The “Assistance to General Farmers for Sinking Tubewell” scheme is launched by the Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Union Territory of Puducherry. This scheme offers a 65% subsidy toward constructing tubewells or filter points, with a maximum benefit of ₹1,50,000 per tubewell/filter point per individual. The subsidy is calculated on the total construction cost and aims to support general category paddy and crop farmers in enhancing water resource management.
Benefits
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Subsidy:
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A 65% subsidy on the total construction cost of the tubewell/filter point, subject to a maximum of ₹1,50,000 per unit.
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Calculation:
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The total expenditure on construction is considered for subsidy calculation.
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Eligibility
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Permit Requirement:
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The applicant must have obtained the necessary permit from the Pondicherry Ground Water Authority for sinking a new or replacement tubewell/filter point.
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Construction Conditions:
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The tubewell/filter point should be constructed using a departmental power rig/hand bore set or through private drilling machinery with a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Agriculture Department. The machinery must be registered with the Pondicherry Ground Water Authority and operate under departmental supervision.
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Land Holding:
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The applicant must hold a minimum of 1.5 acres of land under the tubewell’s command area.
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The applicant should have owned the land for at least 2 years, with a clear ownership title deed in his/her name (or in favor of the applicant, spouse, or a member of a joint/undivided family).
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Previous Subsidy:
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Farmers who have availed of a similar subsidy for the same purpose within the last 5 years are not eligible.
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Casing Pipes:
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Must have a BIS certificate and be purchased from an authorized dealer (e.g., M/s. PASIC Ltd.).
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Land Conversion:
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The applicant must not convert the land for any purpose other than agriculture for a minimum of 10 years from the date of construction, and must execute a bond accordingly.
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Application Process
Offline & Online
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Obtain the Application Form:
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Visit the e-District Portal of the Government of Puducherry during office hours.
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Request the hard copy of the prescribed application form from the Agricultural Officers of the Uzhavar Udhaviyagam or the Office of the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Yanam.
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Complete the Application:
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Fill in all mandatory fields on the application form.
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Paste a passport-size photograph (signed across if required) and attach copies of all mandatory documents (self-attested where necessary).
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Submit the Application:
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Submit the completed, signed form along with all documents to the concerned authority.
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An acknowledgment with a unique identification number will be issued, which will be used for all further references.
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Online Application Process:
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Register on the e-District Portal:
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Visit the official e-District portal and click “Login” at the top right.
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Register as a new member by filling in the mandatory details (Username, Password, Personal Details, etc.) and complete the signup process.
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Login and Apply:
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Login with your registered credentials.
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Navigate to the list of schemes, select “Assistance to General Farmers for Sinking Tubewell,” and fill in the online application form.
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Upload all required documents and tick the declaration checkbox.
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Submit the application and note down the generated application number for tracking.
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Documents Required
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Land Ownership Certificate:
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Issued by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar.
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Permit from Pondicherry Ground Water Authority:
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A copy of the permit for sinking a new or replacement tubewell/filter point.
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Registration Certificate:
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For the tubewell/filter point, or in case of a new service connection, a copy of the energization letter.
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For Private Drilling Cases:
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A copy of the NOC from the competent authority and the license for the private machinery.
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Expense Bills:
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Original bills for construction costs. If financed by a bank loan, an attested copy of the bills and a bank certificate.
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Identity & Financial Proofs:
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Aadhaar Card, Farmer’s Identity Card, and the front page of the Bank Passbook.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What percentage of subsidy is granted to General Farmers?
A 65% subsidy is provided, subject to a maximum of ₹1,50,000 per tubewell/filter point per individual. -
What costs are considered for calculating the subsidy?
The entire cost incurred for the construction of the tubewell/filter point. -
Are there any restrictions on converting the lands after construction?
Yes, the land must remain designated for agriculture for at least 10 years from the date of construction, as confirmed by a bond. -
Can farmers who have received the subsidy in the past 5 years reapply?
No, farmers who have availed of the subsidy for the same purpose within the last 5 years are not eligible. -
What certification is required for the casing pipes?
Casing pipes must have a BIS certificate and be purchased from an authorized dealer. -
What role does the Pondicherry Ground Water Authority play?
They issue the necessary permits and registration certificates, and verify that the construction is compliant with guidelines. -
Where can the application form be obtained?
From the offices of the Agricultural Officers of the Uzhavar Udhaviyagam or the Office of the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Yanam. -
Within what timeframe should the application be submitted after construction?
The application should be submitted as per the guidelines provided by the concerned authority (check specific office instructions). -
Can the tubewell be constructed using private machinery?
Yes, if the applicant obtains a No Objection Certificate from the Agriculture Department and the machinery is registered with the Pondicherry Ground Water Authority. -
Where should applicants approach for constructing a tubewell using private machinery?
They should obtain the required NOC from the Agriculture Department and ensure private machinery is registered and operates under departmental supervision. -
What is the role of the Pondicherry Ground Water Authority in the process?
They are responsible for issuing permits, verifying compliance, and ensuring that construction meets regulatory standards.