The “Financial Assistance to Poor & Needy Widow Women” scheme is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Manipur, to provide social security to widows who do not receive benefits under the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme. This initiative is aimed at widows in the age group of 18-40 years, many of whom have been affected by armed conflict and HIV/AIDS. By offering financial support, the scheme helps these vulnerable women manage daily survival needs. Only widows domiciled in Manipur who have continuously resided in the state for more than 5 years prior to the application are eligible for this state-sponsored program.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
Eligible widows receive financial support at a rate of ₹2,000 per annum per widow. - Renewability:
The financial assistance is provided annually with fresh or renewal applications, subject to fund availability. - Coverage:
The scheme is designed to cover all eligible beneficiaries within the State of Manipur.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a permanent resident (domicile) of Manipur.
- The applicant must be a widow.
- The applicant’s age must be between 18 and 40 years.
- The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household.
Exclusions
- Widows who remarry are not eligible.
- Financial assistance will cease if the widow’s household income exceeds the poverty line.
Application Process
Offline
- Obtain Application Form:
Download the form from the Department’s website www.socialwelfare.nic.in or collect it from the District Social Welfare Offices/Office of CDPOs. Forms are also available during MeeyamgiNumit at the Chief Minister’s Darbar Hall. - Fill Out the Form:
Complete all mandatory fields, attach supporting (self-attested) documents, and paste a passport-sized photograph. - Submission:
Submit the completed form to the concerned District Social Welfare Office. - Beneficiary List:
The names of the selected beneficiaries will be published on the Department’s website or displayed on the notice board at the Directorate/District Social Welfare Offices.
Documents Required
- Residential/Domicile Certificate of Manipur.
- Details of the Bank Account.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Proof of Identity.
- Proof of Age/Date of Birth.
- Marriage Certificate.
- Death Certificate of the Husband.
- Ration Card/BPL Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Department Manages the “Financial Assistance To Poor & Needy Widow Women” Scheme?
The scheme is managed by the Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Manipur. - What are the objectives of this scheme?
The objective is to provide financial security to poor and needy widows (aged 18-40) who are not covered under the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme. - What is the full form of IGNWPS?
IGNWPS stands for Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme. - Can a widow who is 25 years of age apply?
Yes, as long as she meets the age criteria (18-40 years) and other eligibility requirements. - Can transgender persons apply to this scheme?
No, the scheme is specifically for widows. - Does this scheme accept online applications?
No, applications must be submitted offline through the designated District Social Welfare Office. - Can I apply if I am already receiving benefits under the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme?
No, beneficiaries should not be receiving any pension from other state or central government schemes. - What is the age criteria for this scheme?
The applicant must be between 18 and 40 years of age. - Can women who are separated from their husbands apply?
No, the applicant must be a widow. - What documents are required as proof of widowhood?
Proof typically includes a Marriage Certificate and the Death Certificate of the husband. - What are the mandatory documents required for applying to this scheme?
Mandatory documents include a Residential/Domicile Certificate, Bank Account details, Aadhaar Card, Proof of Identity, Proof of Age/Date of Birth, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate of the Husband, and Ration/BPL Card. - What documents are required as proof that the applicant is a domicile of Manipur?
A Residential/Domicile Certificate, along with supporting documents such as a Ration Card or Voter ID, is required. - Is this a state-sponsored scheme or a centrally sponsored scheme?
It is a state-sponsored scheme. - What is the maximum amount of financial assistance that a widow can receive under this scheme?
The scheme provides financial assistance of ₹2,000 per annum per eligible widow. - Will the amount of financial assistance be paid in installments or as a lump sum?
The assistance is provided annually, subject to renewal based on fund availability. - Is the financial assistance subject to renewal?
Yes, assistance continues with a fresh/renewal application every year if funds are available. - Where can I find the link to the scheme guidelines?
The guidelines are available on the official website of the Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Manipur.