The Incentive to Widow’s Remarriage (IWR) scheme is a social welfare initiative by the Department of Women & Child Development, Government of Puducherry. It aims to encourage and support widows to remarry and reintegrate into society. Under this scheme, eligible widows receive financial assistance of ₹50,000/- in the form of a National Saving Certificate. The scheme also ensures that the prospective bridegroom is either a bachelor or a widower, thereby promoting dignified remarriage.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
A one-time grant of ₹50,000/- is provided in the form of a National Saving Certificate. - Empowerment:
The scheme encourages widows to remarry, helping them achieve social reintegration and improved economic security. - Dignity and Social Inclusion:
By easing financial constraints, the scheme ensures that widows can celebrate remarriage with dignity.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Incentive to Widow’s Remarriage (IWR) scheme, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India.
- Widow Status: The applicant should be a widow.
- Residency: Must be a native of Puducherry by birth or have a continuous residence of at least 5 years.
- Childless Condition: The applicant should not be carrying a child.
- Income Limit: The applicant’s annual income should not exceed ₹75,000/- per annum.
- Bridegroom’s Status: The prospective bridegroom must be either a bachelor or a widower.
- Legal Marriage Age:
- The widow must be at least 18 years old.
- The bridegroom must be at least 21 years old.
Application Process
Online Application Process
- Visit the Official Website:
Go to the e-District Portal of the Government of Puducherry. - User Registration:
- Click “Login” at the top right, then “Register a New Membership.”
- Fill in all mandatory fields: Username, Password, Personal Details (Full Name, Email, Address, Gender, Date of Birth, Mobile Number), and complete the Captcha Code.
- Click “Signup”; login credentials will be sent to your registered email and mobile.
- Login and Application:
- Log in with your credentials.
- A list of government schemes will be displayed; select the IWR scheme.
- Fill in the online application form with all mandatory details and upload the required documents.
- Tick the declaration confirming that the details provided are true.
- Submit the application and note the application number for tracking.
- Tracking:
You can track your application status through the portal.
Offline Application Process
- Alternative Submission:
Applicants may also submit their applications offline by visiting the designated government office as mentioned on the e-District Portal.
Documents Required
- Residence Certificate from the Revenue Department.
- Marriage Invitation or relevant marriage proof.
- Age Proof: (Birth Certificate or Transfer Certificate) for both the widow and the prospective bridegroom.
- Death Certificate of the widow’s first husband.
- Marriage Registration Certificate of the previous marriage.
- Aadhaar Cards of the widow and the bridegroom.
- Declaration: Confirming that the widow is not carrying a child.
- Certificate from MLA/MP: Confirming the bridegroom’s status as a bachelor or widower.
- Income Certificate from the Revenue Department.
- Marriage Photo.
- Ration Card.
- Voter ID Cards for both the widow and the bridegroom.
- In the absence of an Aadhaar Number: Provide Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any one of the following:
- Bank or Post Office Passbook with photo.
- PAN Card.
- Passport.
- Ration Card.
- Voter Identity Card.
- MGNREGA Card.
- Kisan Photo Passbook.
- Driving License.
- Certificate of identity issued by a Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar on official letterhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Could you elaborate on the financial assistance format provided under the IWR scheme?
A1: The scheme provides financial assistance of ₹50,000/- in the form of a National Saving Certificate to support the remarriage of widows.
Q2: How does the IWR scheme address the residency requirement for applicants?
A2: Applicants must be either born in Puducherry or have a continuous residence of at least 5 years in the Union Territory.
Q3: Can an applicant provide alternative documents if they don’t have an Aadhaar Number?
A3: Yes, in the absence of an Aadhaar Number, applicants can provide their Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with one of the alternative identity documents as specified.
Q4: What measures are in place to confirm the bridegroom’s status as a bachelor or widower?
A4: A certificate from an MLA or MP is required to confirm the bridegroom’s status as either a bachelor or a widower.
Q5: Can you clarify the condition regarding the bridegroom’s marital status under the IWR scheme?
A5: The bridegroom must be either a bachelor or a widower to ensure that the remarriage is socially acceptable and supported under the scheme.
Q6: How can an applicant track their application status for the IWR scheme?
A6: Applicants can track their status through the e-District Portal, where updates are sent via registered mobile number and email.
Q7: Can a widow from any part of India apply for the IWR scheme?
A7: No, only widows who are native to or have continuously resided in Puducherry for at least 5 years are eligible.
Q8: Is there an upper limit on the annual income of the IWR scheme applicants?
A8: Yes, the applicant’s annual income must not exceed ₹75,000/- per annum.
Q9: Are there specific criteria regarding the legal age for marriage under the IWR scheme?
A9: Yes, the widow must be at least 18 years old, and the bridegroom must be at least 21 years old.
Q10: Can a widow with a deceased husband from any cause apply for the IWR scheme?
A10: Yes, as long as the widow meets the eligibility criteria, including not carrying a child and fulfilling the income and residency requirements.
Q11: Is the IWR scheme applicable to widows of any age?
A11: The scheme is applicable to widows who are at least 18 years old; there is no upper age limit specified.