AI SummaryAasra Scheme helps residents of Jammu and Kashmir get complete social security through state-sponsored insurance cover. This scheme is made for widows, destitute individuals, breadwinners, and families living below the poverty line with an annual income under ₹75,000, so they get financial protection through the PMSBY and PMJJBY insurance policies.
Scheme has been closed or it was a one time scheme which has been closed by the government.
Aasra Scheme - Introduction
Aasra Scheme is a social security scheme launched by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Its main purpose is to give a safety net to the most at risk citizens, including widows, destitute persons, and breadwinners of families surviving on an annual income of less than ₹75,000.
As a supportive insurance-based program, Aasra Scheme makes sure that no family is left behind. The government of the Union Territory covers the insurance premiums, effectively safeguarding eligible people under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). This move provided long-term stability to those who needed it most.
The program was officially established following Cabinet decision No. 102/08/2015 and Government Order No. 150-F of 2015. Through this commitment, the government prioritised the financial resilience of its citizens. Below is a breakdown of the two insurance pillars covered by this scheme:
| Insurance Scheme | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|
| Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) | Accidental death or full disability cover up to ₹2.00 lakh |
| Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) | Life cover up to ₹2.00 lakh |
The objective of Aasra Scheme was to make access to these insurance benefits easier. By helping with the opening of zero-balance savings bank accounts, the scheme removed barriers to entry, allowing the government to pay premiums directly for a period of five years.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Aasra Scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Category | Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, Family |
| Nodal Department | Department of Social Welfare J and K |
| Implementing Agency | Social Welfare Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir |
| Launch Date | 2015-08-20 |
| Close Date | 2020-01-01 |
Benefits
Aasra Scheme provided direct support to help eligible families get financial peace of mind. Key benefits included:
- Complete Protection: Widows, destitute individuals, and those below the poverty line received essential insurance cover.
- Premium Coverage: The Union Territory government bore the full burden of insurance premiums for both PMSBY and PMJJBY for five years.
- Targeted Support: The scheme identified and supported the most economically disadvantaged sections of the population.
Eligibility
To benefit from Aasra Scheme, applicants had to meet the following criteria:
- Applicants had to be permanent residents of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- The family's total annual income had to be less than ₹75,000. For instance, if Ramesh is a primary breadwinner earning ₹60,000 per year, he qualifies for the scheme.
- Widows and destitute individuals residing in the Union Territory were entitled to cover.
- Applicants had to belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family if explicitly required by their documentation.
- Applicants should not have other major sources of income as per the prescribed government certificate standards.
- In the event of a beneficiary's passing, the prescribed nominee received the insurance settlement.
Application Process
Applicants could follow these steps to manage their online application for Aasra Scheme:
STEP 1 - Visit the official website of the Department of Social Welfare, Jammu and Kashmir at jkdswdj.jk.gov.in and check the Aasra scheme details.
STEP 2 - Register as a citizen if you are a new user by selecting the 'Citizen Registration' option. Keep your login ID and password secure.
STEP 3 - Make sure you have a scanned version of your passport-size photograph (less than 50 KB in JPG format).
STEP 4 - Log in using your credentials and select your role as 'Citizen'.
STEP 5 - Navigate to the 'e-services' tab in the dashboard and locate the department/scheme link to start your application.
STEP 6 - Fill out the form with accurate details and submit it after a thorough review.
Documents
Applicants needed to keep the following documents ready for their application:
- Proof of residence in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Proof of identity and age.
- Valid income certificate confirming your status.
- Clear passport-size photographs.
- Aadhaar card.
- Active bank account details.
- BPL card, if applicable to your family.
- Death certificate of the husband for widow applicants.
References
You can refer to these official documents for more information:
FAQ's
What is Aasra Scheme?
Aasra Scheme is a social security project where the government paid the insurance premiums for PMSBY and PMJJBY to protect at risk citizens.
What is the objective of the scheme?
The primary objective was to provide financial security to eligible individuals by making sure they had an active insurance cover, with the government covering all premium costs for five years.
By which department was this scheme launched?
It was launched by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
When was this scheme notified?
The scheme was notified via Government Order No. 150-F of 2015, dated 20.08.2015.
Was this scheme fully sponsored by the government of Union Territory?
Yes, all premiums were 100% sponsored by the government of the Union Territory.
Who is covered under this scheme?
It covered widows, destitute individuals, and breadwinners of families with an annual income below ₹75,000.
How can I apply for the benefit?
Since the scheme has been closed, applications are no longer accepted. For any reference, you can visit the official page at socialwelfarekashmir.jk.gov.in/AASRA.html.