The Destitute/Deserted Wives Pension Scheme is a state initiative launched by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Tamil Nadu. The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to destitute or deserted wives, ensuring a minimum level of income security. In addition to a monthly pension, beneficiaries receive other annual benefits during the Pongal and Deepavali festivals, such as a free saree and a nutritious meal supplied through the Anganwadi Centres.
Benefits
- Monthly Pension:
- ₹1,000 per month.
- Free Clothes on Festivals:
- One free saree is provided during Pongal and Deepavali.
- Free Rice via Anganwadi Centres:
- 2 kg per month for beneficiaries who are taking nutritious meals.
- 4 kg per month for beneficiaries who are not taking nutritious meals.
Eligibility
- Marital Status:
- The applicant must be legally divorced or deserted for a minimum period of 5 years.
- Destitution:
- The applicant must be a destitute woman.
- Age Requirement:
- The applicant must be 30 years of age or above.
- Financial Assets:
- The applicant’s fixed assets should not exceed ₹1,00,000.
Application Process
Online Application via CSCs
- Document Collection:
- Gather all necessary documents required for the application.
- Biometric Verification:
- Visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) and complete the biometric verification process.
- Form Submission:
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the application form.
- Upload copies of all the required documents.
- Acknowledgment:
- Request and obtain a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority. Ensure that the receipt includes the date and time of submission and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Applicant’s Photograph.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Proof of Age.
- Aadhaar Consent Form.
- Smart Ration Card or any other Address Proof.
- Legal Separation Certificate (issued by a Court of Law).
- Self–Declaration of the Applicant.
- Any additional Identity Proof (e.g., Voter ID Card, Passport, PAN Card, or Driving License).
- Bank Passbook.
- Not Remarried Certificate.
- Abandonment Certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need to visit the government office to apply for the scheme?
No, applications are processed online via Common Service Centers (CSCs). -
What is the amount of the monthly pension?
The monthly pension provided under the scheme is ₹1,000. -
Do I get the free saree and rice every month?
The free saree is provided once during the Pongal and Deepavali festivals. Free rice is distributed monthly through the Anganwadi Centres as per the prescribed criteria. -
I am 28 years old and destitute. Am I eligible for the scheme?
No, applicants must be 30 years of age or above. -
My husband left me 5 years ago, but I have savings of ₹1.5 lakh. Can I still apply?
No, to be eligible, the applicant’s fixed assets must not exceed ₹1,00,000. -
Can I track the status of my application?
Yes, you can track your application status through the CSC or the designated online portal. -
Can you clarify the criteria for receiving free rice at Anganwadi Centres?
Beneficiaries receive 2 kg of rice per month if they are taking nutritious meals; if not, they receive 4 kg per month. -
Is there any age restriction for applicants to the ‘Destitute/Deserted Wives Pension Scheme’?
Yes, applicants must be 30 years of age or above. -
What is the significance of the abandonment certificate in the list of required documents?
The abandonment certificate serves as proof that the applicant has been deserted by her husband. -
How often is the pension disbursed to the beneficiaries?
The pension is disbursed monthly. -
Are there any specific guidelines regarding the fixed assets of the applicant?
Yes, the applicant’s fixed assets must not exceed ₹1,00,000 to qualify for the scheme.