Special Scholarship to SC Students in Selected Schools 2026

The Spectacle Grant is a welfare initiative by the Puducherry Department of Sainik Welfare, providing ₹2,000 to Read More... eligible ex-servicemen and their widows to help them buy spectacles. Read less

Details

Looking for help to get new eyeglasses? The Union Territory of Puducherry has a special scheme called the Spectacle Grant, managed by the Department of Sainik Welfare. This scheme aims to support ex-servicemen and the widows of ex-servicemen with a financial boost to purchase much-needed spectacles.

What Is This Scheme?

The Spectacle Grant is a welfare measure funded by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. Its main purpose is to offer financial assistance of up to ₹2,000 to eligible individuals to cover the cost of buying eyeglasses. This grant is specifically for those who are not part of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is designed for individuals who have served in the armed forces and their surviving spouses. To be considered, you must be an ex-serviceman or the widow of an ex-serviceman, and you need to be registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare in Puducherry. Crucially, if you are a member of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), you are not eligible for this particular grant.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Good vision is essential for daily life, especially for our veterans and their families. The Spectacle Grant addresses this need by providing direct financial aid. It helps ensure that ex-servicemen and their widows can maintain their vision health without a significant financial burden, supporting their well-being and continued independence.

Objective

The Spectacle Grant is a welfare initiative by the Puducherry Department of Sainik Welfare, providing ₹2,000 to eligible ex-servicemen and their widows to help them buy spectacles.

Benefits

Under this scheme, eligible students will receive financial assistance of up to ₹50,000 per year or the actual amount of their annual fees, whichever is lower.
This assistance will cover admission fees, tuition fees, hostel fees, food bills, books, uniforms, and other related expenses.

Sources and references

Official Website

Eligibility Criteria

You must be an ex-serviceman or the widow of an ex-serviceman. For a detailed definition of an ex-serviceman, please refer to this link.
You need to be registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. You can find information on the registration process at this link.
You should not be a member of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).

How To Apply

Applications for the Spectacle Grant are accepted offline. You will need to submit the completed application form along with the required documents to the designated authority.

Obtain the application form from the Department of Sainik Welfare or download it from their official website.
Fill out the application form completely and accurately.
Attach all the necessary documents as listed below.
Submit the application form and documents on a working day, during office hours, to:
Rajya Sainik Board, Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Puducherry, 261, Lawspet Main Road, Pakkamudianpet, Puducherry Rd, Lawspet, Puducherry - 605013.

For detailed guidelines and application forms, you can visit https://sainik.py.gov.in/assistance-affd-fund and https://sainik.py.gov.in/application-forms.

Documents Required

Identity Card of the Ex-Serviceman (ESM) or Widow of ESM.
Discharge Certificate of the ESM.
Original Prescription from a Doctor.
Original Bill for the purchase of spectacles.
A Declaration form.

FAQ’s

Who is considered an ex-serviceman for this scheme?

For this scheme, an ex-serviceman is defined as someone who has been released from service after completing their term, and if they are a Short Service/Emergency Commissioned Officer, they must have been released upon completion of their specific engagement period and received gratuity at the time of release. You can find the official definition at this link.

Can widows of ex-servicemen apply for the Spectacle Grant?

Yes, the scheme is indeed applicable to the widows of ex-servicemen, provided they are registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.

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

The official website for the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry is https://sainik.py.gov.in/.

Is there any provision for compensation if the scheme benefits are delayed?

The scheme guidelines do not include any mention of compensation for delays in disbursing benefits. Applicants should be aware that such compensation is not part of the scheme's provisions.

Where do I submit my application for the Spectacle Grant?

Your completed application form should be submitted to the competent authority at the Rajya Sainik Board, Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Puducherry. The address is: 261, Lawspet Main Road, Pakkamudianpet, Puducherry Rd, Lawspet, Puducherry - 605013. Ensure you submit it during working days and hours.

How can I get the application forms for welfare schemes from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund?

You can find and download the application forms for welfare schemes provided by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund from their official website at https://sainik.py.gov.in/application-forms.

Which department in Puducherry manages this scheme?

This scheme is managed by the Department of Sainik Welfare, which is part of the Union Territory of Puducherry administration.

Where can I find detailed instructions for the welfare schemes under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund?

You can find comprehensive guidelines for the welfare schemes supported by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund by visiting the official document at https://sainik.py.gov.in/assistance-affd-fund.

What is the maximum amount I can receive for spectacles under this grant?

Eligible individuals can receive financial assistance of up to ₹2,000/- to help with the purchase of spectacles.

How do I apply for information under the Right To Information (RTI) Act regarding this scheme?

To seek information via RTI, you need to submit an application along with an IPO or DD for ₹10, payable to the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. For more detailed instructions, please visit https://sainik.py.gov.in/right-to-information.

Am I eligible if I am a member of the ECHS?

No, if you are a member of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), you are not eligible to receive benefits under this Spectacle Grant.

Who can I contact if I need information about the Public Information Officer?

You can contact the Public Information Officer, Shri. Sandirakumaran.S, Director, Department of Sainik Welfare. His contact details are: Address: 261, Pakkamudiyanpet, Lawspet, Puducherry - 605 008; Phone: +91-413-2250575 / +91-413-2253107; Email: [email protected], [email protected].

Whom should I contact for appeals regarding this scheme?

For appeals, you can contact the Appellate Authority, Shri. S.D. Sundaresan, I.A.S., Secretary to Govt. (Sainik Welfare). Reachable at: Chief Secretariat, Puducherry - 605001; Phone: 0413-2349712; Email: [email protected].