Launched in 2014, the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Department of Women & Child Welfare, Government of Sikkim. The scheme aims to provide financial support to poor widows in Sikkim by offering a monthly pension. It specifically targets widows whose households are below the poverty line, ensuring that they receive crucial assistance during difficult times.
Benefits
- Monthly Pension: A fixed amount of ₹2000/- per month is provided to the eligible widows.
- Financial Security: Ensures a steady income stream to help manage day-to-day expenses.
- Dual Funding: The pension comprises contributions from both the Central and State governments.
- Direct Benefit Transfer: Funds are disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s bank account under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Domicile: Must be a resident of the state of Sikkim.
- Economic Status: The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
- Age: The applicant must be 21 years or older.
- Income: The applicant should not have any other source of income (no salary, pension, or family pension from any government).
- Banking: A bank account must be opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
- Marital Status: If the beneficiary remarries, the pension will be discontinued from the date of re-marriage.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Step 1:
- Approach the concerned Gram Panchayat / Municipality / Municipal Corporation office.
- Consult with the designated authority regarding the application procedure and collect the application form.
- Step 2:
- Fill in all the mandatory fields on the application form.
- Attach all the required self-attested documents.
- Submit the completed form to the designated receiving authority.
Post-Application Processes
- Scrutiny:
- The submitted application is scrutinized by the Selection Committee.
- Approval is then accorded by the Secretary.
- Endorsement:
- A copy of the order for the grant and payment of pensions is forwarded to the District Collectors, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Gram Vikash Adhikari, and the respective Panchayats.
- Disbursement:
- The pension is distributed via the Direct Benefit Transfer System or any other system decided by the competent authority.
Documents Required
- Recent passport size photographs – 3 Nos.
- Attested photocopy of Sikkim Subject Certificate / Certificate of Identification (e.g., Income certificate, Caste certificate).
- Attested photocopy of Below Poverty Line Certificate.
- Birth Certificate or Electoral Photo Identity Card or any valid document recording the date as proof of age.
- Attested copy of Aadhaar Card.
- Attested photocopy of the first page of the Bank/Post Office Passbook along with the latest updated account details.
- Death Certificate of the husband bearing the name of the legal wife/widow.
- Non-marriage Certificate.
- Proof of occupation of the deceased husband.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What should be the monthly pension under this scheme?
A1: The beneficiary receives a monthly pension of ₹2000/-.
Q2: How long will a beneficiary receive the monthly pension?
A2: The pension continues as long as the beneficiary meets the eligibility criteria and does not remarry or migrate permanently to another state.
Q3: What is the age limit under this scheme?
A3: The applicant must be 21 years or above.
Q4: Is it mandatory to have a Non-marriage Certificate for availing the benefits?
A4: Yes, a Non-marriage Certificate is required to ensure the beneficiary has not remarried.
Q5: Is this scheme applicable only for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category?
A5: Yes, the applicant must belong to a BPL family to be eligible.
Q6: Is a person drawing any other pension from the Central/State Government eligible under this scheme?
A6: No, applicants receiving any other form of salary, pension, or family pension are not eligible.
Q7: Can a beneficiary avail of the benefits after her re-marriage?
A7: No, the pension will be discontinued if the beneficiary remarries.
Q8: Can a beneficiary avail of the benefits after permanent migration to another state?
A8: No, the scheme is only for residents of Sikkim.
Q9: What is the mode of filling the application?
A9: Applications can be filled out offline at the designated local government office.
Q10: How will the pension be distributed under the scheme?
A10: The pension is distributed through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.