Union Territory of Lakshadweep Pension Scheme for Abandoned Ladies/Destitute

Description
The scheme "Union Territory of Lakshadweep Pension Scheme for Abandoned Ladies/Destitute" was introduced by the Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs Department, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, aims to provide monthly financial assistance to abandoned ladies and destitute women in the UT. The scheme covers women who have been divorced or abandoned by their husband or relatives, have not remarried, and are without any source of income or have only a nominal income. The District Panchayat and Village Dweep Panchayats VDPs of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep implement the scheme to ensure smooth processing and disbursement. The pension amount is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account.

Exclusions
• Women who have remarried after divorce or abandonment are not eligible.

Benefits
• Financial Assistance:
• Eligible beneficiaries receive a pension of ₹1,500 per month (₹18,000 per annum).
• Mode of Disbursement:
• The pension is disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.
• Frequency of Disbursement
• The amount is provided monthly.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a permanent resident of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
2. The applicant should be a divorced, abandoned, or destitute woman.
3. The applicant should not have remarried after separation or abandonment.
4. The applicant should either have no source of income or a nominal income not exceeding ₹1,500/- per month (₹18,000/- per annum).
5. The applicant should not be a beneficiary of any other similar pension scheme provided by the government.

Required Documents
• Proof of Identity
• Proof of Residence
• Proof of Marital Status (divorced, abandoned, or destitute)
• Income Certificate
• Bank Account Details
• Self-Declaration
• Any other documents as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a remarried woman avail of this scheme?
A: No.

Q: Will the pension be transferred directly to the bank account?
A: Yes.

Q: What happens if the applicant’s financial condition improves after receiving the pension?
A: If the applicant's income exceeds as per prescribed limit, she may no longer be eligible for the scheme.

Q: Is the pension scheme available for women who have separated but not legally divorced?
A: No.

Q: What if the applicant moves out of Lakshadweep after receiving the pension?
A: The scheme is for permanent residents of Lakshadweep.

Q: Will the pension continue if the applicant later secures a job?
A: If the income crosses the prescribed limit, the applicant may become ineligible for further benefits.

Q: What is the frequency of pension disbursement?
A: The provided details confirm that the pension is given monthly.

Q: What happens if an applicant provides false information?
A: Providing false information could lead to disqualification under the scheme.

Q: How can I apply for the scheme?
A: Applicants need to collect the application form from the nearest Village (Dweep) Panchayat office and submit it along with the required documents.

Q: Where can an applicant get more information or assistance?
A: Applicants can visit the nearest Village (Dweep) Panchayat office for guidance on the scheme and application process.