The “Free Distribution of Rice to Differently Abled Persons” scheme, launched by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry, aims to provide free rice or an equivalent Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to persons with disabilities (PwD). This initiative is designed to support differently-abled individuals by providing 15 kg of rice per month or its equivalent value through DBT. The distribution is periodical, based on the availability of funds.
Benefits
- 15 Kg of rice per month or an equivalent Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- The scheme provides nutritional support to those with disabilities to ensure their well-being.
Eligibility:
- The applicant must be a resident of Puducherry for at least 5 years.
- The applicant’s annual income should not exceed ₹75,000.
- The applicant should have a disability of 40% or above.
- The applicant should already be a beneficiary under the “Grant of Financial Assistance to Differently Abled Persons” scheme.
Application Process
- Offline:
- Visit the Department of Social Welfare office or its sub-offices during office hours to obtain the application form.
- Fill in the form, attach the required documents (self-attested if necessary), and submit it to the relevant authority based on your region:
- 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).
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment after submission with essential details.
- Online:
Applicants can also apply through the official website for quicker processing.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Birth Certificate
- Disability Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Community Certificate
- Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate
- Recent Passport-sized Photograph
- Bank Passbook
In case of an absence of an Aadhaar card, applicants may submit their Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any one of the following:
- Bank or Post Office Passbook with Photo
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Ration Card
- Voter ID Card
- MGNREGA Card
- Kisan Photo Passbook
- Driving License
- Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How can I track the status of my application for the scheme?
Applicants can track their application status through the official portal of the Department of Social Welfare. - What are the primary benefits provided under this scheme for differently-abled individuals?
The scheme provides 15 kg of rice per month or its equivalent value through DBT to eligible differently-abled individuals. - What should I do if there is a delay in receiving the benefits?
In case of a delay, applicants can reach out to the Grievance Redressal Mechanism. - What is the income criterion for eligibility under this scheme?
Applicants should have an annual income not exceeding ₹75,000 from all sources. - Where can I find the Citizen’s Charter for the Department of Social Welfare in Puducherry?
The Citizen’s Charter can be found on the official website of the Department. - Can applicants from neighboring states or Union Territories apply?
The scheme is available only to residents of Puducherry. - Is there an application deadline for this scheme?
There is no specific deadline mentioned; applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. - Is there any compensation for the delay in the disbursal of the scheme benefits?
Compensation details, if any, can be clarified by the authorities through the grievance redressal process.
Sources and References: