Deepawali Cash Gift Scheme (PULWS)

Deepawali Cash Gift Scheme (PULWS) gives registered unorganized workers in Puducherry a cash gift of ₹500 during Diwali. Puducherry Unorganised Labourers' Welfare Society pays this amount directly into the bank account of each eligible worker through DBT payment, so the festive support reaches them without any delay.

The scheme is a yearly festival benefit for workers in trades such as driving, construction, domestic work, tailoring, street vending, catering and shop establishments. For Diwali 2025 the society published beneficiary lists for Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam, and the same support continues for the Diwali 2026 season in the 2026-27 period.

Deepawali Cash Gift Scheme (PULWS) - Introduction

Deepawali Cash Gift Scheme (PULWS) is a supportive welfare scheme run by the Puducherry Unorganised Labourers' Welfare Society under the Labour Department, Union Territory of Puducherry. The idea is simple: a registered worker who has paid the required fees gets a small cash gift before Diwali, which helps with festival expenses like sweets, new clothes, lights and family gifts.

The grant is fixed at ₹500 per eligible worker. It is credited directly into the bank account linked with the worker's registration, and the full process is handled as a DBT payment. Workers do not need to visit any bank or office to collect the money.

Key Information

Benefits

When the Diwali season comes, eligible registered workers receive the following support:

• Cash gift of ₹500 paid directly into the bank account through DBT payment.
• No cash counter delays because the society handles the payment and credits it straight to the bank.
• Coverage for workers from many trades such as taxi and auto drivers, construction workers, domestic staff, tailors, street vendors and shop staff.

Eligibility

To get the Deepawali cash gift, a worker needs to meet these conditions:

1. The worker should be an Indian citizen and a resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
2. The worker should be registered as an unorganized worker with the Puducherry Unorganised Labourers' Welfare Society.
3. The age should be between 18 and 59 years.
4. The annual subscription fee of ₹100 and the registration fee of ₹25 should have been paid.
5. The worker should belong to a recognized occupational group such as taxi and auto drivers, construction workers, domestic staff, tailors, street vendors, catering or shop establishment workers.

Application Process

Applications for the Deepawali cash gift are accepted offline. Follow these steps to apply:

STEP 1 - Visit the Office of the Puducherry Unorganised Labourers' Welfare Society at No.1, Rue Sufferen, Puducherry and collect the application form. The form is given free.

STEP 2 - Fill in all the required details in the form without any mistakes, and keep a copy of the filled form for personal records.

STEP 3 - Paste a recent passport-size photograph on the application form.

STEP 4 - Attach self-attested photocopies of the required documents listed below.

STEP 5 - Submit the completed application form to the authorized official at the same office.

STEP 6 - Collect the acknowledgement receipt with the date of submission and the unique identification number. Keep this receipt safely for future reference.

Documents

Keep these documents ready before filling the application form:

• Two passport-size photographs.
• Copy of residential or domicile certificate.
• Original birth certificate.
• Proof of latest subscription payment.
• Society ID card or official registration proof.
• Aadhaar card.
• Ration card.
• Bank account details.

References

Official scheme rules are published in the Citizens Charter of the Puducherry Labour Department. Detailed scheme information is also available on Oneindia's Deepawali Cash Gift Scheme (PULWS) page.

FAQ's

Which entity manages this scheme?

Puducherry Unorganised Labourers' Welfare Society under the Labour Department, Union Territory of Puducherry, manages this scheme.

How is the money sent to eligible workers?

The cash gift is sent directly to the bank account of the eligible worker through the DBT payment system.

Can I apply for this scheme online?

No, applications are accepted offline. You need to visit the office of the Puducherry Unorganised Labourers' Welfare Society at No.1, Rue Sufferen, Puducherry to submit the form.

Who qualifies as an unorganized worker?

Workers from trades such as taxi and auto drivers, construction workers, domestic staff, carpenters, tailors, street vendors, catering and shop staff who are registered with the society qualify for this support.

How much is the annual fee?

An annual subscription fee of ₹100 is required to stay covered, along with a one-time registration fee of ₹25.

Should I self-attest my documents?

Yes, all copies of the documents submitted with the application should be self-attested.

Is the scheme continuing in 2026?

Yes. The society released Diwali cash gift beneficiary lists for 2025 for Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam, and the same yearly cycle continues for Diwali 2026. Registered workers can apply through the offline process before the festival.