The Balika Samridhi Yojana is an initiative by the Department of Women & Child Development, Government of Pondicherry aimed at improving the status of the girl child and ensuring proper nutrition through targeted financial support. The scheme focuses on providing assistance to lactating mothers in the form of a National Savings Certificate, ultimately benefiting girl children born on or after 15-8-97.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance: A direct support of ₹500 is provided in the form of a National Savings Certificate.
- Nutritional Support: The scheme aims to ensure that lactating mothers can provide nutritious food to the girl child.
- Long-Term Security: The assistance is credited in the name of the girl child, supporting her welfare as she grows.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Balika Samrithi Yojana, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Date of Birth: The applicant must be a girl child born on or after 15-8-97.
- Income Limit: The annual income of the family should not exceed ₹15,000.
- Citizenship: The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Local Residency: The applicant should be a native of the Union Territory of Pondicherry by birth or have resided continuously for not less than 3 years.
Application Process
Offline/Online Application
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Offline: Visit the Office or Sub-Office of the Department of Women and Child Development during office hours to request the hard copy of the prescribed application form.
- Online: Alternatively, download and print the application form from the official website.
- Fill the Form:
- Complete all mandatory fields in the form.
- Affix a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required).
- Attach copies of all required documents (self-attested where specified).
- Submission:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the necessary documents to the Deputy Director (Women Development) or the Child Development Project Officer.
- It is recommended to submit the form well before any stipulated deadlines.
- Receipt Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority.
- Ensure the receipt contains the date and time of submission and a unique identification number, if applicable.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card.
- Residence Certificate from the Revenue Department.
- Income Certificate from the Revenue Department.
- Passport-sized Photograph.
- Declaration/Undertaking (if any).
- Birth Certificate issued by the Municipality/Commune.
In the absence of an Aadhaar Card, the applicant must provide the Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any one of the following documents:
- Bank or Post Office Passbook with Photo.
- Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card.
- Passport.
- Ration Card.
- Voter Identity Card.
- MGNREGA Card.
- Kisan Photo Passbook.
- Driving License (issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988).
- Certificate of identity with photo from a Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar.
- Any other document as specified by the Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can an applicant use a driving license as an alternative to an Aadhaar Card?
A1: Yes, a driving license issued by the Licensing Authority under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 can be used as an alternative when provided along with the Aadhaar Enrolment ID.
Q2: What role does the Revenue Department play in the application process?
A2: The Revenue Department issues the Residence and Income Certificates, which are crucial documents for verifying eligibility.
Q3: What does the scheme aim to provide to lactating mothers?
A3: The scheme provides financial assistance of ₹500 in the form of a National Savings Certificate, benefiting lactating mothers and the girl child.
Q4: How can individuals contact the authorities for further information about the scheme?
A4: Contact details are available on the official website and can be accessed via the “Contact Us” or “Office Locations” section of the Department of Women & Child Development.
Q5: Can an applicant residing in Pondicherry for two years apply for the scheme?
A5: No, the applicant must be a native of Pondicherry by birth or have a continuous residence of not less than 3 years.
Q6: Are there any special provisions for applicants without an Aadhaar Card?
A6: Yes, applicants without an Aadhaar Card must provide their Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with one of the alternative documents mentioned.
Q7: Can a voter identity card be used as an alternative to an Aadhaar Card?
A7: Yes, a Voter Identity Card is one of the acceptable documents to accompany the Aadhaar Enrolment ID if the Aadhaar Card is not available.
Q8: Is there a deadline for submitting applications to the Balika Samrithi Yojana?
A8: The specific deadlines may vary; applicants should check with the local office or refer to the official guidelines for updated submission dates.
Q9: What actions can be taken through the provided Grievance Redressal link?
A9: The Grievance Redressal link allows applicants to address any issues or concerns regarding their application process and seek timely assistance.
Q10: How can applicants track the status of their Balika Samrithi Yojana application?
A10: Applicants can track their application status through the designated tracking facility provided on the official website of the Department of Women & Child Development.
Q11: How is the financial assistance provided to eligible mothers?
A11: The ₹500 is provided in the form of a National Savings Certificate, which is credited in the name of the girl child.
Q12: Who are the targeted beneficiaries under the scheme?
A12: The scheme targets girl children born on or after 15-8-97, with the financial assistance benefiting the lactating mothers responsible for their care.