Launched by the Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare in Puducherry, this scheme provides a 90% subsidy for Scheduled Caste farmers for constructing a tubewell/filter point. The subsidy is calculated on the total construction cost and is capped at ₹1,80,000 per tubewell/filter point per individual. The scheme mandates that the tubewell/filter point is constructed using either departmental machinery or private drilling machinery (with appropriate NOC and registration from the Pondicherry Ground Water Authority). Additionally, the applicant must possess requisite permits and maintain a minimum landholding of 1.5 acres with clear ownership and not convert the land for non-agricultural purposes for a minimum of 10 years.
Benefits
• 90% subsidy on the construction cost, up to ₹1,80,000 per individual
• Financial support specifically for Scheduled Caste farmers in Puducherry
• Encourages proper construction through departmental or authorized private drilling machinery
• Ensures quality and standardization with BIS-certified casing pipes and mandatory permits
• Promotes sustainable agricultural infrastructure development
Eligibility
• Applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste Community
• Must be an Indian National and a native of Puducherry by birth or continuous residence for 5 years
• Must obtain the mandatory permit from the Pondicherry Ground Water Authority
• Tubewell/filter point construction must be executed via departmental power rig/hand bore set or with a valid NOC for private machinery
• Applicant must have a minimum landholding of 1.5 acres within the tubewell’s command area, with land ownership of at least 2 years and a clear title deed
• Applicants who have received a similar subsidy in the past 5 years are ineligible
• All materials, including casing pipes, must comply with BIS certification requirements
• The land must not be converted for non-agricultural purposes for 10 years post construction (as per the executed bond)
Application Process
Offline & Online
• Step 1: Obtain the mandatory PERMIT for new/replacement tubewell construction from the Pondicherry Ground Water Authority
• Step 2: Approach the designated office for construction under departmental supervision, or obtain NOC if using private machinery
• Step 3: Construct the tubewell/filter point; an inspection is carried out by the Agricultural Officer (Engg.) to verify materials used
• Step 4: Post-construction, visit the concerned office during office hours to collect the hard copy of the prescribed application form from:
– Puducherry: Office of the Hydrogeologist-II, State Ground Water Unit & Soil Conservation, Thattanchavady, Puducherry-9
– Karaikal: Office of the Additional Director of Agriculture, Karaikal
• Step 5: Fill in all mandatory fields in the form, attach a passport-sized photograph (signed if required), and all necessary documents (self-attested where applicable)
• Step 6: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with documents to the relevant authority
• Step 7: Upon receipt, the application is recorded in the receipt register and a unique seniority number is issued. (Application must be submitted within 90 days of construction completion.)
Documents Required
• Nationality, Nativity, and Caste Certificate (issued by an officer not below Deputy Tahsildar)
• Land Ownership Certificate (issued by an officer not below Deputy Tahsildar)
• Copy of the PERMIT from the Pondicherry Ground Water Authority for sinking a new/replacement tubewell/filter point
• Registration Certificate for the tubewell/filter point or, in case of new service connection, a copy of the energization letter
• If using private machinery:
– Copy of NOC from the competent authority
– Copy of the License for the private drilling machinery
• Original Bills for expenses incurred in construction (with bank loan beneficiaries required to submit attested copies and a bank certificate)
• Copy of Aadhaar Card, Farmers Identity Card, and the front page of the Bank Passbook
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When should the application be submitted?
A: The application must be submitted within 90 days from the date of construction completion.
Q: What is the inspection process during tubewell construction?
A: An Agricultural Officer (Engg.) inspects the construction to verify details such as the pipes and other materials used.
Q: Where should applicants in the Puducherry region approach for construction under departmental supervision?
A: Applicants should approach the concerned office as per their region—Office of the Hydrogeologist-II in Puducherry or Additional Director of Agriculture in Karaikal.
Q: How long must the land be maintained for agricultural purposes post construction?
A: The land cannot be converted for non-agricultural use for at least 10 years.
Q: What certification is required for casing pipes?
A: Casing pipes must be BIS certified and purchased from authorized dealers (e.g., PASIC Ltd).
Q: What is the minimum landholding requirement?
A: Applicants must have a minimum of 1.5 acres within the tubewell’s command area.
Q: Can farmers who have availed the subsidy within the last 5 years apply again?
A: No, farmers who have received the subsidy in the past 5 years are not eligible.
Q: What permits are necessary for sinking a new/replacement tubewell/filter point?
A: A permit from the Pondicherry Ground Water Authority is mandatory.
Q: What percentage of subsidy is granted for tubewell construction in Puducherry?
A: A 90% subsidy is provided, subject to a maximum of ₹1,80,000 per individual.
Q: Can applicants choose any brand of pipes for construction?
A: Yes, but the pipes must be BIS certified and purchased from an authorized dealer or PASIC.
Q: What is the minimum land ownership requirement?
A: Applicants must have land ownership for at least 2 years with a clear title deed.
Q: Can tubewell construction be carried out using private machinery?
A: Yes, if done through private machinery registered with the Pondicherry Ground Water Authority and accompanied by a valid NOC.
Sources and References
• Standard Operating Procedure
• Application Form
• Contact Us (Email IDs)
• Contact Us (Telephone Numbers)
• Citizen’s Charter
• Grievance Redressal
• Responsibility Centers