Assam Shradhanjali Scheme A Complete Guide To Bring A Home

Assam Shradhanjali Scheme: A Complete Guide to Bring a Deceased Loved One Home

Verified Fact Check: ✅ TRUE – The Assam Government, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has officially approved this policy.

In the tragic event of the death of an Assamese resident outside the state for work or education, the Government of Assam will now bear all expenses to bring the mortal remains back to their home. This guide provides a complete, step-by-step process on what to do, whom to contact, and what to expect under the “Shradhanjali” scheme.

Step-by-Step Action Guide for Families

Follow these steps precisely to ensure a smooth and dignified process.

Step 1: Immediate Action at the Time of Death

Secure the Death Certificate: The first and most critical document is the official death certificate from the hospital or the local authorities in the city where the death occurred. This is non-negotiable.
Inform Local Police: If the death occurred outside a hospital (e.g., in a rental apartment, at a workplace), you must report it to the local police station to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or a clearance report. This is mandatory for transporting a body across state lines.

Step 2: Contact the Official Assam Helpline

Primary Helpline Number: Dial 112 – This is the single-point, emergency helpline number for the Shradhanjali scheme.
What to Inform:
- Clearly state that you are calling to seek assistance under the “Shradhanjali Scheme” for repatriating a body to Assam.
- Provide the full name of the deceased.
- Provide the exact location of the body (Name of Hospital, City, State).
- Provide your contact details and your relation to the deceased.

Step 3: The Government Machinery Takes Over

Once you have contacted Helpline 112, the following process is initiated:

Verification: The Special Branch of Assam Police (the nodal agency for this scheme) will immediately contact you to verify the details. They will also coordinate with their counterparts in the other state.
Nodal Officer Assignment: A DIG-level officer from the Special Branch will be assigned to supervise the case.
Coordination: The Assam Special Branch will liaise with the local police and hospital authorities in the other state to complete all legal and administrative formalities.
Logistics & Transportation: The government will make all arrangements and bear all costs for:
- All paperwork (including out-state clearances).
- Embalming and packaging of the mortal remains.
- Transportation (by air or train, as deemed fit) to the nearest airport/station in Assam.
- Ground transportation from the Assam airport/station to the family’s doorstep.

Eligibility: Who is Covered?

✅ Covered: Permanent residents of Assam who died while staying outside the state for employment, education, or any other work-related purpose.
❌ Not Covered: Individuals who traveled outside Assam specifically for medical treatment and passed away during treatment.

Key Points to Remember

Cost: The family will not have to pay for any of the transportation, paperwork, or packaging services arranged by the government.
Nodal Agency: The Assam Police Special Branch is solely responsible for the execution. Trust only their directives.
Documentation: While the government handles the process, ensure you have a copy of the deceased’s Aadhaar Card or any document proving permanent residency in Assam. This helps in smooth verification.
Pre-Policy Implementation: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that even before the formal cabinet approval, the state had already helped bring back around 15 bodies under this policy’s framework, proving its effectiveness.

Assam's Shradhanjali Scheme Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Shradhanjali Scheme?

The Shradhanjali Scheme is a compassionate initiative by the Assam Government. It ensures that if a permanent resident of Assam dies outside the state while pursuing work or education, the government will bear all costs to bring the mortal remains back to their home with dignity

Who is eligible for this scheme?

The scheme is for permanent residents of Assam who pass away outside the state for reasons of employment, education, or any other work-related purpose. It does not apply to those who traveled specifically for medical treatment.

What number should I call immediately?

You must call the emergency helpline 112. This is the single-point contact to activate the entire Shradhanjali Scheme process. Clearly state that you are calling for assistance under this scheme.

What costs does the government cover?

The government covers all expenses, including:

Legal paperwork and death certification formalities.
Embalming and packaging of the mortal remains.
Transportation (by air or rail) to Assam.
Ground transportation from the airport/station in Assam to the family’s doorstep

Which government agency is in charge?

The Special Branch of Assam Police is the nodal agency. A DIG-level officer supervises the process, and they coordinate with police and hospitals in other states.

What documents do I need to provide?

While the Special Branch will handle most paperwork, having the deceased’s Aadhaar Card or Voter ID (as proof of permanent residency in Assam) and the original death certificate from the other state will significantly speed up verification.

What if the death occurs in a remote area or while traveling?

Your first step remains to call Helpline 112. The Assam Special Branch is trained to handle such complexities and will guide you through the process, coordinating with local authorities wherever the death occurred.

Is this scheme officially confirmed?

Yes, it is officially confirmed and genuine. The scheme was formally approved by the Assam State Cabinet and announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. It is an active policy, not just a proposal.

How long does the entire process take?

There is no fixed timeframe as it depends on the location, circumstances of death, and the speed of local formalities in the other state. However, the government has committed to a swift and dignified process

The person was outside Assam for both work and medical treatment. Are they covered?

The scheme is specifically for those whose primary reason for being outside Assam was work or education. If a person residing outside for work incidentally falls ill and passes away, they are likely covered. However, if the primary travel purpose was medical treatment, they are not. The nodal officer will make the final determination based on the case details.