The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme is implemented by the Social Welfare Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh. This centrally sponsored initiative provides financial assistance to widows aged between 40 and 79 years living Below the Poverty Line (BPL), helping them live a dignified and secure life. By combining central and state contributions, the scheme ensures consistent monthly support to eligible beneficiaries.
Benefits
- Monthly Financial Support: Beneficiaries receive ₹500 per month directly into their bank accounts.
- Combined Funding: The pension is funded jointly by the Central and State Governments, ensuring sustainability.
- Empowerment: Provides financial security to widows, enabling them to live a more respectful and dignified life.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a native of Chhattisgarh.
- Must be a widow.
- Age must be between 40 and 79 years.
- The widow’s name should be included in the list of families living Below Poverty Line (BPL).
- The applicant must not be receiving pension benefits from any other Central or State Government pension scheme.
Application Process
Online Process
- Registration:
- Go to the eDistrict Chhattisgarh Portal.
- Click on “Citizen Login”.
- If you are a new user, select “New Registration”.
- Enter your registration details and click “Submit”.
- Your Registration Summary will be displayed, and you will receive your password on your registered mobile number.
- Application Submission:
- Log in to the portal using your username and password.
- Click on “My Service” and search for the scheme.
- Click on “Apply Online”, fill in all required details, upload the necessary documents, and click “Submit”.
Offline Process
- Rural Areas:
- Visit the office of the Gram Panchayat or the designated local authority to obtain the application form.
- Fill out the form and attach the required documents, then submit the application.
- Urban Areas:
- Visit the office of the concerned Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Nagar Panchayat, or Panchayat Raj Institution to collect the application form.
- Complete the form and submit it at the respective office.
- Note:
- If a printed application form is not available, you may submit your application on plain paper.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant
- Passport-Size Photograph
- Identity Proof
- Domicile Certificate of Chhattisgarh (issued by a Gazetted Officer, Sarpanch, or Councillor)
- Death Certificate of Husband
- Proof of Age: (Doctor’s Certificate, Birth Certificate, Certificate issued by an Administrator, Sarpanch, or Mayor, School Certificate, etc.)
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) Card or related documents
- Address Proof
- Bank Passbook/Post Office Account Passbook
- Any Other Documents as required by the guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the benefits of this scheme?
A1: Eligible widows receive a monthly pension of ₹500 (₹300 from the Central Government and ₹200 from the State Government).
Q2: Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
A2: The scheme is for widows aged between 40 and 79 years who are natives of Chhattisgarh and are living Below Poverty Line.
Q3: Can widows over the age of 79 apply for this scheme?
A3: No, the age criteria is strictly between 40 and 79 years.
Q4: Where can I obtain the application form in rural areas?
A4: In rural areas, the application form is available at the office of the Gram Panchayat or the designated local authority.
Q5: How do I submit my application in rural areas?
A5: Fill out the form, attach the required documents, and submit it to the local authority along with an acknowledgment receipt.
Q6: Where can I obtain the application form in urban areas?
A6: Urban applicants can collect the application form from the concerned Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Nagar Panchayat, or Panchayat Raj Institution.
Q7: How do I submit my application in urban areas?
A7: Complete the form and submit it at the respective office; if a printed form is unavailable, you may submit on plain paper.
Q8: How can I apply online for the scheme?
A8: Register and apply through the eDistrict Chhattisgarh Portal as detailed in the online process.
Q9: Can I apply for this scheme if I am receiving other government pensions?
A9: No, applicants must not be receiving pension benefits from any other Central or State Government pension scheme.
Q10: How often is the pension disbursed?
A10: The pension is disbursed monthly.