The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Widow Pension Scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The scheme provides financial assistance to poor and destitute widows residing in the islands. The assistance is discontinued if the beneficiary remarries or becomes financially independent, as verified through due enquiry or records.
Benefits
- Monthly Allowance: ₹2500/- per month, subject to eligibility.
- Disbursement: The allowance is paid directly to the beneficiary’s bank account on a monthly basis.
Eligibility
- Residency:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, or
- Must have resided in the territory for more than 10 years at the time of application.
- Economic Criteria:
- The applicant should be a poor widow.
- Household income must not exceed ₹4000/- per month.
- Other Assistance:
- The applicant should not be receiving any other financial assistance or grant from the government or any other source.
- Marital/Financial Condition:
- The beneficiary will cease to receive assistance if she remarries or becomes financially independent, as confirmed through records or due enquiry.
Application Process
Offline Submission:
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Collect the form free of cost from the Directorate of Social Welfare in Port Blair or from the sub-divisional offices of the Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs).
- Alternatively, the application form can be downloaded from the official website.
- Submit the Application:
- Complete the application form and attach all the relevant documents.
- Submit the filled form at the office of the concerned Child Development Project Officer.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card)
- Death certificate of the husband
- Local certificate/domicile certificate
- Category/community certificate (if applicable)
- Bank account details/Copy of passbook
- Proof of income issued by the competent authority
- Any other document as required
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the aim of the Scheme?
To provide financial assistance to poor and destitute widows in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. -
How much financial assistance does the scheme provide?
A monthly allowance of ₹2500/- is provided. -
How is the allowance disbursed?
The allowance is disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s bank account on a monthly basis. -
Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
The scheme is for poor widows who are either permanent residents of the Union Territory or have lived in the territory for over 10 years, with a household income not exceeding ₹4000/- per month and not receiving any other financial assistance. -
Where can one obtain the application form?
The application form is available free of cost at the Directorate of Social Welfare, Port Blair, and the sub-divisional offices of CDPOs, as well as on the official website. -
Where should the completed application form be submitted?
It should be submitted at the office of the concerned Child Development Project Officer. -
Is there a fee for applying to the scheme?
No, the application process is free of charge. -
Can widows receiving assistance from other sources apply?
No, applicants must not be availing of any other financial assistance or grant. -
What happens if the beneficiary remarries?
The beneficiary will cease to receive the assistance if she remarries or becomes financially independent.