Assam Tea Plantations Provident Fund Scheme
State: Assam
Ministry: null
Department: Tea Tribes and Adivasi Welfare Department
Category: Agriculture,Rural & Environment, Banking,Financial Services and Insurance
Beneficiary Type: Individual

The scheme aims to provide financial security to Assam tea plantation workers through a contributory provident fund. It benefits eligible employees earning up to ₹6,500/- per month by accumulating 12% contributions from both the worker and employer, earning interest to be paid upon retirement.

Benefits:
**Provident Fund Accumulation:** Members receive credit for their own contribution of 12% of wages and an equal 12% contribution from the employer.
**Interest:** The accumulated deposits earn interest at a rate declared by the Board every year.
**Final Settlement:** The total credit balance with interest is paid to the member or nominee upon retirement, resignation, death, or invalidity.
**Refundable Advances:** Members can avail advances up to 25% of the balance or nine months&#39; pay (whichever is less) for marriage, death ceremonies, medical treatment, or children&#39;s higher education.
**Housing Advance:** A non-refundable advance is available for constructing or purchasing a dwelling house, equal to 24 months&#39; wage, total contribution, or housing cost, whichever is less.
**Hardship Relief:** A non-refundable advance is granted in cases of hardship due to natural calamities or the closure of a plantation.
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Eligibility:
- The applicant must be employed in a tea plantation or a tea factory in Assam.
- The applicant must receive a monthly salary of up to ₹6,500/-.
- The applicant must be a daily wage worker (eligible from the first day of work).

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Application Process:
[Offline]
Step 1: The applicant furnishes their Bank Account Number, Name of the Banker, Branch, and IFS code to the tea garden Manager. 
Step 2: The applicant submits a claim application for Provident Fund settlement or advances through their employer. 
Step 3: The employer verifies the claim and forwards it to the Inspectorate, Zonal Office, or Head Office for settlement. 
Step 4: Upon approval, the Board credits the payment directly into the beneficiary's bank account if the amount is ₹5,000/- or above.

Documents Required:
Bank Account Details: A Bank Passbook or official bank document containing the Bank Account Number, Name of the Banker, Branch Name, and IFS Code.
Proof of Employment: An Employment Identity Card or Service Certificate issued by the Tea Garden Manager to substantiate that the applicant is an employee of a plantation or tea factory.
Proof of Wages: A Wage Slip or Salary Certificate to substantiate that the applicant's monthly salary is up to ₹6,500/- or that they are a daily wage worker.
Nomination Details: A Nomination Form or Declaration of Family Members to designate a beneficiary for the release of funds in the event of the member's death.
Death Certificate: A Death Certificate of the member (Required only for Family Pension or Deposit Linked Insurance claims by a nominee).
Medical Certificate: A Medical Certificate issued by a competent authority (Required only for Invalid Pension claims due to accident or invalidity).