About Pension & Social Welfare in Arunachal Pradesh

The Department of Social Justice, Empowerment & Tribal Affairs (SJETA) and other relevant departments in Arunachal Pradesh are committed to the welfare of its citizens. They implement various pension schemes and social welfare programs aimed at providing financial security, support, and empowerment to vulnerable groups, ensuring a dignified life for all.

Objectives of Pension & Social Welfare Schemes

• To provide financial assistance and social security to elderly persons, widows, and persons with disabilities.
• To empower women, children, and marginalized communities through various welfare initiatives.
• To promote social inclusion and ensure equitable development.
• To offer support for education, health, and livelihood for vulnerable sections.
• To implement central government schemes effectively at the state level.

Key Pension Schemes

Some of the prominent pension schemes include:

• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): For elderly persons (60 years and above) belonging to BPL households.
• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): For widows (40-79 years) belonging to BPL households.
• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): For persons with severe disabilities (18-79 years) belonging to BPL households.
• Chief Minister's Old Age Pension Scheme (CMOAPS): State-specific pension for elderly citizens.
• Arunachal Pradesh State Pension Scheme: For retired state government employees.

Key Social Welfare Schemes

Various other social welfare schemes are implemented for different target groups:

• Schemes for Persons with Disabilities: Providing aids, appliances, and educational/vocational support.
• Women and Child Development Schemes: Programs for women's empowerment, child protection, and nutrition (e.g., ICDS).
• Schemes for Scheduled Tribes: Special development programs and financial assistance for tribal communities.
• Financial Assistance for Destitute/Needy: Support for vulnerable families in distress.
• Scholarships: For students from backward classes and persons with disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria (General)

Eligibility varies by scheme, but common criteria include:

• Age: Specific age criteria for old age, widow, or disability pensions.
• Income: Household income often needs to be below the BPL (Below Poverty Line) threshold.
• Residency: Applicant must be a permanent resident of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Category: Belonging to a specific category (e.g., widow, person with disability, tribal community).

How to Apply for Schemes

Application procedures can be online or offline:

1. Offline: Obtain application forms from the District Social Welfare Office, Block Development Office (BDO), or Gram Panchayat. Fill the form, attach required documents, and submit it.
2. Online: Some schemes may have online application portals, often linked through the e-Service portal or the respective department's website. Register, fill the form, upload documents, and submit.
3. Required Documents (Common): Aadhaar Card, Domicile Certificate, Age Proof, Income Certificate, BPL Card, Bank Passbook, Disability Certificate (if applicable), Death Certificate of spouse (for widows), Passport-sized photographs.

How to Check Application Status

For online applications, you can usually track the status on the respective portal using your application ID. For offline applications, you may need to inquire at the office where you submitted the form.

Important Points to Remember

• Always verify eligibility criteria for each specific scheme before applying.
• Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and self-attested.
• Keep copies of your application and all submitted documents.
• Regularly check official websites for new schemes, updates, and deadlines.
• For any assistance or clarification, contact the District Social Welfare Officer or the concerned department.

Useful Links

• Department of Social Justice, Empowerment & Tribal Affairs, Arunachal Pradesh: arunachalpradesh.gov.in/department/social-justice-empowerment-and-tribal-affairs/
• Arunachal Pradesh Official Portal: arunachalpradesh.gov.in
• National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) Portal (for Central Pension Schemes): nsap.nic.in