The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative implemented by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar. This scheme provides a monthly pension to widows between the ages of 40 and 79 years who belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Its objective is to offer social security and financial support to the widows of poor families.
Objective
To provide financial assistance to widows from poor families, ensuring social security and improved living standards through a regular monthly pension.
Benefits
- Monthly Pension:
- Eligible widows receive ₹400/- per month.
- Disbursement Process:
- The pension is transferred directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, using the account details provided by the beneficiaries and disbursed through PFMS at the state level.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency:
- The applicant must be a resident of Bihar.
- Marital Status:
- The applicant must be a widow.
- Age:
- The widow should be between 40 and 79 years.
- Economic Status:
- The applicant should belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
- Exclusivity:
- The widow should not be receiving pension benefits under any other social security scheme.
Application Process (Offline)
- Submission:
- Eligible applicants must submit a duly filled and signed application in the prescribed format, along with all required attachments, at the Right to Public Service (RTPS) counter located at the block office level.
- Acknowledgment:
- Upon submission, an acknowledgment receipt will be issued. Keep this receipt for future reference.
- Notification:
- Applicants will receive notification of approval or rejection via SMS or email.
- Collection of Sanction Order:
- If approved, the Sanction Order can be collected from the same RTPS counter by presenting the acknowledgment receipt and a valid identity card.
Grievance Redressal
- Online Portal:
- Beneficiaries can register complaints on the SSPMIS portal at https://www.sspmis.bihar.gov.in/ or call the toll-free number 18003456262.
- Other Avenues:
- Complaints may also be lodged at the office of the Block Development Officer, Sub-divisional Office, Assistant Director, District Social Security Cell/District Child Protection Unit, Director of the Social Security Office, or the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary/Secretary of the Social Welfare Department.
- The Public Grievance Redressal Officers at the sub-divisional and district levels (as per the Bihar Public Grievance Redressal Rights Act, 2016) are also available for assistance.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof:
- Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, or Driving License.
- Photograph:
- Passport-size photograph.
- Proof of Relationship:
- Death certificate of the husband.
- Residence Proof:
- Domicile/Address proof.
- Age Proof:
- Birth Certificate or other valid documents.
- Economic Proof:
- BPL Card or related documents.
- Caste Certificate:
- If applicable.
- Banking Details:
- Bank Passbook/Bank account details.
- Additional Documents:
- Any other documents as required by the scheme guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the objective of the scheme?
To provide financial security and social support to widows from poor families by offering a monthly pension. -
Who is eligible to apply for this pension scheme?
Widows aged between 40 and 79 years from BPL families residing in Bihar, who are not receiving other social security pensions. -
How much pension is provided under this scheme?
A monthly pension of ₹400/- is provided. -
How is the pension amount disbursed to beneficiaries?
The pension is directly transferred into the beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. -
What is the age criterion for eligibility?
Widows aged between 40 and 79 years are eligible. -
Can a widow receiving another pension apply for this scheme?
No, the applicant should not be receiving pension benefits under any other social security scheme. -
How can one apply for the scheme?
Applications must be submitted offline at the RTPS counter at the block office level in the prescribed format. -
Where should the application be submitted?
- Rural Areas: At the RTPS counter at the block office.
- Urban Areas: Also at the designated RTPS counter.
-
What happens after submitting the application?
Applicants receive an acknowledgment receipt; further, they are notified of approval or rejection via SMS or email. Approved applicants can collect their Sanction Order from the RTPS counter. -
What if an application is rejected?
If an application is rejected, the applicant may lodge a complaint through the designated grievance redressal channels.