Introduction The Assam Shraddhanjali Scheme is a compassionate welfare initiative launched by the Government of Assam to support families facing the sudden loss of a loved one outside the state. The scheme was officially introduced on 6 October 2025, following approval by the Assam Cabinet in June 2025. Its primary purpose is to ensure the dignified and lawful transportation of mortal remains of Assam residents who pass away in other parts of India. In many unfortunate cases, Assamese students, migrant workers, or individuals employed in low-paying jobs die outside the state due to accidents, violence, or other unexpected circumstances. For their families, bringing the body back home becomes emotionally and financially overwhelming due to high transportation costs, legal procedures, and inter-state coordination challenges. Recognising this hardship, the Assam Government introduced the Shraddhanjali Scheme to offer timely and free assistance. The scheme is administered by the Political Department of the Assam Government, with on-ground execution carried out by the Assam Police. The Special Branch of Assam Police acts as the nodal agency, ensuring coordination between states and smooth execution of the process. Benefits The Assam Shraddhanjali Scheme offers several meaningful benefits aimed at reducing distress for grieving families :- It provides completely free transportation of mortal remains from any Indian state to Assam. The process is managed in a respectful, lawful, and organised manner, ensuring dignity for the deceased. The scheme applies to all bonafide residents of Assam, regardless of social or economic background. The benefit is available across India, not limited to neighbouring states. Families are relieved from dealing with complex inter-state formalities, as all coordination is handled by the Assam Police. However, individuals with a proven criminal background are excluded from the scheme. Eligibility To avail benefits under the Shraddhanjali Scheme, the following eligibility conditions must be met :- The deceased must be a permanent resident of Assam. The scheme primarily supports students and individuals engaged in low-income or modest-paying occupations outside the state. Families that are financially well-off and capable of making private arrangements are not eligible. Persons who travelled outside Assam specifically for medical treatment and passed away during treatment are excluded from the scheme. The cause of death does not affect eligibility, except in cases involving criminal backgrounds. Documents Valid identity proof of the deceased. Residential address proof confirming Assam domicile. A recent photograph of the deceased. A contact mobile number of family members or informants. Any additional documents or records requested by the competent authority for verification. Process to Apply The application process under the Assam Government's Shraddhanjali Scheme is simple and citizen-friendly. In the event of the death of an Assam resident outside the state, any person - including family members, relatives, friends, police personnel, public representatives, or acquaintances, can report the incident. Information can be provided through multiple channels :- Calling 112, 0361-2381511, or 9181014888 Sending a WhatsApp message to 9181014888 Visiting the nearest police station or Police Headquarters Through the Sewa Setu Portal (online facility under development) While reporting, essential details such as the place and circumstances of death, permanent address in Assam, district, nearest police station, and contact details of next of kin must be shared. Once the information is received, the State Nodal Officer (DIG rank) from the Special Branch reviews the case and coordinates with nodal officers of the concerned state. At the district level, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) acts as the District Nodal Officer. The entire process from documentation to transportation is monitored to ensure dignity and efficiency. Important Links Official Guidelines of Assam Shraddhanjali Scheme. Sewa Setu Portal, Assam. Contact For immediate assistance or reporting a case under the Assam Shraddhanjali Scheme, the following contact numbers are available :- 9181014888 (Call & WhatsApp) 0361-2381511 112 (Police Emergency Helpline)