Shravanbal Seva State Pension Scheme: The Shravanbal Seva State Pension Scheme is a Maharashtra state initiative aimed at providing financial aid to destitute elderly citizens. Launched by the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Govt. of Maharashtra, this scheme ensures that eligible senior citizens receive a monthly pension, reducing their financial dependency. Let’s explore the scheme’s benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process in detail.
Overview of Shravanbal Seva State Pension Scheme
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Shravanbal Seva State Pension Scheme |
| Introduced By | Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Govt. of Maharashtra |
| Monthly Pension | ₹600 per month |
| Eligible Citizens | Destitute senior citizens aged 65 and above in Maharashtra |
| Funding | 100% funded by the Govt. of Maharashtra |
| Application Modes | Online via Aaple Sarkar portal and offline through local welfare offices |
| Official Website | Aaple Sarkar (Maha DBT) |
Benefits of the Scheme
The scheme provides ₹600 per month to each beneficiary. This amount is crucial for financially vulnerable elderly citizens. Here’s how it’s divided for different eligibility groups:
| Group | Eligibility | Monthly Pension |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Citizens aged 65+ from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families | ₹200 from Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension + ₹400 from Shravanbal Seva |
| Group B | Citizens aged 65+ not in BPL but with family income ≤ ₹21,000 annually | ₹600 entirely from Shravanbal Seva |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Shravanbal Seva State Pension Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of Maharashtra for at least 15 years.
- Age: Should be aged 65 years or older.
- Income Status:
- For Group A: Listed as Below Poverty Line.
- For Group B: Family income must be ≤ ₹21,000 annually if not on the BPL list.
- Financial Status: Must be a destitute individual in need of financial assistance.
Application Process for Shravanbal Seva State Pension Scheme
Applicants can apply online via the Aaple Sarkar Portal (Maha DBT) or submit an offline application through local District Social Welfare Offices.
Steps to Apply Online
- Registration:
- Visit the Aaple Sarkar portal and select “New User? Register Here.”
- Verify your email and mobile via OTP, and create a username and password.
- Fill in personal details, including name, address, and proof of identity.
- Application Submission:
- After registration, log in, select “All Schemes,” and locate Shravanbal Seva State Pension Scheme.
- Fill in the required fields, upload mandatory documents, and submit the application.
- Application ID: After submission, an Application ID is generated. Save this ID for tracking your application status.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants need to submit several key documents to support their eligibility. Here’s a quick list:
| Document Type | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License |
| Proof of Address | Ration Card, Aadhaar, Passport, Property Tax Receipt, Water/Electricity Bill, Rent Receipt |
| Proof of Age | Birth Certificate, Age Declaration Form |
| Income Proof (if applicable) | BPL Card or Income Certificate |
| Residential Proof | Maharashtra Domicile Certificate |
| Bank Details | Bank account details including IFSC, bank name, and branch name |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the monthly pension amount under the Shravanbal Seva State Pension Scheme?
Eligible beneficiaries receive ₹600 per month, with contributions from both state and central government for Group A.
2. Who qualifies for Group A benefits?
Group A includes individuals 65 or older from BPL families, receiving ₹200 from the Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme and ₹400 from the Shravanbal Seva Pension Scheme.
3. Who qualifies for Group B benefits?
Group B comprises individuals aged 65+ not listed as BPL but with an annual family income of ₹21,000 or less, funded entirely by the Shravanbal Seva scheme.
4. How long must an applicant have resided in Maharashtra to qualify?
Applicants should be permanent residents of Maharashtra for at least 15 years to be eligible.
5. Can residents of other states apply for this scheme?
No, only citizens with permanent residency in Maharashtra for a minimum of 15 years are eligible.
6. Where can I track my application status?
You can track the status via the “My Applied Scheme History” section on the Aaple Sarkar portal.
7. Is there an offline application option?
Yes, applications can be submitted at local District Social Welfare Offices.
Additional Information
For more details, applicants can refer to the official website:
- Aaple Sarkar (Maha DBT): https://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in/
- Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance: Contact information and further support can be found on the Aaple Sarkar portal or at local welfare offices.
This scheme plays a crucial role in supporting Maharashtra’s elderly citizens by providing them with essential financial support. By ensuring easy access to resources, the state government aims to improve the quality of life for its destitute senior citizens.