AI SummaryFree Distribution of Rice to Differently Abled Persons is a food support scheme of the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry. It gives eligible residents with disabilities 15 kg of rice every month, or the same value as a DBT payment to their bank account.
This support is meant for differently abled persons who already receive monthly financial assistance from the department. It keeps food security regular for people with a disability of 40% or more who live in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, or Yanam.
Selection of eligible people happens through a periodic process based on the availability of funds. The official scheme page of the department was last updated in August 2026, so the scheme continues to be open for eligible residents in the 2026-27 period.
Free Distribution of Rice to Differently Abled Persons - Introduction
This scheme is part of the welfare support for persons with disabilities in the Union Territory. Applicants need to meet the residence, disability, and income conditions, and they should already be registered with the department's financial assistance scheme. Once selected, they get 15 kg of rice per month or the DBT equivalent, whichever is applicable.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Free Distribution of Rice to Differently Abled Persons |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Puducherry |
| Category | Health & Wellness, Social Welfare & Empowerment |
| Benefit | 15 kg rice per month or DBT equivalent |
| Main Department | Social Welfare Department, Puducherry |
| Application Mode | Offline and Online |
Benefits
Eligible people get 15 kg of rice every month under this scheme. Where the department finds it suitable, the same value is paid as a DBT payment directly to the bank account of the selected person. This gives a steady monthly food support without extra cost to the family.
Eligibility
Before applying, check the conditions given below. Every condition must be met at the time of application.
- Residence: The applicant should be a native or resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 continuous years.
- Income: Total annual family income should not exceed ₹75,000.
- Disability: Disability certificate should show a disability of 40% or more.
- Existing support: Applicant should already be a registered beneficiary under the 'Grant of Financial Assistance to Differently Abled Person' scheme of the department.
For example, if Ramesh, a resident of Puducherry, has a 45% locomotor disability and an annual family income of ₹60,000, he meets these core conditions and can apply.
Application Process
Application can be done offline by visiting the social welfare office, or online through the e-District portal of Puducherry. Both methods are described below.
Offline Process
STEP 1 - Visit the Social Welfare Department Sub-Office during working hours and ask the concerned staff for the official application form.
STEP 2 - Fill the form with correct personal, family, and disability details.
STEP 3 - Attach a recent passport-size photograph and self-attested copies of all required documents.
STEP 4 - Submit the papers to the designated authority, which is the Deputy Director in Puducherry, Assistant Director in Karaikal, or the Welfare Officer in Mahe or Yanam. Collect the acknowledgement receipt with a unique identification number for future reference.
Online Process
STEP 1 - Open the e-District Portal and register a new account with your personal details.
STEP 2 - Log in and go to the list of departmental schemes. Select this scheme.
STEP 3 - Fill the online application form, upload the requested documents, select the declaration checkbox, and submit.
STEP 4 - Save the application number and use it to track the status of your application.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before you start the application. Self-attested copies are needed for most of them.
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Birth Certificate
- Disability Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Community Certificate
- Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate issued by a competent authority
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Bank passbook
If an Aadhaar card is not available, provide the Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with one secondary identity proof such as a PAN card, voter ID, passport, or a photo identity certificate issued by a gazetted officer.
References
Contact Social Welfare Department
FAQ's
How can I track the status of my application?
Visit the application tracking page on the e-District portal and enter the application number to see the current status.
What benefits will I get if selected?
Selected eligible people receive 15 kg of rice per month or the financial equivalent as a DBT payment.
Is there an income limit to qualify?
Yes, total annual family income should not exceed ₹75,000.
What is the minimum disability percentage required?
Applicants need a disability certificate showing at least 40% disability.
Are residents from other states eligible to apply?
No, this scheme is for permanent residents or natives of the Union Territory of Puducherry who have lived there for at least 5 years.
Is there a specific deadline to apply?
The department has not fixed any closing date. People who meet the conditions can apply through the official process, and selection is done periodically based on the availability of funds.