Educational Allowances to the Children of Widows

Educational Allowances to the Children of Widows is a welfare scheme by the government of Puducherry that helps children of widows with their school costs. The scheme provides an annual grant of ₹25 to ₹125, depending on the child's class, to help families manage required school expenses up to the higher secondary level.

This scheme is run by the Women and Child Development Department of the government of Puducherry. It gives money help to children of poor widows so they can continue their studies through higher secondary level.

Puducherry started this scheme in 2010 to help the children of widows in the Union Territory get an education. The annual grant of ₹25 to ₹125 depends on the child's grade and helps families handle required school costs with ease. You can read about other welfare schemes for women and children across India at List of All Major Women Empowerment Schemes 2026 to see if your family qualifies for any additional support.

The eligibility limit for family income is ₹24,000 per year. Children must be enrolled students with at least 50% marks in their previous class to qualify. The help is available only to residents of the Union Territory of Puducherry who have lived there for at least 3 years.

Key Information

The scheme gives ₹25 to ₹125 per year as cash help. You can use this for required school items such as textbooks, notebooks, and other stationery for your children.

Eligibility

To get this help, you must meet these criteria:

• You should be a citizen of India.
• You should be a native of the Union Territory of Puducherry, either by birth or by continuous residence for at least 3 years.
• You should hold the status of a widow.
• Your total annual family income should not cross ₹24,000. For example, if Smt. Meena earns ₹20,000 a year, she fits within this limit.
• Your child must be actively enrolled as a student.
• Your child should have at least 50% marks in the previous academic class.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Visit the local office of the Department of Women and Child Development during working hours. Speak to the designated staff to collect the application form. You can also download the form from online.

STEP 2 - Fill in all the details, attach a passport-sized photograph, and sign the form. Gather the required documents: Aadhaar Card (or Enrollment ID), Residence Certificate, Income Certificate from the Revenue Department, passport-sized photograph, Study Certificate from the school, and any required declarations.

STEP 3 - Submit the completed application to the Deputy Director (Women Development) or the Child Development Project Officer. Always ask for a written acknowledgment receipt with your submission date and reference number.

STEP 4 - To apply online, register on the official e-District portal of Puducherry at edistrict.py.gov.in. Create your profile with personal and contact details. Once registered, log in to see the list of available welfare schemes. Select this scheme, fill in the application form, and upload the required documents. Save your application number to track your application progress online.

Documents

Keep these documents ready for your application:

• Aadhaar Card (or Enrollment ID if Aadhaar is unavailable).
• Residence Certificate from the Revenue Department.
• Income Certificate from the Revenue Department.
• Recent passport-sized photograph.
• A valid Study Certificate from the student's school.
• Any required declarations or undertakings.

If you do not have an Aadhaar card, you can share an Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any one of the following: Bank or Post Office Passbook with photo, PAN card, Passport, Ration card, Voter ID, MGNREGA card, driving license, or an identity certificate issued by a Gazetted Officer.

References

Guidelines | Contact Us | Office Locations | Grievance Redressal | Track Application

FAQ's

Is there a deadline for submitting applications?

There is no fixed annual deadline mentioned, but you should check with your local Department office or the online portal for any active time-bound requirements.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

The annual income limit of ₹24,000 is a fixed eligibility requirement. Make sure your income certificate reflects this fact.

How is the benefit amount determined?

The annual amount of ₹25 to ₹125 is determined based on the grade or level of education your child is currently studying in.

Can I apply if I live outside Puducherry?

No, you should be a resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least 3 years to qualify for the scheme.

Are there any guidelines for children's academic performance?

Yes, the child should have at least 50% marks in every class they attend.

How can I raise a grievance?

You can use the Central Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring system available at the official Puducherry government website.