The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), Government of India, has released comprehensive guidelines for Pensioners' Welfare Associations (PWAs) including rules for Grant-in-Aid (GIA). These guidelines, effective from 1st September 2025, aim to strengthen the functioning of PWAs and enhance their role in serving pensioners across India.
Key Highlights of the Guidelines:
1. Role of PWAs
- Spreading awareness on government circulars, OMs, and orders.
- Helping pensioners submit Digital Life Certificates (DLCs).
- Facilitating grievance redressal through CPENGRAMS.
- Organizing health camps, awareness drives, and training programs.
- Liaising with government offices on pension-related issues.
- Conducting campaigns like Swachhta Abhiyan, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava, etc.
2. Grant-in-Aid (GIA)
DoPPW provides annual financial assistance to registered PWAs. The amount of GIA depends on their activities, outreach, and compliance. From FY 2025–26 onwards, GIA will be sanctioned based on a structured evaluation system.
3. Criteria for Identification of New PWAs
- Minimum 100 members required.
- Audited accounts and activity reports for the last three years.
- Must be registered under a relevant Government Act.
- Preference to PWAs in unrepresented States/UTs.
4. De-Registration Criteria
A PWA may be deregistered if:
- It becomes inactive or fails to participate in DoPPW programs.
- It scores below 50 points for two consecutive years.
5. Evaluation and Scoring
PWAs will be evaluated annually based on:
- Organizational Structure (Membership strength, website, communication, IT infrastructure).
- Participation in Initiatives (National campaigns, meetings with DoPPW).
- Welfare Activities (Health camps, banking assistance, grievance redressal, training).
The scoring system (out of 200) determines the GIA:
| Score Range | Grant-in-Aid Amount |
|---|---|
| 50 – 100 | ₹1.5 lakh |
| 101 – 150 | ₹3 lakh |
| 151 – 200 | ₹5 lakh |
6. Monitoring Mechanism
- PWAs must submit monthly reports (meetings, activities, website updates, social media activity).
- Annual reports to be compiled based on monthly submissions.
7. Future Updates
The guidelines will be reviewed every two years to ensure efficiency and alignment with the needs of pensioners.
Why This Matters
These guidelines empower PWAs to function more effectively and ensure pensioners across even the remotest parts of India receive timely support, grievance redressal, and awareness about their entitlements.
📄 You can read the full official guidelines here: Download PDF
Conclusion
With these structured guidelines, PWAs are expected to become more dynamic, transparent, and impactful, ultimately improving the welfare of lakhs of pensioners across India.
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