Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme Himachal Pradesh (Now Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana)

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme gives a monthly pension to widows from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in Himachal Pradesh. It is part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) run by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and the state adds its own share on top of the central amount.

Update (17 October 2026): Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) has a new name: Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana. Union Cabinet approved the change on 14 October 2026 and also continued the National Social Assistance Programme, now called Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with ₹53,428 crore. Only the name has changed for widow pension. Eligibility, pension amount, documents and the way to apply stay the same, and existing pensioners keep getting their pension as before.

In Himachal Pradesh the scheme is implemented by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment through the Directorate for the Empowerment of SCs, OBCs, Minorities and Specially Abled (ESOMSA). Widows aged 40 to 79 years who belong to BPL households can get this support. As of August 2026 the scheme is open, and applications can be submitted both offline at welfare offices and online through the Ekalyan portal.

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme - Introduction

The scheme is a social security measure for widows who have no steady income of their own. It is a non-contributory pension, which means the beneficiary does not have to put any money in to receive it. The central government provides a base pension, and the Himachal Pradesh government tops it up so that eligible widows get a higher monthly amount.

The pension is paid directly into the bank account of the beneficiary. The amount depends on the age of the widow. Since January 2018 the state has lowered the age limit for the higher pension slab from 80 years to 70 years, so more widows now qualify for the bigger amount.

Benefits

Eligible widows receive a fixed monthly pension based on their age. The amount includes the central share and the state share added by Himachal Pradesh.

• Widows aged 40 to 69 years receive ₹1,000 per month, which includes ₹300 from the central government and ₹700 from the state.
• Widows aged 70 years and above receive ₹1,500 per month, which includes ₹200 from the central government and ₹1,300 from the state.

Eligibility

To get this pension, the applicant has to meet a few conditions. The main points are listed below.

• The applicant must be a resident of Himachal Pradesh.
• She must be a widow.
• She must be aged 40 years or above and not more than 79 years.
• She must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.

Application Process

Widows can apply for the pension either offline or online. The offline process is the traditional route, while the online route uses the Ekalyan portal of the state government.

STEP 1 - Collect the social security pension application form from the local Panchayat office, Tehsil Welfare Officer, or District Welfare Officer. The form is also available on the official ESOMSA website.

STEP 2 - Fill in the form with the required details and attach all the supporting documents, such as the BPL certificate, age proof, and husband's death certificate.

STEP 3 - Submit the completed form to the Panchayat office, Tehsil Welfare Officer, or District Welfare Officer. The Gram Sabha reviews the application and verifies the eligibility of the applicant.

STEP 4 - The verified application is forwarded to the Tehsil Welfare Officer for scrutiny, and final sanction is given by the District Welfare Officer. Once approved, the pension is paid monthly into the bank account of the beneficiary.

For the online route, eligible applicants can visit the Ekalyan portal at himparivar.hp.gov.in/ekalyan, log in, verify the family details, and upload the required documents to apply for the pension.

Documents

Applicants must keep the following documents ready while applying. Having all the papers in order helps the verification process move faster.

• Age proof, such as a birth certificate or school records, to confirm the age of the applicant.
• A valid BPL certificate to show that the family is below the poverty line.
• A recommendation letter from the Gram Panchayat supporting the application.
• A copy of the Parivar Register of the family.
• The husband's death certificate as proof of widowhood.
• Recent bank account details so the pension can be paid directly.
• Identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Driving Licence.

References

For the latest rules and forms, refer to the official sources given below.

Social Security Pension Guidelines

Ekalyan Online Application Portal

FAQ's

What is the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme?

It is a social security scheme that gives a monthly pension to widows from BPL families in Himachal Pradesh.

Which department manages this in Himachal Pradesh?

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, through the ESOMSA directorate, is the nodal agency in the state.

What is the primary objective?

The scheme aims to provide financial stability and social security to widows who have no steady income.

Who is eligible to apply?

Widows aged 40 to 79 years who belong to a BPL household in Himachal Pradesh are eligible.

Is BPL status a requirement?

Yes, being part of a BPL family is mandatory for inclusion in this scheme.

How do I apply for the pension?

You can submit a physical application form to your local Panchayat or Tehsil Welfare Officer, or apply online through the Ekalyan portal.

How is the payment processed?

Once the application is verified and approved by the District Welfare Officer, the pension is disbursed monthly to the beneficiary's bank account.