Social Security Schemes

FOOD SCHEMES Description of the Schemes Covered by the Supreme Court Orders In a significant interim order dated 28 November 2001, the Supreme Court issued directions pertaining to 8 food-related schemes sponsored by the central government. Briefly, the order directs the Union and State governments to implement these schemes fully as per official guidelines. This, in effect, converts the benefits of these schemes into legal entitlements. Further, the court has given directions pertaining to certain other schemes, notable SGRY. This page gives links to guidelines, descriptions, and other information about these schemes available on various websites of Government of India, and several State Governments. This section also has several ‘scanned copiesÂ’ of guidelines obtained by us in hard copy. Finally, we present some ‘news flashesÂ’ on changes in schemes. Note: Though all these are centrally sponsored schemes, they are implemented by the state governments. Due to this, there is a considerable variety in the implementation of schemes across states. Though most of the information is likely to be true across states, we advise you to double-check incase you are particular to know about the scheme in any particular state. Annapoorna Yojana Antyodaya Anna Yojana Family benefit scheme Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Maternity benefit scheme Mid-day meal scheme Pension schemes Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) Targeted public distribution scheme (TPDS)    Annapurna Yojana Targeted group Those destitute that are above 65 years of age and not covered in state or central social security pension scheme. They are issued special green ration cards Identification of beneficiaries Gram sabhas in rural areas and local bodies in urban areas have carried out the identification of these destitute. Central issue price At GOI prescribed rates. Funding is provided by GOI. Consumer price Free of cost. Scale of issue 10 kg food grain per card per month Mechanism of distribution As per TPDS system News Flash It appears that Annapurna has been discontinued in some states. This is a violation of Court orders and the matter has been taken up in the Supreme Court by the Commissioners.   Antyodaya Anna Yojana Targeted group Poorest of the poor in rural and urban areas. They are issued special yellow ration cards Identification of beneficiaries Gram sabhas in rural areas and local bodies in urban areas carried out identification from amongst the poor families within the state. Central Issue Price Rs. 2/kg for wheat & Rs. 3/kg for rice. State govt. is providing ancillary charges for transportation and other expenses of agencies. Consumer price Rs. 2/kg for wheat & Rs. 3/kg for rice Scale of issue 25 kg food grain per family per month Distribution Thru the public distribution system Primitive Tribal Groups in India The Supreme Court has directed the Government of India to provide Antyodaya cards to all Primitive Tribal people.  For a list of Primitive Tribal Groups in India click here    Family Benefit Scheme Targeted group BPL Families who have lost their primary bread winner Identification of beneficiaries Identification done with the assistance of panchayats Guideline for selection The family should be BPL, and should have lost the primary bread winner (male or female whose earnings contribute substantially to the total household income). The age of the deceased person should have been between 18 and 65, at the time of death. Entitlement A lump sum amount of Rs. 10,000         Integrated Child Development Scheme Targeted group Pre-school children, adolescent girls,  pregnant and lactating women Identification of beneficiaries This is a universal scheme; any person who is in the target group is eligible to receive the benefit of these services.  Entitlement Please refer to GoI website.  Click here             Maternity Benefit Scheme Targeted group BPL women during their first two live births Identification of beneficiaries Selection happens through primary health care centre  Entitlement Rs. 500, as a one time entitlement.       Mid-Day Meal Scheme Targeted group All children in government and aided primary schools Identification of beneficiaries This is an universal scheme, and all children are eligible to receive cooked meals Entitlement A fresh cooked meal on each working day, for at least 200 days an year.        Pension Schemes Targeted group Destitute aged, widows, and disabled  Identification of beneficiaries Identification is done through panchayati raj bodies  Entitlement Amount differs in each state, with the minimum of Rs. 75 each month     FAQs on Pension schemes   Targeted Public Distribution Scheme Targeted group Primarily, below poverty line families Identification of beneficiaries Through a 'BPL Survey' conducted once in five years Central issue price At GOI prescribed rates. Funding is provided by GOI. Consumer price Differs in each state Scale of issue Differs across states, and in most cases it is 35 KGs per family per month Mechanism of distribution Through designated ration shops Procedure of applying for new ration cards   Forms for obtaining ration cards in select states Andhara Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Leh, Haryana, Punjab, Tripura, Citizen's charter by Ministry of Food and Consumer Affaires, GoI Involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the public distribution system Right to information, display of information in ration shops, making of new ration cards, grievance redressal