries?
A1: Applicants can refer to the Contact Us section on the official website or visit the designated office locations for assistance.
Q2: Is there a minimum residency requirement for the applicant in Puducherry?
A2: Yes, the applicant must be a native or have a continuous residence in Puducherry for at least 5 years.
Q3: Are there any exceptions to the annual family income criterion?
A3: No, the annual family income must not exceed ₹24,000/- for eligibility.
Q4: What happens if the girl child’s birthdate falls before April 1, 2005?
A4: Only girl children born after April 1, 2005 are eligible for the scheme.
Q5: Is there a limit to the number of times financial assistance is provided?
A5: Yes, assistance is provided only for up to two girl children per family.
Q6: Where can one raise concerns or seek assistance regarding delays?
A6: Applicants can raise concerns via the Grievance Redressal mechanism available on the official website or at the office locations.
Q7: What is the specified birthdate criterion for the girl child?
A7: The girl child must have been born after April 1, 2005.
Q8: Can non-residents of Puducherry avail of the scheme?
A8: No, only residents or natives of Puducherry (by birth or continuous residence of at least 5 years) are eligible.
Q9: What is the income criterion for eligibility?
A9: The applicant’s annual family income must not exceed ₹24,000/-.
Q10: Who administers the “ARAVANAIPPU” scheme?
A10: The scheme is administered by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Puducherry.