- Launched: 2009 as a component of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
- Nature: Non-contributory social assistance pension scheme.
- Target Group: BPL widows belonging to economically vulnerable households.
- Key Objective: To provide basic income support and social security to poor widows and help them meet their essential living needs.
- Eligibility Age: 40–79 years for the widow pension under the scheme.
- Central Assistance: ₹300 per month to eligible beneficiaries aged 40–79 years.
- 80+ Beneficiaries: After attaining 80 years, the Central assistance is ₹500 per month under the enhanced pension rate applicable to NSAP pension beneficiaries.
- State Contribution: States/UTs may provide additional financial assistance over and above the Central contribution.
- Nature of Benefit: Regular monthly pension; it is not a contributory pension.
Key Features
IGNWPS provides social-security support to widows who belong to economically vulnerable households and face difficulties in earning a livelihood.
