The Bihar government has introduced a major relief measure for economically weaker widowed women by increasing financial assistance under the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme. Under this social welfare initiative, eligible BPL (Below Poverty Line) widows are now receiving ₹1,100 per month as pension. The move is aimed at providing financial security, dignity, and long-term support to widowed women who are among the most vulnerable sections of society.
Here is a detailed, easy-to-understand guide covering the scheme’s benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, payment tracking, and grievance redressal system, in line with Google News guidelines.
The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is a flagship social security programme implemented by the Bihar government through the Department of Social Welfare. The scheme focuses on widowed women who are financially weak and lack a steady source of income.
Under this programme, eligible widows living below the poverty line receive monthly financial assistance directly into their bank accounts. The pension is intended to help beneficiaries manage basic household needs, healthcare expenses, and daily living costs.
In 2025, the Bihar government significantly enhanced the pension amount, raising it from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month, making it one of the more supportive widow pension schemes at the state level.
Eligible beneficiaries now receive:
₹1,100 per month
Payment is made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Funds are credited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account
Transactions are processed via the PFMS (Public Financial Management System), ensuring transparency and timely payments
This system minimizes delays, prevents leakages, and ensures that the full pension amount reaches the rightful beneficiary.
To avail benefits under the Bihar Widow Pension Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
The applicant must be a resident of Bihar
The woman must be widowed
Age should be between 40 and 79 years
The family must fall under the BPL category
The applicant should not be receiving benefits from any other social security pension scheme
Only women fulfilling all eligibility criteria are approved for the pension.
The application process is designed to be simple and accessible, especially for rural beneficiaries.
Obtain and fill out the widow pension application form
Attach all required documents (such as age proof, widow certificate, BPL card, Aadhaar, and bank details)
Submit the signed application at the RTPS counter located in the Block Office
Collect and safely keep the acknowledgment receipt
Applicants are informed about the approval or rejection status via SMS or email. Once approved, beneficiaries can collect the official sanction order from the same RTPS counter by presenting the receipt and identity proof.
Beneficiaries can easily track their pension payments online by following these steps:
Visit the official Social Security Pension MIS (SSPMIS) website
Click on “e-Beneficiary” under Important Links
Select the “Check Your Payment Status” option
Enter the financial year and beneficiary ID
Click on Search to view payment details
This facility allows beneficiaries to confirm whether the pension amount has been credited to their account.
If a beneficiary faces issues such as delayed payment, incorrect details, or application rejection, complaints can be lodged through multiple channels:
Call the toll-free helpline: 1800-345-6262
Register a complaint via the online grievance portal
Visit the Block Development Office, Sub-Divisional Office, or District Social Security Office
File a complaint under the Bihar Right to Public Grievance Redressal Act, 2016
These mechanisms ensure accountability and timely resolution of beneficiary concerns.
The enhanced pension amount under the Bihar Widow Pension Scheme reflects the government’s commitment to women’s welfare and social security. For BPL widows with limited income opportunities, the monthly assistance of ₹1,100 provides a crucial financial lifeline and promotes independence and dignity.
By simplifying the application process and ensuring direct bank transfers, the scheme has become more accessible and reliable, making it a vital support system for thousands of widowed women across Bihar.
Disclaimer: Scheme benefits, eligibility, and procedures are subject to official notifications. Applicants are advised to verify details through authorized government sources before applying.
