AI SummaryUnion Territory of Lakshadweep Pension Scheme for Old Age provides a monthly pension of ₹1,500 to senior citizens who are permanent residents of the islands and have no regular source of income. The Social Welfare and Tribal Affairs Department of Lakshadweep runs this scheme, and as of May 2025 it covered 3,481 beneficiaries.
This pension helps elderly people above 60 years of age meet their daily needs such as food, medicines and other essentials. The amount is paid every month directly into the bank account of the beneficiary through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, which keeps the whole process clear and easy to track.
Lakshadweep Pension Scheme for Old Age - Introduction
Union Territory of Lakshadweep Pension Scheme for Old Age is a welfare scheme introduced by the Social Welfare and Tribal Affairs Department of Lakshadweep. It gives monthly financial support to senior citizens in the UT who do not have any source of income. The District Panchayat and Village (Dweep) Panchayats (VDPs) manage the scheme so that pension payments reach eligible people on time.
The pension amount is transferred directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the beneficiary. This keeps the payment process clear and reduces delays in payment.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Union Territory of Lakshadweep Pension Scheme for Old Age |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Lakshadweep |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | Yes |
| Nodal Department | Social Welfare and Tribal Affairs Department, Lakshadweep |
| Implementing Agency | District Panchayat and Village (Dweep) Panchayats (VDPs) |
Benefits
Eligible people receive a pension of ₹1,500 per month under this scheme, which works out to an annual benefit of ₹18,000. The amount is paid every month and helps senior citizens cover their regular living costs.
| Frequency of Payment | Method of Disbursement |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
The money is deposited directly into the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the beneficiary, so the funds can be used easily without any middleman.
Eligibility
To qualify for this pension, a person should meet the following conditions:
- Should be a permanent resident of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
- Should have completed the age of 60 years or more.
- Total monthly income should not exceed ₹1,500, which is ₹18,000 per year.
- Should not have any other regular source of income.
- Should not be receiving benefits from any other similar government pension scheme.
Priority is given to senior citizens who do not get financial support from their family members. For example, a 65 year old person with no regular income and no family support is a good fit for this scheme.
Application Process
This is an offline process, and the application form has to be collected from the local Village (Dweep) Panchayat office. Follow the steps given below to apply.
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest Village (Dweep) Panchayat office and collect the official application form for the pension scheme.
STEP 2 - Fill in the form carefully with personal details, age, income, residence and bank account information.
STEP 3 - Attach all the required supporting documents along with the filled form.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed form to the Executive Officer at the Village (Dweep) Panchayat office.
Post-submission Verification:
Once the form is submitted, the Evaluation Committee of the Village (Dweep) Panchayat checks the details. After this, the application is sent to the Chief Executive Officer at the District Panchayat headquarters in Kavaratti for final processing. Once approved through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), the pension is credited directly to the bank account of the beneficiary.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying for the pension:
- Proof of identity to establish who the applicant is.
- Proof of age such as a birth certificate or relevant records.
- Proof of residence in Lakshadweep.
- Income certificate showing the financial status of the applicant.
- Valid bank account details for the DBT payment.
- Self-declaration form about eligibility.
- Family details document to check family support status.
- Any other documents asked by the local authorities.
References
Official Website of Social Welfare and Tribal Affairs Department
FAQ's
Can someone already receiving another government pension apply for this scheme?
No, a person is not eligible if they are already a beneficiary of another government pension scheme.
How can I apply for the pension scheme?
Submit a completed application form along with the required documents to the Executive Officer of the local Village (Dweep) Panchayat.
How much pension will I receive under this scheme?
You will receive a monthly pension of ₹1,500, which comes to ₹18,000 in a year.
How will the pension amount be transferred?
The pension is transferred directly to the bank account using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method.
Will my pension continue automatically every year?
Yes, the pension continues as long as you remain eligible under the scheme rules.
What should I do if my pension payment is delayed?
Visit the Village (Dweep) Panchayat office to follow up on the payment status.
Can my family receive the pension after my death?
No, the pension is meant only for the eligible senior citizen.
Is a bank account mandatory to receive the pension?
Yes, having an active Aadhaar-linked bank account is required.
Can I apply for the pension if I am below 60 years of age?
No, only people aged 60 years and above are eligible for this scheme.
What happens if I provide false information in my application?
Providing incorrect or false information will lead to the rejection of the application.
Can I transfer my pension to a different bank account later?
Yes, inform the local Panchayat office if you need to update your bank account details.