Launched on 1st April 2020, the “Toposili Bandhu (Old Age Pension)” scheme is a social security initiative by the Tribal Development Department of the Government of West Bengal. The primary objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to elderly persons belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category in West Bengal.
Benefits
- Pension:
- Beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of ₹1,000.
Eligibility
- Residency:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
- Social Category:
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- Age Criterion:
- The applicant must be 60 years of age or older.
- Exclusivity:
- The applicant should not be a beneficiary under any other social security pension scheme.
- The applicant must not receive a government pension or any pension from another organization.
Application Process
Offline Process
- Request the Application Form:
- Interested applicants must request the prescribed application form free of cost from the office of the Block Development Officer (BDO), Sub Divisional Officer (SDO), or Kolkata Municipal Corporation, depending on their area of residence.
- Complete the Application:
- Fill in all the mandatory fields on the application form.
- Attach a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required) along with copies of all mandatory documents (self-attested, if necessary).
- Submission:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the relevant authority:
- Office of the BDO in rural areas.
- Office of the SDO in municipalities and notified areas.
- Commissioner, Kolkata Municipal Corporation in KMC areas.
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the relevant authority:
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph.
- Formal Caste or Tribe Certificate (if unavailable, a relative’s caste certificate is acceptable initially; however, the applicant must later procure and submit their own caste certificate).
- Digital Ration Card.
- EPIC (Elector’s Photo Identity Card) or Voter Card.
- Self-attested Residential Certificate/Address Proof.
- Copy of Bank Passbook.
- Aadhaar Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is Toposili Bandhu?
It is an old age pension scheme providing financial assistance to elderly SC persons in West Bengal. -
Who is eligible for Toposili Bandhu Pension?
Eligible applicants are permanent residents of West Bengal belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category and aged 60 years or older. -
What is the rate and periodicity of the pension?
The pension is ₹1,000 per month. -
Where can a applicant apply for Toposili Bandhu Pension?
Applications are submitted offline at the office of the BDO, SDO, or Kolkata Municipal Corporation, depending on the applicant’s area. -
Is the pension provided in cash?
Yes, the pension is disbursed in cash. -
What documents are required for Toposili Bandhu Pension?
Applicants must submit a passport-size photograph, caste certificate (or relative’s certificate initially), digital ration card, EPIC/Voter Card, self-attested residential certificate/address proof, bank passbook copy, and Aadhaar Card. -
Can an applicant apply online for the pension?
The scheme currently follows an offline application process. -
Are there specific age criteria for application?
Yes, the applicant must be 60 years or older. -
Can an applicant submit a relative’s caste certificate for eligibility?
Initially, yes; however, the applicant must later submit their own caste certificate. -
How often are the applications processed?
The processing frequency is detailed in the official guidelines provided by the Tribal Development Department. -
Is there any assistance provided for completing the application process?
Assistance may be available at the local BDO/SDO offices. -
Are there any special considerations for individuals in Municipal areas?
In Municipal areas, applications should be submitted to the Commissioner of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. -
Can an applicant change his/her bank account for pension disbursal?
Changes to bank account details may be subject to the procedures outlined in the scheme guidelines.