Incentive to Widow-s Remarriage

Incentive to Widow-s Remarriage is a dedicated support scheme for widows living in Puducherry who choose to begin a new chapter in their lives. Under this scheme, the government now provides financial assistance of ₹75,000 in the form of a National Saving Certificate to help eligible women build financial security after their remarriage, provided the groom is a bachelor or a widower.

Puducherry government has raised the benefit amount for this scheme. Through the Incentive for Widow's Remarriage (Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified in February 2026, the incentive has gone up from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. This makes the scheme more helpful for widows who want to remarry and settle into a stable life within their community.

Incentive to Widow-s Remarriage - Introduction

Incentive to Widow-s Remarriage is a social welfare scheme run by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Puducherry. It encourages and supports widows to remarry and move into a happy, stable life within their community. By offering financial support of ₹75,000 through a National Saving Certificate, the scheme gives eligible women a solid financial start. To qualify, the bridegroom must be either a bachelor or a widower, and applicants must meet the set eligibility rules.

The scheme is still open and the department keeps accepting applications through the official e-District portal as well as the offline route. The latest amendment has increased the grant amount, so widows who apply now can expect a higher benefit than before.

Key Information

Benefits

Eligible widows receive a financial grant of ₹75,000. This amount is provided in the form of a National Saving Certificate, which acts as a safe investment for the couple. The amount was earlier ₹50,000, and it has been raised to ₹75,000 through the amendment rules of 2026.

Eligibility

You can apply for this scheme only if you meet all the conditions given below:

• You should be a citizen of India and hold the status of a widow.
• You should be a native of the Union Territory of Puducherry, either by birth or by maintaining continuous residence of at least 5 years.
• You should not be carrying a child at the time of application.
• Your total annual family income should not exceed ₹75,000.
• The bridegroom should be a bachelor or a widower.
• The bride and bridegroom should meet the minimum legal marriage age of 18 years for the bride and 21 years for the bridegroom.

Application Process

Online Application Process

You can apply online through the official e-District portal of Puducherry. Follow these steps:

STEP 1 - Visit the official e-District portal of the Government of Puducherry.

STEP 2 - Register as a new user by clicking on the Login and then the Register a New Membership link.

STEP 3 - Complete the registration form with your personal details, including name, email, address, and mobile number.

STEP 4 - Once registered, log in to your account using your credentials.

STEP 5 - Browse the department-wise scheme list and select 'Incentive to Widow-s Remarriage'.

STEP 6 - Fill out the digital application form correctly and upload all the required documents.

STEP 7 - Review your details, tick the self-declaration box, and submit the application. Keep your application number safe for tracking.

Offline Application Process

If you prefer the offline route, follow these steps:

STEP 1 - Visit your local office of the Department of Women and Child Development during working hours to collect the application form, or download and print it from the official website.

STEP 2 - Fill in all required fields and attach a recent passport-sized photograph.

STEP 3 - Prepare your document folder with the required proofs and make sure all copies are self-attested.

STEP 4 - Submit the complete application to the Deputy Director (Women Development) or the respective Child Development Project Officer at least 30 days before your wedding date.

STEP 5 - Always request a receipt or acknowledgment slip containing the submission date and a unique ID for your records.

Documents

You should prepare the following documents for your application:

• Residence Certificate issued by the Revenue Department.
• Marriage invitation card.
• Age proof (Birth Certificate or Transfer Certificate) for both the bride and bridegroom.
• Death Certificate of the bride's first husband.
• Marriage Registration Certificate.
• Aadhaar Card for both individuals.
• Certificate for non-pregnancy status.
• Declaration from an MLA or MP verifying the bridegroom's status as a bachelor or widower.
• Income Certificate from the Revenue Department.
• Wedding photograph.
• Ration card and Voter ID card.

If you do not have an Aadhaar card, you must provide your Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any one of the following: Bank/Post Office Passbook with photo, PAN card, Passport, MGNREGA card, Kisan Photo Passbook, Driving License, or a photo-identity certificate issued by a Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar.

References

Official Scheme Page | RTI Manual | Track Application

FAQ's

What is the structure of the financial reward?

The government provides ₹75,000 in the form of a National Saving Certificate, ensuring the funds are saved safely for your future. This amount was raised from ₹50,000 through the 2026 amendment rules.

Who qualifies for residency under this scheme?

You qualify if you are a native of Puducherry by birth or have resided in the territory continuously for at least 5 years.

Can I apply without an Aadhaar card?

Yes, if you do not have an Aadhaar card, you can submit your Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with an alternative government-issued document like a PAN card or Passport.

How is the groom's bachelor or widower status verified?

You must provide a certificate signed by an MLA or MP to confirm the marital status of the bridegroom.

How can I track my application?

You can check the status of your request at any time via the official tracking portal.

What is the income ceiling for applicants?

To qualify for this incentive, your total annual income should not exceed ₹75,000.

Are there age constraints for the bride and groom?

Yes, the bride must be at least 18 years old, and the bridegroom must be at least 21 years old to meet the legal requirements for marriage.