Launched as a part of the state’s commitment to uplift vulnerable communities, Jagananna Chedodu provides a one-time financial assistance of ₹10,000 per year for a period of 5 years, totaling ₹50,000. This fund is intended for purchasing essential tools, equipment, and other resources necessary for establishing or upgrading the beneficiary’s business. The scheme is executed through a multi-tiered coordination mechanism, starting from village or ward secretariats and extending to district-level oversight by the Executive Director of the BC Corporation, assisted by MPDOs or Municipal Commissioners.
Overview
- Administered by: BC Welfare Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh
- Target Groups: Tailors, washermen, and barbers
- Financial Assistance: ₹10,000 per year over 5 years (₹50,000 total)
- Objective: To enable beneficiaries to invest in their trade by purchasing necessary tools and equipment, thereby strengthening their livelihoods.
Benefits
The scheme offers the following benefits:
- Financial Support: Each eligible beneficiary receives ₹10,000 per year for five years.
- Empowerment: The assistance is aimed at enabling beneficiaries to grow their business through investments in tools, equipment, and other essential resources.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Jagananna Chedodu, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Income: The total annual family income must be less than or equal to ₹2,50,000.
- Land Holding:
- Wetland should be below 10 acres,
- Dry land should be below 25 acres, or
- The combined holding (wetland and dry land) should be under 25 acres.
- Employment Status: No family member should be a government employee or government pensioner (families of sanitary workers are exempted).
- Additional Provisions:
- Although some student-related criteria are mentioned in the broader guidelines, the core focus of the scheme is on occupational eligibility.
- Applicants should verify specific guidelines to ensure complete compliance with the eligibility requirements.
Application Process
The scheme employs an online application process via the Citizen Schemes Portal, which includes multiple steps:
- Login via Citizen Schemes Portal:
- Use Aadhaar-tagged mobile OTP authentication to access the portal.
- Scheme Selection:
- In the “Citizen Scheme Application” page, select “Jagananna Chedodu” from the dropdown and click “Submit.”
- Initial Verification:
- The application is forwarded to the Welfare and Education Assistant (WEA) or Ward Welfare and Development Secretary (WWDS).
- Field Verification:
- Field volunteers conduct eKYC-based verification, prepare a recommendation, and forward the application to the Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) or Municipal Commissioner (MC).
- District-Level Review:
- The MPDO/MC reviews and forwards the application along with recommendations to the Executive Director (ED) of the BC Welfare Department.
- Social Audit and Publication:
- Based on recommendations and a Scheme Eligibility Calculator, provisional eligible and reverification lists are published. Applicants on the reverification list may raise grievances if they contest the ineligibility reasons.
- Final Verification:
- The final list of eligible and ineligible beneficiaries is published after further scrutiny, with another grievance opportunity for those on the final ineligible list.
- Disbursement:
- The benefits are disbursed to eligible beneficiaries through the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS), with receipt confirmation via eKYC by field volunteers.
- Status Tracking:
- Beneficiaries can monitor the status of their application on the Citizen Schemes Portal.
Documents Required
Applicants must provide several key documents during the application process, including:
- Aadhaar Card
- Rice Card or Income Certificate
- College Admission Particulars (if applicable)
- Parents’ Details
- Declaration of No Government Employee/Pensioner
- Non-taxpayer Declaration (confirming no ownership of a four-wheeler, no urban property of 1500 sq. ft. or more, and agricultural land within the prescribed limit)
Frequently Asked Questions (with Answers)
Q1: Is “Jagananna Chedodu” a centrally funded scheme or a state-funded scheme?
A: It is a state-funded scheme implemented by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Q2: Which Department Manages The “Jagananna Chedodu” Scheme?
A: The scheme is managed by the BC Welfare Department of Andhra Pradesh.
Q3: Is This Scheme Only Meant For Washermen?
A: No, the scheme caters to three groups: tailors (all communities), washermen (Rajakas), and barbers (Nayee Brahmins).
Q4: What Is The Maximum Amount Of Financial Assistance That A Beneficiary Can Receive Through This Scheme?
A: Beneficiaries can receive a total of ₹50,000 over 5 years, disbursed as ₹10,000 per year.
Q5: Will The Financial Assistance Be Paid In Installments Or As A Lump Sum?
A: The assistance is paid in installments—₹10,000 each year for 5 years.
Q6: For What Purposes Can The Beneficiary Use The Amount Of Financial Assistance?
A: The funds may be used to purchase tools, equipment, and other essential items to help expand and sustain the beneficiary’s trade.
Q7: Who Is The Implementing Agency For This Scheme At District Level?
A: The scheme is coordinated at the district level by the Executive Director of the BC Welfare Department, with support from MPDOs or Municipal Commissioners.
Q8: Where Can I Find The Link To The Scheme Guidelines?
A: The guidelines are available on the official website of the BC Welfare Department and related authorized portals.
Q9: Where Can I Find The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) For This Scheme?
A: The SOP is accessible on the official scheme portal along with detailed procedural guidelines.
Q10: Will I Be Eligible To Apply If The Total Annual Income Of My Family Is ₹4,50,000?
A: No, the eligibility criteria require that the total family annual income be less than or equal to ₹2,50,000.
Q11: Can An Individual Apply To This Scheme If One Of His/Her Family Members Is A Government Pensioner?
A: No, if any family member is a government employee or government pensioner (except for families of sanitary workers), the applicant is not eligible.
Q12: What Are The Eligibility Criteria With Respect To Land Holding?
A: The criteria specify that the total land holding should be:
- Wetland: below 10 acres, or
- Dry land: below 25 acres, or
- A combination of both under 25 acres.
Q13: Can A Female Also Apply To This Scheme?
A: Yes, the scheme is open to both male and female applicants from the eligible communities.
Q14: What Documents Are Needed For Applying To This Scheme?
A: Essential documents include the Aadhaar card, rice card/income certificate, admission particulars (if applicable), parents’ details, declarations regarding government employment/pension, and a non-taxpayer declaration.