The Supply of Prosthetic Appliances to Differently Abled Persons scheme, initiated by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry, is designed to address mobility challenges faced by differently-abled individuals. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive prosthetic appliances free of cost, thereby significantly enhancing their mobility and quality of life. The appliances are provided based on the advice of specialists and medical officers attached to the Government General Hospitals in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.
Benefits
- Free Provision: Eligible beneficiaries receive prosthetic appliances without any cost.
- Wide Range of Devices: Includes mobility aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, and tricycles, as well as assistive devices like hearing aids and low vision aids.
- Expert Recommendation: Appliances are supplied based on expert advice from medical officers, ensuring that recipients get the most appropriate device for their needs.
Eligibility
To qualify for this scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a native or resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 years.
- Income Limit: The applicant’s annual income should not exceed ₹75,000.
- Disability Criterion: The applicant should have a disability of 40% or above.
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 form if available.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph (signed across if required).
- Attach copies of all required documents (self-attested if 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:
- Obtain Receipt:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the authority, ensuring it includes the date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Online Application Process
- Visit the e-District Portal:
- Navigate to the Official Website of the e-District Portal of the Government of Puducherry.
- Register a New Membership:
- Click on “Login” at the top right corner, then select “Register a New Membership”.
- Fill in all mandatory fields including Username, Password, Personal Details (Full Name, Email Address, Address, Gender, Date of Birth, Mobile Number), and complete the Captcha Code. Agree to the declaration and click “Signup”.
- Login:
- After successful registration, log in using your Username and Password.
- Select the Scheme:
- From the list of schemes displayed by the department, click on the “Supply of Prosthetic Appliances to Differently Abled Persons” scheme.
- Complete the Application Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk) and upload the required documents (self-attested if specified).
- Tick the declaration stating, “I hereby declare that the above-mentioned details are true and correct as per the best of my knowledge.”
- Submit and Track:
- Submit the application. Note the application number provided, which will also be sent to your registered mobile number or email ID for tracking purposes.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (or Aadhaar Enrolment ID with an alternative document as per guidelines)
- Ration Card
- Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate issued by the competent authority
- Recent Passport-size Photograph
- Bank Passbook
- Disability Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Financial Assistance Identity Card
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What steps should applicants take if they face delays in Mahe or Yanam?
A1: Applicants facing delays should contact the respective Welfare Officer (i/c) at the Social Welfare Department Sub Office in Mahe or Yanam, as provided on the official portal.
Q2: Can residents of Mahe and Yanam apply for the scheme?
A2: Yes, residents of Mahe and Yanam are eligible provided they meet all the eligibility criteria.
Q3: How is the scheme addressing the mobility challenges of differently-abled persons?
A3: By providing free prosthetic appliances such as wheelchairs, crutches, and other aids, the scheme helps reduce mobility challenges and improves quality of life.
Q4: What is the income cap for eligibility in the scheme?
A4: The applicant’s annual income should not exceed ₹75,000.
Q5: Who is the designated authority to address delays in Karaikal?
A5: In Karaikal, delays should be addressed to the Assistant Director at the Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
Q6: Where is the Directorate of Social Welfare located in Puducherry for addressing delays?
A6: The Directorate of Social Welfare in Puducherry handles queries and delays; contact details can be found on the official website under “Contact Us.”
Q7: Are hearing aids included in the range of appliances provided?
A7: Yes, hearing aids along with other prosthetic appliances such as calipers, crutches, wheelchairs, and low vision aids are included.
Q8: Can applicants choose the type of prosthetic appliances they receive?
A8: The appliances are provided based on the recommendation of specialists/medical officers to ensure that recipients receive the most suitable device for their condition.
Q9: What role do medical officers play in the scheme?
A9: Medical officers attached to the Government General Hospitals evaluate the applicant’s needs and advise on the appropriate prosthetic appliance to be provided.
Q10: What percentage of disability is required for eligibility?
A10: Applicants must have a disability of 40% or above.
Q11: How long should an applicant have been a resident to meet the eligibility criteria?
A11: Applicants must be residents of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 years.
Q12: Who recommends the provision of prosthetic appliances, and where are they based?
A12: The recommendation is made by specialists/medical officers based at the Government General Hospitals in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.