Launched in Bihar during the 2009-10 financial year as part of the National Social Assistance Programme, the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme aims to provide financial assistance and social security to persons with disabilities from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. This centrally sponsored scheme, implemented by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar, is designed to support eligible beneficiaries in living a dignified life.
Benefits
- Monthly Pension: Beneficiaries receive ₹400 per month to support their daily needs.
- Direct Benefit Transfer: The pension is transferred directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, ensuring transparency and prompt disbursement.
- Social Security: The scheme provides much-needed financial stability and social security to persons with disabilities from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Bihar.
- Be a person with disabilities with a disability of 80% or more.
- Be within the age group of 18 to 79 years.
- Belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
- Not be receiving pension benefits under any other central or state government social security scheme.
Application Process
Offline Process
- Submission of Application:
- Eligible applicants must submit a duly filled and signed application in the prescribed format along with the required attachments at the Right to Public Service (RTPS) counter located at the block office level.
- Acknowledgment:
- Upon submission, an acknowledgment receipt will be provided by the RTPS counter. This receipt should be kept safely for future reference.
- Notification:
- Applicants will be notified of the approval or rejection of their application via SMS or email.
- Collection of Sanction Order:
- If the application is approved, the applicant can collect the Sanction Order from the same RTPS counter by presenting the acknowledgment receipt and a valid identity card.
Grievance Redressal
- A dedicated portal is available at SSPMIS Portal for registering complaints related to the scheme.
- Alternatively, beneficiaries can call the toll-free number 18003456262 to register complaints free of cost through the helpdesk.
- Complaints can also be lodged at the offices of the Block Development Officer, Sub-divisional Office, Assistant Director of the District Social Security Cell/District Child Protection Unit, Director of the Social Security Office, or the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary/Secretary of the Social Welfare Department.
- Under the Bihar Public Grievance Redressal Rights Act, 2016, the Public Grievance Redressal Officer at the sub-divisional level and the District Public Grievance Redressal Officer at the district level are also available to address issues.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents (self-attested where applicable):
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant
- Passport-Size Photograph
- Identity Proof: (e.g., Voter ID Card, Driving License)
- Disability Certificate
- Proof of Age: (Birth Certificate, Marksheet, Passport, or any other acceptable document)
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) Card or Related Documents
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Address Proof
- Bank Passbook/Bank Account Details
- Any Other Documents as required by the scheme guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the primary objective of the scheme?
A1: The scheme aims to provide financial assistance and social security to persons with disabilities from BPL families, ensuring their financial support and dignity.
Q2: What is the amount of pension provided under this scheme?
A2: Eligible beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of ₹400.
Q3: How is the pension amount disbursed to the beneficiaries?
A3: The pension is disbursed via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, directly transferring the funds to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the PFMS.
Q4: What are the eligibility criteria for the scheme?
A4: Applicants must be residents of Bihar, be persons with disabilities with a disability of 80% or more, be between 18 and 79 years of age, belong to a BPL family, and not be receiving pension benefits from another scheme.
Q5: Are there any age restrictions for applicants?
A5: Yes, applicants must be between 18 and 79 years of age.
Q6: Can a person with less than 80% disability apply for this scheme?
A6: No, the scheme is only for persons with disabilities with a disability of 80% or more.
Q7: How can eligible applicants apply for the scheme?
A7: Applicants can apply offline by submitting the prescribed application form with the required documents at the RTPS counter at the block office level.
Q8: What happens after the application is submitted?
A8: After submission, applicants receive an acknowledgment receipt, followed by a notification of approval or rejection via SMS or email. If approved, the sanction order is issued and can be collected.
Q9: What is the grievance redressal mechanism for the scheme?
A9: Beneficiaries can lodge complaints through the SSPMIS Portal, by calling the toll-free number, or by approaching designated government offices as mentioned.
Q10: Where else can beneficiaries lodge complaints regarding the scheme?
A10: Complaints can be lodged at the offices of the Block Development Officer, Sub-divisional Office, District Social Security Cell, District Child Protection Unit, or Public Grievance Redressal Officers at the sub-divisional or district level.
Q11: Can someone from another state apply for this scheme in Bihar?
A11: No, only residents of Bihar are eligible to apply for the scheme.