Annapoorna Scheme 2023 is a food security initiative that provides free food grains to elderly people who are poor and have no or little income. The scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2001 and is implemented by the state governments. In Kerala, the scheme covers 52215 beneficiaries who are above 65 years and are not receiving any pension. The scheme aims to ensure that no senior citizen goes hungry and lives a dignified life. In this article, we will explore the features, benefits, and challenges of the Annapoorna Scheme 2023 in Kerala.
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Overview: Annapoorna Scheme Kerala 2023
Here is a summary of the main features and benefits of the Annapoorna Scheme 2023 in Kerala.
| Feature | Description |
| Eligibility | Destitute above 65 years with no or meager subsistence |
| Target | 52215 beneficiaries, 20% of the number of persons who are eligible for the National Old Age Pension |
| Food grains | 10 kgs per month free of cost |
| Implementation | State government with additional central assistance |
| Objective | To ensure that no senior citizen goes hungry and lives a dignified life |
The New Annapoorna Scheme 2023 is one of the social welfare schemes that aim to improve the quality of life of the elderly people in Kerala. It also complements the Annapoorna Breakfast Seva, which provides nutritious breakfast to children in schools and anganwadis. It faces some challenges such as the identification of beneficiaries, distribution of food grains, monitoring, and evaluation, etc. In the next sections, we will discuss these challenges and possible solutions in detail.
What is Annapoorna Scheme 2023 in Kerala?
Kerala Annapoorna Scheme 2023 is a food security initiative that provides free food grains to elderly people who are poor and have no or little income. This initiative was launched by the Government of India in 2001 and is carried out by the state governments. It is named after Annapoorna, the Hindu goddess of food and nourishment.
Its aim is to ensure that no senior citizen goes hungry and lives a dignified life. It covers the destitute above 65 years who are not receiving any pension or social security benefits. They receive 10 kgs of food grains per month free of cost. The food grains include rice, wheat, millets, etc.
Additional central assistance under Annapoorna
The state governments implement this initiative with additional central assistance. They are responsible for identifying the beneficiaries, distributing the food grains, monitoring and evaluating the performance, etc. The Government of India fixed the target at 52215 beneficiaries for Kerala, 20% of the number of persons who are eligible for National Old Age Pension.
This initiative is among the social welfare initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life of the elderly people in Kerala. It works along with the Annapoorna Breakfast Seva, which provides nutritious breakfast to children in schools and Anganwadi. It helps to reduce hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and social exclusion among the senior citizens in Kerala.
Benefits & Features Annapoorna Scheme 2023
The main features of the scheme are:
- Covers elderly people who are above 65 years of age and have no or meager subsistence. The eligibility criteria are decided by the state governments based on the National Old Age Pension Scheme.
- Provides 10 kgs of food grains per month free of cost to each beneficiary. The food grains include rice, wheat, millet, etc. The distribution is done through the Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets.
- Aims to improve the health and well-being of elderly people by ensuring their food security and preventing malnutrition. The scheme also helps to reduce their dependence on others and enhance their dignity and self-respect.
- One of the largest food-based interventions in the country, covering more than 50,000 beneficiaries in Kerala alone. The scheme is also operational in 23 other states and 4 union territories in India.
- Monitored and evaluated by the state governments and the central government through regular reports, audits, inspections, etc. The scheme also involves the participation of local self-government groups, NGOs, and volunteers in its implementation and supervision.
The new Annapoorna Scheme 2023 is a noble initiative that reflects the compassion and care of society towards its senior citizens. The scheme is expected to continue and expand in the coming years to reach more beneficiaries and provide them with adequate food and nutrition.
Eligibility Criteria Annapoorna Scheme 2023
The Kerala Annapoorna Scheme 2023 is open to all elderly people who are poor and destitute and have no regular means of subsistence. However, not everyone who meets these conditions can avail of the scheme. There are some specific criteria that the applicants have to fulfill to become eligible for the scheme. These are:
- Above 65 years of age. This is the minimum age limit for the scheme and there is no upper age limit.
- Not be receiving any pension under the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) or the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS). These are the central government schemes that provide a monthly pension of Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 to elderly people who are below the poverty line.
- Belong to the state of Kerala or have a domicile certificate from the state. The scheme is implemented by the state government and each state has its own target and allocation of beneficiaries based on the NOAPS scheme.
- Have a ration card or any other proof of identity and residence. The ration card is used to distribute the food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets. The applicant should also have a bank account where the food subsidy amount is transferred.
The eligibility criteria for the Annapoorna Scheme 2023 are decided by the state government and may vary from time to time. The applicants have to apply through the local self-government groups, NGOs, or volunteers who are involved in the implementation and supervision of the scheme. You will be verified and approved by the district authorities and then forwarded to the state government for final approval.
Necessary Documents for Annapoorna Scheme 2023
To apply for the Kerala Annapoorna Scheme, the applicants have to submit some documents along with their application forms. These documents are required to verify their identity, age, residence, income, and eligibility for the scheme. The necessary documents are:
- Age proof: The applicants have to provide any document that can prove their age, such as a birth certificate, school certificate, voter ID card, Aadhaar card, etc. The age proof should show that the applicant is above 65 years of age.
- Income proof: The applicants have to provide any document that can prove their income, such as an income certificate, BPL card, ration card, etc. The income proof should show that the applicant is extremely poor and has no or meager subsistence.
- Residence proof: The applicants have to provide any document that can prove their residence, such as a ration card, Aadhaar card, voter ID card, domicile certificate, etc. The residence proof should show that the applicant belongs to the state of Kerala or has a domicile certificate from the state.
- Bank account details: The applicants have to provide their bank account details, such as account number, IFSC code, branch name, etc. The bank account should be in the name of the applicant or jointly with a family member. The bank account is used to transfer the food subsidy amount to the beneficiary.
The applicants have to submit self-attested copies of these documents along with their application forms. The original documents have to be produced for verification at the time of approval. You have to ensure that the documents are valid and up-to-date.
How to Apply for Kerala Annapoorna Scheme 2023
The Kerala Annapoorna Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme that is implemented by the state government of Kerala. The application process for the scheme is simple and easy. The applicants have to follow these steps to apply for the scheme:
- Obtain the application form from the nearest PDS outlet or download it from the official website of the Civil Supplies Department of Kerala (https://ssepd.gov.in/index.php?route=catalog/subschemedetails&subscheme_id=9).
- Fill in the application form with all the required details, such as name, age, address, income, bank account, etc. The applicants have to attach self-attested copies of the necessary documents along with the application form.
- Submit the application form and the documents to the local self-government groups, NGOs, or volunteers who are involved in the implementation and supervision of the scheme. The applicants can also submit their application online through the official website of the Social Security Mission of Kerala (https://civilsupplieskerala.gov.in/index.php/content/index/annapoorna-scheme).
- The applications are verified and approved by the district authorities and then forwarded to the state government for final approval. You will be informed about their approval status through SMS or email.
- The approved beneficiaries are issued a ration card or a coupon that can be used to collect 10 kgs of food grains per month free of cost from the PDS outlets. The beneficiaries also receive a food subsidy amount in their bank account every month.
You have to apply for the scheme every year and renew their ration card or coupon. The applicants have to report any change in their income or eligibility status to the authorities.
Contact Details for Annapoorna Scheme 2023 in Kerala
The Annapoorna Scheme is a joint initiative of the central government and the state government of Kerala. The scheme is implemented by the Civil Supplies Department of Kerala under the supervision of the Commissionerate of Civil Supplies. The scheme also involves the participation of local self-government groups, NGOs, and volunteers in its implementation and supervision. The contact details of the authorities and agencies involved in the scheme are:
Commissionerate of Civil Supplies
- This is the nodal agency for the implementation and monitoring of the scheme in Kerala. The commissionerate is responsible for the allocation, distribution, and verification of the beneficiaries and the food grains under the scheme. The commissionerate also coordinates with the central government, the state government, and other stakeholders for the smooth functioning of the scheme. The contact details of the commissionerate are:
- Address: Commissionerate of Civil Supplies, Vikas Bhavan P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695033
- Phone: 0471 2320578
- Email: commrcs@kerala.gov.in
- Website: https://civilsupplieskerala.gov.in/
District Authorities
- These are the district-level authorities that are responsible for the approval, verification, and distribution of the beneficiaries and the food grains under the scheme. The district authorities include the District Collector, District Supply Officer, Taluk Supply Officer, etc. The district authorities also handle the grievances and complaints of the beneficiaries and the public regarding the scheme. The contact details of the district authorities can be obtained from the official website of the Civil Supplies Department of Kerala or from the nearest PDS outlet.
Local Self-Government Groups, NGOs, and Volunteers
- These are the grass-root level agencies that are involved in the identification, application, and supervision of the beneficiaries under the scheme. The local self-government groups include panchayats, municipalities, corporations, etc. The NGOs and volunteers include social workers, activists, students, etc. These agencies also help in creating awareness and sensitization about the scheme among the public. The contact details of these agencies can be obtained from the district authorities or from their respective offices or websites.
The beneficiaries and the public can contact any of these authorities or agencies for any queries or information regarding the Annapoorna Scheme.
FAQs Related to Annapoorna Scheme Kerala
The new Annapoorna Scheme is a social welfare program that provides food security and nutrition to elderly people who are poor and destitute. The scheme is implemented by the central government and the state government of Kerala. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the scheme:
What are the benefits of the scheme?
The scheme provides 10 kgs of food grains per month free of cost to each beneficiary. The food grains include rice, wheat, millets, etc. The scheme also provides a food subsidy amount in the bank account of the beneficiary every month.
Who are eligible for the scheme?
The scheme covers elderly people who are above 65 years of age and have no or meager subsistence. The eligibility criteria are decided by the state government based on the National Old Age Pension scheme.
How to apply for the scheme?
The applicants have to obtain the application form from the nearest PDS outlet or download it from the official website of the Civil Supplies Department of Kerala. You have to fill in the application form and attach self-attested copies of the necessary documents. The applicants have to submit the application form and the documents to the local self-government groups, NGOs, or volunteers who are involved in the implementation and supervision of the scheme. You can also submit their application online through the official website of the Social Security Mission of Kerala.
How to check the application status?
You can check their application status online through the official website of the Social Security Mission of Kerala. They have to enter their application number and date of birth to view their status. Candidates also contact the district authorities or the local self-government groups, NGOs, or volunteers who are involved in the implementation and supervision of the scheme for any queries or grievances.
How to renew or update the ration card or coupon?
The beneficiaries have to renew their ration card or coupon every year by submitting a fresh application form and documents. They have to report any change in their income or eligibility status to the authorities.
In Conclusion;
The Annapoorna Scheme is a noble initiative that reflects the compassion and care of society towards its senior citizens. The scheme aims to improve the health and well-being of elderly people by ensuring their food security and preventing malnutrition. It also helps to reduce their dependence on others and enhance their dignity and self-respect.
It is one of the largest food-based interventions in the country, covering more than 50,000 beneficiaries in Kerala alone. The scheme is expected to continue and expand in the coming years to reach more beneficiaries and provide them with adequate food and nutrition. The new scheme is a joint effort of the central government and the state government of Kerala, with the participation of local self-government groups, NGOs, and volunteers. The scheme is simple and easy to apply and avail, with a transparent and accountable mechanism for implementation and monitoring. The scheme is a great example of how the government and the society can work together to address the needs and challenges of the elderly population.
