The Nari Niketan program, established in 1976 by the Social Welfare Department of Jammu and Kashmir, provides care and rehabilitation for deserted, destitute women and widows lacking means of livelihood. This initiative is fully state-funded, offering beneficiaries food, shelter, clothing, and education. Below is a detailed, updated guide to the program.
Overview
- Number of Institutions: 7 Nari Niketan across Jammu & Kashmir, located in Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, Doda, Rajouri, and two in Poonch.
- Total Capacity: 280 beneficiaries.
- Purpose: Provide care until the beneficiary is rehabilitated, married, or integrated into self-employment schemes.
Benefits
- Basic Amenities: Food, shelter, bedding, and clothing.
- Education: Free education for school-going destitute girls.
- Care for Children:
- Accompanying children are admitted.
- Male children over 8 years are transferred to Bal Ashrams.
- Rehabilitation: Employment and self-employment opportunities for women.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency: Permanent resident/domicile of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Gender: Female applicants only.
- Status:
- Deserted, destitute, or widowed.
- Without means of livelihood.
- Child Admission:
- Accompanying children allowed.
- Male children aged 8+ transferred to Bal Ashrams.
Application Process
Offline Steps:
- Visit the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO).
- Obtain the application form and fill out all required fields.
- Attach self-attested mandatory documents:
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Residential/domicile certificate.
- Aadhaar card.
- Death certificate (if widowed).
- Bank account details.
- Submit the completed form at the DSWO.
- Collect the acknowledgment receipt.
Post-Application:
- The DSWO forwards the application to the District Level Sanctioning Committee.
- Admissions/discharges are managed with approval from the District Social Welfare Officer and Deputy Director of Administration.
Check Application Status
Beneficiaries can contact the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) for updates on their application.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card or equivalent.
- Residence Proof: Domicile certificate of J&K.
- Photographs: 3 passport-sized, signed across.
- Bank Details: Account number, branch name, IFSC code.
- Widow Proof: Husband’s death certificate (if applicable).
- Child Details: Birth certificate (for children accompanying mothers).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Queries
- When were Nari Niketan established? Established in 1976 by the Social Welfare Department of J&K.
- What is the purpose of Nari Niketan ? To provide care, protection, and rehabilitation for destitute women and widows.
- How many institutions exist in J&K? There are 7 institutions with a combined capacity of 280 beneficiaries.
Application Process
- Where to get the application form? Obtain it from the District Social Welfare Office.
- Is there an application fee? No, the scheme is free of cost.
- Can applicants from neighboring states apply? No, only permanent residents of J&K are eligible.
- Is self-attestation mandatory for documents? Yes, all attached documents must be self-attested.
Child Admission
- Are accompanying children allowed? Yes, but male children over 8 years are transferred to Bal Ashrams.
Contact Information
For further assistance, visit your nearest District Social Welfare Office or contact the Social Welfare Department, Jammu & Kashmir.
Official Website: Social Welfare Department, J&K