The Supply of Sarees and Dhoties to Differently Abled Persons scheme, launched by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry, is designed to provide festive support to differently abled individuals. During festivals such as Diwali, Pongal, or local regional celebrations, beneficiaries under the monthly financial assistance schemes receive either free sarees and dhothies or an equivalent Direct Benefit Transfer. This initiative not only ensures that these individuals can celebrate festivals with dignity but also reinforces the state’s commitment to their social welfare.
Benefits
- Festive Clothing: Recipients obtain free sarees and dhothies, enabling them to celebrate festivals with traditional attire.
- Financial Equivalence: Alternatively, beneficiaries may receive a Direct Benefit Transfer equivalent to the cost of the garments.
- Enhanced Dignity: The scheme promotes social inclusion by ensuring that differently abled persons have access to festive essentials.
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 annual income of the applicant should not exceed ₹75,000 per annum.
- Disability Requirement: Must have a disability of 40% or above.
- Age Requirement: The applicant should be 18 years or above.
- Anganwadi Registration: The applicant should have registered their name at the local anganwadi centre.
- Existing Financial Assistance: The applicant must already be a recipient of financial assistance from the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry.
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 if available online.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields on the form.
- Affix a recent passport-sized photograph (signed across if required).
- Attach copies of all necessary documents (self-attested if specified).
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the designated authority:
- Puducherry: The Deputy Director, Differently Abled Section, Directorate of Social Welfare.
- Karaikal: The Assistant Director, Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Mahe / Yanam: The Welfare Officer (i/c), Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the designated authority:
- Receipt Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the authority to confirm your application submission. Ensure the receipt includes the date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (or Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with an alternative document as per guidelines)
- Ration Card
- Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate issued by the competent authority
- Recent Passport-Size Photograph
- Bank Passbook
- Financial Assistance ID Card
- Disability Certificate
Alternative documents (in absence of Aadhaar Card):
- Bank or Post Office Passbook with Photo
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Ration Card
- Voter Identity Card
- MGNREGA Card
- Kisan Photo Passbook
- Driving License issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- Certificate of identity from a Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar
- Any other document as specified by the Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What festivals are covered for the distribution of dhothies and sarees?
A1: The scheme covers major festivals such as Diwali, Pongal, and other local regional festivals.
Q2: What is a prerequisite for being considered under this scheme?
A2: Applicants must be recipients of financial assistance from the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry.
Q3: What additional requirement is there regarding anganwadi centers?
A3: Applicants should have their name registered in the local anganwadi centre.
Q4: What is the minimum age requirement for applicants?
A4: Applicants must be 18 years or above.
Q5: What is the maximum annual income allowed for eligibility?
A5: The annual income should not exceed ₹75,000 per annum.
Q6: What disability percentage is required for eligibility?
A6: Applicants should have a disability of 40% or above.
Q7: How long must an applicant have been a resident of Puducherry to qualify?
A7: Applicants must be a native or resident for at least 5 years.
Q8: What are the primary benefits offered by this scheme?
A8: Beneficiaries receive free dhothies and sarees, or an equivalent benefit through Direct Benefit Transfer, during festive seasons.
Q9: Are there sub-offices where applicants can seek assistance?
A9: Yes, assistance is available at designated offices in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.
Q10: Where can individuals find contact information for direct inquiries?
A10: Contact details are available on the official website under the “Contact Us” section.
Q11: How can individuals address grievances related to the scheme?
A11: Grievances can be addressed via the Grievance Redressal link on the official website or by contacting the relevant sub-offices.
Q12: Is there any application fee?
A12: No, there is no application fee for this scheme.