Launched in 2006-07 by the Department of Rural Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh, the INDIRAMMA Widow Pension (Rural) scheme is designed to provide monthly financial assistance to widows residing in rural areas. This initiative aims to support widows from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, ensuring they receive essential monetary support regardless of their age, thereby improving their quality of life.
Benefits
- Pension Amount: The benefit scale is notified by the Government, providing a fixed monthly pension.
- Transparent Disbursement: The pension is disbursed on the first day of every month by the Panchayat Secretary in the presence of local officials.
- Empowerment: Helps widows achieve financial stability and supports their day-to-day living expenses.
- Community Support: Eligible widows are identified and supported through Gram Sabhas, ensuring a community-driven approach.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, the applicant must:
- Belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
- Be a local resident of a district in Andhra Pradesh.
- Reside in a rural area.
- Be a widow.
- Not be covered under any other pension scheme.
Eligible citizens are identified by their respective Gram Sabhas, and the Panchayat Secretary maintains a register that is shared with the Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO).
Application Process
Offline Process
- Identification:
- Eligible widows are identified during Gram Sabhas by the Gram Panchayat.
- A register of eligible persons is maintained by the Panchayat Secretary.
- Recommendation:
- The Panchayat Secretary sends a Gram Sabha resolution recommending the eligible persons to the Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO).
- Disbursement:
- The MPDO receives the register and allocates funds accordingly.
- The Panchayat Secretary disburses the pension on the first date of every month in the presence of the Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat Members, and Village Organization office bearers.
Documents Required
- Proof of Age
- Domicile Certificate
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) Certificate
- Proof of Widowhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How are funds for the INDIRAMMA Widow Pension scheme allocated to districts?
A1: Funds are allocated by the state government based on the notified benefit scale and distributed through the MPDO after reviewing the Gram Sabha registers.
Q2: What is the role of the Gram Panchayat members during pension disbursement?
A2: Gram Panchayat members, along with the Sarpanch and Village Organization office bearers, are present during disbursement to ensure transparency and accountability.
Q3: How does the MPDO ensure the correct allocation of pensions under the scheme?
A3: The MPDO verifies the Gram Sabha registers and coordinates with Panchayat Secretaries to ensure that only eligible widows receive the pension.
Q4: What is the significance of the proof of widowhood document in the application process?
A4: The proof of widowhood document is crucial for verifying the applicant’s status and ensuring that benefits are provided to genuine beneficiaries.
Q5: How is the pension amount determined under the INDIRAMMA Widow Pension scheme?
A5: The pension amount is determined by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and notified as per the benefit scale applicable at the time of disbursement.
Q6: How are existing pensioners managed under the INDIRAMMA Widow Pension scheme?
A6: Existing pensioners continue to receive their monthly pension as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and remain registered with the Gram Sabha.
Q7: What is the process for new applicants to be included in the scheme?
A7: New applicants are identified during Gram Sabhas. Their eligibility is verified by the Gram Panchayat, and they are added to the register maintained by the Panchayat Secretary, who then recommends them to the MPDO.
Q8: Is there an age requirement for widows to apply for the scheme?
A8: No specific age limit is imposed; the scheme is available to all widows meeting the other eligibility criteria.