The Indira Gandhi National Vidhva Pension Yojana (IGNWPS) is a flagship social welfare scheme launched on 7 October 2009 by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Rajasthan. The scheme has been designed to provide financial support to widowed women who belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households in the state. Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult experiences for any woman, and in many cases, widows face severe financial distress, social exclusion, and lack of economic opportunities.
Recognizing this, the Government of Rajasthan, with support from the Central Government, initiated this pension scheme to provide regular financial assistance to widows so that they can live with dignity. The scheme directly transfers pension amounts to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries and ensures social security to vulnerable sections of society.
The pension amount under the scheme varies based on the age of the widow, ensuring higher support for elderly women who may not have any source of income or family support.
Dates and Objectives of the Scheme
Dates
- Scheme Launch Date: 7 October 2009
- Implementing Authority: Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Rajasthan
- Mode of Application: Online through state portal
Objectives
- Provide Financial Security: To ensure that widows belonging to BPL households receive regular monthly pension for their sustenance.
- Promote Social Empowerment: To support widows in living a dignified life without having to depend completely on others.
- Targeted Welfare: To focus on vulnerable women aged 40 years and above who are not financially independent.
- Old Age Protection: To increase the pension amount for women above 75 years, considering their higher needs and health expenses.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Target Beneficiaries: Widowed women of Rajasthan belonging to BPL households.
- Age Limit: Women aged 40 to 75 years are eligible for pension benefits.
- Monthly Pension Amount:
- ₹1000 for women between 40–75 years.
- ₹1500 for women above 75 years.
- Funding: Shared by the Central Government and the State Government.
- Mode of Payment: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to beneficiary’s bank account.
- Application Process: Fully online, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
- Documents Required: Death certificate of husband, BPL card, age proof, Aadhaar, and photographs.
- Reservation of Benefits: Special focus on BPL families, marginalized communities, and vulnerable groups.
- Social Justice Orientation: The scheme empowers widows economically and socially, reducing dependence.
Pension Amount
The pension amount provided under the scheme is divided into two categories depending on the age of the beneficiary:
- Women aged 40 to less than 75 years: ₹1000 per month.
- Women aged 75 years and above: ₹1500 per month.
This amount is transferred every month directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries to ensure timely support without middlemen.
Eligibility Criteria
To avail benefits under the Indira Gandhi National Vidhva Pension Yojana, applicants must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:
- The applicant must be a resident of Rajasthan (domicile certificate required).
- The applicant must be a widow at the time of application.
- The applicant should belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
- The age of the applicant must be 40 years or above.
- The applicant must hold a valid BPL card or income certificate proving eligibility.
- The applicant should not be receiving pension benefits from any other similar scheme.
Reservation Policy
While the scheme is applicable to all widows meeting the eligibility criteria, preference is given to women belonging to vulnerable groups, including:
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) households
- Rural and landless women
- Women with no family support
The scheme mandates inclusivity and ensures that the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society are not left behind.
Distribution of Pensions
The pension is distributed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the bank accounts of eligible widows. This mechanism ensures:
- Transparency: Eliminates corruption and delays in payment.
- Efficiency: Monthly disbursement without involvement of middlemen.
- Accessibility: Women can withdraw funds directly from their bank or nearby banking correspondents.
Application Process (Step by Step)
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official state portal for pension schemes.
- Click on the Register option.
Step 2: SSO Registration
- Redirected to the Single Sign-On (SSO) page.
- Registration options available:
- Jan Aadhaar: Enter Jan Aadhaar number, verify with OTP, and confirm family details.
- Google (Gmail): Login using Gmail ID, create SSO ID and password, and register mobile number.
Step 3: Login and Apply
- Log in with your newly created SSO ID.
- Go to the Dashboard and select IFMS-RAJSSP.
- Click Continue to RajSSP.
- Select Apply for Scheme.
- From the list of schemes, choose Indira Gandhi National Vidhva Pension Yojana.
Step 4: Fill Application Form
- Enter personal details (name, age, address, Aadhaar, etc.).
- Upload required documents (photo, death certificate, BPL card, age certificate).
Step 5: Submit Application
- Review all details.
- Submit application form.
- Application will be forwarded for verification by local authorities.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photographs of applicant
- Husband’s death certificate
- BPL card
- Domicile certificate of Rajasthan
- Age certificate (school records, Aadhaar, or medical certificate)
- Aadhaar card of applicant
- Bank passbook for DBT
Renewal Policy
- The pension is automatically continued until the beneficiary meets the eligibility conditions.
- Beneficiaries above 75 years receive enhanced pension automatically.
- Any changes in marital status, income, or domicile must be updated by the beneficiary.
Withdrawal of Pension
The pension may be discontinued under the following circumstances:
- If the widow remarries.
- If the beneficiary’s household crosses the BPL threshold.
- If the beneficiary is found ineligible during verification.
- If the beneficiary passes away.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite its success, the scheme faces some challenges:
- Awareness Gap: Many widows in remote villages are unaware of the scheme.
- Digital Divide: Online application process can be difficult for illiterate or elderly women.
- Verification Delays: Document verification sometimes causes delays in pension approval.
- Banking Access: Widows in rural areas face difficulties in accessing banks for DBT withdrawal.
- Social Barriers: Widows may hesitate to come forward due to social stigma.
Impact of the Scheme
The Indira Gandhi National Vidhva Pension Yojana has created a positive impact on society:
- Economic Security: Ensures widows have a basic source of income.
- Social Dignity: Helps widows live with self-respect and reduces dependence on relatives.
- Reduction in Poverty: Direct cash transfers help in meeting basic needs like food, healthcare, and shelter.
- Empowerment of Women: By targeting widows, the scheme strengthens women’s role in households.
- Increased Longevity and Health: Elderly widows receive higher pension, improving their healthcare access.
