Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme provides a monthly pension of ₹ 2,000 to poor widows in Sikkim through direct benefit transfer. The scheme is run by the Women and Child Welfare Department of the Government of Sikkim and combines central and state contributions.
The scheme is open for widows from below poverty line families in the state. Registration is done through the online pension portal of the Sikkim Women and Child Welfare Department, and the amount is credited directly to the bank account of the eligible widow.
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme - Introduction
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme is a social welfare scheme under the National Social Assistance Programme. In Sikkim, it is delivered by the Women and Child Welfare Department, which adds its own state share to the central pension. Because of this, eligible widows get ₹ 2,000 every month instead of only the smaller central amount.
The scheme was launched in 2014 and continues to run in 2026. Widows who meet the criteria can apply and receive the pension directly in their bank account, which helps them manage daily expenses without depending on anyone else. As per the Sikkim portal, the last date to submit the life certificate for the year 2026 was 28 February 2026.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme |
| Level | State (with central support) |
| Target Beneficiaries | Widows from BPL families in Sikkim |
| Financial Benefit | ₹ 2,000 per month |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer |
| Nodal Department | Women and Child Welfare Department, Sikkim |
| Official Launch Year | 2014 |
Benefits
Under this scheme, an eligible widow receives a monthly pension of ₹ 2,000. The amount is made up of the central share and the state share added by the Sikkim government. The money is deposited directly into the bank account of the beneficiary, so there is no middleman and the payment reaches on time.
This regular income helps widows meet basic needs such as food, clothing and medicine. Because the payment is made through direct benefit transfer, the whole process stays clear and easy to track.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, a widow needs to meet the conditions listed below:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Sikkim and hold a Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification.
- The family must be under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) bracket and hold a valid Antyodaya or Priority Household ration card.
- The widow must be at least 21 years of age.
- The applicant should not be drawing any other pension, such as a government service pension or family pension.
- A valid bank account opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is required for the payment.
Important: If the widow remarries, the pension stops from the date of remarriage. The applicant also needs the death certificate of the husband and a non-marriage certificate.
Application Process
Widows can apply both online and offline. The steps for the online process are given below.
STEP 1 - Open the official pension portal of the Sikkim Women and Child Welfare Department at Sikkim pension scheme portal.
STEP 2 - Click on the Create Account option and register using basic details such as email and mobile number.
STEP 3 - Log in with the created credentials and fill in the application form with the required personal and family details.
STEP 4 - Upload the required documents and submit the form. Note down the system generated application number for future reference.
STEP 5 - Track the status of the application. Once approved, the pension is credited through direct benefit transfer to the registered bank account.
For the offline process, the applicant can visit the nearest Gram Panchayat, Municipality or Municipal Corporation office, collect the application form, fill it out accurately and submit it with self attested documents.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready when applying for the pension:
- Three recent passport sized photographs.
- Attested copy of the Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification.
- Attested copy of the BPL certificate or Antyodaya ration card.
- Proof of age, such as a birth certificate or voter ID card.
- Attested copy of the Aadhaar card.
- Copy of the bank or post office passbook showing the latest account details.
- Death certificate of the husband.
- Non-marriage certificate.
References
National Social Assistance Programme official portal
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme on UMANG
FAQ's
What is the amount of the monthly pension?
An eligible widow receives ₹ 2,000 per month under this scheme in Sikkim.
How long will I receive the pension?
The pension continues as long as the widow remains unmarried and keeps meeting the eligibility conditions.
What is the minimum age requirement?
The applicant must be at least 21 years old.
Is a non-marriage certificate required?
Yes, a valid non-marriage certificate is required for the application.
Is this scheme only for those below the poverty line?
Yes, the scheme is meant for widows from BPL families in Sikkim.
Can I apply if I already receive another government pension?
No, a widow already drawing a pension from a central or state government source is not eligible.
What happens if I move out of Sikkim permanently?
To keep receiving the benefit, the widow must continue to reside in Sikkim.
Can I apply both online and offline?
Yes, the applicant can choose either the online portal or the offline process through the local municipal or panchayat office.
How will the money be paid?
Payments are made directly through the Direct Benefit Transfer system into the bank account of the beneficiary.