The Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate Scheme is designed to provide financial support to widows belonging to economically weaker households. The scheme ensures that eligible women receive a monthly pension consolidated via the state and central governments. In Sikkim, under IGNWPS, eligible widows receive ₹ 2,000 per month.
The Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate Scheme helps widows who may lack independent income or support to meet essential needs, and the administration is done through the state’s welfare department under social assistance programmes.
What is the Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate?
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The Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate refers to the centrally‐sponsored IGNWPS, which is implemented by the state government for widows from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households residing in Sikkim.
Under the scheme:
- A widow who meets the eligibility criteria can apply for the pension certificate.
- The pension amount is paid monthly by direct transfer into the bank account of the beneficiary.
- The scheme is intended for widows with no other pension/salary income from the state or central government, and who belong to BPL households.
Thus, obtaining the Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate (or sanction order) essentially means your application has been approved and you are eligible to receive the monthly pension.
Eligibility Criteria for Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate:
The key eligibility requirements for the Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate under the IGNWPS are as follows:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident (domicile) of Sikkim.
- The applicant’s household must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- The applicant must be 21 years or older. (The earlier age requirement was higher, but the state reduced it to 21 years. )
- The applicant must be unmarried (i.e., remains single after husband’s death) or must not have remarried. In case of re-marriage pension is discontinued.
- The applicant must have no other source of income such as salary, pension or family pension from central or state government.
- The applicant must have a bank account (under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana or another acceptable account) for disbursement.
These criteria must be fulfilled to apply for and maintain the certificate and pension.
Documents Required for Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate Application:
When applying for the Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate, you will need to submit several documents. The major ones include:
- Recent passport-size photographs (typically 3 copies) of the applicant.
- A photocopy of the applicant’s Aadhaar card.
- Photocopy of the applicant’s residence proof / Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification for domicile.
- A photocopy of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate of the household.
- Proof of age (for example, Birth Certificate, school certificate, Electoral Photo Identity Card, etc).
- Death certificate of the husband bearing the name of the legal wife/widow.
- Non-marriage certificate or self-declaration that the applicant has not remarried (if relevant).
- Bank/Post Office passbook copy showing account details for the applicant (first page and latest update).
It’s advisable to prepare these documents with self-attestation as required and keep originals for verification.
How to Apply for a Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate?
In Sikkim, the process to apply is relatively straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Obtain the application form: Visit your local Gram Panchayat/ Block Office / Municipality where the application form for the IGNWPS (Widow Pension) is available. Alternatively, the form may be available online via the state pension scheme portal.
Fill the form: Complete the form with all required fields (personal details, husband’s death, BPL status, bank account details, etc.). Attach all the required documents (as listed in the previous section).
Apply: Submit the completed form and documents to the designated receiving authority (typically the local Gram Panchayat/Block/municipal office). Ensure you obtain an acknowledgement/receipt or reference number for tracking.
Verification and sanction: The application will be scrutinised by the Selection Committee and concerned officials. On approval, the Secretary issues the sanction order, and disbursal arrangements are made.
Disbursement of pension: Once approved, the monthly pension amount of ₹ 2,000 will be transferred into your bank account via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism or as per the state’s process.
Track your application: You may check the status of your application (often via the portal or through the local welfare department) to know when your pension will commence.
Renewal of Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate:
Typically, once the Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate is issued and pension begins, the benefit continues as long as the eligibility criteria are maintained. However, there are some maintenance requirements:
- You must not remarry, else the pension will be discontinued from the date of remarriage.
- If you move out of the state permanently, the pension may be discontinued.
- You must inform the relevant department if any changes occur (such as a change of bank account, death of a beneficiary, etc). For example, the state’s Women & Child Development Department recently issued a notice asking beneficiaries or their families to submit death reports promptly.
- Renewal or periodic verification may be required by the department to ensure the beneficiary continues to satisfy BPL status and other criteria. While a specific “renewal form” may not always be required, you should stay responsive to requests from the department.
If you have moved, changed bank branch, or your name has changed, inform the welfare office to avoid disruption in payments.
Conclusion:
The Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate under IGNWPS is a vital safety-net for widows belonging to economically weaker households. With a monthly pension of ₹ 2,000, eligible widows can secure some financial stability. By carefully meeting the eligibility criteria, gathering the required documentation, applying through the correct channel, and maintaining compliance with the rules (such as remaining unmarried and updating changes), one can successfully obtain and continue receiving the pension.
If you or someone you know is eligible, I encourage you to apply and make use of this support. The process is well-defined, and with proper preparation, it should be manageable.
FAQ:
Q. What is the monthly pension amount under the Sikkim Widow Pension Certificate?
A. The pension amount is ₹ 2,000 per month for eligible widows under IGNWPS in Sikkim.
Q. What is the minimum age for applying under this scheme?
A. The applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
Q. Can a widow who is receiving another pension apply?
A. No. Widows receiving any other salary, pension or family pension from the central or state government are not eligible.