Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)

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.

IGNWPS provides social-security support to widows who belong to economically vulnerable households and face difficulties in earning a livelihood.