Puducherry Widow Child Education Scheme – Eligibility, Documents & Process

Launched in 2010 by the Department of Women & Child Development, Government of Pondicherry, this scheme aims to provide financial assistance for the education of poor widows’ children. The allowance, which ranges annually from ₹25 to ₹125 based on the student’s standard, is intended to help cover expenses like textbooks, notebooks, and other educational materials. The scheme targets ensuring that the children of widows can continue their studies up to higher secondary or its equivalent without financial hindrance.

Benefits

• Financial Assistance:
  • Annual allowance ranging from ₹25 to ₹125 for the purchase of educational materials (e.g., textbooks, notebooks).

Eligibility Criteria

• Citizenship:
  • The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• Residency:
  • Must be a native of the Union Territory of Pondicherry either by birth or by having a continuous residence of at least 3 years.
• Marital Status:
  • The applicant must be a widow.
• Income:
  • The annual income of the applicant should not exceed ₹24,000.
• Student Requirement:
  • The child of the applicant must be a student.
  • The child should have secured at least 50% marks in every class.

Application Process

Offline

1. Obtain the Application Form:
   • Visit the Office/Sub-Office of the Department of Women and Child Development during office hours to request the hard copy, or download/print the prescribed format.
2. Fill the Form:
   • Complete all mandatory fields.
   • Paste a passport-sized photograph (with a signature, if required) and attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
3. Submission:
   • Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the Deputy Director (Women Development) or the Child Development Project Officer.
   • Ensure submission is done at least 30 days before the proposed marriage date (if applicable).
4. Receipt:
   • Request an acknowledgment receipt that includes the submission date, time, and a unique identification number.

Documents Required

1. Mandatory Documents:
   • Aadhaar Card.
   • Residence Certificate issued by the Revenue Department.
   • Income Certificate from the Revenue Department.
   • Passport-sized Photograph.
   • Declaration/Undertaking (if any).
   • Study Certificate from the School.
2. Alternate Documents (if Aadhaar Card is not available):
   • Provide the Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any one of the following:
     • Bank or Post Office Passbook with photo.
     • 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 a photo issued by a Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar.
     • Any other document as specified by the Department.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Is there a deadline for submitting applications under this scheme each year?
  A: Yes, applications should be submitted at least 30 days before the proposed marriage date (if applicable) or as per the specified guidelines.

• Q: Is there any flexibility in the income criteria for applicants facing exceptional circumstances?
  A: Applicants are advised to consult the respective office for any exceptions or clarifications regarding income criteria.

• Q: What expenses does the financial assistance cover?
  A: The allowance is intended for the purchase of educational materials such as textbooks and notebooks.

• Q: Are widows from other states eligible to apply?
  A: The scheme is exclusive to Pondicherry residents (by birth or continuous residence for at least 3 years).

• Q: How is the annual amount determined?
  A: The amount varies from ₹25 to ₹125 based on the student’s standard/grade.

• Q: Is there a grievance redressal mechanism?
  A: Yes, applicants can contact the Department of Women and Child Development for any concerns or queries.

• Q: How can the status of an application be tracked?
  A: Applicants should contact the respective office or use the designated tracking system, if available.

• Q: What alternatives are accepted in the absence of an Aadhaar Card?
  A: One can provide the Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any of the alternate documents listed above.

• Q: What conditions must the child meet to qualify?
  A: The child must be a student and should have obtained not less than 50% marks in every class.

• Q: Is there a time limit after which a widow can no longer apply?
  A: Specific limits may apply; applicants are encouraged to check the latest guidelines for any time-bound conditions.

• Q: Do adopted children of widows qualify?
  A: Adopted children are generally eligible; however, additional requirements may be specified by the Department.

Sources & References

• Guidelines
• Contact Us
• Office Locations
• Grievance Redressal
• Track Your Application