Burial Ground Scheme for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Communities in Tamil Nadu: Benefits, Eligibility

The Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department of Tamil Nadu has implemented the Burial Ground-Provision of Burial Grounds and Pathway to Burial Grounds” scheme, providing dignified burial services to Adi Dravidar and Tribal communities. Providing burial grounds and pathways in habitations that lack such facilities encourages social welfare and respect for cultural practices.

Benefits

• Access to Dignified Burial Services:
  • Provision of land specifically for burial grounds.
  • Means of access to the graveyards.

Eligibility Conditions

• The applicant should be a dweller of Tamil Nadu.
• The applicant should fall under the Adi Dravidar or Scheduled Tribe category.
• The applicant should live in habitations where graveyards are not present or there is no access to graveyards.

Application Procedure Offline Application Procedure

• Application Form Retrieval:
  • Obtain the application form from the following offices:
    • Director of Adi Dravidar (DAD) and Tribal Welfare Office (TWO)
    • Project Officer (DRDA)
    • Commissioner of Panchayat Union
• Fill Up the Application Form:
  • Fill up all the mandatory fields in the application.
  • Pasted passport size photograph (signed across wherever necessary).
  • Self-attested photocopies of all other documents required.
• Submission of Form:
  • Submit your completed application form and attached documents to the appropriate office.
• Acknowledgment Receipt:
  • Request a receipt or acknowledgment with essential details like:
    • Date and time of submission
    • Unique identification number if any

Documents Needed

• Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card or any other authorized ID.
• Caste Certificate: Belongs to Adi Dravidar or Tribal category
• Address Proof: Details of residency pertaining to the habitation in concern
• Other Supporting Documents, as directed by authorities.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose behind this scheme?
   • It ensures providing access to graveyards and approaches in case those are not there for the habitation in regard to the respective communities, especially for the community members who do not have that privilege.
   • Those residing in Tamil Nadu who are from Adi Dravidar or Tribal communities and do not have burial grounds or pathway access to their habitations.
2. Is there an income limit to apply?
   • No, there is no income limit to avail of this scheme.
3. What documents are required for the application?
   • Proof of identity, caste certificate, address proof, and other documents as required.
4. How does one apply for the provision of a burial ground?
   • Application form is available at the offices specified, which needs to be duly filled and submitted with the required documents to the concerned office.
5. Is there any cost to the beneficiary?
   • No, it is a totally free scheme from the government side and the beneficiary need not pay any cost.
6. Are the beneficiaries only from the non-Adi Dravidar/Tribal communities?
   • No, this is only for Adi Dravidar and Tribal communities.
7. Can the scheme be availed if a burial ground already exists in the area?
   • No, the scheme applies only to habitations wherein burial grounds or pathways do not exist.
8. How is the location for the burial ground determined?
   • The local authorities decide upon the location keeping in view availability of land and the need for the community.
9. What happens in case of a rejected application?
   • If they fail to qualify under the eligibility criteria, applicants can ask the authorities about the reasons for rejection and then apply again.
10. Whom to contact for further details?
    • Applicants can contact offices of the Director of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare, Project Officer (DRDA), or Commissioner of Panchayat Union for guidance.