Financial Assistance to Blind Ex-Servicemen

Description
The scheme "Financial Assistance to Blind Ex-servicemen" is implemented by the Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department, Government of Haryana. Under the scheme, financial assistance of ₹3,000/‐ per month shall be granted to those Permanent Blind Ex-servicemen who are bonafide resident of the Haryana State and are not in receipt of any kind of pension financial assistance either from the Haryana State Government or from any Department of Government of India or from anybody controlled by Central State Government.

Benefits
• Under the scheme, financial assistance of ₹3,000/- per month is given to the 100% permanent blind ex-servicemen, with an annual increase of ₹400/- w.e.f. 01.11.2017 every year in November.
• **Note:** Subject to the condition that the application/claim case is found in order, financial assistance to the permanent blind ex-serviceman will be sanctioned with effect from the first day of the following month in which case is sanctioned by the competent sanctioning authority of Rajya Sainik Board.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a bona fide resident of Haryana.
2. The applicant should be a 100% permanently blind ex-serviceman.
3. The applicant should not be in receipt of any kind of pension or financial assistance either from the Haryana State Government, any Department of the Government of India, or any entity controlled by the Central or State Government.
4. **Note 1:** The definition of Ex-Servicemen for the purpose of eligibility for financial assistance shall be effective as notified by the Ministry of Defence Government of India from time to time.
5. **Note 2:** The old beneficiaries whose cases for grant of financial assistance have already been sanctioned prior to the issue of these guidelines shall continue to get the financial assistance at enhanced rates and they need not apply afresh. However, payment shall be discontinued with immediate effect who fail to submit their survival verification proofs every year from the revenue authorities.
6. **Note 3:** Payment of financial assistance to those beneficiaries shall also be stopped immediately who fail to submit their survival verification proofs every year from the revenue authorities in the month of April. Secretary, Zila Sainik Board shall be personally responsible for any lapse in this regard.
7. **Note 4:** Every applicant shall have to produce a certificate issued by the concerned District Social Welfare Officer to the effect that the applicant is not getting any financial assistance Pension from the Social Justice & Empowerment Department of Haryana.
8. **Note 5:** If any beneficiary, after the sanction of the financial assistance under this scheme, is found drawing any type of financial assistance from any other Deptt. of Haryana Govt. or pension from any Department of Govt. of India. He shall be permanently debarred from getting the financial assistance under this scheme.

Required Documents
• Copy of Ex-servicemen Identity Card
• Parivar Pehchan Patra
• Aadhaar Card
• Original Discharge Book of Ex‐Serviceman (Complete)
• Haryana Resident Certificate
• Revenue Report verified from Tehsildar
• Copy of Bank Passbook linked with Aadhaar Number.
• Blind Certificate indicating the percentage of disability from competent Medical Authority.
• Non-Employment Certificate
• Delay Report
• Applicant’s Photo ID card (Ration Card/Driving License/ Voter ID Card/PAN Card etc.)
• NOC from the concerned District Social Welfare Department regarding not receiving any Financial Assistance/Pension
• Affidavit for verifying the particulars given by the Ex‐Serviceman
• Any other documents as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much financial assistance is provided under this scheme?
A: The scheme provides financial assistance of [?]3,000/- per month, with an annual increase of [?]400/- every November starting from 01.11.2017.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
A: The applicant must be a bona fide resident of Haryana, 100% permanently blind, an ex-serviceman, and should not be receiving any pension or financial assistance from the Haryana State Government, any Department of the Government of India, or any entity controlled by the Central or State Government.

Q: How is the financial assistance disbursed?
A: The financial assistance is sanctioned from the first day of the following month in which the case is approved by the competent sanctioning authority of the Rajya Sainik Board.

Q: Is there an annual verification process for beneficiaries?
A: Yes, beneficiaries must submit their survival verification proofs from the revenue authorities every year in the month of April.

Q: How can an applicant apply for the scheme?
A: Eligible applicants can apply online through the Antyodaya-SARAL Portal athttps://saralharyana.gov.in/

Q: What is the process to track the application status?
A: Applicants can track their application status on the Antyodaya-SARAL Portal by entering the Department Name, Scheme Name, and Application Reference ID at https://status.saralharyana.nic.in/

Q: What happens if a beneficiary fails to submit their survival verification proof?
A: Payment of financial assistance will be discontinued immediately for those who fail to submit their survival verification proof.

Q: What should a beneficiary do if they start receiving another type of financial assistance or pension after the scheme's sanction?
A: If a beneficiary starts receiving any other type of financial assistance or pension from any other department, they must inform the authorities. Failure to do so will result in permanent disqualification from the scheme.

Q: Are old beneficiaries required to apply afresh under the new guidelines?
A: No, old beneficiaries whose cases were sanctioned before the issuance of the new guidelines will continue to receive financial assistance at enhanced rates without reapplying. However, they must comply with the annual survival verification process.

Q: What is the role of the Secretary, Zila Sainik Board, in this scheme?
A: The Secretary, Zila Sainik Board, is responsible for ensuring that all beneficiaries submit their survival verification proofs annually. Any lapse in this regard will hold the Secretary accountable.

Q: Can an applicant receive financial assistance from both the Haryana Government and the Government of India simultaneously?
A: No, applicants cannot receive financial assistance from both the Haryana Government and the Government of India. They must choose one source of financial aid.

Q: Is there any financial assistance for partial blindness?
A: No, the scheme specifically provides financial assistance to 100% permanently blind ex-servicemen only.