Cash grant in lieu of sewing machine
Cash grant in lieu of sewing machine has been revised for 2026 under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. Widows of ex-servicemen in Puducherry can now get a bigger cash benefit of ₹20,000 for buying a sewing machine.
This support is managed by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. Applications are accepted offline at the Rajya Sainik Board office throughout the year on working days.
Cash grant in lieu of sewing machine
Benefits
This scheme gives a cash grant of ₹20,000 for the purchase of a sewing machine. The amount is credited directly into the beneficiary's bank account via RTGS or NEFT.
The sewing machine grant helps widows of ex-servicemen take up tailoring work. This money help aims to build independence for eligible families.
Eligibility
To get this support, the following conditions must be met:
- Applicant must be the widow of an ex-serviceman.
- The widow should hold a valid registration with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.
- The scheme also applies when the ex-serviceman or widow is re-employed in government, public sector, or private entities, or is self-employed as an IT assessee.
All widows of ex-servicemen are covered, including those with current employment in any sector.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Go to sainik.py.gov.in and navigate to the application forms section. Download the "Application for One time Grant for Widows inline of Sewing Machine" form. You can also visit the Rajya Sainik Board office at Jawan Bhawan, 261, Lawspet Main Road, Puducherry - 605013 on a working day during working hours to collect a physical copy of the form.
STEP 2 - Fill out the form completely, making sure all mandatory fields are accurate. Attach a recent passport-sized photograph and self-attested copies of all required documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application pack along with the documents to the Rajya Sainik Board. Make sure to collect the official receipt after submission.
The application is accepted at the time of widow's registration, and there are no closing dates for applying.
Required Documents
Keep the following documents ready when applying:
- Widow ID card of the applicant.
- ID card of the late ex-serviceman.
- Discharge certificate of the ex-serviceman.
- A signed declaration by the widow stating the purpose of the grant.
- Recent passport-size photograph attached to the declaration.
All documents must be self-attested unless otherwise specified by the department.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Cash grant in lieu of sewing machine |
| Level | State |
| Target Beneficiaries | Widows of ex-servicemen |
| Benefit Amount | ₹20,000 |
| State | Puducherry |
| Main Department | Sainik Welfare Department |
| Implementation | Rajya Sainik Board |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| When to Apply | At the time of widow's registration |
| Payment Mode | RTGS / NEFT |
References
Official AFFD Guidelines | Government Order | Application Form (PDF) | Support Contact | Application Forms Page
FAQ's
Which department manages this scheme?
The scheme is administered by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Union Territory of Puducherry.
Is there an application fee?
No, the application process is free of cost. No charges are needed to apply.
What is the current benefit amount?
The scheme now provides ₹20,000 to eligible widows of ex-servicemen for the purchase of a sewing machine, as per the latest review on the official Sainik Welfare department website.
Are there specific deadlines for this scheme?
No, there are no closing dates. Applications are accepted at the time of widow's registration throughout the year.
How is the definition of ex-servicemen determined?
You can find the specific details at this official link.
Who can I contact for RTI-related queries?
For RTI information, submit an application with an IPO/DD of ₹10 in favor of the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. More details are available at this official website.