The Unemployment Allowance Scheme is an initiative by the Department of Labour and Employment, Government of Himachal Pradesh. It provides a monthly allowance to educated, unemployed youth between 20 and 35 years of age to help them sustain themselves while searching for employment. The scheme also offers enhanced benefits for physically challenged individuals with a minimum of 50% permanent disability. This program is designed to create stability and empower young job seekers by providing basic financial support.
Benefits
- Monthly Allowance:
- For Physically Challenged Applicants: ₹1,500 per month.
- For All Other Eligible Applicants: ₹1,000 per month.
- Duration:
- Allowance is payable for a maximum period of two years, provided the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria and submits the necessary documents on time.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the scheme, the applicant must:
- Be an educated, unemployed youth (not employed in any government, PSU, private sector, or self-employed) and a bonafide resident of Himachal Pradesh.
- Have passed a minimum of 10+2 from a recognized Board/University/Institution in Himachal Pradesh.
- Be registered with any Employment Exchange in Himachal Pradesh for at least one year at the time of application.
- Have an annual family income (from all sources including that of the spouse) of less than ₹2 Lakh for the previous financial year.
- Be aged above 20 years and below 35 years as of the application date.
- Not be a regular student or availing any Skill Development Allowance.
- Not be a dismissed government employee or someone convicted of an offence resulting in imprisonment for 48 hours or more.
- For Physically Challenged Applicants:
- Must have a minimum of 50% permanent disability as recorded in the Employment Exchange record (X-I).
Exclusions
Applicants who are not eligible include:
- State/Central Government employees, employees of Public Sector Undertakings, Local Bodies, or Quasi-Government Institutions, including those dismissed from service.
- Individuals or families with an annual income of ₹2 Lakh or more for the relevant period.
- Applicants who are not bonafide Himachalis.
- Individuals below 20 years or above 35 years.
Application Process
Applicants can apply both online and offline. Here is an overview of the process:
Online/Offline Process
- Visit the Official Website:
- Go to the Department of Labour and Employment, Government of Himachal Pradesh website.
- Eligibility Check:
- Click on “Check Eligibility for Unemployment Allowance” and enter the Employment Exchange Registration Number along with the captcha to verify your status.
- Apply Online:
- If found eligible, click “Apply Online”.
- Enter the Employment Exchange Registration Number, Date of Birth, and captcha, then click “Proceed”.
- Fill the Application Form:
- Provide basic details including verified bank account details (ensure the bank verifies these with a stamp and signature; IFSC code is mandatory).
- Print and Attach Documents:
- Print the filled application form.
- Attach the following documents:
- Attested copy of Employment Registration Card (X-10).
- Attested copy of a valid family income certificate (issued by the Executive Magistrate, not more than 6 months old).
- Self Certified Declaration (Form C): Declaring unemployment as per the scheme’s format.
- Attested copy of Bonafide Himachali Certificate.
- Bank Details: Must be verified by the concerned bank branch officer (include stamp, signature, and IFSC code).
- Attested copies of 10th/12th/age certificate issued by a competent authority to confirm age and educational qualification.
- Attested copy of Aadhaar Card.
- Submission:
- Submit the printed application form along with all attached documents to the District or Sub-Employment Exchange Office.
- Scrutiny and Notification:
- The Employment Exchange Office will scrutinize the application.
- The selection or rejection of applications will be decided within 45 days.
- Further communication regarding the application status will be sent via SMS.
Documents Required
- Employment Registration Card (X-10) – attested copy.
- Family Income Certificate: Valid and issued not more than 6 months prior to the application (includes a statement confirming non-employment in government or related sectors).
- Self Certified Declaration: As per Form C provided by the scheme.
- Bonafide Himachali Certificate – attested copy.
- Bank Account Details: Verified by the bank branch with signature, stamp, and IFSC code.
- Educational Certificates/10th or 12th/ Age Certificate: Attested copy to verify age and qualification.
- Aadhaar Card: Attested copy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is eligible to apply for the Unemployment Allowance Scheme in Himachal Pradesh?
Educated, unemployed Himachali youth aged between 20 and 35 years with a family income of less than ₹2 Lakh per annum and registered with an Employment Exchange for at least one year. - Is there an online application process for the scheme?
Yes, eligible applicants can apply online through the official website after checking their eligibility. - What documents are required for the application?
Documents include an attested Employment Registration Card, family income certificate, Self Certified Declaration Form C, Bonafide Himachali Certificate, bank details (verified), educational/age certificates, and Aadhaar Card. - Where should the application form and documents be submitted?
They should be submitted to the District or Sub-Employment Exchange Office as instructed. - How long does it take for the selection/rejection of applications?
The decision will be made within 45 days from the submission of the application. - What is the purpose of the Himachal Pradesh Unemployment Allowance Scheme Self Certified Declaration Form C?
It is used to declare that the applicant is unemployed as per the scheme’s criteria. - Can physically challenged individuals apply for the scheme?
Yes, physically challenged individuals with a minimum of 50% permanent disability are eligible and receive a higher allowance of ₹1,500 per month.