Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme supports widows across India by providing them with regular financial help. Started in 1995 as part of the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP), this scheme is especially helpful for widows living below the poverty line. Madhya Pradesh is one of the states where this scheme is actively carried out. Under the scheme, widows get a monthly pension to help cover their basic expenses. Both the Central and State Governments share the responsibility of funding this program.
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme 2025: Financial Help for Widows
If you are a widow aged between 40 and 59 and belong to the below poverty line category, you can apply for the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS). This scheme gives a pension of Rs. 400 per month to help with your daily expenses. It is one of the five parts of the National Social Assistance Program, which aims to support at-risk people in society with financial help. The Ministry of Rural Development manages this scheme, which is available in both urban and rural areas.
The Indian Constitution guides the government to offer welfare programs that improve living standards, public health, and education. The NSAP, including the IGNWPS, supports these goals by giving regular financial support to needy widows and other vulnerable groups.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin
Main Points of Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme
| Name | Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme |
| Started by | Central Government of India |
| Started in | 1995 |
| Implemented in | Madhya Pradesh |
| Target Group | Widows below poverty line in the state |
| Objective | Monthly pension of Rs. 400 for widows |
| Pension Amount | Rs. 400 per month |
| Official Website | https://nsap.nic.in/ |
Purpose of the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme
- Offers basic financial help to low-income widows after the death of the family’s main earner.
- Maintains minimum national standards for social support, adding to any state benefits.
- Keeps social protection steady and ongoing across India for eligible widows.
NSAP’s Five Sub-Schemes
The National Social Assistance Program (NSAP) includes these five parts:
- Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
- National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
- Annapurna Scheme
Who Runs the NSAP?
Each state or union territory has a department responsible for carrying out the NSAP rules. For most, it’s the Social Welfare Department. But in some states, other departments like Rural Development, Women & Child Development, Revenue, or Labour also handle the scheme. It covers both city and village areas.
Main Benefits of the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme
- Widows get monthly pension directly credited to their accounts.
- Financial help comes from the Government of India.
- Widows above 80 years old receive a higher pension of Rs. 500 each month.
- Widows receive Rs. 300 per month starting from the date of the husband’s death.
Who Can Apply for the Widow Pension Scheme?
To be eligible you must:
- Live in Madhya Pradesh.
- Be between 40 and 79 years old.
- Belong to a family below the poverty line.
Documents Needed to Apply
Make sure to gather the following before applying:
- Three passport-size photos of the applicant.
- Completed and self-attested application form.
- Aadhar Card.
- Domicile certificate.
- Proof of age.
- Husband’s death certificate.
- Below Poverty Line ration card.
- Proof of residence such as Voter ID, Electricity Bill, or Aadhar Card.
- Bank account details for pension transfer.
How to Apply for Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme 2025
Just follow these simple steps:
- Go to the official NSAP website.
- On the homepage, find and click the Download Form section.
- Download and print the application form.
- Fill out the form carefully with all the required information.
- Attach all the necessary documents.
- Submit the completed form to the Commissioner Municipal Corporation or Janpad Panchayat Officer.
How Beneficiaries are Selected
The Ministry of Rural Development uses a special BPL (Below Poverty Line) census list from 2002 to pick eligible widows in rural areas. For urban areas, a similar BPL list linked to poverty programs is used. The pension money is usually given through bank accounts, post offices, or community meetings like Gram Sabhas and mohalla groups for easy access.
How Much Pension Do Widows Get?
The Central Government gives Rs. 200 per month for each widow. State Governments usually add at least the same amount, so widows receive at least Rs. 400 per month under this scheme.
This support can make a big difference in widows’ lives, helping them live with more dignity and security.