Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Punjab could have significant implications for beneficiaries of several state welfare schemes if their names are removed from the electoral rolls.
According to existing eligibility norms, beneficiaries of the Punjab government's flagship schemes, including free healthcare coverage of up to ₹10 lakh and the proposed ₹1,000 monthly financial assistance for women, are required to furnish a valid voter ID as part of the application process. If a person's name is deleted from the voter list, it could affect their eligibility or delay access to these benefits unless alternative valid documents are accepted.
Apart from these two schemes, at least seven major Punjab government welfare schemes also use voter ID as an important document to establish identity and long-term residency in the state. Although voter ID is officially listed as an optional document in several cases, officials often seek it during verification, especially when applicants do not possess a Punjab domicile certificate.
A Booth Level Officer (BLO) associated with the ongoing SIR exercise claimed that several names are being removed from Punjab's voter list after individuals registered themselves in the electoral rolls of their home states, making them ineligible to remain enrolled in Punjab.
Major schemes where voter ID plays a key role:
Old Age Pension Scheme: Men aged 65 years and above and women aged 58 years and above receive ₹1,500 per month, with voter ID commonly used to verify age and long-term residence.
Widow and Destitute Women Pension: Eligible beneficiaries receive ₹1,500 per month, with voter ID accepted as proof of identity and address.
Pension Scheme for Orphan and Differently-Abled Children: Parents or guardians of orphaned children or children with more than 50% disability may be required to submit voter ID for verification.
Punjab Labour Card: Registered workers applying for education scholarships, medical assistance and other labour welfare benefits can use voter ID as a valid identity document during registration.
National Family Benefit Scheme: Families receive a one-time assistance of ₹20,000 after the death of the primary earning member, with Punjab residency often established through voter ID.
Smart Ration Card Scheme: Voter ID is commonly used as address proof while applying for a new ration card or adding an adult family member.
Punjab Ashirwad Scheme: Financial assistance of ₹51,000 for the marriage of daughters belonging to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) may require proof that the parents are registered voters in Punjab.
Officials maintain that applicants can also submit other valid documents wherever permitted under scheme guidelines, particularly if they possess a Punjab domicile certificate. However, applicants are advised to ensure that their electoral records remain updated to avoid complications during verification for government welfare benefits.
