Launched on 15th August 1995, the “Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme” is a welfare initiative by the Social Welfare Department of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The scheme aims to support widows from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families by providing a monthly pension of ₹1,000/-. The funding model is a collaborative effort, with 70% contributed by the Centre and 30% by the Union Territory.
Benefits
- Monthly Pension:
Widows receive ₹1,000/- per month.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency:
The applicant must be a resident of Jammu and Kashmir. - Marital Status:
The applicant must be a widow. - Age:
The widow should be 40 years or older. - Economic Status:
The widow must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family. - Exclusivity:
The applicant should not be receiving pension benefits under any other social security scheme.
Application Process (Offline)
Steps to Apply:
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Visit the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO) in the concerned area during office hours.
- Request a hard copy of the prescribed application form.
- Fill the Application:
- Complete all mandatory fields on the form.
- Paste a passport-size photograph (signed across, if required).
- Attach self-attested copies of all necessary documents.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the filled and signed application form along with the required documents to the TSWO within the prescribed period.
- Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the authority, ensuring it contains details like the date, time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Post Application Processes:
- Verification:
- The TSWO verifies the submitted forms and forwards them to the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) for review.
- Approval:
- The District Level Committee reviews the application and sanctions the pension.
Notes:
- Retain a photocopy of the completed application form and the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
- Ensure the application is submitted within any specified timeframe.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- Identity Proof (e.g., Voter ID Card, Driving License)
- Proof of Age
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) Card or Ration Card
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Address Proof
- Death Certificate of the husband
- Bank Passbook/Bank Account Details
- Any other documents as required
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the main benefit of the scheme?
It provides a monthly pension of ₹1,000/- to eligible widows. - Who is eligible to apply?
Widows residing in Jammu and Kashmir, aged 40 or above, from BPL families, and not receiving any other pension. - What is the age criterion?
The widow must be 40 years or older. - How is the pension disbursed once approved?
The pension is disbursed on a monthly basis. - How is the scheme funded?
The funding is shared between the Centre (70%) and the Union Territory (30%). - What is the role of the District Level Committee?
The Committee reviews the applications and sanctions the pension. - Is the scheme limited to rural areas?
No, the scheme is available to all eligible widows across Jammu and Kashmir. - Can I apply if I am receiving another pension?
No, applicants receiving pension benefits under another social security scheme are not eligible.