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The Festival Gift Coupons scheme by the Puducherry Department of Sainik Welfare provides ₹4,000 annually to non-pensioner Read More... ex-servicemen aged 60 and above, and to their widows. Read less

Details

Good news for our brave ex-servicemen and their families in Puducherry! The Department of Sainik Welfare, under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, has a special scheme to bring a little more joy during festivals.

What Is This Scheme?

This initiative, called the 'Festival Gift Coupons' scheme, aims to support ex-servicemen and their widows who are not receiving a pension. It's a way to acknowledge their service by providing them with gift coupons to make their festive occasions a bit brighter.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is specifically designed for ex-servicemen (ESM) and widows of ex-servicemen who are registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare in Puducherry. A key focus is on those who are 60 years or older and do not receive a pension. However, widows of ex-servicemen are also eligible regardless of their age, provided they are registered.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This scheme serves as a token of appreciation for the sacrifices made by our ex-servicemen. By providing financial assistance through gift coupons, it helps ensure that they and their families can celebrate festivals with greater ease and happiness, especially those who may be facing financial constraints.

Objective

The Festival Gift Coupons scheme by the Puducherry Department of Sainik Welfare provides ₹4,000 annually to non-pensioner ex-servicemen aged 60 and above, and to their widows.

Benefits

70% subsidy is given to general farmers and 75% subsidy is given to small, marginal Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and women farmers.

All categories of farmers are given subsidies on drip plants up to a maximum area of 5 hectares.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

You must be an Ex-Serviceman or the Widow of an Ex-Serviceman.
The Ex-Serviceman must be registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. You can check the registration procedure here: Registration Procedure.
The Ex-Serviceman must be a Non-Pensioner.
If you are an Ex-Serviceman, you need to be 60 years or older as of March 31st of the current year. Widows of Ex-Servicemen do not have an age bar.
This scheme also includes ex-servicemen and their surviving spouses/widows who are currently employed in government, public sector undertakings, or private organisations, or are self-employed and are IT assesses.

How To Apply

The application process for this scheme is offline. You need to submit your application form to the competent authority at the following address during working days and hours:

Rajya Sainik Board, Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Puducherry, 261, Lawspet Main Road, Pakkamudianpet, Puducherry Rd, Lawspet, Puducherry - 605013.

Documents Required

A recent passport-size photograph.
The Identity Card of the Ex-Serviceman (ESM) or the Widow of the ESM.

FAQ’s

Can widows of ex-servicemen apply for this scheme?

Yes, absolutely. The scheme is open to both ex-servicemen and widows of ex-servicemen who are registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.

What is the age requirement for ex-servicemen to be eligible?

Ex-servicemen applying for this scheme need to be 60 years of age or older as of March 31st of the current year. However, there is no age limit for widows of ex-servicemen.

Where can I find detailed information about the welfare schemes offered?

You can find detailed guidelines for the welfare schemes from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund of the Department of Sainik Welfare at: https://sainik.py.gov.in/assistance-affd-fund.

What if I am employed or self-employed? Am I still eligible?

Yes, the scheme's scope includes ex-servicemen and their spouses/widows who are re-employed in government, public sector, or private companies, or are self-employed IT assesses.

How do I get the application forms for these welfare schemes?

You can access the application forms through this link: https://sainik.py.gov.in/application-forms.

What is the official website for the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry?

The official website is: https://sainik.py.gov.in/.

How can I get a receipt after submitting my application?

You should ask the authority where you submit your application form for a receipt or acknowledgement. This receipt should ideally include the date and a unique ID if provided.

Is there any specific definition of 'Ex-Servicemen' for this scheme?

Yes, you can find the official definition of 'Ex-Servicemen' on their website at: https://sainik.py.gov.in/definition-ex-servicemen.

Are Short Service or Emergency Commissioned Officers considered ex-servicemen?

Yes, Short Service/Emergency commissioned officers are considered ex-servicemen if they were released after completing their engagement period and received gratuity at the time of release.

What is the annual value of the gift coupons?

Eligible beneficiaries will receive Festival Gift Coupons worth ₹4,000/- each year.

When can the coupons be collected?

The coupons are usually available for collection in person, after you are notified by the Department of Sainik Welfare, typically between November and January.

Does this scheme consider income level for eligibility?

No, there are no income-related eligibility criteria mentioned for this scheme.

Can I track the status of my application?

The scheme guidelines do not specify a method for tracking application status. However, you can obtain a receipt or acknowledgement upon submission as proof.

What should I do if there's a delay in getting the scheme benefits?

The scheme guidelines do not include any provisions for compensation in case of delayed disbursement of benefits.

How can I contact the Department of Sainik Welfare for general questions or issues?

You can reach the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry by phone at (+91)(0413) 2253107 or via email at [email protected]. Their contact hours are Monday to Friday, from 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM.