The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Allowance to Destitute Women Scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This scheme is designed to provide monthly financial assistance to the poorest and most destitute women in the region, ensuring a basic level of economic support and social security.
Benefits
- Monthly Financial Support: Eligible women receive ₹2,500 per month.
- Direct Bank Transfer: The allowance is directly deposited into the beneficiary’s bank account.
- Economic Empowerment: Provides crucial financial assistance to help sustain livelihoods and promote independence.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands or have resided in the territory for more than 10 years at the time of application.
- Economic Status: The applicant should be a poor and destitute woman with a household income that does not exceed ₹4,000 per month.
- Assistance Restriction: The applicant should not be availing of any kind of government assistance or pension.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Obtain the Application Form:
- The application form is available free of cost at the Directorate of Social Welfare, Port Blair and the sub-divisional offices of Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs).
- Alternatively, the form can be downloaded from the official website.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in the application form completely and attach all relevant documents.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the filled form along with the required documents to the office of the concerned Child Development Project Officer (CDPO).
- Important Note:
- Beneficiaries must inform the Director of Social Welfare within 15 days of any change in address or employment status. Failure to do so may result in the recovery of the allowance paid, as arrears of land revenue.
Documents Required
- Passport-size Photograph
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card
- Local Certificate/Domicile Certificate
- Category/Community Certificate (if applicable)
- Bank Account Details/Copy of Passbook
- Proof of Income: Issued by the competent authority
- Any Other Document: As required by the scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much financial assistance does the scheme provide?
A1: The scheme provides a monthly allowance of ₹2,500.
Q2: How is the allowance disbursed?
A2: The allowance is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account on a monthly basis.
Q3: Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
A3: The scheme is intended for destitute women who are permanent residents or have resided in the Union Territory for more than 10 years, with a household income not exceeding ₹4,000 per month.
Q4: How is the income eligibility determined?
A4: Eligibility is based on the household income, which should not exceed ₹4,000 per month.
Q5: Can applicants receiving government assistance or pension apply for the scheme?
A5: No, the applicant should not be availing of any other form of government assistance or pension.
Q6: Where can one obtain the application form?
A6: The application form is available at the Directorate of Social Welfare in Port Blair, at sub-divisional offices of CDPOs, or can be downloaded from the official website.
Q7: To whom should the application be submitted?
A7: Submit the completed application form along with all required documents to the concerned Child Development Project Officer (CDPO).
Q8: What happens if a beneficiary fails to inform about a change of address or employment status within 15 days?
A8: The Director of Social Welfare may, after due enquiry, recover the allowance paid as arrears of land revenue.
Q9: Is there any fee for obtaining the application form?
A9: No, the application form is provided free of cost.