Swahid Kushal Konwar Sarbajanin Bridha Pension Achoni Scheme

Senior citizens of the State of Assam were provided with a boost on the birth anniversary of our revered Gandhi. The 2nd of October, 2018 marked the launch of a scheme known as Swahid Kushal Konwar Sarbajin Bridha Pension Achoni. The primary object of this scheme, which derives its name from the pre-independence freedom fighter Swahid Kushal Konwar, is to cater to the senior citizens of the State through the grant of pensions. A total outlay of Rs. 400 crores have been allocated for the scheme. This article is an overview of this State Government initiative, which is proclaimed as one of a kind in this country.

Who Qualifies?

The scheme is meant for the residents of the State of Assam, who are aged above 60. The list of omissions includes:

• Beneficiaries of any of the existing government schemes.
• Parents of children (where the latter is employed with the government).
• Any taxpayer who earns an income of above INR 2.5 lakhs.

From the Desk of the Chief Minister

Stating from the words of Sarbananda Sonowal, the Honourable Chief Minister of the State of Assam, it is within the fabric of the society to display respect to the senior citizens. The State Government has therefore launched the scheme with the object of providing financial assistance to people irrespective of their financial and societal obligations. The Minister added that senior citizens above the age of 60 would rightfully reap the benefits of the scheme through the facility of Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT). As the scheme was launched on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, the Minister also stated that Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of non-violence has emerged as a common ideology for people the world over.

Quantum of Benefit

Senior citizens above the age of 60 will qualify for the scheme, the likes of whom will be granted a sum of Rs. 250 per month through DBT facility. The scheme is expected to cover 15,000-20,000 people in every constituency. The pension amount will be remitted on the first day of every month to the account of the beneficiary.

Application Requisites

The scheme can be applied through online or offline means by availing the assistance of the Gaon Panchayat/Development Block/ Municipal Corporation/Municipal Board/Town Committee of the respective jurisdiction. Apart from the specification of basic details, the application form prompts for information pertaining to the applicant's bank account and proof of identity. Upon submission of the application, the beneficiary will start receiving the pension amounts if the particulars mentioned in the form are accurate and applies to the context. To provide more clarity, particulars related to the following must be specified in the application form:

• Name of the applicant.
• Name of the applicant’s Father/Mother/Husband/Wife.
• Gender of the applicant.
• Date of Birth of the applicant.
• Category of Caste (ST/SC/OBC/Others).
• Details of address, which includes the district; block; panchayat; village; ward number; and landmark of the applicant.
• Details of the bank account, which includes the name of the bank; the name of the branch; IFSC Code; and Account Number.
• Mobile number of the applicant.

The application must be supported with the signature or thumb impression of the concerned applicant. A copy of the application form is hereby attached for your reference.

Documents Required

The applicant needs to attach the following documents along with the application form:

• Bank account details.
• Proof of age.