AI SummaryIndira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme is a centrally sponsored welfare scheme for widows from below poverty line families aged between 40 and 79 years. It provides a monthly pension of ₹400 directly into the bank account of eligible widows in Bihar to support their basic social security and dignity. The scheme is still running and new applications are accepted through the block level right to public service counters.
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.
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme - Introduction
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme operates under the Social Welfare Department, government of Bihar. It is a sub-scheme of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) run by the Ministry of Rural Development, government of India. The scheme focuses on providing essential social security through a monthly pension to widows belonging to below poverty line (BPL) families who are between 40 and 79 years old.
The main aim is to offer reliable money help to widows from poor households, helping them cover living expenses and improve their quality of life. For instance, if Shanti Devi, a widow from a rural BPL family, qualifies, she will receive this support to maintain her independence. The pension is sent through the direct benefit transfer (DBT) route, so the money lands directly in the bank account.
Key Information
| Key Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme |
| Beneficiary State | Bihar |
| Benefit Type | Monthly Cash Pension |
| Amount | ₹400 per month |
| DBT Scheme | Yes |
| Nodal Department | Social Welfare Department, Bihar |
Benefits
Eligible widows receive a monthly pension of ₹400. This scheme makes sure of financial security through the direct benefit transfer (DBT) process. The government transfers the funds directly into the bank account via the public financial management system (PFMS) based on the account details provided during application. The money is paid on a regular basis once the application is approved and the sanction order is issued.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, the applicant should meet the following criteria:
- Should be a permanent resident of Bihar.
- Should be a widow.
- Age should be between 40 and 79 years.
- Should belong to a below poverty line (BPL) family.
- Should not be receiving any other pension benefit from an existing government social security scheme.
Application Process
Offline Application Steps
Follow these steps to submit the application for Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme:
STEP 1 - Gather all the required documents and fill out the prescribed application form.
STEP 2 - Visit the local right to public service (RTPS) counter at the block office and submit the signed application along with the required attachments.
STEP 3 - Collect the acknowledgment receipt from the counter, as it is needed to track the application status.
STEP 4 - Once verified, the applicant will receive notifications about the application status through SMS or email.
STEP 5 - If approved, visit the same RTPS counter with the acknowledgment receipt and identity proof to collect the sanction order.
Grievance Redressal
If any problem comes up, the applicant can visit the SSPMIS Portal to register a complaint or call the toll-free number 18003456262. The local block development officer or the district social security cell can also be contacted for support under the Bihar public grievance redressal rights act.
Documents
Please keep the following documents ready for the application:
- Aadhaar card
- Passport-size photograph
- Identity proof, such as a voter ID card or driving license
- Death certificate of the husband
- Residence proof
- Proof of age
- Below poverty line (BPL) certificate or documentation
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- Bank passbook showing the account details
References
National Social Assistance Programme Portal | SSPMIS Portal | Application Form
FAQ's
What is the primary objective of this scheme?
The objective is to provide essential social security to widows from BPL families by offering them a monthly pension to support their livelihood.
Who is eligible to apply?
Widows who are residents of Bihar, aged between 40 and 79, and belong to a BPL family and are not currently receiving other government pensions are eligible.
How much is the monthly pension amount?
Qualifying beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of ₹400.
How is the money sent to the beneficiaries?
The pension is sent directly to the bank account via the direct benefit transfer (DBT) route using the PFMS platform.
Is there an income limit?
Yes, the applicant must belong to a below poverty line (BPL) family to qualify.
Can I apply if I already receive another pension?
No, the applicant should not be receiving benefits under any other social security scheme to be eligible for this one.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
If the application is rejected, the applicant will be informed of the reasons. The noted issues can be resolved and the application can be submitted again, or the grievance redressal helpdesk can be contacted for further guidance.