What this scheme offers
The Directorate of Social Welfare runs two allowances for women in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, each ₹2,500 a month paid into a bank account: the Widow Pension Scheme for poor widows and the Allowance to Destitute Women Scheme for poor, destitute women. In both, the woman must be a permanent resident of the Islands or have lived there for more than 10 years before applying, with household income of no more than ₹4,000 a month and no other government or non-government assistance or pension. The widow pension stops if the widow remarries or becomes financially independent. Applications are made offline through the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) office.
Who is eligible
- A poor widow (Widow Pension), or a poor and destitute woman (Destitute Women Allowance).
- Permanent resident of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, or resident for more than 10 years before applying.
- Household income not more than ₹4,000 a month.
- Not receiving any other government or non-government financial assistance or pension.
Documents required
- Completed application form
- Husband's death certificate, for the widow pension
- Proof of permanent residence or 10 years' stay in the Islands
- Income proof
- Aadhaar card and bank account details
How to apply
- Collect the application form free of cost from the Directorate of Social Welfare in Port Blair or from a sub-divisional CDPO office, or download it from the department website.
- Choose the widow pension or the destitute women allowance as fits your case — ask the CDPO office if unsure.
- Fill in the form and attach your documents.
- Submit it to your concerned CDPO office.
- After sanction, tell the Director of Social Welfare about any change of address or employment within 15 days.