The Widow Re-Marriage Scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of Himachal Pradesh, designed to support the rehabilitation of widows through remarriage. This scheme encourages remarriage by providing financial assistance to widows who choose to remarry, thereby helping them rebuild their lives and secure their future.
Benefits
- Total Financial Assistance:
- ₹25,000 per eligible remarriage.
- Immediate Cash Support:
- ₹10,000 is disbursed in cash at the time of marriage.
- Long-term Savings:
- ₹15,000 is invested in a fixed deposit, secured for a minimum period of five years, ensuring financial stability post-remarriage.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- Marital Status:
- The widow must have remarried.
- Residency:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh.
- Age Criteria:
- For widows: Must be 18 years or older.
- The new partner (widower) must be at least 21 years old.
- Application Timing:
- The application should be submitted within six months of the remarriage.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Confirm Eligibility:
- Verify that you meet all the eligibility criteria.
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Visit your nearest District or Tahashil Welfare Office to obtain the application form.
- Fill Out the Form:
- Carefully complete the form and attach all required documents.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the filled form along with the necessary documents at the same office.
- Receipt:
- Collect the acknowledgment or receipt confirming submission.
Documents Required
- Passport-Sized Photograph
- Bank Passbook Copy
- Identity Proof: (Aadhaar Card and other government-issued IDs)
- Residential Proof: For both the widow and her new partner.
- Details of the Marriage:
- Name and address of the person to whom the widow is marrying.
- Date of re-remarriage.
- Date of first marriage.
- Date on which she became a widow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is eligible for the Widow Re-Marriage Scheme?
A1: The scheme is for widows who have remarried and are permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh, with the widow being at least 18 years old and the new partner at least 21 years old.
Q2: What is the amount provided under the scheme?
A2: The scheme provides a total of ₹25,000—a cash grant of ₹10,000 at the time of marriage and ₹15,000 as a fixed deposit held jointly for at least five years.
Q3: What documents are required to apply for the scheme?
A3: Required documents include a passport-sized photograph, bank passbook copy, identity and residential proofs for both parties, Aadhaar card, and details regarding the marriage (dates of first marriage, widowhood, and re-marriage, plus the new partner’s details).
Q4: Can a widow apply for the scheme if she remarried after one year of her first husband’s death?
A4: Yes, as long as the application is submitted within six months of the remarriage, regardless of the time elapsed since her first husband’s death.
Q5: Is there any income limit to apply for the scheme?
A5: No specific income limit is mentioned in the scheme guidelines.
Q6: Can a widow who has remarried outside Himachal Pradesh apply for the scheme?
A6: The scheme is applicable only to permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh.
Q7: Can a widow who has remarried apply for the scheme more than once?
A7: No, the financial assistance is provided per eligible remarriage. If a widow remarries more than once, the scheme applies only to the first remarriage unless special provisions are made as per the guidelines.