Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme

IGNWPS (Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme) is a centrally sponsored social security scheme for widows belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Announced in 2009 under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) of Government of India by Ministry of Rural Development,the scheme pays monthly pension to eligible widows above 40 years but below 79 years. Funded centrally but run by different states and Union Territories with stipulated guidelines along with their per state Govt. ▪

Objective

• To provide financial support and ensure a dignified life for destitute widows.
• To offer a safety net for economically disadvantaged women with no other means of support.

Key Benefits

• Monthly Pension:
  • Base pension: ₹300 (Central share).
  • Top-up by state governments varies (e.g., ₹300-₹600 total in most states).
  • In some states like Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, etc., the amount can go up to ₹1,500 or more.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):
  • Pension is deposited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.
• In-Kind Benefits (State-Specific):
  • Sarees during festivals (Tamil Nadu).
  • Subsidized rice or food rations (Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu).

Eligibility Criteria (General)

• Applicant must be a widow.
• Age: 40 to 79 years (some states begin from 21 years).
• Must belong to a BPL household as defined by respective state/central guidelines.
• Should not be receiving any other government pension.
• Must be a resident/domicile of the applying state/UT.

Application Process

Offline Mode (Applicable in all states)

1. Collect application form from:
   • Gram Panchayat / Block Office (Rural)
   • Municipal/Urban Welfare Office (Urban)
2. Fill and attach required documents.
3. Submit to the designated local authority.
4. Acknowledgment receipt is provided.

Online Mode (Available in select states)

• Visit state-specific portals or UMANG App.
• Fill online form and upload documents.
• Submit and track status online.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card
• Husband’s Death Certificate
• BPL Card
• Age Proof (Birth Certificate, School Certificate, Medical Certificate)
• Domicile/Residence Proof
• Passport-size Photograph
• Bank Account Passbook
• Widow Certificate / Self-declaration (where applicable)

Examples of State Implementations:

• Madhya Pradesh: ₹600/month; applied via Loksewa Kendra.
• Sikkim: ₹2000/month; must have Jan Dhan account; age 21+.
• Tamil Nadu: ₹1000/month + saree + rice benefits.
• Chhattisgarh: ₹500/month; optional plain paper application.
• Bihar: ₹400/month; apply at RTPS counters.
• Rajasthan: ₹1000-₹1500/month; online via RajSSP.
• Maharashtra: ₹600/month; offline at Tahsildar office.
• Jammu & Kashmir: ₹1000/month; 70:30 Centre:UT funding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can a widow receive both IGNWPS and a state old-age pension? A: No, dual pensions are generally not allowed.

Q2: Is remarriage allowed while availing the pension? A: No, remarriage disqualifies the beneficiary.

Q3: Can the application be submitted online everywhere? A: No, only a few states support online application. Others follow the offline method.

Q4: How is the pension amount disbursed? A: Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the widow’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.

Q5: What happens if the widow migrates to another state? A: Benefits are stopped unless re-registered under the new state.

Sources & References

• NSAP Official Portal
• UMANG App
• State government portals (e.g., RajSSP, SSPMIS Bihar, Sikkim Women Welfare Dept)