The Book Allowance to the Wards of Ex-Servicemen/Widows scheme is a welfare initiative by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, under the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. It aims to provide financial assistance to the wards of unemployed ex-servicemen (ESM) and widows of ESM for purchasing books. The scheme is applicable to students studying in Government-recognized institutions, and applications must be submitted within three months of completing the academic year.
Benefits
The financial assistance is provided as book allowance, depending on the level of education:
| Education Level | Book Allowance (₹ per annum) |
|---|---|
| School / Special School / Polytechnic Diploma | ₹2,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | ₹3,000 |
| Master’s Degree | ₹4,000 |
| Professional Courses (MBBS/BE/BTech) | ₹4,000 |
- The actual cost of books or the maximum allowance amount, whichever is lower, will be reimbursed.
- The approved amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through RTGS/NEFT.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be a ward of an unemployed Ex-Serviceman (ESM) or a ward of a widow of an ESM.
- The applicant must be registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.
- The applicant must be studying in a Government-recognized institution.
- The benefit is limited to two wards per eligible ESM or widow.
Exclusions
- The scheme does not apply to students repeating the same class.
- Students already receiving an academic scholarship are not eligible.
- Students benefiting from tuition fee reimbursement from other sources cannot apply.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
-
Download or collect the application form for the scheme from the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.
-
Fill in the required details, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required), and attach self-attested copies of necessary documents.
-
Submit the completed application along with documents to:
Rajya Sainik Board, Jawan Bhawan,
Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Puducherry,
261, Lawspet Main Road, Pakkamudianpet, Puducherry Road, Lawspet, Puducherry – 605013, India. -
Upon submission, an acknowledgment receipt will be issued by the concerned authority.
Documents Required
- Identity Card of the Ex-Serviceman (ESM) / Widow.
- Discharge Certificate of the ESM.
- Proof of Successful Completion of the course.
- Certificate from the Institute (for management quota admissions).
- Original Fee Receipt of books purchased.
- Breakdown of Fee Certificate (if fees are collected in a lump sum, signed by the institution’s head).
- Declaration Form.
- Birth Certificate of the ward (if not previously registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare).
- Study Certificate of the ward (if not previously registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare).
- First Page of Bank Passbook (for account details).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which department administers this scheme?
The Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry, manages the scheme.
Q: Where can I find the official website of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry?
The official website link is available on Puducherry Government’s official portal.
Q: Where can I find the contact details of the Public Information Officer?
Contact details can be obtained from the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.
Q: Where can I find the contact details of the Appellate Authority?
The contact details for appeals can be accessed at the Rajya Sainik Board, Puducherry.
Q: Are Short Service Commissioned Officers (SSCOs) and Emergency Commissioned Officers (ECOs) eligible for Ex-Servicemen status?
Yes, SSCOs and ECOs who have completed five years of service and received a pensionary award are considered Ex-Servicemen.
Q: What is the process for seeking information through the Right to Information (RTI) Act?
Applicants can submit RTI requests to the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry, under the RTI Act, 2005.
Q: What is the definition of “Ex-Servicemen” under this scheme?
Ex-Servicemen include individuals retired from the Armed Forces after completing the required service tenure and possessing an ESM identity card issued by the Department of Sainik Welfare.
Q: Can applicants track the status of their application?
Currently, offline tracking is available by visiting the Department of Sainik Welfare.
Q: Where can I find the detailed guidelines for welfare schemes under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund?
The detailed guidelines are available at the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.
Q: Where can I obtain the application forms for welfare schemes under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund?
Application forms can be downloaded from the Puducherry Government’s official website or collected in person from the Rajya Sainik Board, Puducherry.
Q: Is there any relaxation in the income criteria for eligibility under special circumstances?
The scheme does not mention income criteria, but priority is given to the wards of unemployed ex-servicemen and widows.
Q: Is there any compensation for delays in the disbursal of scheme benefits?
No specific compensation is provided, but beneficiaries can contact the Department of Sainik Welfare for grievance redressal.