Widow Pension Scheme - Vidhwa Pension Yojana?

However, it must be noted that each state has combined this scheme with their existing state benefits. So the implementation will look slightly different across different states in India. For this article, we will study the implementation in Delhi.

The Delhi Government aims to empower widows, divorced, separated, abandoned, or deserted women in the age group of 18 to 60 years with financial relief of Rs. 2500 per month.

The steps for qualifying for the pension scheme are as follows:

1. Collect the form from the District Office or download the form from the Department of Women and Child Development website here .
2. After downloading the form, fill in all the required information and attach three of your passport size photographs.
3. Enter the details of your bank account. The beneficiary amount will be directly deposited in your account under the government’s direct benefit transfer initiative.
4. Sign the form and submit it to the Department of Women and Child Development.
5. Once the form is submitted, it is sent for verification. The pension is started post the successful verification of the form.

The following documents are to be submitted for availing the benefits of the scheme:

• Age Proof (PAN Card, Aadhar Card, Passport, etc.)
• Proof of Residence (Aadhar Card, Passport, Electricity/Water bills in the name of the beneficiary, etc.)
• Copy of Bank Passbook/Cancelled Cheque for the bank details
• Husband’s death certificate
• In case the woman has a disability, a certificate from a registered physician must be submitted
• In case the woman has a mental illness, a certificate from a certified physician or mental health care professional must be provided.

The scheme thus is a reliable and focussed initiative to empower the lesser-known and the lesser respected section of the society. It could go a long way in strengthening women and child development on a larger scale in the country.

The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.