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

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme offers monthly financial support of ₹500 to widows aged 40 to 79 years living below the poverty line in Chhattisgarh. This centrally sponsored social welfare scheme is being implemented by the Social Welfare Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh, and applications for the current year are open through the state eDistrict and Sewa Setu portals.

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 - Overview

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme gives a steady monthly pension to widows between 40 and 79 years who belong to BPL families. The amount is split between the centre and the state, with the centre contributing part of it and the state adding its share, so the total received by a beneficiary reaches ₹500 a month.

The scheme forms a part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) under the Ministry of Rural Development. The Chhattisgarh government runs it through the Social Welfare Department, and benefits are paid directly into the bank or post office account of the eligible person.

This support is meant to help a widow meet her day-to-day needs and live with dignity without depending on others. Any woman who meets the age and income conditions can apply through the online portal or at a local government office.

Key Information

Benefits

Under this scheme, an eligible widow receives a monthly pension of ₹500. This total is built from a central contribution and a state contribution, and the amount is released every month to the beneficiary account.

Along with the monthly money, the scheme gives the widow a sense of financial safety. It also removes the need to depend on others for daily expenses, since the pension reaches the account directly without any middleman.

Eligibility

To get the benefit, a woman needs to meet a few clear conditions set by the government. The following points explain who can apply for the scheme:

• Residence - She should be a permanent resident of Chhattisgarh, as the scheme is run by the state government through its Social Welfare Department.
• Widow status - She should be a widow, and her husband should not be alive.
• Age limit - Her age should be between 40 and 79 years at the time of application.
• BPL family - Her name should appear in the official list of families living below the poverty line.
• No other pension - She should not be receiving any other pension from the central or state government for the same condition.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Go to the official eDistrict Chhattisgarh Portal and complete the user registration using a mobile number. STEP 2 - Log in to the account and find the "Application for Inclusion in Widow Pension" service under the Social Welfare section. STEP 3 - Fill in the details asked in the digital application form and upload the required supporting documents. STEP 4 - Submit the application; an Acknowledgment or ARN number is generated on the screen for tracking. STEP 5 - Keep the ARN safe to check the application status later until approval and payment are done.

For people who prefer an offline method, the form can be collected free from a Lok Seva Kendra (Sewa Setu Kendra), Common Service Centre (CSC), Gram Panchayat office, or the local Municipal Corporation, Municipality, or Nagar Panchayat office. The filled form is submitted to the concerned authority, and an acknowledgment receipt should be kept for records.

The service can also be used on the UMANG portal to apply and check the status easily.

Documents

To make the approval smooth, keep the following documents ready before applying. A clear set of papers speeds up the whole checking process:

• Aadhaar card for identity and address proof.
• Recent passport-size photograph to attach with the form.
• Domicile certificate of Chhattisgarh, authorised by a Gazetted Officer, Sarpanch, or Councillor.
• Age proof such as birth certificate, school certificate, or a doctor's note.
• Death certificate of the husband, certified by the related authority.
• BPL certificate or other income documents that show the family is below the poverty line.
• Bank or Post Office account passbook so the pension can be transferred directly.

References

National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) Official Website | eDistrict Chhattisgarh Portal | Apply Online for Widow Pension

FAQ's

What are the benefits of this scheme?

An eligible widow receives a monthly pension of ₹500, paid directly into her bank or post office account.

Who is eligible to apply?

A widow living in Chhattisgarh who is between 40 and 79 years old, belongs to a BPL family, and is not getting another government pension can apply.

Can widows above 79 years apply?

No, the age range is strictly between 40 and 79 years for this scheme.

Where do I get the form in rural areas?

Visit the local Gram Panchayat office, Lok Seva Kendra, or Common Service Centre to collect the form.

Is there a fee for online application?

A nominal service fee of about ₹30 is charged for the online application through the eDistrict and Sewa Setu portals.

How do I apply online?

Visit the eDistrict Chhattisgarh Portal, register, log in, and select the Widow Pension service under the Social Welfare section.

Can I receive other pensions at the same time?

No, you should not be receiving any other pension from the central or state government.

How often is the pension paid?

The pension is paid to eligible beneficiaries on a monthly basis through direct transfer to their account.