The Government of Tripura launched the Asangathita Shramik Sahayika Prakalpa (ASSP) in 2003 to provide a financial safety net for unorganized workers. The scheme currently covers over 1,09,534 workers from 19 unorganized sectors and 17 self-employment occupations (as of September 2019). It is designed for wage-employed and self-employed workers aged between 21 and 60 years, whose average family income does not exceed Rs. 10,000 per month. The scheme offers a retirement benefit along with provisions for disability or death, ensuring long-term financial security.
Benefits
- Monthly Contribution:
- Each subscriber (worker) contributes Rs. 50/- per month.
- The State Government matches this contribution with an additional Rs. 50/- per month.
- Interest Accumulation:
- Contributions earn interest at a rate declared annually by the Government.
- Maturity Benefit:
- The total accumulated amount—including contributions and interest—is refunded to the worker when they reach 60 years of age.
- Contingency Benefits:
- In cases of permanent total disability or death (or specific circumstances like loss of limbs/eyes or prolonged contribution default), the accumulated benefit is disbursed to the worker’s nominee.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age:
- Workers must be between 21 and 60 years of age.
- Income:
- The average family income must not exceed Rs. 10,000 per month.
- The calculation is based on the 12 months preceding the application.
- Employment:
- Only wage-employed or self-employed workers in unorganized sectors or self-employment occupations are eligible.
- Workers covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 are excluded.
- Family Coverage:
- Initially, only one member per family is eligible.
- For the purpose of the scheme, “family” includes the beneficiary, spouse, wholly dependent daughters, wholly dependent minor sons, and wholly dependent parents.
- Additional Exclusions:
- Workers who fail to contribute for 12 consecutive months will be deemed in prolonged default and lose eligibility until the lock-in period is over.
- Withdrawal is not permitted before the end of the three-year lock-in period, except in cases of permanent total disability or death.
- Workers engaged in criminal activities or who provide false information/documentation are disqualified.
Application Process (Offline)
- Obtain Application Form:
- Collect Form I (annexed to the scheme) from the concerned Block Development Officer, Executive Officer of the Nagar Panchayet, Chief Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, or the Commissioner of Agartala Municipal Corporation (as applicable).
- The form is available at a nominal cost of Rs. 1.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all required personal, family, and employment details.
- Affix one of the three recent passport-size photographs on the application form.
- Obtain Required Certificates:
- Secure a certificate from the concerned Pradhan of the Gram Panchayet, CEO of the Municipal Council, Mayor/Deputy Mayor of the Agartala Municipal Corporation, a Member of the Panchayet Samity/1TAADC/Zilla Parishad, or the employer, attesting to your eligibility and verifying the attached photograph.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the completed application form, along with the necessary certificates and two additional passport-size photographs, to the appropriate office (Block Development Officer/Executive Officer/CEO/Commissioner as applicable).
- Wait for Enrollment:
- Upon successful verification, you will be enrolled in the scheme.
Documents Required
- Form I (as provided with the scheme)
- Three Recent Passport-Size Photographs:
- One must be affixed on the application form.
- Eligibility Certificate:
- Issued by the concerned authority (Pradhan, Municipal CEO, Mayor/Deputy Mayor, Panchayet Samity member, or employer) verifying eligibility and attesting to the photograph.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is eligible to enroll?
- Wage-employed and self-employed workers in unorganized sectors between 21 and 60 years with an average family income not exceeding Rs. 10,000 per month.
- What is the family income limit?
- The average family income should be Rs. 10,000 per month or less, calculated over the past 12 months.
- Who is considered part of the family?
- The beneficiary, spouse, wholly dependent daughters, wholly dependent minor sons, and wholly dependent parents.
- How is the average family income calculated?
- Based on the income of all eligible family members over the 12 months prior to the application.
- How do I enroll in the scheme?
- By obtaining and completing Form I from the designated authority and submitting it along with the required certificates and photographs.
- What is the contribution amount?
- Each worker contributes Rs. 50/- per month, matched by the State Government.
- When will I receive the refund?
- The accumulated amount (including interest) is refunded when the worker reaches 60 years of age or upon account inactivation due to disability or death.
- Is early withdrawal allowed?
- Withdrawals before maturity are not permitted except in cases of permanent total disability or death.
- What is the cost of the application form?
- The application form costs Rs. 1.