Launched by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry, this scheme is designed to reward visually impaired students who achieve outstanding academic results in the SSLC and HSC examinations. The initiative aims to recognize and encourage excellence among differently abled students studying in both government and private schools of Puducherry, thereby promoting inclusive education and academic achievement.
Benefits
- Financial Award: Cash prizes of ₹20,000, ₹15,000, and ₹10,000 for first, second, and third rank holders respectively.
- Academic Encouragement: Motivates visually impaired students to excel academically.
- Inclusive Recognition: Promotes the importance of inclusive education by recognizing the achievements of differently abled students.
Eligibility
To qualify for this scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a native or resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 years.
- Disability Requirement: The applicant should have a disability percentage of 100% or above.
- Medium of Study: The applicant should have studied in either Tamil or English Medium.
- Academic Qualification: The applicant must have passed the qualifying SSLC or HSC examination as applicable.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Visit the Office or Sub-Office of the Department of Social Welfare during office hours to request the hard copy of the prescribed application form, or download and print it if available online.
- Fill in the Application Form:
- Complete all mandatory fields.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph (signed across if required).
- Attach copies of all mandatory documents (self-attest if specified).
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the duly filled and signed form along with the required documents to the appropriate authority based on your location:
- Puducherry: The Deputy Director, Differently Abled Section, Directorate of Social Welfare.
- Karaikal: The Assistant Director, Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Mahe/Yanam: The Welfare Officer (i/c), Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Submit the duly filled and signed form along with the required documents to the appropriate authority based on your location:
- Receipt and Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment that includes the date, time, and a unique identification number, if applicable.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate issued by the competent authority
- Recent Passport-Size Photograph
- Bank Passbook
- Address Proof
- Age Proof
- Ration Card
- Disability Certificate
- Study Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the medium of study required for eligibility?
A1: The applicant should have studied in either Tamil or English Medium.
Q2: What are the cash prizes awarded under this scheme?
A2: The awards are ₹20,000 for the first rank, ₹15,000 for the second rank, and ₹10,000 for the third rank.
Q3: Who handles the application submission for this scheme in Karaikal?
A3: In Karaikal, applications should be submitted to the Assistant Director, Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
Q4: Whom should I contact in Mahe/Yanam for application submission?
A4: Applicants in Mahe/Yanam should contact the Welfare Officer (i/c), Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
Q5: Where can I address grievances related to the scheme?
A5: Grievances can be addressed via the Grievance Redressal portal or by contacting the designated offices listed on the official website.
Q6: What documents are mandatory for application submission?
A6: Mandatory documents include Aadhaar Card, Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate, Passport-size Photograph, Bank Passbook, Address Proof, Age Proof, Ration Card, Disability Certificate, and a Study Certificate.
Q7: Who should I contact in Puducherry if there is a delay in benefit disbursal?
A7: For any delays in benefit disbursal in Puducherry, contact the Deputy Director, Differently Abled Section, Directorate of Social Welfare.
Q8: Under what circumstances can the award be canceled, and payment stopped?
A8: The award may be canceled if any of the eligibility criteria are not met or if fraudulent information is found during the verification process.
Q9: In what form are the prizes awarded to the students?
A9: The prizes are awarded in the form of a cash award directly credited to the eligible students.
Q10: Who approves the list of awardees in the selection process?
A10: The final list of awardees is approved by the designated authorities within the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry.