On 10-9-2025, the Bar Council of India announced the Special Flood Relief Grant for Bar Associations, 2025 as a one time-financial grant aimed at Bar Associations in Punjab and Haryana affected by the 2025 floods.
The Bar Council of India duly considered, framed and approved the execution of One Time Special Relief Scheme for Flood Affected Bar Associations 2025 by a circulation dated 9-9-2025.
Need:
The scheme has been prepared in the backdrop of the devastating floods and rainfall that struck Punjab & Haryana in 2025 causing widespread damage to the infrastructure of many Bar Associations and building premises.
Eligibility:
All Bar Associations at the sub-divisional and district levels in flood- affected areas of Punjab and Haryana are eligible to apply under this Scheme.
Objective:
To provide immediate financial assistance so that the affected Bar Associations can repair and restore their chambers, libraries, furniture, computers, electrical equipment and other essential facilities and resume their regular functioning without further disruption.
All you need to know about the One Time Special Relief Scheme for Flood Affected Bar Associations 2025:
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The relief is being granted under the Advocates Welfare Fund Committee for Punjab & Haryana.
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Quantum of Financial Assistance: fixed one-time grant will be provided as follows:
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Sub-Divisional Bar Associations: up to Rs. 1 lakh;
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District Bar Associations: up to Rs. 2 lakh.
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This financial assistance is:
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Non-refundable;
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Given as a grant;
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It is not a loan.
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Bar Association seeking relief under this scheme will have to submit an application through a duly passed resolution of the Executive Committee supported by an affidavit, to the Additional Secretary, Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana (State Bar Council) for onward submission to the Bar Council of India Advocates’ Welfare Committee.
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Contents to be covered in the application:
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Details of damage;
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Association Credentials;
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Bank Details;
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Resolution;
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Verification letter.
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Verification and Processing:
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Applications will be verified by the State Bar Council first.
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Attestation by a Bar Council Member will be treated as proof of claim.
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State Bar Council will then forward the application to the Bar Council of India Advocates’ Welfare Committee for final sanction.
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The Committee will decide on the application expeditiously.
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The Charman of the Committee can exempt the submission of some supporting documents under reasonable circumstances.
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Sanction & Disbursement:
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Advocates Welfare Fund Committee will scrutinize the forwarded applications and sanction the grant.
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Amounts will be transferred into the bank account of the Bar Association concerned through electronic transfer or account payee cheque and the Bar Association will be informed through an official letter.
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To ensure accountability of the scheme, the Bar Associations will have to send a report with photographs and description of repairs that were carried out to the State Bar Council within 3 months of receiving funds
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Timeline:
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Submission of Applications: within 60 days from the date of announcement of this scheme.
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Late applications will be considered only in exceptional cases.
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Afforestation and Plantation
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An additional One- time grant is also provided for recognizing the loss of trees due to the floods.
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Aim is to restore nature and ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
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Entitlement of grants:
✓ Each Sub-divisional Bar Association: Rs. 5000
✓ Each District Bar Association: Rs. 10000
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The unutilized funds, after allocating the relief funds, will be returned to the general welfare fund or re-purposed for advocate welfare.
