List of Social Security Schemes operated by Central Government

Textile Workers’ Rehabilitation Fund Scheme (TWRFS)

(a) The Scheme provides interim relief to textile workers rendered unemployed due to permanent closure of any mill.

(b) Any workers would be eligible provided he/she has been engaged in a closed textile unit on the date of its closure continuously for five years or more and earning a wage equivalent of Rs. 2500 per month or less for the mills closed between 06.06.1985 to 01.04.1993 and Rs.3500 or less thereafter.

(c) Relief under the Scheme is available for three years on a tapering basis:

• to the extent of 75% of the wage equivalent in the first year of the closure of the unit;

• to the extent of 50% of the wage equivalent in the second year; and

• to the extent of 25% of the wage equivalent in the third year.

Aam Admi Bbima Yojana-Insurance Scheme for rural landless householdsThe Union Cabinet decided on August 30, 2007 to introduce an insurance scheme for rural landless households. The scheme will provide coverage against natural and accidental death as well as permanent and partial disabilities. The Scheme will be launched on Gandhi Jayanti Day

The scheme will cover the head of the family or an earning member in the age group 18-59. Premium will be Rs.200 but it will be shared by the Central and State governments

In the event of death by natural causes the next of kin will get Rs.30,000 and in case of death by accident the benefit will be Rs.70,000

For permanent total disability (loss of both eyes or both limbs or one eye and one limb in an accident ) the compensation will be Rs.75,000

For permanent partial disability the inured person will get Rs.37,500 The Scheme also provides for payment of scholarships of Rs.300 per child for two children of the beneficiaries studying in IX-XII Standards

A fund of Rs.1000 crore will be set up to meet the Centre’s liability towards payment of the premium. Additionally a sum of Rs.500 crores will be set apart for payment of scholarships

The Scheme will be implemented by the Life Insurance Corporation of India The State governments will be the nodal agencies for implementation of the scheme

According to the National Sample Survey there are about 1.5 crore landless households in the country of which 70-80 lakh will be covered under the Scheme

National Health Insurance Scheme

The Union Finance Minister launched on Monday, October1,2007 the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana for the workers in the Unorganised sector living below the poverty line

Releasing the Guidelines for the National Health Insurance Scheme Mr Chidambaram said that the scheme would be implemented from the next financial year and the target was to cover all BPL families in the unorganized sector in the next five years.

Under the Scheme the Centre would contribute 75% of the annual premium while the state governments will contribute the remaining 25% and the administrative cost.

Each beneficiary would have to pay Rs. 30 for making a smart card and its renewal every year. In the first year (2008-09 ) the Centre is expected to spend Rs.751.50 crore for covering 1.25 crore families

Central to the scheme is the provision of a smart card which would make the benefits portable. The total sum insured would be Rs.30,000 for a family of five a year. It would be cashless transaction involving primarily public health care system and partly private hospitals wherever possible. All the preexisting diseases will be covered under the insurance

This scheme is in consonance with the commitment made by the government in its National Common Minimum Programme relating to provision of social security to the workers in the unorganized sector

SWASTHYA BIMA YOJANA

1. BACKGROUND The workers in the unorganized sector constitute about 93% of the total work force in the country. The Government has been implementing some social security measures for certain occupational groups but the coverage is miniscule. Majority of the workers are still without any social security coverage. Recognizing the need for providing social security to these workers, the Central Government has introduced a Bill in the Parliament. One of the major insecurities for workers in the unorganized sector is the frequent incidences of illness and need for medical care and hospitalization of such workers and their family members. Despite the expansion in the health facilities, illness remains one of the most prevalent causes of human deprivation in India. It has been

clearly recognized that health insurance is one way of providing protection to poor households against the risk of health spending leading to poverty. However, most efforts to provide health insurance in the past have faced difficulties in both design and implementation. The poor are unable or unwilling to take up health insurance because of its cost, or lack of perceived benefits. Organizing and administering health insurance, especially in rural areas, is also difficult.

2. OBJECTIVE Recognizing the diversity with regard to public health infrastructure, socio-economic conditions and the administrative network, the health insurance scheme aims to facilitate launching of health insurance projects in all the districts of the States in a phased manner for BPL workers. The definition of BPL is the one prescribed by the Planning Commission. - 2 – . SALIENT FEATURES OF THE SCHEME Funding Pattern

(i) Contribution by Government of India: 75% of the estimated annual premium of Rs.750, subject to a maximum of Rs. 565 per family per annum. The cost of smart card will be borne by the Central Government.

(ii) Contribution by respective State Governments: 25% of the annual premium, as well as any additional premium.

(iii) The beneficiary would pay Rs. 30 per annum as registration/renewal fee.

(iv) The administrative and other related cost of administering the scheme would be borne by the respective State Governments

Implementing Agency & Formulation of Projects The State Government while formulating the pilot project will determine the implementing agency on behalf of the State Government.

Eligibility

Unorganized sector workers belonging to BPL category and their family members (a family unit of five) shall be the beneficiaries under the scheme.

It will be the responsibility of the implementing agencies to verify the eligibility of the unorganized sector workers and his family members who are proposed to be benefited under the scheme.

The beneficiaries will be issued smart cards for the purpose of identification. 3. SALIENT FEATURES OF THE SCHEME Funding Pattern

(i) Contribution by Government of India: 75% of the estimated annual premium of Rs.750, subject to a maximum of Rs. 565 per family per annum. The cost of smart card will be borne by the Central Government.

(ii) Contribution by respective State Governments: 25% of the annual premium, as well as any additional premium.

(iii) The beneficiary would pay Rs. 30 per annum as registration/renewal fee.

(iv) The administrative and other related cost of administering the scheme would be borne by the respective State Governments

Implementing Agency & Formulation of Projects The State Government while formulating the pilot project will determine the implementing agency on behalf of the State Government.

Eligibility

Unorganized sector workers belonging to BPL category and their family members (a family unit of five) shall be the beneficiaries under the scheme.

It will be the responsibility of the implementing agencies to verify the eligibility of the unorganized sector workers and his family members who are proposed to be benefited under the scheme.

The beneficiaries will be issued smart cards for the purpose of identification. - 3 – Benefits The beneficiary shall be eligible for such in-patient health care insurance benefits as would be designed by the respective State Governments based on the requirement of the people/ geographical area. However, the State Governments are advised to incorporate at least the following minimum benefits in the package / scheme:

The unroganised sector worker and his family (unit of five) will be covered. Total sum insured would be Rs. 30,000/- per family per annum on a family floater basis.

Cashless attendance to all covered ailments

Hospitalization expenses, taking care of most common illnesses with as few exclusions as possible

All pre-existing diseases to be covered

Transportation costs (actual with maximum limit of Rs. 100 per visit) within an overall limit of Rs.1000.

4. FORMULATION OF THE PROJECTS The State Government shall formulate project/projects for providing health insurance benefits, taking into account the aforementioned points, for the workers and their families in the unorganized sectors for a defined geographical area, preferably a district. While formulating the project/projects, the following aspects may be considered:

There must be a clearly defined institution capable of organizing a health insurance programme. It can be an autonomous body, State Government Department, a Cooperative Society or even an NGO. The organization should have the technical skills to understand the concept of health insurance, should be able to design a programme that is technically sound, should have skills to be able to discuss with the community and should have the administrative capacity to organize the programme. - 4 - There must be a network of health care providers (public and private). The Project should incorporate use of private and all public healthcare providers, including ESI hospitals.

There should be some basic data available regarding the demographic profile of the District.

The cost of the scheme, i.e., total premium per year, along with the procedure adopted to arrive at the premium.

The procedure for collecting the registration/renewal fee from the beneficiary should be outlined in the proposal.

5. SETTING UP OF TECHNICAL CELL: A Cell would be constituted in the Ministry, administering the scheme, to assist the State Governments in formulating projects. The Cell would be headed by a Sr. Advisor who would be assisted by two Advisors. The expert would be hired on contract basis or on deputation. The Cell would perform following functions: a) Plan the insurance scheme based on the requirements of State; b) Workout financial implication and other details; c) Assist the State Governments in the preparation of pilot projects d) Assist in the effective implementation of the Scheme. e) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the project. The proposal for launching health insurance project would be submitted to the Administrative Ministry for approval along with all the financial implications and details.

6. SELECTION OF INSURANCE PROVIDER: The selection of the health insurance provider shall be done by the state/implementing agency through tendering process inviting both Public and Private Insurers for better terms of reference. The State Government would formulate the projects and determine the implementing agency such as Insurance Trust/ Insurance Cell/ Mother NGO etc. to monitor/supervise the scheme and integrate with insurance company. This would be further monitored at State and Central level. - 5 – 7. APPROVAL AND MONITORING COMMITTEE: A Committee consisting of the following shall examine the proposals submitted by the State Governments and grant approval to the projects:

i) Joint Secretary/Director General Labour Welfare,

Ministry of Labour & Employment Convener ii) Representatives of Ministry of Finance Member iii) Representatives of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Member iv) Representatives of Planning Commission Member The Committee will also periodically monitor and review the progress of the projects.

8. RELEASE OF FUNDS: On the approval of the project, the State Government will, from time to time, intimate the Central Government about the payment of the premium to the Insurance Company. The Central Government, on receipt of this information, shall release its share of premium.

9. MONITORING AND EVALUATION: The State Government will put in place a well defined mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of the pilot project at the time of its implementation. At the Central Government level, the Cell constituted for examining project proposals shall also periodically monitor and evaluate the performance of each pilot project with a view to evolving workable models which can be up-scaled for wider application. ****

3.Indira Gandhi Oldage Pension SchemeThe Prime Minister launched the Indira Gandhi Oldage Pension Scheme on 19 November, 2007. The Scheme will provide oldage pension to all persons above the age of 65 who are the below the poverty line

The Scheme launched to mark the birth anniversary of the former Prime Minister , Indira Gandhi, will cover 1.57 crore people and cost Rs.3772crore and an equal contribution by all States and Union Territories

Speaking after giving pension to people from 24 States Dr Singh asked the State governments to implement the Scheme at the earliest. They have to ensure that all eligible persons are covered and that the pension is credited wherever possible , into a post office or bank account. They must clearly define the responsibility of various functionaries involved in the implementation of the Scheme

"Our next step should be to widen the coverage to all vulnerable groups. There is merit in including widows and physically disabled in the ambit of social assistance. The old age pension scheme needs to be further extended to cover all those above 60 years. We hope to do this in future,".

“It had been the tradition and part of the ancient Indian culture that the elderly were taken care of by families and communities However, with rapid urbanization, break down of the joint family system growth of nuclear families and increasing longevity the elderly people were finding it difficult to sustain themselves

Therefore it has become necessary that we have modern systems of social security in place for the elderly. Furthermore absence of adequate public healthcare facilities and the rising cost of private healthcare facilities make it imperative that social security be provided to the elderly. “ Dr Singh said

"Today our government has taken a small step to bring a smile on the face of our senior citizens," he claimed

Finance Minister Sri P. Chidambaram said the scheme would not strain the government finances. "We will find the money to fund the scheme," Sri Chidambaram said at the announcement of the increased coverage.

Chidambaram also underlined the need to check the leakage of funds while disbursing the benefits to the deserving persons by urging the state governments to ensure that the beneficiaries open accounts in a bank or post office to receive money.

Under the Scheme the Centre will pay a monthly pension of Rs.200 to each beneficiary and the States are expected to contribute an equal amount

Earlier, under the National Oldage Pension Scheme, the Centre gave Rs.75 and the States were expected to top it up . But the Scheme was applicable only to the destitutes.. The total number of persons eligible for the pension under the old scheme was about 8.7 million . The new Scheme is

applicable to all persons below the poverty line and the total number of beneficiaries is estimated to be about 16 million

Pension age limit lowered to 60

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Union government on Thursday lowered the age limit for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAP) from 65 to 60 years, and increased pension for those above 80 from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 a month.

Both decisions will have retrospective effect from April 1, 2011.

The lowering of age will benefit an additional 72.32 lakh people in the age group 60-64, entailing an additional burden of Rs. 1,736 crore on the exchequer.

At present, 1.69 crore people above 65 years and living below the poverty line are receiving assistance under the IGNOAP.

The cost of enhanced pension for 26.49 lakh people above the age of 80 will be Rs. 953 crore.

Thus the annual additional burden of the two decisions will be Rs. 2,770 crore, including three per cent administrative expenses.

Consequent to these modifications, the eligibility criteria under the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme will stand revised from 40-64 to 40-59 years and from 18-64 to 18-59 respectively.1

 

. Guidelines for Central Assistance for Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme  as well as the Indira Gandhi  National Disability Pension Scheme

The Government of India have issued guidelines for central assistance for the National Widow Pension Scheme as well as the National Disability Pension scheme

(1) The guidelines for giving Central Assistance for the National Widow Pension scheme are as follows:

Eligibility criteria

For purpose of claiming central assistance the following criteria shall apply:

1 The Hindu June 10, 2011

The age of the widow shall be between 40-64 years

The applicant must belong to a household below the poverty line according to the criteria prescribed by the government of India

Amount of pension

The Central assistance under IGNWPS will be provided at the rate of Rs.200 per month per beneficiary. The State governments are urged to contribute at least equally towards the pension amount

Specific condition regarding the sanction of pension

Sanction of pension to a beneficiary has to be made only after placing the data base of beneficiary in the public domain/website of the Ministry or State

Mode of payment

The pension is to be credited into a post office or public sector bank account of the beneficiaryIdentification of the beneficiary

The Gram Panchayat/Municipalities are expected to play an active role in identification of beneficiaries under the scheme

Certification of coverage

The States/UTs are required to furnish a certificate that all eligible widows have been covered under IGNWPSThe number of eligible beneficiaries under IGNWPSThe number of eligible beneficiaries to be assisted under IGNWPS will be determined as per the filed report of all beneficiaries who satisfy the eligibility criteriaAllocation of fundsThe funds for operation of the Schemes relating to IGNOAPS IGNDPS IGNWPS and National Family Benefit Scheme as part of the national Social assistance Programme and Annapurna will continue to be released in a combined manner Discontinuation of pension

Pension will be discontinued in the following cases:In case of remarriageOnce the widows move above the poverty line

( 2). The Guidelines for Central Assistance for Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme are as follows:EligibilityFor purpose of claiming central assistance , the following criteria shall apply:AThe age of disabled shall be between 18-64 yearsThe applicant must belong to a household below the poverty line according to the criteria prescribed by the government of IndiaThe applicant should be suffering from severe or multiple disabilities as defined in Persons with Disabilities Act 1995 and the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with autism, Cerebral palsy Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act 1999 revised from time to time and any other guidelines issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in thisregard B. Definition of severe or multiple disabilities For the purpose of defining severe or multiple disabilities the following may be considered:As per clause (i) of Section 2 of the PWD Act Disa bility means (i) blindness, ( ii ) low vision, (iii) leprosy cured, (iv Hearing impairment , (v) loco mtor disability, (vi ) mental retardation and ( vii) mental illness As per clause (t) of Section 2 of the PWD Act persons with disability means person suffering from not less than forty percent of any disability as certified by medical authorityAs per clause (4) of Section 58 of the PWD Act “persons with severe disability means a person with eighty percent or more of or more disabilities As per clause (h) of Section 2 of National Trust Act Multiple disabilities means combination of two or more disabilities as defined in clause (i) of Section 2 of PWD Act , 1995C. Certification of disability For the purpose of certification of disabilities covered under the scheme the following may be considered :(i) The applicant shall submit a medical certificate from medical authority as per the provision of clause (p) of Section 2 of PWD Act and para B (ii) above (ii) The findings of the competent medical authority on the extent of disability would be treated as final(iii) The State Government will facilitate in obtaining the certificate of severe or multiple disability of such persons who apply for assistance under the Scheme by inviting the medical authority at Block Tehsil/Mandal level or as admissible so that distance may not act as deterrent and such persons donot face harassment

Amount of PensionThe Central assistance under IGNDPS will be provided at the rate of Rs.200 per month per beneficiary. The state Governments are urged to contribute at least equally towards the pension amount Specific condition regarding sanction of pension Sanction of pension to a beneficiary has to be made only after placing the database of beneficiary in the public domain/website of th Ministry or State Mode of paymentThe pension is to be credited into a post office or public sector bank account of the beneficiaryIdentification of beneficiaryThe Gram Panchayat / Municipalities are expected to play an active role in identification of beneficiaries under the SchemeCertificate of coverageThe States/UTs are required to furnish a certificate that all eligible disa bled have been covered under the IGNDPSNumber of eligible beneficiaries under IGNDPS The number of eligible beneficiaries to be assisted under IGNDPS will be determined as per the filed report of all beneficiaries who satisfy the eligibility criteriaAllocation of fundsThe funds for operation of the scheme relating to IGNOAPS , IGNDPS, IGNWPS National Family Benefit Scheme as part of National Social Assistance Programme and Annapurna will continue to be released in a combined manner

4.Other Social Protection Schemes introduced by government

In the last few months, the Indian Government has taken many important decisions to promote the welfare of the poor and vulnerable. Through the Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana, the government is providing life and disability insurance cover to the rural poor. The scheme is targeted to cover 30-40 million families.

In September, 2007, the Government said it would spend Rs.20,000 crore to extend a rural job scheme (National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) to the entire country from April 2008.

In October, it announced another ambitious programme for the common man, the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, which aims to provide health insurance worth Rs.30,000 annually to families of unorganised workers falling below the poverty line. Under the scheme, all existing diseases would be covered. Hospitalisation, surgery and daycare services would also be covered.

Earlier, the government had launched Bharat Nirman, an ambitious time-bound programme for improving rural infrastructure.

While its Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Mid Day Meal Programme aim to increase educational levels, the government has an ambitious programme - the National Rural Health Mission – in place to strengthen rural public health infrastructure.

(A)Aam Admi Bima Yojana-Insurance Scheme for rural landless householdsThe Union Cabinet decided on August 30, 2007 to introduce an insurance scheme for rural landless households. The scheme will provide coverage against natural and accidental death as well as permanent and partial disabilities. The Scheme will be launched on Gandhi Jayanti Day

The scheme will cover the head of the family or an earning member in the age group 18-59. Premium will be Rs.200 but it will be shared by the Central and State governments

In the event of death by natural causes the next of kin will get Rs.30,000 and in case of death by accident the benefit will be Rs.70,000

For permanent total disability (loss of both eyes or both limbs or one eye and one limb in an accident ) the compensation will be Rs.75,000

For permanent partial disability the inured person will get Rs.37,500 The Scheme also provides for payment of scholarships of Rs.300 per child for two children of the beneficiaries studying in IX-XII Standards

A fund of Rs.1000 crore will be set up to meet the Centre’s liability towards payment of the premium. Additionally a sum of Rs.500 crores will be set apart for payment of scholarships

The Scheme will be implemented by the Life Insurance Corporation of India The State governments will be the nodal agencies for implementation of the scheme

According to the National Sample Survey there are about 1.5 crore landless households in the country of which 70-80 lakh will be covered under the Scheme

(B)National Health Insurance Scheme

The Union Finance Minister launched on Monday, October1,2007 the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana for the workers in the Unorganised sector living below the poverty line

This is one of the three initiatives of the Centre for the unorganized sector workers. The others are: Aam Admi Bima Yojana and the Oldage Pension Scheme

The Aam Admi Bima Yojana was commissioned on the Gandhi Jayanti Day ( October 2, 2007)

Releasing the Guidelines for the National Health Insurance Scheme Mr Chidambaram said that the scheme would be implemented from the next financial year and the target was to cover all BPL families in the unorganized sector in the next five years.

Under the Scheme the Centre would contribute 75% of the annual premium while the state governments will contribute the remaining 25% and the administrative cost.

Each beneficiary would have to pay Rs. 30 for making a smart card and its renewal every year. In the first year (2008-09 ) the Centre is expected to spend Rs.751.50 crore for covering 1.25 crore families

Central to the scheme is the provision of a smart card which would make the benefits portable. The total sum insured would be Rs.30,000 for a family of five a year. It would be cashless transaction involving primarily public health care system and partly private hospitals wherever possible. All the preexisting diseases will be covered under the insurance

The scheme covers hospitalization, surgical procedures, which could be provided on a day care basis , transport allowance of Rs.100 a visit and pre and post hospitalisation expenses for one day prior to and five days after hospitalisation

This scheme is in consonance with the commitment made by the government in its National Common Minimum Programme relating to provision of social security to the workers in the unorganized sector

5.Social Sector Spending in IndiaLately the expenditure on Social Sector has been rising . The total expenditure on the Social sector during 2006-07 was Rs.87,697crores as against Rs.19,240crores during the previous year. .It has gone up further during the current year. Some of the major items of expenditure budgeted for in 2007-08 are as follows:

Bharat Nirman: Rs.24,603 croreNational Rural Employment Programme Rs.12,000 croreSarva Shiksha Abhiyan Rs 10,671 croreNational rural Health Mission Rs. 9,839 croreMid day Meal Scheme Rs. 7,324 croreRajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission Rs. 5,850 crore ICDS Rs. 4,761 croreAam Admi Bima Yojana Rs. 1,000 crore

The Public Distribution System and the National Social Assistance Programme are extra .There are however reports of leakages in the amounts spent. Some of these reports are as follows:

In 2006 the Centre for Environment and Food Security found that 75% of the NREG funds was siphoned off in Orissa A Participatory Research in Action Survey in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh found 35% of gram panchayats took over two months to issue job cards

In 2005 the World Bank found that ICDS was regressively placed across states only 42% The northern states that have high levels of child malnutrition got the lowest coverage and allocations

Another study in 2007 found that only 42 percent children were provided daily supplementary nutrition under ICDS

The same study found that only 43.9percent of eligible respondents had got benefits under the National Maternity Benefit Scheme

In February 2007 the Supreme Court pulled up the State governments for poor implementation of the NMBS based on an application from the People’s Union for Civil Liberties . While the Government had made provision of Rs1385 crore to be spent on the Scheme during the plan period of five years only Rs500crore had been spent and only 19% of the estimated number of beneficiaries had availed of the Scheme

The CAG has reported that in Maharashtra 40 percent of the emergency relief funds had been spent in 2005 without proper verification; The amount so spent in the year 2006 was 19% . In Mumbai alone out of Rs.1200crore sanctioned for flood relief Rs700 crore had been spent wastefully

(Times of India Dec.2, 2007)

Social Assistance Schemes1. Name of Scheme Targeted Public distribution Systema.Target Group People below the poverty line (BPL families)b.Benefit Food grains supplied at concessional prices (Rs. 4.15 per kg of wheat and Rs.5.65 per kg of rice against minimum support prices of Rs.6.20 per kg of wheat and Rs.5.30 per kg of paddy excluding the milling cost )c.Source of financé Central Exchequer d.Budget Allocation Rs.25,800 crores Budget estimates for 2004-2005)e.Potential coverage 6.52 crore BPL families (6.520 billion) ( 260million people)

2 Name of Scheme Antyodaya Anna Yojanaa. Target Group Poorest of poor families b. Benefit 35kgs of Foodgrains supplied at highly subsidized prices (Rs.2 per kg for wheat and Rs. 3 per kg rice )c.Source of finance Central Exchequerd. Budget Allocation Rs.3500 crores e. Potential coverage 2 crore families (2 billion )

3.Name of Scheme Annapurna a. Target Group All indigent senior citizens who are eligible for oldage pensions but are not presently receiving it 2 and whose children are not residing in the same village b.Benefit Supply of 10 kgs of foodgrains per month free of cost to the beneficiaries.

2 This condition is reported to have been dropped;but needs to be verified

c. Source of Finance Central Exchequerd.Budget Allocation Rs330 crores e. Potential coverage 20%of the number of persons eligible for oldage pension (about 1million persons)

4. Name of Scheme :National Oldage Pension Scheme

a. Target Group: Destitutes (in the sense of having little or no regular means of subsistence from his /her own sources of income or through financial support from family members or other sources. ) of the age of 65 or above

b. Benefit Oldage pension of Rs.400 per month of which the Central government will pay Rs.200 and the State governments are requested to pay Rs.200 . (This limit is for purposes claiming Central assistance ;the State governments are free to raise the level of pension. many State governments are paying pension at higher rates upto Rs.300 per month )

c. Source of finance Central Exchequer

d. Budget Allocation Rs.480 crores

. e. Potential coverage 5.3millions (Actual coverage 5.43million in 2001-2002)

5.Name of Scheme National Maternity Benefit Schemea. Target Group Pregnant women of the age of 19 or above belonging to a household below the poverty line according to the criteria prescribed by the Government of India b. Benefit Maternity Benefit in the form of cash assistance of Rs.500 per child birth for not exceeding two child births c. Source of finance Central Exchequer d. Budget allocation Rs.136 crorese. Potential a. Target Group: Pregnant women of the age of 19 and above belonging coverage 4.5million (Actual Coverage 1.45 million in2000-2001)

6. National Family Benefit Scheme a Target Group Households under the poverty line according to the criteria prescribed by the Government b. Benefit Cash assistance of Rs.10,000 on the death of the e primary breadwinner , whose earnings contribute the largest proportion to the total household income c. Source of finance Central Exchequerd. Budget Allocation Rs.193 crorese. Potential coverage 3.52 million ( Actual coverage 0.16million in 2001-2002)

7. Name of Scheme: The Integrated Child Development Services

a. Target Group Children between the age of 6 months and 6years and pregnant and lactating mothers b. Benefit To provide 300 calories and 10 grams of protein per child and 500 calories and 15-20 grams of protein to pregnant /nursing women , 600 calories and 20 grams of protein to severely malnourished children as food supplements at prevailing prices through a network of anganwadis at village level c. Source of finance Central and State budgets d. Budget Allocation Rs.1921 crores for 2002-2003 e. Potential coverage 33 million children and 6 million women

8. Name of Scheme . The Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Educationa. Target Group Children studying in classes I-V in Government and Government aided schools b. Benefit To provide nutritional food in the form of cooked meals or in the form of food grains ( At present Gujarat Kerala, Tamilandu Madhya Pradesh Chattisgarh Orissa, Karnataka and delhi are providing cooked meals. The remaining States/UTs are distributing foodgrains (wheat/rice) c. Source of Finance Central and State Budgets d. Budget Allocation The Plan allocation for 2002-2003 was Rs. 1057 crores e. Potential coverage 10crore children (100 million )

9. Bharat Nirman

The Committee on Rural Infrastructure approved on May 18, 2005, a Bharat Nirman proposal entailing an investment of over Rs.174,000crores in six critical areas over a period of four years beginning 2005 ( 2005-2009) . The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister Dr Man Mohan Singh

Bharar Nirman , listed as a rural development package in the Union Budget for 2005-06, is to bring an additional one crore hectares of land under irrigation, connect all villages that have a population of 1000 (or 500 in hilly/tribal areas) with roads, construct 60lakh houses for the poor and provide drinking water to over 74,000 new habitations

The programme also envisages provision of electricity to 1,25lakh villages by offering connections to 2.3 crore households and extend telephone connectivity to 66,822 villages

Dr Singh said that Bharat Nirman was the most important initiative of the UPA Government this year , offering a new deal to rural India. “It will emphasise outcomes and not just outlays” , he said

Employment Schemes

1.The National Employment Guarantee Act , 2005The landmark law , the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act received the assent of the President on 5th September 2005. The salient features of the Act are as follows

EntitlementA household is entitled to 100 days of work in a year. Within the household entitlement, all adult members of a rural household have the right to demand employment

Registration of Rural Households for Wage EmploymentA household that wants work under the Act should submit names, age, sex and addresses of its adult members to the local Gram Panchayat for registration

Job card to every registered householdUpon registration a job card will be issued by the Gram Panchayat with photographs of adult members. Of the household. It will be valid for five years and will hav the registration nmber of the household

Application for workTo get employment the registered adult must submit an application on a plain paper in writing to gram Panchayat or the Panchayat Officer (at block level) and get a dated receipt for the application.. The application should be submitted for at least 14 days of continuous work.

Women will get priority so that one third of the number of persons who are given employment are women who have asked for work

Allotment of work Within 15 days from submitting the applications or from the date when employmen is sought, employment should be provided by the gram Panchayat

Gram Panchayat will inform the applicants where and hen to report for work within 15 days , by means of a letter. Public notice of this will also be displayed on the Gram Panchayat office No contractor will be allowed to work under the Scheme

Payment of Unemployment Allowance If the eligible applicants does not get employment within 15 days of demand of work or the dat from which work was sought he should be provided unemployment allowance. There will be n o unemployment allowance if a person does not appear for the work allotted

Minimum Entitlement of LabourersThe statutory minimum wage applicable to agricultural workers in the state is o be paid for the work done under the Scheme

Wages are to be paid not later than a fortnight after the date on which work was done.

Work will be provided within 5 kms of applicants’ residence if employment is provided beyond 5 kms radius of the applicants residence the he is entitled to 10% additional wages towards transport and living expensesAt work safe drinking water, shades fro children, periods of rest and first aid box shall be provided at every work site by the implementing agency

A person may be entrusted with child care responsibilities, if there are more than five children brought along on the site and that person would get paid for the work done like other workers

If a work gets injured working on the sit, free medical treatment will be given by the state government

Creation of durable assetsThe focus o work will be on

Water conservation and water harvesting Drought proofing, including afforestation and tree plantation Irrigation canals including micro and minor irrigation works Irrigation facilities for land owners by households belonging to SC/ST or to land of

beneficiaries of land reforms or that of the beneficiaries under the Indira Awas yojana Renovation of traditional water bodies , including desilting of tanks Land development Flood control and protection of works including drainage in water logged areas. Rural connectivity to provide all weather roads Any other work, which may be notified by the Central Government in consultation with

State Governments

Implementation of the ActThe Gram Sabha will identify works to be taken up. The Panchayats have the principal responsibility for planning implementing and monitoring

All agencies implementing NREGA will be accountable to the public for their work. Social audit and Right to Information will apply to each aspect of implementation

Local Vigilance and Monitoring Committee will be set up.

The Act will be notified in 200 districts identified by the Central Government in the first phase. (Within 5 years it will cover the whole country) It has been decided to extend the Scheme to cover all districts

The idea underlying the Act is to give a legal guarantee to anyone who is willing to do casual manual labour at the statutory minimum wage .. Any adult who applies for work under the Act is entitled to being employed on public works without delay. The Act provides an enforceable right to the most basic form of employment.

The Act is expected to have the following potential benefits:1. It will help to protect rural households from poverty and hunger.

2. It will lead to a dramatic reduction in rural urban migration3. It can be major source of empowerment of women4. It helps to create useful assets in rural areas 5. It is likely to change power equation in the rural society and to foster a more equitable

social order. 6. It is a means of strengthening the bargaining power of unorganised worker This in turn could lead to better enforcement of minimum wages and social security

2.Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)a. Target Group Self employed persons ( Swarozgaris)b. Benefit Promoting micro enterprises and to bring the assisted poor families above the poverty line by organizing them into Self help Groups through the process of social mobilization , training and capacity building and provision of income generating assets through a mix of bank credit and government subsidy ( The scheme has been conceived as a holistic programme of self employment. It covers all aspects of self employment of the rural poor ,viz., organization of the poor in to Self Help Groups, and their capacity building, training selection of key activities, planning of activity clusters, infrastructure build up, technology and marketing support) Assistance under the SGSY to individuals or self help Groups is given in the frm of subsidy by th Governmetn and credit by banks. Credit is the critical component of SGSY , subsidy beign a minor and enabling element Subsidy to individuals is uniform at 30% of the project cost subject to a maximum of Rs.7500 .In the case of SC/STs and disabled persons the subsidy is 50% subject to a maximum of rs.10,000. for groups of Swarozgaris , the subsidy is 50% of the cost of the Scheme , subject to per capita subsidy of Rs.10,000 or Rs.125000 whichever is less. There is no monetary limit for irrigation projects. Subsidy is back ended c. Source of finance Central and State budgets in the ratio of 75:25d. Budget allocation Rs.710crores (2002-2003)e.Potential coverage 0.94million (2001-2002)

3 Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojanaa. Target group Unemployed/underemployed persons The programme is self targeting in nature with special emphasis to provide wage employment to women, scheduled castes/tribes, parents of children withdrawn from hazardous occuaptiosnb.Benefit To provide additional wage employment along with food security, creation of durable community , social and economic assets and infrastructure development in rural areas . . Every worker seeking employment under the scheme will be provided minimum 5 kgs of food grains (In kind) per manday as part of wages. The balance of wages will be paid in cash so that they are assured of the notified minimum wages . the state governments will be free to calculat the cost of foodgraisn ( paid as part of wages) at either BPL rates or APL rates or anywhere between these two rates

c. Source of finance Central and State budgets in the ratio of 87.5:12.5 (Including food grains component) d. Budget Allocation Rs.4440 crores(2002-2003)

The programme was launched in September 2001 with an annual outlay of Rs.10000crores. Under the Scheem 50 lakh tones of food grains amounting to Rs.5000crores ( at economic cost) will be provided every year to the state governments and Union Territory Administrations. The remaining funds will b utilized to meet the cash component of wages and the material cost The cash component is shared by the Centre and the States in the ratio of 75:25e. Potential coverage The scheme envisages creation of 100 crore mandays of employment in a year.

4.Pradhana Mantri Gramodaya Yojanaa. Target group Rural peopleb. Benefit: To achieve the objective of sustainable human development at the village level. The scheme envisages allocation of additional funds for selected basic minimum services in order to focus on certain priority areas such as primary health care, primary education, rural shelter, rural drinking water and nutrition Rural electrification has been added from 2001-2002c. Source of finance Central budgetd. Budget allocation Rs.2800 crores in 2002-2003e.Potential coverage

5.PradhanMantri Gramodaya Yojana ( Gramin Awas)a.Target Group Homeless people in rural areas b. Benefit To achieve the objective of sustainable habitat development at the village level c. source of finance Central budgetd. Budget allocation Rs.406crores in 2001-2002e.Potential coverage n.a

6.. Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana Rural Drinking water a.Target group Rural peopleb.Benefit Water conservation , water harvesting, water recharge and sustainability of drinking water sources in respect of areas under the Desert Development progamme / Drought Prone Areas Programme c. Source of financé Central budgetd. Budget allocation 25% of the total allocation for PMGY to be utilized for the purpose e. Potential coverage n.a.

7.Indira Awas Yojanaa.Target Group Poor families of scheduled castes, Scheduled tribes, freed bonded labourers, and also non SC/ST persons below the poverty line in rural areas.; families of ex servicemen killed in action; 3% of the hosues are

reserved for the BPL physical and mentally challenged persons living in rural areas b. Benefit Provision of dwelling units ,free of cost subject to a ceiling cost of Rs.20000 per unit in the plain areas and Rs. 22,000 per unit in hilly/difficult areas; conversion of unserviceable kutcha houses to semi -pucca houses at a ceiling cost of rs.10000; A credit cum subsidy scheme for rural housing has been added Allotment of dwelling units would be in the name of female members of the beneficiary household or in th joint names of husband and wife . Sanitary latrine and smokeless chulah are the integral part of an IY house . The construction of the house is the responsibility of the beneficiary

c. Source of financé Central and State budgets in the ratio of 75:25d. Budget Allocation Rs.1725crores (2002-2003)e. Potential coverage 1.17million in 2001-2002 Since inception of the scheme till December 2002 abut 92 lakhs houses have been constructed under the scheme by incurring an expenditure of rs.15839crores

8A. Credit –cum Subsidy Scheme for Rural HousingRural families having annual income upto Rs.32000Benefit :Subsidy of Rs.10000 , loan subject to a maximum of Rs.40,000Source of funding: Central and State Budget in the ratio of 75:25Budget AllocationCoverage: Since inception upto 2001-2002 against the central allocation of Rs.288 crores about 85564 houses were constructed by incurring an expenditure of Rs.77.79 crores

8B Innovative Scheme for Rural Housing and habitat DevelopmentRecognised educational/technical institutions, corporate bodies, autonomous societie, State Governments, Development institutions, and credible NGOs with proven track record and experience in the field of rural housingBenefit: Financial assistance at the following rates:NGO/autonomous societies: Rs20 lakhsGovernment agencies Rs.50 lakhsBudget Allocation Rs.10crores in 2002-2003Coverage: 125 project proposals have been approved since inception

8C Samagra Awas YojanaOne block each in 21 district s in 28 StatesBenefit: It is a comprehensive scheme with the object of ensuring integrated provision of shelter, sanitary and drinking waterSource of funds Central budgetBudget Allocation During 2002-2003 an amount of Rs.0.43 crores was released Coverage:Since inception 33 proposals have been approved

9.Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojanaa. Target Group Urban poor b. Benefit Urban poverty alleviation by promotion of Urban Self Employment and Urban Wage employment c.Source of finance Central and State budgets in the ratio of 75:26d.Budget Alocation Rs.102 crores in 2002 –2003e. Potential coverage n.a

10.Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojanaa.Target Group Urban slum dwellers below the poverty line who donot possess adequate shelter b Benefit Construction and upgradation of dwelling unitd for the slum dwellerd and providing ahealthy and enabling urban environment through community toilets c. Source of finance Central Government provides a subsidy of 50 percent of the cost subject to a ceiling , the balance is to be arranged by State governments d. Budget allocation Rs.256.85crores e. Potential coverage 106,038 dwelling units and 20817 toilets were constructed in the year 2002-2003

National Health Programmes All the people

Benefit: To tackle the menace of communicable and non communicable diseases the Department of Health is implementing National Health programmes through out the country for Malaria, TB, Leprosy, Blindness, AIDS , Cancer, Mental disorder etc. Coverage of disease Surveillance Programme is also being extended to prevent outbreak of infectious diseases

Source of Funding: Central and State BudgetsBudget Allocation: The outlay for the Central Sector health programmes during the Tenth Plan has been fixed at Rs.9323 crores The provision for the year 2002-2003 was Rs. 1550 crores

Coverage: The entire population National Rural Health MissionThe national Rural health Mission was launched by the Prime Minister on the 12th April, 2005 at new DelhiVision of the Mission:Effective health care for rural population, especially women and childrenHealth plan for each village throughout the countrySpecial focus on 18 States.Effective integration of health with sanitation and hygiene , nutrition, and safe drinking waterCommunity health insurance for the poor

The Goal of the Mission Reduced Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) Reduced Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) Prevention and control of communicable and non communicable diseases. Promotion of healthy life style Main stream AYUSH ( Ayurveda, Yoga-Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy Promote healthcare at household level through female health activist (ASHA) Full coverage of imunisation and access to institutional delivery for the mothe

The National Rural health Mission that will get Rs.6713crores for 2005-06 attempts a major shift in the governance of public health by giving leadership to the Panchayat Raj. Institutions in all matters related to health at the district and sub-district levels. It aims to increase the outreach of the health system to village and even household levels through the provision of a voluntary trained female community health activist called ASHA

The Mission will cover all the States in the country with special focus on 18 States which have a weak health infra structure and demographic indicators.

Launching the Mission the Prime Minister stated that the Governments had in the past grievously erred in designing the country’s health programme “We have created a delivery model that fragments resources and dissipates energies . Most importantly we have paid inadequate attention to the public health issues and the possibilities of social and preventive medicine “ , he said. There had been fatal flaw in the approach that had gradually abandoned a comprehensive health care and a public health perspective for focused attention on selective diseases. The Indian health system was perhaps guilty of many sins of omission and commission . He stressed upon the need to bridge the income education and the health gap of the people . They were interconnected in their causes and their solutions were mutually reinforcing

National Illness Assistance FundPoor patients who are living below the poverty line Benefit: Financial Assistance upto Rs.50000 per case Source of Finance: Central BudgetBudget Allocation: A sum of Rs.10 lakhs is advanced to all the Central hospitals , Institutes of national repute such as AIIMS , NIMHANS Bangalore,CNCI Calcutta, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of medical Sciences , Lucknow, Gandhi Memorial & Associate hospitals and KGMC Lucknow, and CIP Ranchi

Coverage: NA

Central Government Health SchemeCentral government employees and their families ; Members and ex-Members of Parliament, Judges of Supreme Court and the High Courts (sitting and retired) Freedom Fighters, Central Government Pensioners, Employees of semi autonomous bodies /semi government organizations, accredited journalists, Ex Governors, and ex Vice Presidents of India and others Benefit Comprehensive medical care

Source of Finance : Partly contributory and partly subsidized Budgetary Allocation Rs12 Crores in 2001-2002 Coverage: There are 10.01 lakh card holders and 43.02 lakh beneficiaries

Emergency Medical ReliefPeople affected by natural disasters Benefit: The Director General of Health Services played a supportive role in terms of supplementation of physical and logistics facilities to the States to counter the effects of disasters in the health sectorSource of funding: Central BudgetBudget Allocation NADuring 2002 17000 villages in thirteen States were affected by heavy rains, landslides and floods About 375 districts in districts were affected by drought due to sluggish monsoonThere was an outbreak of plague in Himachal Pradesh and large number of peoplewere affected by riots in Gujarat . The Emergency Medical Relief Division of h Directorate of health Services provided medical relief on all such occasions

Integrated, Scheme for Older personsOlder personsBenefit: Under the Scheme financial assistance upto 90% of the project cost is provided to NGOs for establishing and maintaining oldage homes, day care centers, mobile medicare units, and to provide non institutional services to older personSource of Finance: Central BudgetBudget Allocation: Rs18.27 crores during 2002-2003 Coverage : Financial assistance was given for 22 Oldage Homes, 201 Day care Centres, and 27 Mobile Medicare Unit in different parts of the country to 310 NGOs ranging from Rs1 lakh to Rs.21 lakhs

Scheme of Assistance to Panchayati Raj Institutions Voluntary organizations/Self help Groups for construction of Oldage Homes /Multi Service CentresOlder Persons Benefit : One time construction grant for oldage homes/ multi service centersSource of finance Central BudgetBudget Allocation: NACoverage During the eyar 2002-2003 15 NGOs and others were given grants ranging from Rs5 laksh to Rs10 lakhs under he Scheme

Welfare Funds

1.Beedi Workers Welfare Fund a.Target Group: Workers employed in beedi industry including contract labour and home workers drawing wages not exceeding Rs.3500 per monthb.Benefits : Health Care

Housing Education

Water supply Recreation Group Insurance

(Those employed in establishments employing 20 or more persons are also covered under the Employees Provident Scheme Employees Pension Scheme and the Deposit linked Insurance Schemes; they will be entitled to the provident fund pensions and insurance benefits under those schemes )

c.Source of finance: Cess on manufactured beedis at Rs.2 per 1000 beedis d.Budget Allocation : Rs.533million in the year 2001-2203 e.Potential coverage: Estimated: 4.4million

No of identity cards issued: 3.9million

2.Cine Workers Welfare Fund a. Target Group Cine workers employed in connection with the production of not less than five feature films to work as an artiste or to do any other work whose remuneration with respect to such employment has not exceeded Rs.8000 per month or Rs.100,000 if paid lumpsum

b.Benefits: Health Group Insurance Education

c. Source of Finance Cess levied on production of films @Rs.10,000 per each Hindi film Rs.5000 per Tamil Telugu and Kannada film Rs. 3000 per Bengali Marathi and Gujarathi filmRs.2000 per film of Oriya Assamese and other regional languages

d. Budget allocation Rs5 million e. Potential coverage 64,483 workers

3 Name of Scheme . Iron ore Manganese ore and chrome Ore Labour Welfare fund a. Target Group; Workers employed in iron ore, manganese ore and chrome ore mines drawing wages not exceeding Rs.10,000 per monthb. Benefit: Health care

Housing Water supply

EducationRecreation

c. Source of finance Levy of cess on export of iron ore, internal consumption of iron ore, manganese ore and chrome ore @ the following rates

Iron Ore Rs1 per M.TManganese Ore Rs.2 per M.TChrome Ore Rs. 4 per M.T

d. Budget Allocation Rs.89 million in 2001-2002

e. Potential coverage 78,000

4. Name of Scheme Limestone and dolomite Labour Welfare Fund a. Target Group Workers employed in limestone and dolomite mines drawing wages not less than Rs.10,000 per monthb. Benefit Health Care

HousingWater supplyEducationRecreation

c. Source of finance Levy of cess on internal consumption of limestone and dolomite ore@ Rs1 per M.T:d. Budget Allocation Rs.61.8million in2001-2002 e. Potential coverage 55,000

5. Name of Scheme : Mica Mines Labour Welfare Funda.Target Group : Workers employed in Mica Mines drawing wagesof less than Rs.10,000b. Benefits Health care

Housing Education Water supply

Recreation

c. Source of finance 4.5 percent cess ad valorem in the nature of customs duty on export of mica d. Budget Allocation: Rs. 14millione. Potential coverage 1714 (1993-94)

Social Insurance Schemes

1.Name of Scheme : Employees State Insurance Schemea. Target Group Persons employed in factories shops and establishments and six other classes of establishments b Benefit Medical Benefit

Sickness BenefitEmployment Injury Benefit (i)Disability Benefit (ii) Dependants BenefitMaternity BenefitFuneral Expenses

c.Source of Finance Contributions from employers and workers @Employers 4.75% of wages of the employeesEmployees 1.75% of wages of the employees

d. Budget Allocation Revenue Income: Rs.1704crores (Rs.17048million )Revenue Expenditure Rs.1118crores (Rs11183million)

e. Potential coverage Actual Coverage: 7.8 million insured personsPotential coverage 28.113 million (Total number of persons

employed in the organised sector as on 1999The Scheme can be extended to the unorganized sector with some modifications )

The ESIC has recently introduced a new scheme called the Unemployment Allowance Scheme. Brief particulars of the Scheme are given below

Unemployment Allowance SchemeText of the Unemployment Allowance Scheme as passed by the ESI corporation is reproduced hereunder:Under the provisions of section 19 of the ESI Act, 1948, the ESI Corporation proposes to introduce an Unemployment Allowance Scheme. The scope , eligibility and other conditions of the scheme are as under

Scope of the SchemeAn insured person going out of insurable employment involuntarily on or after 1 April, 2005, on account of closure of a factory or establishment , retrenchment, or permanent invalidity arising out of non employment injury, after being in an insurable employment and contributed under the Scheme for five or more years, shall be entitled to claim unemployment allowance for a maximum period of 6 months during his/her entire service.

For the purpose of the Scheme (i) the terms closure and retrenchment shall have the same meanings assigned to them under the Industrial Disputes act 1947 (14 of 1947) and according to provisions of sub section (24 ) of Section 2 of the ESI Act, 1948; and (ii) the term permanent invalidity shall mean permanent disability arising out of non employment injury of 50% or more, as certified by a Medical board constituted by the Central or State governments.

Eligibility conditions

1. The person should have been, an insured person under the ESI Act on the date of loss of insurable employment, on account of closure of the factory or establishment, retrenchment or permanent invalidity arising out of non employment injury.

2. The insure person should have contributed under the ESI Scheme for the minimum period of five years prior to loss of employment

3. The insured person should have been entitled for sickness benefit during the last four contribution periods immediately preceding the date of unemployment.

4. Unemployment allowance shall cease to be payable from the date the insured person gets reemployed elsewhere.

5. Only the insured person who becomes unemployed as stated under (1) above , on or after 1st April, 2005, shall be entitled to receive unemployment allowance.

6. The unemployment allowance can be availed of in one spell or in different spells of unemployment provided that each such spell shall not be less than one month

7. The unemployment allowance shall not be combined with any of the benefits specified in section 65 of the ESI Act, 1948 for the same period and as specified in the said Section. The insured person in receipt of any of such benefits during the same period shall however, be entitled to choose which benefit he/she wishes to avail of.

8. The payment of unemployment allowance shall be subject to the provisions of section 61 of the ESI Act, 1948

Rate of Unemployment allowance

The daily rate of Unemployment Allowance shall be the standard benefit rate as specified in the table of standard Benefit rates under Rule 54 of ESI ( Central Rules, 1950, corresponding to the average daily wage drawn by the said insured person during the last four completed contribution periods, immediately preceding the date of unemployment

Duration of Unemployment Allowance

The maximum period for which an insured person shall be entitled to draw unemployment allowance during his entire insurable employment shall be six months.

The allowance can be availed in one spell or in different spells of not less than one month

Medical Care During the period for which a person is entitled for unemployment allowance , he shall also be eligible for medical care for himself and his/her family from the ESI Dispensaries.ESI panel clinics and ESI hospitals to which he/she was attached prior to the date of ;loss of employment based on a separate authorization by the branch manager making the Cash allowance payment

Procedure

The Allowance shall be payable in the form of a monthly payment by the branch Office of the ESIC where he /she was registered prior to loss of employment, on submission of a claim in the prescribed for duly supported by relevant documents. The claim shall be subject to verification and fulfillment of eligibility conditions

Period of Implementation

The Scheme shall be initially implemented for one year from1st April 2005 to 31st March 2006 Its extension beyond that will be decided by the Corporation after taking into account the experience with its implementation

Under the Scheme a provision of Rs.162crores has been made in the Corporation’s budget estimates for 2005-2006. The benefit will be available to insured persons with at least 5years of contributory service Each beneficiary will be given an allowance , a little more than 50 percent of the average wage from the date of unemployment for a maximum of six months.. The scheme will be financed from the existing resources of the Corporation . No extra charge will be levied

2.Name :. Employees Provident Fund Schemea. Target Group : Persons employed in 180 specified industries and classes of establishments b. Benefit Provident fund c. Source of finance Contributions by employers and employees @

Employers 12% of wages Employees 12% of wages

In the case of beedi, brick, coir and guargum industries the employers as well as employees have to contribute @10% of wages only

Out of the contribution by the employers 8.33% of wages are transferred to the Employees Pension Fund d.Budget Allocation 2001-2002Contributions received Rs.11188 crores (Rs.111billion)Claims settled Rs. 5090 crores in respect of unexempted establishments onlye. Potential coverage: Actual coverage 27.4 million

Potential coverage: 28.113 million (Total number of persons employed in organized sector. (The Scheme may be extended to unorganized sector with some modifications )

3.Name of Scheme : Employees Pension Schemea. Target Group Persons employed in 180 specified industries and clases of establishments b. Benefit Superannuation Pension

Retirement PensionInvalidity PensionWidow PensionChildren’s pensionOrphans’ pension

c.Source of financé Contributions by employers .Out of the employers contribution to the provident fund 8.33% are transferred to the Pension Fund The Central Governemtn contributes 1.16% of wages d.Budget Allocation 2001-2002Contributions received Rs.4449 croresClaims settled Rs.1635crores (including monthly pensions paid)e. Potential coverage Actual coverage 27.4million

Potential coverage 28.113 million The scheme can be extended to the unorganized sector with modification in the Act.

4.Name of Scheme :Employees Deposit Linked Insurance Schemea.Target Group Persons employed in 180 specified industries and classes of establishments b. Benefit Insurance Benefit. An amount equal to the deposit in the provident fund is paid in the event of death of the subscriber while in service subject to a ceiling of Rs.60,000c. Source of Finance Contributions by employers at 0.5% of wages d. Budget Allocation Contributions received Rs.153 crores

Claims settled Rs.52crores e.Potential coverage Actual Coverage 27million

Potential coverage 28.113 million

5.Name of Scheme : Coal Mines Provident Fund Scheme a. Target Group Workers in Coal mines b. Benefit Provident fund c.Source of finance Contribution by employers and workers @

Employers 12%ofwages

Employees 12% of wagesd.Budget allocation 1999-2000

Amount received : Rs. 1278 croresAmount paid Rs.866 crores

e. Potential coverage 0.74 million

6. Name of Scheme: Coal Mines Pension Scheme a. Target Group Workers in coal mines b. Benefit Superannuation pension

Retirement pensionDisability pensionWidow /widowers pensionChildren’spensionEx-gratia payment in case of death of subscriber

c.Source of finance Contributions by employers workers and governmentAn amount equivalent to 2 1/3 percent of the salary of the employee being the aggregate of equal shares of contributions of the employers and the employees to the provident fund An amount equivalent to two percent of the salary of the employee to be contributed by the employee An amount equivalent to one increment to be contributed buy the employee An amount equivalent to one and two third percent of the alary of the employee to be contributed by Central government d. Budget Allocation 1999-2000Contributions received Rs.433 croresBenefits paid Rs. 136 crores e. Potential Coverage 0.8 million

6 Name of Scheme . Coal Mines Deposit Linked Insurance Schemea Target Group Workers in coal minesb. Benefit Insurance benefit An amount equal to the deposit in the provident fund is paid in case of death of subscriber while inservice subject to a ceiling c. Source of finance Contribution by employers @0.50% of wages

Contribution bye Government @0/25% of wages d. Budget Allocation 1999-2000Contribution received Rs.16 croresAmount paid Rs.1.40 lakhs e. Potential Coverage NA Coal India has been granted exemption under the Scheme

Employers Liability Schemes

1 Name of Scheme : Workmen’s Compensation Schemea. Target Group Workers employed in the employments listed in the Schedule to the Workmen’s compensation Act except those covered under the ESI Act . There are

49employments listed in the schedule including certain activities relating to agriculture and construction b. Benefit Compensation for temporary or permanent partial or total disablement or death arising out of and in the course of employmentc. Source of Finance It is the liability of the employers to pay the comepnsationas they arise.d. Budget Allocation NAe Potential coverage 48% of the workforce excluding Government employees and those covered under the ESI Act

Name of Scheme: Maternity Benefit Schemea.Target Group: Women employees employed in factories, mines and plantations shops and establishments and other establishments to which the Central Government may extend the application of the Maternity Benefit Act b.Benefit Maternity Benefit at the rate of the average daily wage for the maximum period of twelve weeks six weeks before and six weeks after the delivery and the date of delivery c. Source of Finance It is the liability of the employer concerned to pay the benefit as it arises d. Budget Allocation NAe. Potential coverage May be extended to all employments where there is employer employee relationship. There is however a view that the liability to pay for maternity rests with the society at large and therefore the Government should assume the liability

3.Name of Scheme Payment of Gratuity

A Target Group Persons employed in factories, mines plantations ports railway companies, shops and establishments and such other classes of establishments to which the Central Government may extend the application of the Payment of gratuity Act Establishments in which less than ten persons are employed are excluded from the applications of the Act B. Benefit Payment of Gratuity on termination of employment after five years of continuous service at the rate of fifteen days wages for each completed year of service C. Source of Finance It is the liability of the Employer to make the payment of gratuity as it arises.D. Budget Allocation NAE. Potential coverage. May be extended to all employments where there is employer employee relationship ; there is a proposal to merge the scheme with the Employees Provident Fund Scheme or the Employees pension Scheme

4. Nature of Scheme :. Payment of Lay off and Retrenchment Compensationa. Target Group Workers employed in industrial establishments employing not less than 50 persons and other than seasonal establishment sb. Benefit Payment of compensation for the period for which a worker is laid off at 50% of basic wages and dearness allowance

Payment of compensation for retrenchment after one year of continuous service at the rate of fifteen days average pay for every year completed year of continuous service

c. Source of Finance It is the liability of the employer to make the payment as it arises

d. Budget Allocation NAe Potential coverage. May be extended to all industrial establishments where there is employer employee relationship unless an unemployment insurance scheme is introduced

Subsidised Insurance Schemes 1.Name of Scheme : Janshree Bima Yojanaa. Target Group Rural and urban poor persons below the poverty line and marginally above the poverty lineB. Benefit In the event of death Rs.20,000

In the event of death by accident or partial or total permanent disability due to accident the following benefits will be payable :(i) on death due to accident Rs.50,000(ii) Permanent total disability due to accident Rs.50,000(iii) Loss of 2 eyes or 2 limbs or one eye and one limb in an accident Rs.50,000(iv) Los of one eye or one limb in an accident Rs.25,000

In addition the children of the insured persons studying in classes 9to 12th standards will be entitled to scholarship at the rate of Rs. 300 per quarter for a maximum period of four years. ( This benefit is restricted to two children only )C. Source of Finance A premium of Rs 200 per member to be shared as under 50 % of the premium to be paid by members or nodal agency or State government at the time of submitting proposal and subsequently on each annual renewal dateThe balance 50% of the premium will be borne by the social Security fund d. Budget Allocation NAe. Potential coverage. May be extended to all the workers in the unorganized sector

2 Name of Scheme. Universal Health Insurance Schemea Target Group The Scheme is applicable to all the people but in the case of families below the poverty line Government will provide a subsidy of Rs.100 per family ( It was announced in the budget speech of the Union Finance Minister that the rate of subsidy would be raised to Rs.200 for individuals, Rs.300 for a family of five and Rs. 400 for a family of seven )b.Benefit: Reimbursement of hospital expenses upto Rs.30,000 subject to certain

sub-limits Life Insurance cover for death of the earning head of thefamily due to accident of Rs.25,000If the earning head of the family is hospitalized due to an accident /illness a compensation of Rs.50 per day will be paid of hospitalization upto a maximum of 15 days after a waiting period of three days

c. Source of financé Insurance premium @For an individual Rs.1 per day Rs.365 per annumFor a family upto 5 Rs.1.50 per day Rs.548 per annumFor a family upto 7 Rs. 2 per day Rs.730 per annum

(It was announced in the budget speech of the Union Finance Minister that the premia would be revised as follows: individuals Rs.125 ; for a family uptofive Rs. 248 and for a family upto 7 Rs.330 )

d.Budget allocation Rs.40 crores as per budge speech of the FMe. Potential coverage One million as per budget speech

Ministry of Agriculture National Agricultural Insurance Scheme

a. Target group: All farmers –loanee and non loanees – irrespective of the size of their holdings The scheme is compulsory for loanee farmers and optional for non loanees b. Benefit Insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure any of the notified crop as a result of natural calamities , pests and diseases.To encourage the farmers to adopt progressive farming practices , high value inputs, and higher technology in agricultureTo help stabilise farm income particularly in disaster years.C Source of Finance : Insurance premium payable at varying rates by the farmers. ( 3.5% of sum assured for bajra and oil seeds ; 2.5% for other kharif crops ; 1.5% for wheat and 2percent for other rabi crops or actuarial rates whichever are less. )Small and marginal farmers are entitled to a subsidy of 50% of the premium charged from them which will be shared by the Central and State governments. The premium subsidy will be phased out over a period of five years.

d. Budget Allocation Insurance charges Kharif 2001 Rs.257 crores

Rabi 2001-2002 Rs. 34.72crores

Claims paid Kharif 2001 Rs. 259 crores Rabi 2001-2202 Rs. 18crores

E Potential coverage Actual coverage: Kharif 2001 8.6million Rabi 2001-2002 2.1million

Potential coverage All the farmers (107million as per 1991 census)

Pilot Scheme on Seed Crop Insurance ATarget Group All seed growers and private sectors of major seed producing states who are willing to participate b. Benefit Grant from the government of India for risk sharing and other expenses c. Source of financé Central budget d. Budget Allocation NAe.Potential Coverage NA

Unorganised Sector Workers social Security Scheme

a.Tatget Group All workers in the activities listed in the annexure to the Scheme which contains a list of 122 employmentsb. Benefit Monthly Pension of Rs.500 per month from age 60 for life In case of permanent disablement a sum of Rs.1,00,000 will be paid from the Personal Accident Policy purchased from an insurance provider and the worker shall get pension based on pension point on attaining the age of 60 years.In case of death of the insured person the widow will receive a pension for her life.; if both the parents are dead orphan pension will be paid to the children until they attain the age of 25.c. Source of finance Contributions from employers ands workers at the following rates:Workers in the age group 18-35 will pay Rs.50 per monthWorkers in the age group 35-50 will pay Rs.100 per monthEmployers will pay in all cases Rs.100 per monthThe self employed in the age group 35-50 will pay Rs.200 per month d. Budget allocation NA

e.Potential coverage 370 million workers in the unorganized sector.

Ministry of Communications

1Rural Post Life Insurance was introduced to provide insurance cover at a low premium to the rural masses and to the weaker sections of the society.2.A ten year Rural PLI scheme was also introduced under which survival benefits are aid periodically but in the event of the death of the insurant during the currency of the policy the full sum for which the deceased was insured is paid notwithstanding the survival benefits already paid.

Ministry of Financé Bhagyashree Child Welfare PolicyThis scheme is meant for girl children in the age group of 0-16 years whose parents ‘age does not exceed 60 years.. The scheme provides relief to insured girl in the case of death of either of the parents or both , arising out of accident . Amounts varying from Rs.1200 per annum to Rs.2400 per annum will be payable to the surviving parent or guardian to look after the child and her education . On attaining the age of 18 years , the balance amount will be paid to the girl child, which will help her settle down in life. In the event of the death of the girl child, before attaining the age of 18years, the balance amount standing to her credit will be paid to surviving parent /guardian. The premium is just Rs.15 per annum per child and varies from Rs.8.25 to Rs.14.25 if th insurance cover is taken in groups

Rajarajeswari Mahila Kalyan Bima YojanaThis scheme is intended to provide economic security to women. All sections of women in the age group of 10-75 years, irrespective of their income occupation or vocation can be covered under the policy. There is a basic cover of Rs. 25,000 on payment of a premium of Rs. 15 per annum per woman for permanent total disablement or loss of two limbs /both eyes /one limb and one eye . An insurance cover of Rs.12500 will be available for loss of only one limb or one eye. In the case of accidental death of the husband , a compensation of rs.25,000 is payable

to the wife. In the case of unmarried women , compensation on the accidental death of the insured will be payable to her nominee or legal heir. There is an additional cover which could be procured on payment of an additional premium of Rs.8 to cover temporary total disablement , expenses incurred for legal divorce proceedings and loss /damage to household effects, on account of fire, flood, riot, terrorism etc. The cover also includes death during the childbirth at hospital and surgical operation such as sterilisation , cesarean hysterectomy and removal of breast due to cancer provided that such death occurs within seven days from the date of operation . The premium under the policy will range from Rs.4.25 to Rs6 per woman in case of large groups and a further discount ranging from 5% to 20 % will be given as a long term discount depending upon the period for which insurance has been taken

Ministry of Culture 1.Financial assistance to Eminent persons and other dependants in the field of literature, arts and other similar fields of life who are living in financially hard pressed condition Financial assistance Central-State/UT quota Rs.1500 p.m. Central quota Rs.2000 p-.m Eligibility: monthly income of the applicant should be less than rs.2000 per month and the age should be more than 58 years

2.Emeritus Fellowships to eminent artists in the field of performing literary and plastic arts To enable eminent artists to acquire more excellence /perfection in their specific field and to contribute to country’s rich cultural wealthEligibility: Artists of national eminence : general age 60 years or more physically and mentally fitTotal 30 fellowships of Rs.750 per month per fellow for two years Includes expenses on experiments in performing , literary plastic arts and related fields

3.Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant Under this Schemes financial assistance upto Rs.20,000 in each case is available to the poor and needy patients for specialized treatment and surgical interventions .

Ministry of Home Affairs Freedom Fighters’ Pension SchemeUnder the scheme a pension is paid to freedom fighters and their eligible dependants The terms “freedom fighter” and “dependant “ are definedRates: Rs.3000 per person per monthRs.3000 per month to spouseRs600 per person Rs.350 per month

Department of Women and Child DevelopmentBalika Samriddhi Yojana

Object of the Scheme: To raise the status of the girl child born in families below the poverty line Under the Scheme financial help is given to families in which a girl child was born on or after 1st august 1997 The mother of the new born girl child receives a grant of Rs.500 and an amount of Rs.4522 invested in a postal financial instrument for education of the girl child and to make her economically independent. The scheme also has provision a scholarship ranging from Rs.300 for class I to Rs.3000 for class X for the girl child’s school education to be deposited in the name of the newborn girl child as a postal /bank investment The deposit will mature and be paid to the girl when she attains the age of 8 years and remains unmarried till thenSource of Financing: Central BudgetBudget provision: Rs1.80crores in 2002-2003 Coverage NA

Swayamsiddha: an integrated scheme for women’s empowerment through self help groupsBenefits: Ensuring direct access to and control over resources through a sustained process of mobilization and convergence of all the on going sectoral programmes The most important component of the programme is formulation implementation and monitoring of block specific composite rojects of four to fivce ears duration through Project Implementation Agencies which may be any appropriate Government or non governmental agency nominated by the state governmentSource of Finance: Central BudgetBudget provision: The estimated cost of the programmes is Rs.116.30 crores Coverage: So far 613 block specific projects and 33 State plans have been approved under the programme. 52016 Self help groups have been formed

Swa Shakthi Rural women Benenfit: Enhancing women’s access to resources for better quality of life through the use of drudgery and tiem reduction devices , health literacy and imparting skills for confidence enhancement and income generation activities Source of finance Central Budget. The Project is supported by the World Bank and the International Fudn fro Agricultural DevelopmentBudget Allocation: Estimated outlay is Rs.186.71 crores Coverage to be implemented in seven states over a period of five years . so far 17647 Selgf help groups have been formed

Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP)

Poor assetless women in eight traditional sectors of employmentBenefit: to provide updated skills and new knowledge Source of Finance Central BudgetBudget Allocation : 1934 lakhs in 2002-2003Coverage Eleven projects estimated to benefit 16350 women have been sanctioned in 2003-2004 Since inception 655222 women have bene covered under 138 projects

SwavalambanPoor and needy women , women for poorer sections of society such as scheduled castes/tribes

Benefit : The object of the programme is to provide training and skills to women to facilitate them to obtain employment or self employment on a sustainable basis Source of Financing : Central Budget Budget Provision: NACoverage: As many as 902 projects including 262 continuign projects benefiting 58458 women have been sanctioned during the first three years . Eleven projects estimated to benefit 16350 women have been sanctioned during the current year

Creches /Day Care Centres for children of Working and Ailing MothersParents whose income is less than Rs1800 per monthBenefit: Provides day care services to children in the age group 0-5. The facilities provided include sleeping and ay care facilities supplementary nutrition immunization, medicine and recreation Source of finance Central Budget This is a grant in aid scheme Rs.18480 is paid by Government per crèche per year Budget provision Rs.23crore Coverage: There are at present 12470 creches providing services to around 3.11 lakh children About 33 lakh children were benefited under the scheme in 2003=2004

Rape Victims Rehabilitation SchemeBy : jyoti on 15 December 2010 Print this  

 

Parliamentary Consultative Committee of Ministry of Women & Child Development Discusses Rape Victims Rehabilitation Scheme

 

The Consultative Committee of the Parliament attached to the Ministry of Women and Child Development held its meeting inNew Delhitoday under the Chairmanship of Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Women, and Child Development.Smt. Krishna Tirathin her welcome address said thatRape is one of the most violent forms of crimes against women, which not only impacts her bodily integrity but in the long-run, impairs her capacity to develop meaningful personal and social relationships, and affects her life and livelihood. The victim of rape suffers mental and psychological trauma, which must be addressed so that she is able to lead a dignified and meaningful life. She further informed the members that the National Crime Records Bureau data shows that the incidence of rape in the country is increasing. A total of21,467cases of rape were reported in 2008 alone, which constituted an increase of3.5% over the previous year. According to the provisional data of 2009, a total of21,397cases had already been reported during the year. An analysis of the data reported in 2008 shows thatMadhya

Pradesh reported the highest number of cases (2,937) accounting for 13.7% of total such cases reported in the country. West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh reported 2263 and 1871 cases, respectively; followed by Maharashtra (1558),Assam(1438), Rajasthan (1355) andBihar(1302) cases. The lowest number of cases was reported from Nagaland (19) andSikkim(20).

 

Women from all age-groups have been victims of rape although it is the women in the age-group of18-30 years, who may be more visible in the public sphere, continue to be most vulnerable to the crime of rape.In 2008, therefore, the total percentage of rape victims in the age-group 18-30 years was57.2%(12,299); in 2007, their percentage was similarly high at57.7%(11,984). Another significant and worrisome aspect of the data is thatin as many as91%(19,542) of the cases, the offenders were known to the victims. Out of these, neighbours were involved in33.1%cases. During this period,309cases of incest rape were also reported.

 

Sections 375, 376 and 376A-D of the Indian Penal Code constitute the legal framework that deals with the offence of rape and provides for its punishment. These criminal law provisions provide for punishment of the accused and the penalties therein are envisaged to act as a deterrent.

 

Although the criminal law is not traditionally geared towards providing relief to victims, keeping in view the injury that is often suffered by the victim of a crime, Section 357 of theCr.P.C. enables the courts to award compensation to victims of various crimes, including to that of rape. Through the amendments in 2009, a new Section 357A was introduced in theCr.P.C. which casts a responsibility on the State Governments to formulate a Scheme in coordination with the Central Government, for compensation of victims of crime.

 

A Scheme for Rehabilitation of Rape Victims of the Ministry of Women & Child Development is in the final stages.While it is essential to provide punishment to the perpetrators of such heinous crimes, it is imperative that the victim is restored to a position of dignity and self-confidence. It is this principle of restorative justice that must form the basis of efforts to address the trauma that the affected woman goes through and may entail not only financial assistance but also various support services such as counseling, shelter, medical and legal aid.

 

Recognizing this,the Honble Supreme Court inDelhi Domestic Working Womens Forum Vs. Union of India and otherswrit petition (CRL) No.362/93 had directed the National Commission for Women to evolve a scheme so as to wipe out the tears of unfortunate victims of rape. The Supreme Court observed that having regard to the Directive Principles contained in Article 38(1) of the Constitution, it was necessary to set up a Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, as rape victims besides the mental anguish, frequently incur substantial financial loss and in some cases are too traumatized to continue in employment.

 

The National Commission for Women held wide ranging consultations with various stakeholders such as womens organisations, NGOs, lawyers, select District Magistrates, members of the judiciary and police. Finally, the draft Scheme was discussed in detail at the National Consultation on Access to Justice, Relief and Rehabilitation of Rape Victims organised by the Ministry of Women & Child Development on 7thMarch, 2010. In this background, a comprehensive Scheme titled theFinancial Assistance and Support Services to Victims of Rape: A Scheme for Restorative Justiceto provide financial assistance and various support services to victims of rape has been formulated. 

Salient Features of the Scheme are:The scheme proposes to cover women and minor girls who are victims of rape. Legal heir(s) is also entitled to financial assistance where death of the affected woman has resulted as a consequence of rape. 

(i)Reliefs envisaged under the Scheme:Under the Scheme, an affected woman shall be entitled to:

Interim financial assistance to the affected woman of Rs 20,000/- to take care of her immediate needs;

Support services such as shelter,counselling, medical aid, legal assistance, education and vocational training depending upon her needs. Assistance ofuptoRs 50,000/- can be provided for these support services; and

Final financial assistance of Rs 1.30 lakhs to address her long-term needs and giving her support towards restoring her confidence

(ii)Provision for enhancement in special cases:In certain special cases involving minor girls or mentally challenged/handicapped women who may need specialised treatment and care or women who become infected with STDs, HIV/AIDS or get pregnant or on any other ground, the quantum of assistance may be enhanced up to Rs 3 lakhs by the State Board on a reference from and in consultation with the District Board.

(iii)Assistance to legal heir(s):In case of death of the affected woman, her legal heirs including minor children shall be entitled to Rs 1 lakh as assistance in case she was a non-earning member or Rs 2 lakhs in case she was an earning member of the family.

(iv)Establishment of Authorities under the Scheme:The Scheme envisages the setting up of Criminal Injuries Relief and Rehabilitation Boards at the district, State and national

levels. While the National and State Boards would be primarily responsible for coordinating and monitoring implementation of the Scheme, the District Boards would decide the claims made under the Scheme and provide financial assistance as well as order such other support services as may be essential for the victim. The National and State Boards would have the power to undertakesuomotoinquiry into complaints and refer the case to the relevant District Board. Representatives from various Government departments, medical professionals and eminent civil society experts would constitute the Boards.

(v)Easy procedures devised:In order to ensure that women are able to get the benefits under the Scheme with minimum constraints, harassment and delays, the Scheme provides that:-(a)Application for assistance is to be filed in a simple and easy to useproformawithin

60 days(b)The police have an obligation to forward every FIR, Medical Report &

Preliminary Investigation Report within 72 hrs to the District Board.(c)In case the above documents are not received from the police, the Board may call

for them from the concerned authorities, once an application is filed, thereby ensuring that the victim does not have to undertake the tedious task of approaching the relevant authorities

(d)The interim relief and support services are to be provided within 15 days & not later than 3 weeks

(e)The final assistance of Rs 1.30 lakhs is required to be provided within1 monthof her evidence in criminal trial or 1 year of filing the FIR, where recording of evidence has been delayed for reasons beyond her control

(vi)Devolution of Funds:The funds would devolve as grant-in-aid to the State Government, on the recommendation of the National Board.The State Government will further disburse the funds to the District Boards, which would be drawn by the District Collector/District Magistrate who is the Chairperson of the Board.

(vii)Other provisions:There is a provision for rejection of claims to guard against misuse of the Scheme. The Scheme also provides for periodic monitoring and evaluation of its implementation by the Government.

 

The Scheme has been included in the 11thPlan. It is proposed to launch the proposed Scheme as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 100% Central funding during the 11 thPlan period at an estimated expenditure of Rs 149 cr. for the year 2011-12 towards providing financial assistance, meeting the expenses incurred for providing the support services and for payment of sitting fee and TA/DA of non-official members of the Boards. 

The proposed Scheme was approved by EFC on 19thOctober, 2010, which recommended the launch of the Scheme. The Finance Ministry has also concurred with the proposal. The process of obtaining necessary approvals from the Planning Commission for release of funds under the Scheme is being undertaken.

It is proposed to evaluate the implementation of the Scheme before the 12 thPlan and to consider sharing of costs between the Centre and the States at that stage.

Members from Lok Sabha ShriEknathM.Galkwad, Smt.JaishreebenPatel and Smt.JhansiLaxmiBotcha and Smt.BimlaKashyapSoodfrom Rajya Sabha attended the meeting.

Journalists Welfare FundTarget Group: Working journalists Benefit: One time ex gratia relief of an amount of Rs.1 lakh may be paid to the victim of permanent disability or dependants of the deceased Source of funds Grant made by government of India

Donations Income from investments

Budget Allocation NAPotential coverage The scheme may be converted into a social security schem with provision for additional benefits and additional sources of financé

Advocates Welfare FundTarget Group: Advocates all over the country; membership of the Fund is compulsory for every advocate Benefit Ex gratia grant to a member in case of his/her hospitalization or involvement in major surgical operation or suffering from serious disabilities caused by tuberculosis leprosy paralysis cancer and other similar diseases.

Every advocate who has been a member of the fund will entitled to receive an assessment of his/her practice certain according to the length of his /her practice However, if an advocate ceases to practise as a result of permanent disability the Trust Committees may pay such member a similar amount as would be payable to him according to his length of practice

The trustee committee may also take a Groups Life Insurance policy on the life of the embers of the fund and may use the funds for construction and maintenance of common facilities for them Ten percent of the total annual subscription will be spent on the construction or maintenance of such common facilities

Source of Financé 20 percent of the annual enrolment fee of the advocates will be remitted to the fund

Other sources will include contribution from the State Bar Council or voluntary donations or contributions from the Bar Council of India or associations of Advocates and sums collected by way of sale of welfare stamps to be affixed on the vakalatnama to be filed by every advocate The major source of financing for the fund will be the compulsory fixation of stamps on vakalatnama

Ministry of Social Justice:Integrated Programme for Older Persons

Target Group: While the basic thrust will be on older persons of age 60 and above , particularly the infirm, destitute, and the widows among them , broad based interventions targeting the family and the community shall also be undertaken within the context of improving the quality of life of older persons

Benefits The Programmes has several components including the following: Facilitating and improving the health care of older persons Attending to housing needs of of Older Persons, particularly shelter for destitute

elderly Promoting income security needs of older persons, particularly those engaged in

Agriculture non formal sector, and those living in rural areas. Providing institutional as well as non institutional care/ Services to the older

persons Source of Funding This is grants in aid scheme Upto 90% of the cost of project will be provided by the Government of India and the remaining shall be borne by organizations/institutions concerned Budget Allocation Rs18.27crores in 2002-2003Coverage About 863 oldage homes /day care centers/mobile medicare units are operational under the Scheme. Finaicla assistance has been given for 222 oldage homes, 201 day care centres, and 27 mobile medical units in different parts of the country during the year 2002-2003

Senior citizens’ Scheme

The differential interest scheme for senior citizens introduced in the Union Budget for 2004-2005 is now available through post offices. Deposits upto Rs.15 lakhs are guaranteed nine percent interest. Any person aged 60 or above can open the account . Those 55 and above who have opted for voluntary retirement are also eligible. The latter have to open an account within three months of retirement. The deposit earns nine percent interest a year, payable quarterly on March 31, June 30 September 30 and December 31. For instance a deposit of Rs. 1 lakh will earn returns of Rs.2250 at the end of each quarter . At the option of the depositor interest can be credited to his account Unclaimed interest will not earn any interest but it can be automatically credited into a savings account in the same post office All post offices with cash transactions will accept deposits in cash upto Rs.1 lakh Larger amounts have to be deposited by cheque. A joint account can be opened with a spouse who need not be 60 years of age.The depositor has to produce a proof of age certificate, PAN card, and two photographs . Those without PAN can produce an attested copy of a PAN application. They can also declare on the application form itself that they donot have a PAN . The depositor can use a nomination form.The depositor can operate more than one account in multiples of Rs.1000 subject to the condition that the balance in all accounts does not exceed Rs.15 lakhs Transfer of account is available if the depositor shifts home with a transfer fee of Rs.5 per lakhNo withdrawal is allowed before five years from the date of opening a deposit. An account can be continued for a further period of three years by applying within one year from the date of maturity. Even if there is no application, such extension will be presumed and deposit

continued. Premature closure is allowed after one year from the date of opening. If the accout is closed after one year but before two years, 1.5 percent of the deposit will be deducted and if the account is closed after two years oen percent will be deducted. A depositor who avails himself of the facility if extension of account is permitted to close the accouht after one year without any deduction. Post maturity interest at the post office savings bank rate will be paid if the account is retained before maturity

Integrated programme for street childrenStreet children , particularly those without homes and family ties and children especially vulnerable to abuse and exploitation such as children of sex workers and children of pavement dweller etc. Benefit : The programme has several components including the following:

Contact programmes offering counseling, guidance and referral services to destitute and neglected children aimed at their eventual withdrawal from alife on the street.

Establishment of 24 hours drop in shelters for children with facilities for night stay , safe drinking water, bathing, latrines first aid and recreation

Mobilising preventive health services and providing access to treatment facilities (Health care and treatment)

Source of finance This is a grant in aid programme. 90% of the cost of the project subject to a ceiling of Rs.15 lakhs) is provided by the Government and the balance by the organization /institution concerned Budget Allocation: NACoverage Since inception of the scheme 1,87,500 street children have been extended help through 230 organisations in 22 States /UTs Ministry of TextilesNew Insurance Scheme for Handloom WeaversBenefits: (1) The United India Insurance Company will indemnify the insured for loss of loss or damage to dwellings and the contents thereof due to fire lightning etc.(2) Persons in the age group of 18-60 will be covered for the following personal accident benefits :When death occurs within six months after injury Rs.1 lakhIf within six months the injury result in irrecoverable loss of sight of one eye or loss of one limb Rs50,000Permanent total disability Rs1 lakh (3). Hospitalisation benefit Reimbursement of expenses incurred by the insured towards hospitalisation including accommodation and nursing attendance , fees of surgeons and other special services subject to certain limits (4) Maternity Benefit

Source of Finance: an annual premium of Rs120 payable under the Scheme will be shared between the Central Government State government and the weavers at the rates of Rs.60. Rs40 and Rs20Coverage: NA Insurance Schemes for Powerloom Workers Powerloom weavers aged between 18-59

Benefit: As under Janashree Bima Yojana; In addition there is a Group Insurance Scheme under which the following benefits will be paid:Death cover Rs80,000Disability Cover Rs50,000Source of Finance: Under the Janashree Bima Yojana the premium will be shared among the Central Government (Rs.60), the LIC (Rs100) and the beneficiary(Rs40)

Under the Group Insurance Scheme the premium will be shared as follows:LIC 50%Beneficiary 35%Central Government: 15%Coverage: 30,000 workers in the first year Khadi and Village Industries CommissionInsurance Policy for Village ArtisansVillage ArtisansBenefit: Coverage Under Janashree Bima YojanaSource of Finance: The premium will be shared as follows;LIC Rs100Khadi institutions Rs.50Artisans Rs.25Central Government Rs.25Budget probvision NACoverage 14 lakh workers KHADI KARIGAR JANASHREE BIMA YOJANA

Khadi Karigar Bima Yojana wa launched on 15th Auguts, 2003 The Khadi Institutions registered with KVIC act for and on behalf of the Khadi

Artisans in all matters relating to the scheme. Self employed Khadi Artisans associated with Khadi Institutions affiliated to

KVIC/State and UT.KVI Boards aged between 18 years and 59 years living below and marginally above poverty line are eligible to be covered.

Premium of R.200/- per annum per member contributed as follows:Artisan/Khadi Institution /KVIC Rs.100/-Social Security Fund R.100/-

Death, disability and accident benefit as applicable to Janashree Bima Yojana including benefit under Shiksha Sahayog Yojana are applicable to scheme.

BIMA YOJANA FOR POWERLOOM WORKERS The Scheme for power loom Workers was launched from 1st July, 2003. The scheme is a combination of (1) Janashree Bima Yojana, (2) Ordinary Group

Insurance Scheme. Members are given an option of choosing either of the schemes or both.

Power loom Workers aged between 18 and 59 years and below poverty line or marginally above the poverty line are eligible to be covered. The scheme is applicable to the families of power loom workers engaged in activity of weaving on power looms and in allied pre-weaving/preparatory activities like twisting, winding, warping and sizing. Self employed weaver families owning not more

than 4 looms are also eligible. Family for the purpose of the scheme shall be the beneficiary and his/her spouse and only one of them shall be eligible for coverage.

Rs.200/- per annum per member is contributed by:Govt. of India (Through office of Textile Commissioner) Rs.60/-Member Rs.40/-Social Security Fund Rs.100/-

Rs.180/- per annum per member is contributed for Add on Group Insurance Scheme equally by Govt. of India through Textile Commissioner and member.

Under Janashree Bima Yojana:Death, disability and accident benefit as applicable to Janashree Bima Yojana including benefit under Shiksha Sahayog Yojana are available.

Under Add on Group Insurance Scheme:Natural death (as well as accidental death) Rs.30,000/-

( This is over and above the benefit available under Janashree Bima Yojana) The life cover starts from the date of receipt of members’ share. However, claims Will be settled only after receipt of Govt’s share of premium.

BIMA YOJANA FOR HANDICRAFT ARTISANS Bima Yojana for Handicraft Artisans was launched in July, 2003. It is a

combination of Janashree Bima Yojana and Ordinary Group Insurance cheme. Members are given an option of choosing either of the schemes or both.

The units are required to issue separate Master Policies for i ) Janashree Bima Yojana and ii) Ordinary Group Insurance.

Self help groups (SHGs), NGOs and Co-operative Societies will approach P&GS units for taking over under these schemes and will act as Nodal Agency.

Handicraft Artisans between age group of 18 and 59 years are eligible to join the Scheme.

Rs.200/- per annum per member is contributed by:Govt. of India through office of DC (Handicrafts) Rs.60/- Member Rs.40/-Social Security Fund Rs.100/-

Rs.180/-per annum per member is contributed for Add on Group Insurance Scheme equally by govtr. Of India through office of DC (Handicrafts) and member.

Under Janashree Bima Yojana:Death, disability and accident benefit as applicable to Janashree Bima Yojana including benefit under Shiksha Sahayog Yojana are applicable to scheme.

Under Add on Group Insurance Scheme;Natural death (as well as accidental death) Rs.30,000/-The life cover starts from the date of receipt of members’ share.

BIMA YOJANA FOR HANDLOOM WEAVERS The scheme was implemented all over India from all P&GS Units in the month of

March, 2004

The scheme is a combination of Janashree Bima Yojana and Ordinary Group Insurance Scheme. The units are required to issue separate Master Policies for i) Janashree Bima Yojana and ii) Ordinary Group Insurance. Members are given an option of choosing either of the schemes or both.

The office of the State Director-in-charge of Handlooms & Textiles and its sub-ordinate offices in the field shall be the Nodal Agencies for implementation of the scheme.

Handloom Weavers between age group of 18 and 59 years are eligible to join the scheme.

The premium of Rs.200/- under Janashree Bima Yojana is contributed by: Govt. of India through Office of DC (Handlooms) Rs.60/-

Member Rs.40/-Social Security Fund Rs.100/-

For Ordinary Group Insurance Scheme Premium of Rs.180/-per member per annum is contributed equally by member as well as Development Commissioner (Handlooms), New Delhi

Under Janashree Bima Yojana:Death, disability and accident benefit a applicable to Janashree Bima Yojana including benefit under Shiksha Sahayog yojana are available.

Under Ordinary Group Insurance Scheme:Natural death (as well as accidental death) Rs.30,000/-(In other words in case of accidental death no additional benefit is payable).

The life cover starts from the date of receipt of members’ share.

GROUP INSURANCE SCHEME FOR AANGANWADI WORKERS AND HELPERS

The Group Insurance Scheme for Aanganwadi Workers and Helpers has been finalized with the Dept. of Women & Child Welfare, Ministry of Human Resource Development. The scheme is implemented all over India, from all the P&GS Units from 1st April, 2004. It is called ‘Anganwadi karyakartari Bima Yojana

The scheme provides life insurance protection along with certain femele critical illness benefits to the

Each State Government/Union Territory Administration will identify and nominate the appropriate Nodal Agency to act for and on behalf of the insured members in all matters relating to the scheme

Aanganwadi Workers and Helpers aged between 18 and 59 years are covered through a one year renewable GROUP TERM ASSURANCE SCHEME.

The premium of Rs.280/- per member per annum is contributed as follows:

Govt. of India (through Human Resources Development Dept.) Rs.100/- Social Security Fund Rs. 100/- Aanganwadi Worker/Helper (for providing critical illness benefit) Rs.80/-

The benefit is available only on death/disability/affliction by certain critical illnesses described below. The two components of the above scheme are as under:Present Janashree Bima Yojana of LIC of IndiaCertain benefits of Female Critical Illness

Under Janashree Bima Yojana:Death, disability and accident benefit as applicable to Janashree Bima Yojana including benefit under Shiksha Sahayog Yojana are available.

Female Critical Illness (FCI) Benefits:An amount of Rs.20,000/- is payable on the diagnosis of invasive cancers (malignant tumor).JANASHREE BIMA YOJANA FOR PRIMITIVE TRIBAL GROUPSThe Scheme for Primitive Tribal Groups-

Primitive Tribals aged between 18 and 59 years and below poverty line or marginally above poverty line are eligible to be covered.

Rs.200/- per annum per member is contributed by:Govt. of India(Through Ministry of Tribal Affairs) Rs.100/-Social Security Fund Rs.100/-

Death, disability and accident benefit as applicable to Janashree Bima Yojana including benefit under Shiksha Sahayog Yojana are applicable to scheme.

The benefits under Janashree Bima Yojana and Shiksha Sahayog Yojana are as under-Janashree Bima Yojana:(a) Death (other than by accident) Rs.20,000/-(b) Death or Total Permanent Disability due to accident Rs.50,000/-© Permanent partial disability due to accident RS.25,000/-Shiksha Sahayog Yojana:Scholarship of Rs.300/- per quarter payable to the children of members covered under Janashree Bima Yojana (maximum of two children per family), studying in 9th to 12th standard (including ITI courses), for a maximum of four years.

Financing of Social Protection

Social Sector Spending as percentage of total expenditure

State 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 Rate of Growthon GDP

Mizoram 407 40.9 65.7 37.75

Gujarat 35.2 31.6 37.4 14.95

Assam 35.5 37.1 43.3 14.72

Delhi 34.9 34.5 40.2 14.18

Meghalaya 40.5 37.6 42.1 10.69

Rajasthan 40.7 37.6 40.2 6,49

Tamilnadu 37.1 33.4 35.5 5.92

A P 35 33.4 35.5 5.65

Kerala 37.6 38.1 40.1 4.99

Sikkim 16.6 17.4 18 3.33

Chattisgarh 43.3 46.6 48.2 3.32

Maharashtra 36.4 34.6 35.6 2.81

Karnataka 34.8 31.3 30.2 2.80

Uttaranchal 40 34 34.8 2.30

Nagaland 26.9 29.6 30.2 1.99

Goa 23.1 25.1 25.4 1.57

Punjab 21.7 20.9 21.2 1.42

Orissa 34.2 33.7 33.9 0.59

Haryana 34.3 30.3 30.4 0.33

H.P. 33.7 30.2 30 -0.67

Bihar 38.9 36.4 35.7 -1.96

J&K 28.8 28.8 28.2 -2.13

MP. 35.4 38.5 37 -4.05

Tripura 39.3 38.8 35 -10.85

Arunachal 32.5 31.2 28 -11.43

Jharkakhand 47 50 44.2 -13.12

Manipur 26 31.3 27.7 -14.56

W.B 34.1 31 26.3 -17.87

UP 32.2 30.9 25.3 -22.13

All India 35 35.5 33.5 0

The above table represents the percentage of expenditure allocated by states to public services like health education etc. Over the last three years The figures in the last column represents States growth in the corresponding period in terms fo economic indicators that constitute the GDP

Source; RBI Report on State Finance

Vande Mataram Yojana

This is a glowing example of the unique partnership between the government of India and the private sectorUnder this Yojana doctors of the Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Society of India who have responded to the appeal of Union health & Family Welfare Minister will volunteer on the 9th day of every month to do free check up of expectant mothers and provide ante natal post natal care free iron tablets TT injections and other contraceptives. There will be a special Vande Mataram board at the clinic of every private doctor voluntarily working for this Yojana(Advertisement put out by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in February 2004) Coconut palm insurance Oriental Insurance Company has introduced a novel insurance scheme for coconut palms providing a comprehensive cover on the basis of market value including yield lossThe scheme will be implemented initially in AP and depending on the success it will be extended to other States.The policy covers coconut palms against pest attack natural calamities , fire and riots The cover is divided into two parts: Part A covers input cost upto seven years . Part B covers market value from the 8th year onwards The sum assured will vary with the age from Rs 75 to Rs.2000 per palm

Welfare Schemes & Facilities for senior citizens :

The Action Plan 2000-2005 drawn up by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJ&E) in consultation with the National Council for Older persons (NCOP) requires various Ministries to take action along the lines envisaged in it.  The implementation of Action Plan with clear job responsibilities, practical ideas & time-frame for execution for the Ministries is required to be monitored by the NCOP & the Inter Ministerial Committee set up by the MSJ&E. Some of the Ministries have already initiated action on devising facilities & welfare schemes for the senior citizens, which have been compiled & consolidated User Friendly Document at one place for the users use and are

given hereinafter: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment• Setting up of

• Old Age Homes

• Day Care Centres

• Mobile Medicare Units

through Grant in Aid to NGOs/ Voluntary Organizations Ministry of Finance• Higher Rate of Interest

• Personal Loan Scheme for Pensioners

• Ashrya Deposit Plan

• Higher Returns

• Income Tax concession

• Varistha Pension Bima Yojana

• New Jeevan Akshay

 

Ministry of Civil Aviation• 50% Discount in Air Travel

(subject to certain conditions) 

Ministry of Railways• 30% Discount in Rail Travel 

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways• Road Travel concession in State Transport Buses

• Chandigarh

• Delhi

• Kerala

• Maharashtra

• Punjab

• Rajasthan 

Ministry of Law & Justice• Free Legal Aid

• Subordinate/ High Courts

• Supreme Court

• Legal Aid Help-Line

• Speedier Disposal of Cases

• Maintenance of Older Parents 

Ministry of Rural Development• Schemes Transferred to States (2002-03)

• State Pension Scheme

• Annapurna

  Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution• Antyodaya Programme 

Ministry of Health• Sunday Clinic in Delhi

DETAILED INFORMATION OF THE WELFARE SCHEMES & FACILITIES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment: Scheme : Integrated Programme for Older Person

o Benefits :Providing support for the capacity building of senior citizens by establishing and

maintaining Old Age Homes; Day Care Centres; Mobile Medicare Units and Non-Institutional

services.

o Popularise the concept of life through re-inforcement & strengthening of the ability &

commitment of the family to provide care to older persons.

o Productive ageing.

o Preparation of old age.

o Generating greater awareness on issues concerning older persons.

 Scheme : Construction of old Age Homes & Multi Service Centres

Benefits :

Provide assistance for construction of old Age Homes & Multi Service Centres to Panchayati Raj Institutions, Voluntary Organizations and Self Help Groups.

364 Old Age Homes; 311 Day Care Centres and 61 Mobile Medicare Units and 2 Non-Institutional services exist under both the schemes.

o The list of organizations receiving grants under this schemes is at Annexure II.

Ministry of Finance

Banking Division • Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Scheme : Higher Rate of Interest regulated by RBI on saving schemes of senior citizens.

Eligibility : Persons having the age of 60 years and above.

Benefits : W.e.f. 15.05.2001, 0.5 % higher rate of interest on fixed deposit of senior citizens aged 60-65 years

and 1% to senior citizens above 65 years of age.

 RBI desired

o Prompt service to senior citizens.

o Special arrangements for efficient counter services to the pensioners while disbursing

pension.

o Display on the Notice Board "No queue for Senior Citizens".

State Bank of India

Scheme : Deposit Scheme with Differential rate on Term Deposit/Special term deposit of one year and above.Eligibility : Senior citizens of 60 or aboveConditions for Availing :Minimum amount: Rs. 10,000 and thereafter in multiples of Rs. 1,000 payment of interest: At the time of maturity or at quarterly interval or monthly interval (at discount rate), as specified by the depositor.

Punjab National Bank

Senior Citizen Plan

Scheme : Personal Loan Scheme for Pensioners.Eligibility : Senior citizens of 60 years and above.

Benefits :

o 0.5 % Higher Rate of Interest on Term Deposits.

o Free Remittance of Retirement Dues to any branch of PNB at a place to which the Senior

Citizen hails or plans to settle down after retirement.

o Free Collection of retirement dues in respect of Retired Govt./Public/Private Sector

Employees.

o Free collection of cheques (condition apply).

o Immediate credit of outstation cheques up to Rs. 15,000/-.

o Free discount, collection of pension bill/cheques of pension retired from Central/State Govt.

and Armed Forces.

o Free cheque books and collection/discount of pension bill/cheques for freedom fighter, their

widows/widowers.

o New attractive passbook containing facilities available to Senior Citizens.

o Free nomination facilities and many more on maintaining specific balance.

Canara Bank

Scheme : Ashrya Deposit Plan for senior citizenEligibility : Senior Citizens of 60 years and above.Conditions for Availing: Joint Account with other senior citizens or with other persons below the age of 60 subject to the senior citizen as No. 1 depositor. Documents required : Proof of age: A certified copy of any one of the following secondary school leaving certificate - LIC policy. - Voter identity card.- Pension payment order.- Birth certificate issued by authority. - Passport.- Any other document acceptable to the Bank. • High Returns: Scheme : A rate of interest of 0.75% above the base rate as applicable from time to time.Eligible Account : Domestic Fixed Deposit and Kamdhenu Deposits.How much you can invest :Minimum : Rs. 1,000/-

Maximum : No ceiling.Period of deposit : 15 days to 120 months

Benefits :

o Loan against easy liquidity deposit permitted

o Nomination facility available for fresh deposit

o Renewals scheme available

Income Tax Department

• Tax ConcessionScheme : Income tax rebate of up to Rs. 15,000/- or actual tax, whichever is less under section 88. Revised to Rs. 20,000 in the budget 2003-04 under section 80 D, thereby exempting their income up to Rs. 1.53 lakh from income tax. Medical Insurance premium up to Rs. 15,000/-Eligibility : Senior citizens of 65 years & above during the relevant previous year.Document Needed : Proof of age: (Any one of the following)- Ration Card- Voter ID- Driving License- Permanent Account Number (PAN) 

How to Avail :

Contact the income tax department and fill in the form 2(c).o Exemption from "One by Six" Scheme for the senior citizens while filling their income tax

return under Proviso section 139 (1).

o Separate counter for senior citizens for submission of Income Tax.

Insurance Division

Scheme : LIC- 'Varistha Pension Bima Yojana'Eligibility : Persons aged 55 years and above.Benefits : Guarantee an annual return of 9 % in the form of monthly pension scheme. Scheme : New Jeevan Akshay Eligibility : Minimum age of entry: 40 years last birthday- Maximum age of entry: 79 years last birthday - Minimum Purchase Price: Rs. 25,000 - Conditions for availing: Minimum Purchase Price: Rs. 25,000- Minimum Annuity Instalment: Rs. 250 

Ministry of Civil Aviation

Air Travel • Indian Airlines Scheme : 50 % discount on normal economic class fare for all domestic flights to Indian senior citizens subject to certain conditions. Full IATT, PSF, Insurance Charges applicable.Eligibility : Indian male senior citizens of 65 years and above. Indian female senior citizens of 63 years and above.Document Needed : Age proof - Voter ID- Ration Card Conditions for Availing:- Only Indian National residing in India- Round trip/Circle trip journey permitted- Minimum stay of 7 days at destination

- Re-routing not permitted- Confirm tickets to be purchased at least 7 days prior to departure. How to Avail :- Fill up the prescribed form- Attach a proof of age.- Enclose a minimum stay proof. Air India :Scheme : 55 % discount on the domestic basic day fare for travel on Air India operated sectors in India.Eligibility : Males of 65 years & above. Females of 63 years & above.Document Needed : Age Proof: Only Passport How to Avail :- No prescribed form.- Apply on a plain paper.- Attach an attested copy of passport. • Sahara India AirlinesScheme : 50 % discount on basic fare for all domestic flights in economy classEligibility : Senior citizens of 62 years & above.Document Needed : Age proof How to Avail :- No prescribed form.- Apply on a plain paper with a proof of age • Jet Airways:Scheme : 50 % discount on basic fare for all domestic flights in economy class Eligibility : Senior citizens of 65 years & above.Document Needed : Proof of age: A certified copy of anyone of the following Secondary School Leaving Certificate.- LIC policy. - Voter identity card.- Birth certificate issued by authority. - Passport.- Ration Card- Driving License- Certificate from Employer of Public Sector Undertaking - Government Organisation - Photocopy of the document on residence proof - Two recent passport size photographs Conditions for Availing :- To make an advance booking before 7 days. - To show a minimum stay of at least 7 days. How to Avail :- Fill up the prescribed form - Apply on a plain paper with a proof of age.

Ministry of Railways

• Rail TravelScheme : 30 % discount in all Mails/Express including Rajdhani/Shatabadi/Jan Shatabadi trains.Eligibility : Senior citizens of 60 years and above.Document Needed:- Date of birth certificate - Voter ID/ Driving License - Passport/Educational Certificate- Ration Card- Certificate from local government institution- Agency of bodies like panchayats, corporation or municipality Conditions for Availing : To travel a distance of 500 km or more.

How to Avail :- Apply on the prescribed form - Show a proof of age at the concerned counter.Telephone No. 1330 (Enquiry in English)Telephone No. 1335 (Enquiry in Hindi) 

Scheme :Separate counter for senior citizens for purchase/booking cancellation of tickets by Indian Railways.

Around 8-10 seats reserved for senior citizens in only one of the compartments of the local trains in Mumbai

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

• Road Travel Concession: Chandigarh

Scheme : 50 % travel concession in state buses to senior citizens.Eligibility : A person of 65 years and above. • Road Travel Concession: DelhiScheme : Concession on all route bus passes.Eligibility : Senior citizens of 65 years and above. Document Needed : Age proofVoter Card/Ration CardHow to Avail :- Apply on the prescribed application form - Show a original proof of age.- Condition for Availing: Discount applicable on monthly passes only • Road Travel Concession: KeralaScheme : Free pass to travel in state buses.Eligibility : Older persons who were freedom fighters. • Road Travel Concession: MaharashtraScheme : 50 % concession in Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses.Eligibility : Older persons of 65 years and above.Document Needed : Age proof:Voter I-Card/Certificate from the Tehsildar • Road Travel Concession: PunjabScheme : Free travel in state buses.Eligibility : A person of 60 years and above. • Road Travel Concession: RajasthanScheme : Concession of 25 percent in Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC)Eligibility : A person of 65 years and above. 

o Reservation of Seat in State Buses:

Reservation of two seats for the senior citizens in the front row of the Delhi, Kerala and Tamil

Nadu State Road Transport Buses.

5 % reservation of seats in buses of Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC), Goa for senior

citizens.

o Ministry of Law & Justice

o • Free Legal Aid

o • Subordinate Courts/ High Courts: Delhi

Scheme : Free Legal Aid

o Legal Services Availableo Counseling and Reconciliation.

o Appointment of Advocates.

o Grant of Court Fee.

o Expense on typing & preparation of Petition.

o Document and other expense incidental to litigation.

o Eligibility for Income Limitation

o Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram,

Orissa, Rajasthan, Sikkim and UT of Chandigarh - enhanced ceiling from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 25,000.

o Punjab - Rs. 30,000

o Gujarat - Rs. 50,000

o The matter of revision of ceiling is under process in most of the other states.

 Documents Needed : - Income proof on Rs. 10/- non-judicial paper with affidavit.- Proof of Age: Non Applicable- Form available with the Delhi Legal State Authority (DLSA) • Supreme CourtScheme : Free Legal AidEligibility :Any persons irrespective of age with an annual income of less than Rs. 12,000. The income limit raised to a range of Rs. 18,000/ to Rs. 50,000/- by the central government. No income limit in case of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, handicapped & women.Documents Needed :Income proof on Rs. 10/- non-judicial paper with affidavit.Proof of Age : Non ApplicableLegal Aid require to file - Suit/ Application u/s 125 G.P.C. / CivilWrit/Criminal Writ/Crl. Matter (state the category) How to Avail :Fill up a form given by the D.L.S.A- .Attach a proof of income, if one does not belong to the exempted category. Legal Aid Helpline : 23070345Delhi 23073132 • Speedier Disposal of CasesScheme : Accord priority to cases & ensure their speedier disposal.Document Required : Proof of Age.A person without a proof of age can also avail the facility. How to Avail :File an application in the concerned court Attach either a proof of age or an affidavit  • Maintenance of Older Parents The right of parents without any means to be supported by their children having sufficient means has also been recognized by section 20(3) of the Hindu Adoption and maintenance Act, 1956. Himachal Pradesh assembly passed a Parents Maintenance Bill in 1956 where a simple procedure was introduced for parents being ignored by their children to be given maintenance and the additional commissioner has appellate authority so that decision can be taken and cases disposed off promptly bringing justice and relief to older

persons without loss of time. The government of Maharashtra and Goa had also prepared a bill on similar lines. Scheme : Legislative provisions for the protection of Elderly. Relief : Section 125(1) D of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 makes incumbent on persons to maintain his/her father or mother unable to maintain himself / herself A first class Magistrate may order for making a monthly allowance of Rs. 500/- per month on getting proof of neglect or respect. How to Avail :File an application in the concerned court

Ministry of Rural Development

• Schemes transferred to states (2002-03)Scheme : State Pension SchemeVarying levels of pension are available in various states.Eligibility Criterion :

o Senior Citizens of age varying from 60-65 years & above for different states.

o For a handicapped individual is 55 years & above.

o Resident of a particular place for at least 5 years.

o Should not be getting any other economic help.

 Document needed : Proof of age :Birth Certificate/Voter ID/Ration Card Declaration on a plain paper with two neighbours signing as witness and duly attested by the local MLA.Conditions for Availing: Must have an account in a nearby bank or post office AnnapurnaScheme : Free food grains (wheat or rice) up to 10 kg./monthEligibility : Destitute elderly of 65 years and above.Conditions for availing : Older persons otherwise eligible for pension but are not receiving it and whose sons are not residing with them.