Garuda Scheme for Funeral Expenses (GS-FE) – Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Corporation

The Garuda Scheme for Funeral Expenses (GS-FE) is a welfare initiative launched by the Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Corporation (ABC), a Government of Andhra Pradesh undertaking. This compassionate scheme aims to extend financial assistance to poor Brahmin families across Andhra Pradesh to meet funeral expenses for a deceased family member. The Government recognizes that many economically weaker families struggle to meet the immediate financial burden of conducting last rites. Therefore, this initiative provides a dignified support mechanism to ensure that the family can perform the funeral rituals without hardship.

For the financial year 2020–21, the scheme provides a one-time grant of ₹10,000 (Rupees Ten Thousand only) to eligible Brahmin families who have lost a family member. The amount is intended to cover essential funeral-related costs and provide timely relief to families in distress.

Date of Implementation

• The Garuda Scheme for Funeral Expenses (GS-FE) was introduced and implemented by the Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Corporation for the financial year 2020–21.
• The application must be submitted within 45 days of the date of death of the deceased Brahmin family member.

Objectives of the Scheme

The main objectives of the Garuda Scheme for Funeral Expenses are as follows:

1. To provide financial assistance of ₹10,000 to the family of a deceased Brahmin to cover funeral expenses.
2. To ensure that poor Brahmin families do not face economic hardship during the time of bereavement.
3. To promote social welfare and dignity by helping families perform the final rites of their loved ones respectfully.
4. To support families with no other means of meeting funeral-related expenses through a transparent and efficient process.

This scheme reflects the Andhra Pradesh government’s commitment to uplift and support economically weaker sections of the Brahmin community.

Key Features of the Scheme

The Garuda Scheme for Funeral Expenses (GS-FE) includes the following key features:

1. Implementing Body: Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Corporation (ABC), a Government of Andhra Pradesh undertaking.
2. Coverage: All 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh.
3. Financial Assistance: ₹10,000 provided per deceased Brahmin for funeral expenses.
4. Beneficiaries: Poor Brahmin families with an annual income of ₹75,000 or less.
5. Mode of Disbursement: Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) to the applicant’s account in Andhra Bank or State Bank of India.
6. Number of Applications: Only one family member (close relative) can apply for the benefit.
7. Application Period: Application must be submitted within 45 days from the date of death.
8. Verification: The data of applicants is verified with government databases such as MeeSeva, Praja Sadhikara Survey, and Civil Supplies Department to ensure authenticity.
9. Transparency: All applications are processed online with a focus on accuracy, transparency, and timely delivery of benefits.

Scholarship/Financial Assistance Amount

• Each eligible family receives ₹10,000 (Rupees Ten Thousand only) as one-time financial assistance to meet funeral-related expenses.
• The amount is credited directly to the applicant’s bank account after verification and approval.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Garuda Scheme for Funeral Expenses (GS-FE), the applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Relation to the Deceased:
   The applicant must be a close relative of the deceased Brahmin, such as:
   • Spouse
   • Son
   • Daughter
   • Parent
   • Brother
   • Grandson
2. Time Limit for Application:
   The application must be submitted within 45 days of the date of death.
3. Community and Residence:
   • The applicant must belong to the Brahmin community.
   • The applicant must be a resident of Andhra Pradesh.
4. Income Limit:
   • The annual family income should not exceed ₹75,000.
5. No Duplication of Benefits:
   • The applicant should not have availed financial assistance from any other government department or scheme for the same purpose.
6. Self-Declaration:
   • The applicant must provide a self-declaration/undertaking confirming that he/she is the legal heir of the deceased and has not received duplicate benefits elsewhere.

Reservation Policy

• The Garuda Scheme for Funeral Expenses is exclusively for Brahmin families belonging to the economically weaker section (EWS) of the community.
• There are no sub-caste or gender-based reservations under this scheme; all eligible applicants fulfilling the criteria are treated equally.

Distribution of Financial Assistance

1. Mode of Payment:
   The approved financial assistance is directly credited to the applicant’s bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
2. Verification Process:
   The applicant’s details are verified with:
   • Praja Sadhikara Survey (PSS)
   • MeeSeva database
   • Civil Supplies Department
3. Disbursing Agency:
   The Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Corporation (ABC) oversees the entire distribution process.
4. Timeline:
   The benefit is generally disbursed within a few weeks after successful verification of documents and eligibility.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Eligible applicants can apply for the Garuda Scheme for Funeral Expenses through an online process. Below are the step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

Before starting the application, ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Aadhaar cards of the deceased and the applicant
• Caste certificate (Brahmin) issued by a competent authority (Revenue Department or MeeSeva)
• Income certificate (not exceeding ₹75,000 per year)
• Death certificate of the deceased Brahmin (issued by government authority)
• Applicant’s bank passbook (Andhra Bank or SBI)
• Passport-size photograph of the applicant (JPEG format)
• Self-declaration stating that the applicant is the legal heir of the deceased and has not received similar assistance elsewhere

Step 2: Online Registration

• Visit the Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Corporation portal.
• Navigate to the Garuda Scheme for Funeral Expenses (GS-FE) section.
• Click on “Apply Online” and complete the registration using your Aadhaar number and other details.

Step 3: Fill in the Application Form

• Enter personal details, relationship with the deceased, address, bank information, and death details.
• Ensure accuracy as the data will be cross-verified with government databases.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

• Upload all required scanned documents in PDF format (maximum size: 250 KB per document).
• Photograph should be in JPEG format.

Step 5: Verification and Submission

• Review all details carefully before submission.
• Submit the form online.
• The application data will be validated automatically with MeeSeva, PSS, and Civil Supplies data.

Step 6: Acknowledgment

• Once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment/reference number.
• Keep this number safe for future tracking.

Step 7: Processing and Disbursement

• After successful verification, the application will be approved by ABC officials.
• The amount of ₹10,000 will be transferred directly to the applicant’s bank account.

Documents Required

Applicants are required to upload the following documents during the application process:

1. Aadhaar Card of the deceased Brahmin
2. Aadhaar Card of the applicant
3. Caste Certificate issued by a competent authority (MeeSeva/Revenue Department)
4. Income Certificate issued by a competent authority (MeeSeva/Revenue Department)
5. Death Certificate of the deceased Brahmin (issued by Government authority)
6. Bank Passbook (in the name of the applicant – Andhra Bank or SBI)
7. Passport-size photograph of the applicant (JPEG format)
8. Self-declaration stating:
   • The applicant is the legal heir of the deceased.
   • No assistance has been taken from any other scheme for the same purpose.

Monitoring and Implementation

• The scheme is implemented and monitored by the Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Corporation (ABC).
• Data verification and cross-checking are done electronically through Praja Sadhikara Survey and MeeSeva databases.
• Regular audits and reviews ensure that only genuine and deserving applicants receive the benefits.

Impact of the Scheme

The Garuda Scheme for Funeral Expenses has emerged as a compassionate support system for underprivileged Brahmin families. It has:

• Reduced financial stress during difficult times of bereavement.
• Ensured dignity in performing last rites.
• Promoted inclusion by reaching Brahmin families across all 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh.
• Strengthened community trust in welfare governance.