AI SummaryFinancial Assistance to Scheduled Castes for Funeral Rites gives ₹ 5,000 in cash to Scheduled Caste families in Puducherry for performing the funeral rites of a deceased family member. Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Government of Puducherry offers this state scheme to cut the sudden money burden on families at the time of loss.
Eligible families can apply online through the Puducherry e-District portal in 2026-27, and the department keeps accepting applications for fresh claims throughout the year. A notice released by A.D.W. and S.T.W. Yanam for the year 2026-27 confirms that this funeral support continues to be paid to eligible Scheduled Caste families in the Union Territory.
Financial Assistance to Scheduled Castes for Funeral Rites - Introduction
This support comes from the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department of the Government of Puducherry. Its main aim is to help poor Scheduled Caste families perform the final rites of a departed family member with dignity and get over the immediate money problem created by funeral expenses. The rules for the scheme were first framed in 1982 and have been revised over time.
As per the latest official listing on the National Government Services Portal, the department provides ₹ 5,000 in cash for funeral expenses and the application process is fully online. The same support is implemented in Puducherry region, Yanam and other regions of the Union Territory, and families can apply through the e-District portal at any point in the year.
Key Information
| Key Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Assistance to Scheduled Castes for Funeral Rites |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiaries | Family of the deceased Scheduled Caste member |
| Region | Puducherry |
| Main Department | Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Puducherry |
| Benefit Amount | ₹ 5,000 |
| Mode of Payment | Cash |
| Application Mode | Online through e-District portal |
Benefits
Eligible families get a direct cash grant of ₹ 5,000 to cover the funeral expenses of a deceased family member. The money is paid in cash so that the family can use it right away for the rites without waiting for any reimbursement process.
This grant helps families avoid taking high-interest loans or borrowing from relatives at a difficult time. Since the amount is paid directly in cash, there is no separate claim or bill submission required after the rites are completed.
Eligibility
Families should meet the following conditions to apply for this funeral support:
- The deceased individual must belong to a Scheduled Caste.
- The applicant must also belong to a Scheduled Caste.
- The applicant should be a close family member of the deceased.
- Total family income per year should be below ₹ 2,00,000 as per the latest guidelines.
- The family must be a resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry, proven either through nativity or by continuous stay for at least 3 years.
For example, if Ramesh, a resident of Puducherry for the last five years, loses a family member, he can apply for this support as long as his annual family income is below ₹ 2,00,000 and both he and the deceased are registered members of the Scheduled Caste community.
Application Process
Online application steps
Families can apply for this funeral support online through the official e-District portal of the Government of Puducherry. Follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the official e-District Portal of the Government of Puducherry.
STEP 2 - If you are a first-time user, click on Login at the top right and select Register a New Membership.
STEP 3 - Fill in your personal details, including full name, address, date of birth and contact information, then submit the registration form.
STEP 4 - Once registered, sign in using your credentials on the same portal.
STEP 5 - Browse the list of available government schemes and open the application form for this funeral support program.
STEP 6 - Enter all required information correctly and upload the necessary self-attested documents.
STEP 7 - Review the application, tick the declaration box to confirm the details are correct, and submit it.
STEP 8 - Save your application number and use it to track your status later on the application tracking page.
You can also download the user manual for additional guidance on the online submission process.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before you begin the application:
- Residence-cum-nativity Certificate.
- Aadhaar Card of the deceased and the applicant.
- Caste certificate to verify your status.
- Income certificate (proving family income is below ₹ 2,00,000).
- Ration card.
- Official burial certificate and death certificate.
- A recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
- Voter ID card.
If you do not have an Aadhaar Card, you should provide your Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with one of these valid identity proofs: Bank/Post Office passbook with a photo, PAN card, Passport, Ration card, Voter ID, MGNREGA card, Kisan Photo Passbook, driving license, or a photo identity certificate issued by a Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar.
References
Official links for the scheme details, rules and current year notices are given below:
- National Services Portal listing with benefit details
- Official Scheme Rules PDF
- Citizen Charter, Adi Dravidar Welfare Department
- Yanam notice for funeral assistance 2026-27
FAQ's
What is the geographical criterion for eligibility?
The family of the deceased must be a native of the Union Territory of Puducherry or have stayed there continuously for at least 3 years.
What immediate hardship does the scheme address?
The scheme helps reduce the financial burden families face when organizing funeral rites for their loved ones.
Can non-Scheduled Caste individuals apply for this financial support?
No, this scheme is strictly for applicants and deceased individuals belonging to the Scheduled Caste community.
Is there a specific website for tracking applications?
Yes, you can track the status of your application through the official tracking website of the Puducherry e-District portal.
How much financial support is offered under this scheme?
As per the latest official service listing, you will receive a cash grant of ₹ 5,000 to help cover funeral expenses.
Is the scheme still accepting applications in 2026-27?
Yes, the scheme continues for 2026-27 and the department is accepting fresh claims, including through the e-District portal. A notice for the Yanam region for 2026-27 confirms the continuation.
Can applicants from neighboring states or UTs apply to this scheme?
No, this program is exclusive to the residents of Puducherry.
Is there an application deadline for this scheme?
The government has not specified any closing date for submitting applications.
Can the financial support be used for purposes other than funeral rites?
No, the ₹ 5,000 grant is strictly intended for expenses related to funeral rites.
Where can individuals find contact information for queries related to the scheme?
You can find the department details in the official scheme rules PDF and the Citizen Charter shared in the references above.