Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is a welfare initiative implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. This scheme, devoid of contribution requirement, is designed to provide social security to widows coming from economically deprived backgrounds (Below Poverty Line – BPL).

Benefits

This scheme provides a nominal pension of Rs 300 per month to widows aged between 40 and 79. For those aged 80 years and above, the pension amount is increased to Rs 500 per month.

Eligibility

To qualify for benefits under the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), the following criteria must be met:

• The applicant must be a widow within the age range of 40-79 years.
• The applicant must belong to a family living below the poverty line as per the criteria set by the Government of India.

Exclusions

Pension disbursement will be discontinued under the following circumstances:

• If the widow remarries.
• If the widow’s family is above the poverty line.

Application Process

Online Application

• Individuals can download the Umang app or visit the official website of Umang.
• Citizens can log in using their mobile number and OTP.
• On logging in, search for NSAP and click “Apply Online”.
• Fill in the required details, choose the preferred mode of pension payment, upload a photo and click “Submit”.

Offline Application

• Applicants can submit the filled forms to the Gram Panchayat or Block Office in rural areas and Nagar Palika or Nagar Parishad in urban areas, depending on eligibility.
• A verification officer or verification team under the authorized officer will verify the application against the eligibility criteria.
• The verification officer will make a recommendation for approval or rejection, including the reasons for the decision.
• The list of applicants, along with the recommendations, will be discussed in the Gram Sabha in rural areas or Ward Sabha/Kshetra Sabha in urban areas and subsequently in the Gram Panchayats and Nagar Palikas.
• If the timelines are not adhered to by the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha or Gram Panchayat/Municipality. The verification officer will submit the recommendations directly to the sanctioning authority, a copy of which will be sent to the concerned Gram Panchayat/Municipality.
• On receipt of the verified and recommended application, the sanctioning authority will inform the applicant through a sanction order, a copy of which will be sent to the concerned Gram Panchayat/Municipality.
• The sanctioning authority will issue the sanction order under its official seal.
• Each beneficiary with a sanctioned pension under the NSAP schemes will get a pension passbook, which will contain the details of the sanction order, pensioner details and disbursement records.
• The list of sanctioned beneficiaries will be displayed at the Gram Panchayat/Ward/Municipality office and will be updated every quarter.
• The pension amount is disbursed directly to the beneficiaries in their post office or bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) process.

Required Documents

• Death Certificate of the husband, which should contain the name of the surviving widow.
• BPL Card.
• Age Proof – Birth or school certificates can be used as age proof. In the absence of these, a Ration Card or EPIC may be considered. If no valid document is available, the Medical Officer of any Government Hospital may be authorised to issue the age certificate.

Conclusion

The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) serves as a vital lifeline for widows from poor families, providing them financial support and security. By ensuring that the application and verification process is rigorous and transparent. The scheme aims to provide timely and equitable assistance to those most in need. Thereby maintaining the dignity and well-being of vulnerable members of society.

Also Read:

• Uttar Pradesh Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana
• Uttar Pradesh Kanya Sumangala Yojana: Complete Information