In Odisha, the government aims to provide social security to vulnerable sections of society, including widowed women. The Odisha Widow Pension Certificate is designed to give monthly financial assistance to eligible widows who lack other sufficient support. Under the current state‐level arrangement via the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme or IGNWPS in Odisha, eligible widows are provided a monthly pension of ₹ 1,000.
This assistance helps widows maintain a basic standard of living in the absence of a husband’s support or other income. This article will explain what the Odisha Widow Pension Certificate scheme is, the eligibility criteria, required documents, the application process, and renewal/continuation requirements.
What is the Odisha Widow Pension Certificate?
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The Odisha Widow Pension Certificate refers to the implementation of the centrally‐sponsored IGNWPS by the state’s Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, Odisha. Under this scheme:
- Widows from households below the poverty line (BPL) who satisfy the age criteria are eligible.
- The scheme provides a fixed monthly pension amount (₹ 1,000/month) for eligible widows aged between 40 and 79 years.
- The scheme essentially issues a sanction or pension certificate that allows for the monthly transfer of funds into the beneficiary’s account once all conditions are met.
- It is part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) implemented in the state.
Thus, this Odisha Widow Pension Certificate scheme offers a form of certificate, meaning the applicant is sanctioned for pension and can receive the monthly benefit.
Eligibility Criteria for Odisha Widow Pension Certificate:
To apply for the Odisha Widow Pension Certificate under the IGNWPS in Odisha, the applicant must satisfy certain key criteria:
- Widow status: The applicant must be a widow (i.e., her husband is deceased). In this scheme, the age bracket is 40 to 79 years.
- Household Below Poverty Line (BPL): The applicant should belong to a household categorized as BPL.
- Age requirement: The scheme mentions the age group 40 to 79 years.
- Residency/domicile: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha (state domicile) and must live in the state.
- No other pension (in many cases): The applicant should not be receiving a comparable pension under another major social assistance pension scheme (or may need to declare it).
- Income and asset criteria: While the central scheme focuses on BPL status, the state may require verification of income/asset limits; local rules may vary.
- Bank account and Aadhaar/identity proof: The applicant should have the necessary bank account details (for pension transfer) and identity documentation (Aadhaar or other).
It is important to check with the local district welfare/social security office for any additional state‐specific conditions.
Documents Required for Odisha Widow Pension Certificate Application:
When applying for the Odisha Widow Pension Certificate in Odisha, the applicant will need to gather various documents. These typically include:
- Death certificate of the husband (to verify widow status)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.) of the applicant
- Residence proof / Domicile certificate/address proof of the applicant in Odisha
- Age proof of the applicant (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc.)
- BPL certificate or proof of the household’s BPL status
- Bank account passbook or details (account number, branch IFSC) for direct pension transfer
- Passport-size recent photograph of the applicant
- Income certificate / self‐declaration of income (if required)
- Any additional forms or declarations required by the local block/office.
Applicants should ensure originals and photocopies as required, and the submission of properly attested documents as per local norms.
How to Apply for the Odisha Widow Pension Certificate?
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for the Odisha Widow Pension Certificate under the IGNWPS in Odisha:
Obtain the application form: Visit the local Block Development Office (BDO), Gram Panchayat office, municipal office, or the district office of SSEPD to get the application form for the IGNWPS (Widow Pension). Some forms may also be available on the SSEPD website of Odisha.
Complete the form: Fill in all required details, personal information, widow status, husband’s death, BPL household information, bank details, address, etc. Attach all necessary supporting documents.
Submit the form: Submit the completed form along with document copies to the designated authority (Block Development Officer, Social Security Office, municipal authority) in your locality. Get an acknowledgement/receipt.
Verification and sanction: The local authority will verify your documents and eligibility. The sanctioning authority issues the pension certificate/approval.
Disbursement of pension: On approval, the monthly pension amount of ₹ 1,000 will begin to be credited to your bank account by the state government as per the schedule.
Tracking and follow-up: You may check your application status via the local office or the SSEPD portal. Keep records of your acknowledgement and sanction order.
Renewal of Odisha Widow Pension Certificate:
Once you are approved and start receiving the pension, you need to maintain your eligibility and comply with periodic checks to continue receiving the benefit. Renewal aspects typically include:
- Periodic verification: The department may conduct periodic verification to ensure you continue to meet the criteria.
- Updating changes: If your bank account changes, your address changes, or other circumstances change, you must inform the local authority.
- No disqualifying change: If for example you remarry or you start receiving another major pension, the benefit may be discontinued.
- Timely application renewal if required: Some local schemes may require annual renewal forms or declarations; check with local Social Security Office.
- Continued absence of major income: The BPL status or income threshold may be re-checked as per state rules.
Conclusion:
The Odisha Widow Pension Certificate under IGNWPS is an important welfare measure aimed at providing financial assistance to widowed women in economically vulnerable households. With a monthly pension amount of ₹ 1,000, eligible widows aged 40 to 79 years from BPL households can apply and receive this support. By carefully checking eligibility, preparing the required documents, applying via the appropriate channel, and staying compliant with renewal/verification requirements, widows can access and continue to receive this benefit. If you or someone you know is eligible, it is advisable to initiate the process promptly and maintain communication with your local Social Security office to ensure smooth disbursement.
FAQ:
Q. How much pension does a widow get under this scheme in Odisha?
A. Under the IGNWPS in Odisha, eligible widows (aged between 40 and 79 years from a BPL household) receive ₹ 1,000 per month.
Q. What is the minimum age to apply for this widow pension in Odisha?
A. The scheme specifies an age group of 40 to 79 years for widows.
Q. Do I need a bank account to receive the pension?
A. Yes. You need to provide your bank account details for the pension transfer mechanism. Having an active bank account linked to your identity (Aadhaar) helps ensure timely payment.