Monthly Grant To Old Crafts Persons (Pension)" Component of the "Development of Handicrafts" Scheme

Description
The scheme “Monthly Grant To Old Crafts Persons Pension ” Component of the "Development of Handicrafts" Scheme by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Union Territory of Puducherry, aims to provide pension to artisans in their old age, recognizing their contribution to traditional crafts. Under this scheme, eligible craftspersons receive a monthly grant of ₹2,000/-.

Benefits
• A monthly grant of ₹2,000/-. This financial assistance continues until the lifetime of the beneficiary, subject to renewal every year.
• In the case of the craftsperson's death, the living spouse is entitled to receive ₹1,000/- per month.

Eligibility Criteria
1. - The applicant should be an artisan who has attained the age of 60 years.
2. - The artisan should be a native or resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 years.
3. - The artisan should have practised the craft for at least 5 years in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
4. - The family income from all sources should not exceed ₹40,000 per annum.
5. - The applicant should not be a recipient of similar financial assistance from any other source.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should take print of the prescribed format of the application form.
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Step 1: The interested applicant should take print of the prescribed format of the application form.

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).
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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: The interested applicant should visit (on a working day, and during office hours) the General Manager of the District Industries Centre (Thattanchavady, Puducherry - 605 009, 2248391, 2249392, 2248987, [email protected]), and submit the duly…
Offline
Step 3: The interested applicant should visit (on a working day, and during office hours) the General Manager of the District Industries Centre (Thattanchavady, Puducherry - 605 009, 2248391, 2249392, 2248987, [email protected]), and submit the duly filled and signed application form and the documents to the concerned authority.

Step 4: Step 4: On receipt of the application, necessary entries will be made in the application receipt register and a unique number is assigned to the applicant for identifying each applicant which shall be used for all further references and also as ac…
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Step 4: On receipt of the application, necessary entries will be made in the application receipt register and a unique number is assigned to the applicant for identifying each applicant which shall be used for all further references and also as acknowledgement for the receipt of the application.

Required Documents
• Proof of Age.
• Residence Certificate of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
• Evidence of Practising the Craft for at Least 5 Years in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
• Income Certificate.
• Declaration Stating the Non-receipt of Similar Financial Assistance From Any Other Source.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the primary objective of the "Monthly Grant To Old Crafts Persons (Pension)" scheme?
A: The scheme aims to provide a monthly pension of [?]2000 to artisans aged 60 and above, recognizing their contribution to traditional crafts.

Q: What are the benefits provided under this scheme in case of the craftsperson's demise?
A: In the event of the craftsperson's death, the living spouse is entitled to receive [?]1000 per month, continuing until their lifetime, subject to renewal every year.

Q: Can a craftsperson's spouse continue to receive benefits after the beneficiary's demise?
A: Yes, the spouse continues to receive benefits after the beneficiary's demise, contingent upon meeting the income criteria.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for an artisan to qualify for this pension scheme?
A: The artisan should be aged 60 or above, a native or resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 years, and have practiced the craft for a minimum of 5 years in the Union Territory.

Q: What is the family income limit for eligibility under this scheme?
A: The family income from all sources should not exceed [?]40,000 per annum to qualify for the Monthly Grant To Old Crafts Persons (Pension).

Q: Can an artisan apply for the pension if they have not been a resident of Puducherry for the required duration?
A: No, the artisan should be a native or resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 years to be eligible for the pension scheme.

Q: Is there a specific format for the income certificate required for this scheme?
A: The scheme doesn't specify a format, but the income certificate should accurately reflect the family's income from all sources, not exceeding [?]40,000 per annum.

Q: Can a craftsperson receive financial assistance from multiple sources simultaneously?
A: No, the applicant should not be a recipient of similar financial assistance from any other source to be eligible for this pension scheme.

Q: How long does the financial assistance continue for the beneficiary under this scheme?
A: The financial assistance continues until the lifetime of the beneficiary, subject to renewal every year.

Q: Is there a dedicated mechanism for addressing grievances related to this scheme?
A: Yes, for grievance redressal, individuals can use the mechanism provided at https://industry.py.gov.in/grievance-redressal-mechanism.

Q: What is the renewal process for the pension scheme benefits?
A: The benefits are subject to renewal every year to ensure continued eligibility and relevance for the beneficiaries.

Q: Can an artisan apply for the scheme if they have been practicing the craft outside Puducherry?
A: No, the artisan should have practiced the craft for at least 5 years in the Union Territory of Puducherry to qualify for the pension scheme.