Widowhood often places women in a vulnerable financial position, especially when there is no sustained income or support. To address this, the Government of Nagaland implements a widow-pension scheme under the NSAP framework. The Nagaland Widow Pension Certificate scheme issues a pension certificate to eligible widows, which entitles them to monthly financial assistance. In Nagaland, according to official sources, widows receive ₹ 300 per month under the IGNWPS scheme.
What is the Nagaland Widow Pension Certificate?
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The Nagaland Widow Pension Certificate is part of the NSAP implemented by the state’s Directorate of Social Welfare, Nagaland (or similarly named welfare department). Through this scheme:
- Widows who meet specific eligibility criteria (primarily those from BPL households) apply for a Widow Pension Certificate, which confirms their eligibility.
- Upon sanction, monthly pension amounts (e.g., ₹ 300) are disbursed into their bank account or via local payment mechanisms.
- The scheme aims to provide income support to vulnerable widows so they can meet basic needs and maintain dignity.
Eligibility Criteria for Nagaland Widow Pension Certificate:
To apply for the Nagaland Widow Pension Certificate in Nagaland under IGNWPS / NSAP, the key eligibility criteria generally include:
- The applicant must be a widow (i.e., her husband is deceased).
- Age criterion: According to the state manual, widows aged 40-59 years (or in some cases 40 and above) are eligible.
- The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household. The scheme is meant for vulnerable persons in BPL status.
- Residency/domicile: The applicant should be a resident or domiciled in Nagaland (as per state rules).
- The applicant should not be receiving overlapping pensions under similar categories (for example, both a widow pension and another NSAP pension) unless allowed by rules.
- Bank account and identity proof: The applicant should have a bank account (for direct benefit transfer) and identity proof such as Aadhaar or state ID. For example, one district office required Aadhaar & bank passbook for payment.
Documents Required for Nagaland Widow Pension Certificate Application:
When applying for the Nagaland Widow Pension Certificate, the following documents are typically required:
- Death certificate of the husband.
- Identity proof of the applicant.
- Residence proof or state domicile certificate in Nagaland.
- Age proof of the applicant.
- Proof of BPL status / Below Poverty Line certificate or equivalent vulnerability certificate.
- Bank account passbook or bank account details for pension disbursement. For example, one district demanded bank account and Aadhaar copies.
- A recent passport-size photograph of the applicant.
- Declaration or certificate confirming widow status.
- Any form or application as required by the Directorate of Social Welfare or the district welfare office.
Ensure you keep originals and copies, and verify local district requirements, as they sometimes ask for additional local verification.
How to Apply for a Nagaland Widow Pension Certificate?
Here is a step-by-step process to apply for the Nagaland Widow Pension Certificate:
Obtain the application form:
Visit your local District Welfare Office (DWO) or the Directorate of Social Welfare in your district. Many district offices under NSAP publish application forms.
In some districts, the village council or VDB (Village Development Board) may help distribute the forms.
Fill in the application form:
Provide your personal details: name, address, husband’s death date, bank details, photograph, etc.
Attach the required documents (death certificate, bank passbook copy, identity proof, BPL certificate, etc).
If a local certificate is required, arrange that as per district instruction.
Submit the application
Submit the completed form and attachments to the District Welfare Officer’s office or the designated local centre (depending on your district).
Retain the acknowledgement receipt or reference number/folio for tracking.
Verification and sanction
The district welfare office will verify your eligibility (widow status, BPL status, age, bank account details, residency).
After verification, if you are found eligible, you will be sanctioned the pension and issued the Widow Pension Certificate (or sanction order).
Pension disbursement
Once sanctioned, the monthly pension amount will be transferred via DBT or disbursed by the DWO office. Keep your bank account active and ensure Aadhaar and bank linkages are correct.
Track your application
Use the acknowledgement/reference to check the status with the district welfare office.
If you face delays, approach your local village council or welfare office to enquire.
Renewal of Nagaland Widow Pension Certificate:
Once you are approved and begin receiving the pension, you must maintain compliance and eligibility to continue the benefit. Renewal or continuation generally involves:
- Post-sanction verification: The welfare department may periodically verify that you still meet the eligibility criteria.
- Update changes: If you change your address, bank account, or other key details, inform the District Welfare Office to update your records and avoid interruption of payment.
- Avoid disqualifying changes: If you remarry or receive another pension that the rules do not permit in combination, your eligibility may cease; you must report such changes.
- Respond to local calls for verification: In some districts, the Village Council Chairman or VDB Secretary must bring the Pension Payment Booklet to the DWO office for updating.
- Renewal forms if required: Some districts may require an annual renewal or declaration form—check with your local office.
Conclusion:
The Nagaland Widow Pension Certificate under the IGNWPS provides important support for widows in economically vulnerable households. With a monthly pension of ₹ 300 in Nagaland, eligible widows can receive regular assistance. By fulfilling the eligibility criteria, preparing the required documents, applying correctly, and staying updated on renewal obligations, eligible widows can make full use of this scheme. If you or someone you know qualifies, initiating the process promptly and staying engaged with the local welfare office will help ensure smooth disbursement.
FAQ:
Q. How much pension does a widow receive under this scheme in Nagaland?
A. Under the IGNWPS in Nagaland, eligible widows receive ₹ 300 per month.
Q. Do I need a bank account to receive the pension?
A. Yes. You must provide bank account details because the pension is transferred via DBT or through the district welfare payment system.
Q. What happens if I remarry after receiving the pension certificate?
A. If you remarry, you may no longer be eligible for the scheme because the benefit is specifically for widows. You should inform the welfare office about changes in status.