The Free Distribution of Blankets and Chappals to Senior Citizens scheme is an initiative by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry. Designed to support economically disadvantaged elderly residents, this scheme aims to provide basic comfort during the winter season by supplying one blanket and one pair of chappals annually to eligible senior citizens who are recipients of the Old Age Pension.
Benefits
- Annual Provision: Eligible senior citizens receive one blanket and one pair of chappals every year.
- Enhanced Comfort: The benefits help in providing warmth and protection during colder months.
- Social Support: The scheme reinforces the government’s commitment to the welfare of its senior citizens.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this scheme, the applicant must:
- Residency: Be a native or resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
- Age: Be 60 years or older.
- Pension Status: Be a recipient of the Old Age Pension.
Application Process
Offline Application
- 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 the application form from the official website.
- Fill the Form:
- Complete all mandatory fields in the form.
- Affix a recent passport-sized photograph (signed across if required).
- Attach copies of all necessary documents (self-attested where specified).
- Submit the Form:
- Submit the filled and signed application form along with the documents to the designated authority:
- Puducherry: Deputy Director, Differently Abled Section, Directorate of Social Welfare.
- Karaikal: Assistant Director, Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Mahe / Yanam: Welfare Officer (i/c), Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Submit the filled and signed application form along with the documents to the designated authority:
- Receipt Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority, ensuring it contains the date, time of submission, 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often can a beneficiary avail of the benefits?
A1: Beneficiaries are eligible to receive one blanket and one pair of chappals every year.
Q2: Can a person below 60 years receive benefits under this scheme?
A2: No, the scheme is exclusively for individuals who are 60 years or older.
Q3: Is the scheme limited to residents of a specific area?
A3: Yes, the scheme is available only to native/resident senior citizens of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Q4: What are the benefits of the scheme?
A4: The scheme provides one blanket and one pair of chappals annually to eligible senior citizens.
Q5: Where should I submit my application for the scheme?
A5: Submit your application at the designated office based on your location – Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, or Yanam.
Q6: Whom should I contact if there is a delay in receiving the benefits?
A6: Contact the respective office of the Department of Social Welfare or use the Grievance Redressal link provided on the official website.
Q7: Is there a deadline for submitting applications each year?
A7: Applicants should check with the local office or refer to the official guidelines for specific submission deadlines.
Q8: Can a senior citizen apply for the scheme if they are not receiving Old Age Pension?
A8: No, only those who are recipients of the Old Age Pension are eligible.
Q9: How can individuals address grievances related to the scheme?
A9: Grievances can be addressed via the official Grievance Redressal link or by contacting the respective office directly.
Q10: Where can individuals find contact information for direct inquiries?
A10: Contact information is available under the “Contact Us” or “Office Locations” section on the official website.
Q11: Is there any application fee?
A11: No, there is no application fee for this scheme.
Q12: Is there any compensation for delays in the disbursal of the benefits?
A12: Compensation details, if any, are provided in the official guidelines; check with the local office for further clarification.