The Government of Tripura has always emphasized inclusive development by creating welfare measures for the most vulnerable sections of society. In this direction, a significant initiative was launched – Mukhyamantri Samajik Sahayata Prakalpa (MSSP) – a comprehensive state social assistance programme designed to ensure a life of security and dignity for the economically disadvantaged population.
This scheme, notified by the Education (Social Welfare & Social Education) Department, Government of Tripura, came into effect with the aim of addressing the pressing needs of old and infirm citizens, vulnerable women, unorganized workers, and persons with disabilities (PwDs). By providing monthly financial assistance, the government seeks to safeguard the social and financial well-being of individuals who face economic hardships and lack support.
Launch Date and Coverage
The Mukhyamantri Samajik Sahayata Prakalpa was officially notified on 4th November 2025 by the Governor of Tripura. From its inception, the scheme was designed to cover 30,000 beneficiaries on a saturation basis in its initial phase.
The coverage spans all districts of Tripura, ensuring that the benefits reach both urban and rural populations. The government has also kept the scope open for expansion, meaning the number of beneficiaries can be increased based on future requirements and budgetary provisions.
Objectives of the Scheme
The core philosophy of this scheme is rooted in social justice and equity. The government recognized that marginalized groups often face challenges of poverty, exclusion, and lack of financial stability. To mitigate these, the scheme was launched with the following objectives:
- Provide Financial Security: To ensure a basic monthly income for socially and economically vulnerable groups.
- Promote Social Dignity: To uplift individuals by reducing dependency and giving them a sense of dignity in society.
- Support Vulnerable Women: To safeguard women who are widowed, divorced, deserted, or unmarried and fall under disadvantaged categories.
- Protect Unorganized Workers: To extend assistance to workers in informal sectors such as cobblers, barbers, laundry workers, artisans, domestic workers, and others not covered under national labor security laws.
- Empower Persons with Disabilities: To provide monthly financial assistance to persons with disabilities (60% & above), ensuring their inclusion and well-being.
- Inclusive Development: To cover all categories of people left out from existing central or state-level social security schemes.
Key Features of the Mukhyamantri Samajik Sahayata Prakalpa
The scheme is designed with several distinct features that make it both practical and comprehensive. Some of the key highlights include:
- Universal Reach Across Tripura: Benefits are extended to eligible citizens across all districts.
- Four Major Categories of Beneficiaries:
- Old and Infirm citizens
- Vulnerable Women
- Unorganized Workers
- Persons with Disabilities (60% & above)
- Fixed Monthly Assistance: Each eligible beneficiary receives ₹2000 per month.
- Saturation Coverage: Initially targeting 30,000 beneficiaries, the government ensures that the most needy are included.
- Defined Sub-Categories: Each major category further includes sub-groups such as cancer/AIDS patients, widows, cobblers, domestic workers, etc.
- Document-Based Verification: A robust documentation system ensures that only deserving candidates benefit.
- No Overlap with Government Jobs: Beneficiaries must not be employed in government service.
- Social Security Orientation: Designed to fill the gaps left by central schemes and to provide assistance to those not adequately covered by national laws.
Monthly Assistance Amount
The assistance is uniform across all categories. Every eligible beneficiary under the scheme receives:
- ₹2000 per month (Twenty-Four Thousand annually).
This amount, though modest, provides a financial safety net for individuals who otherwise have little or no source of income.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility under the scheme is carefully categorized to ensure fairness. Below are the category-wise criteria:
A. Old & Infirm
- Old Citizens:
- Must be 60 years or above.
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹1 lakh.
- Documents required: Income Certificate, Age Proof (Birth/School Certificate/Madhyamik Admit), Aadhaar, PRTC, Ration Card, Non-Government Employee Certificate.
- Infirm Citizens:
- Patients of Cancer, AIDS, or Leprosy (no age limit).
- Annual family income not exceeding ₹1 lakh.
- Required Documents: Medical Certificate from a Government hospital, plus the same set of documents as above.
B. Vulnerable Women
Includes:
- Widows (unmarried again after husband’s death).
- Divorced/Deserted Women (legally divorced).
- Unmarried Women above 45 years of age.
Eligibility conditions:
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹1 lakh.
- Age: 18–59 years.
Documents required:
- Income Certificate, Age Proof, Aadhaar, PRTC, Ration Card, Death Certificate of husband (widows), Divorce Certificate (divorced women), Unmarried Certificate from GP/NP/AMC/VC (for unmarried women), Non-Government Employee Certificate.
C. Unorganized Workers
Includes informal sector workers such as:
- Cobbler, Rickshaw Puller, Bidi Shramik, Motor Shramik, Laundry Worker, Barber, Handloom Worker, Fisherman, Folk Artist, Pottery Worker, Carpenter, Blacksmith, Scheduled Castes engaged in sanitation, and Domestic Workers (Greha Sahayika).
Eligibility conditions:
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹1 lakh.
- Age: Above 55 years (except Domestic Workers: 23–59 years).
Documents required:
- Income Certificate, Age Proof, Aadhaar, PRTC, Ration Card, Professional Certificate from GP/VC/NP/AMC, Non-Government Employee Certificate.
D. Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) – 60% & Above
Covers 21 categories of disabilities as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, such as blindness, hearing impairment, cerebral palsy, autism, thalassemia, muscular dystrophy, acid attack victims, etc.
Eligibility conditions:
- Disability level must be 60% or more.
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹1 lakh.
- Age: 10 years & above.
Documents required:
- Income Certificate, Age Proof, Aadhaar, PRTC, Ration Card, UDID/Disability Certificate, Non-Government Employee Certificate.
Reservation Policy
Since the scheme is need-based, there is no caste-based or gender-based reservation in distribution. However:
- Certain sub-categories, such as Scheduled Castes traditionally engaged in sanitation work, have been explicitly included under unorganized workers.
- Women are given a dedicated category under Vulnerable Women, reflecting a gender-sensitive approach.
- Persons with Disabilities benefit under the PwD category irrespective of caste, religion, or community.
This ensures equity and inclusivity, with a focus on vulnerability rather than caste hierarchy.
Distribution of Assistance
- Assistance is credited directly into the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Payments are disbursed monthly, ensuring regularity and security.
- The scheme follows saturation coverage where identified beneficiaries are systematically enrolled and tracked.
- Each beneficiary receives ₹2000 per month without deduction or intermediary involvement.
Application Process (Step by Step)
The application process is document-driven and overseen by local administrative bodies. Here’s a simplified step-by-step process:
- Obtain Application Form: Available from the local GP/VC/NP/AMC offices or Social Welfare Department offices.
- Collect Required Documents: Income Certificate, Age Proof, Aadhaar, PRTC, Ration Card, category-specific certificates (e.g., widow certificate, disability certificate).
- Fill in the Application Form: Clearly mention the category/sub-category for which assistance is sought.
- Submit Application: Submit to the concerned Panchayat Secretary/Ward Secretary/authorized officer.
- Verification by Authorities: Local officials verify documents and eligibility. Professional certificates (for unorganized workers) are validated by GP/VC/NP/AMC.
- Forwarding to District Level: Verified applications are sent to the District Social Welfare Office for approval.
- Sanction of Benefits: Eligible applicants are sanctioned assistance by the district authority.
- DBT Registration: Bank details are linked to ensure DBT transfer.
- Commencement of Benefits: Assistance begins from the month of approval.
Renewal Policy
- Once approved, beneficiaries continue to receive assistance monthly without needing to reapply every year.
- However, verification may be conducted periodically to confirm eligibility.
- Beneficiaries may be asked to resubmit updated documents in case of changes such as age, disability status, or marital status.
Withdrawal and Stoppage of Assistance
Financial assistance can be withdrawn or stopped under the following conditions:
- Death of Beneficiary: Assistance ceases from the month following death (though the month of death is covered).
- False Information: If benefits were obtained through false or misleading information.
- Government Employment: If the beneficiary or a family member takes up government employment that breaches the eligibility criteria.
- Income Breach: If the annual family income exceeds ₹1 lakh.
- Disability Below 60%: If a PwD’s disability assessment falls below 60% in future evaluations.
- Remarriage of Widows: In case of remarriage, benefits under the vulnerable women category may cease.
Impact and Significance of the Scheme
The Mukhyamantri Samajik Sahayata Prakalpa is more than just a financial support mechanism. It represents Tripura’s commitment to welfare governance. With its multi-category design, the scheme:
- Uplifts the elderly and infirm who often lack financial support.
- Provides women with independence and dignity.
- Protects unorganized workers who form the backbone of rural and semi-urban economies.
- Ensures persons with disabilities are not left out of mainstream welfare benefits.
The scheme fills a critical gap by focusing on those not adequately covered by existing schemes, thereby broadening the umbrella of social security.
