Jai Johar (Old Age Pension) Scheme

Description
Launched on 1st April 2020, “Jai Johar Old Age Pension ” is a Social Security Scheme by the Tribal Development Department, Government of West Bengal. The scheme is aimed at the Scheduled Tribe ST residents of West Bengal of the age of 60 years and above who do not receive any other pension from any other authority. Over 3,00,000 beneficiaries have been brought under the fold of the scheme. The amount of monthly pension of ₹ 1,000/- is transferred directly to the individual bank account of the beneficiary.

Benefits
• A monthly pension of ₹1,000/- is transferred directly to the individual bank account of the beneficiary.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
2. The applicant should belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
3. The applicant should have attained the age of 60 years or more.
4. The applicant should not be a beneficiary under any other Social Security pension scheme.
5. The applicant should not be a recipient of Government pension or pension from any other organization.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should request the prescribed format of the application form free of cost from the office of Block Development Officer (BDO) / Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) / Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
Offline
Step 1: The interested applicant should request the prescribed format of the application form free of cost from the office of Block Development Officer (BDO) / Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) / Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

Step 2: Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Offline
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).

Step 3: Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the concerned authority at:
Offline
Office of the BDO in rural areas.
Office of the SDO in Municipalities and Notified Areas
Commissioner Kolkata Municipal Corporation in KMC areas.

Required Documents
• Passport Size Photograph
• Formal Caste or Tribe Certificate (If unavailable, a Caste/Tribe certificate of any paternal relative is acceptable for the initial assessment. However, the applicant must procure their caste certificate later and submit the same subsequently)
• Digital Ration Card
• EPIC (Elector's Photo Identity Card)/Voter Card
• Self-Attested Residential Certificate/Address Proof
• Copy of Bank Passbook
• Aadhaar Card

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the pension be transferred to a joint bank account?
A: No, the pension is transferred only to the individual bank account of the beneficiary.

Q: Can a widow/widower avail of Jai Johar Pension?
A: Yes, as long as they meet the age criteria and do not receive any other pension, widows and widowers are eligible.

Q: Can a person with disabilities avail of Jai Johar Pension?
A: Yes, individuals with disabilities falling within the ST communities and meeting the age criteria are eligible for the pensions.

Q: Is there an income criterion for eligibility?
A: No, income is not a criterion; however, not receiving any other pension is a prerequisite.

Q: How often are the applications processed?
A: The processing and disbursal of pensions occur bi-monthly.

Q: Is there any assistance provided for completing the application process?
A: Yes, the application forms are available for free, and authorities can guide applicants through the process.

Q: Can I submit a relative's caste certificate for eligibility?
A: Yes, a paternal relative's caste/tribe certificate is acceptable initially, but the applicant must obtain and submit their own later.

Q: Are there specific age criteria for application?
A: Applicants must be in the age bracket of 60 and above at the time of application.

Q: Is the pension provided in cash?
A: No, the pension amount is transferred directly to the individual's bank account.

Q: What is the rate and periodicity of the pension?
A: The monthly pension is [?]1000, disbursed bi-monthly.

Q: Which departments disburse Jai Johar Pension?
A: The Tribal Development Department handles Jai Johar pensions.