State Award for the Welfare of the Handicapped
State: Puducherry
Ministry: null
Department: Social Welfare Department, Puducherry
Category: Social welfare & Empowerment
Beneficiary Type: Individual, University / Institution, Business Entity, Government Organisation

“State Award for the Welfare of the Handicapped” was launched by the Dept of Social Welfare, Govt of Puducherry. The individuals and institutions are conferred awards on 3rd December every year to encourage them to become economically productive to serve the cause of the Persons with Disability.

Benefits:
- Outstanding Differently Abled Government / Private Employee:  ₹ 10,000/-.
- Outstanding Differently Abled Self-employed Persons:  ₹ 10,000/-.
- Individual Serving for the Cause of the Differently Abled:  ₹ 15,000/-.
- Institutions Serving the Cause of the Differently Abled:  ₹ 25,000/- (Subject to Financial Selection by the State-level Committee).
- Government Employer:  Citation With Shield.
- Private Employer:  Citation With Shield.

***The awards are conferred on 3rd December every year (International Day for Differently Abled).**

Eligibility:
- The applicant should be a Native/Resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 5 years.
- The applicant should have a disability of 40% or above.

Application Process:
[Offline]
Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the Office/ Sub-Office of the Department of Social Welfare, and request the hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the staff exclusively entrusted to issue and collect filled-in applications.
OR
The interested applicant should take print of the prescribed format of the application form.
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the authority given below - 
Puducherry: The Deputy Director, Differently Abled Section, Directorate of Social Welfare. 
Karaikal: The Assistant Director, Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
Mahe / Yanam: The Welfare Officer (i\c), Social Welfare Department (Sub Office). 
Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).

[Online]
Step 1: Visit the Official Website of the e-District Portal of the Government of Puducherry.
Step 2: At the top right corner of the home page, click "Login". In the login screen, click "Register a New Membership".
Step 3: On the Registration Page, fill in all the mandatory fields: Username, Password, Confirm Password, Personal Details (Full Name, First Name, Email Address, Address, Current Address, Gender, Date of Birth, Mobile Number). Agree to the declaration. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Signup".
Step 4: Visit the Official Website of the e-District Portal of the Government of Puducherry.
Step 5: At the top right corner of the home page, click "Login". In the login screen, provide your Username and Password, fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Sign In".
Step 6: On the next screen, a list of schemes by the Government of Puducherry will be displayed Department-wise.
Step 7: Click on the scheme you wish to apply for. You will be taken to its online application form.
Step 8: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk) and upload all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required). 
Step 9: Tick the declaration stating "I hereby declare that the above-mentioned details are true and correct as per the best of my Knowledge". Submit the application and note the application number for tracking your application. The application number will also be received on your Registered Mobile Number / Registered Email ID.
*Track Your Application here
* Access the User Manual for Online Application here

Documents Required:
Aadhaar Card.
Ration Card.
Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate, issued by the competent authority.
Recent Passport-Size Photograph.
Bank Passbook.
Disability Certificate.
Pension Card (if applicable).
Necessary Documents for the Respective Category.