Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme, implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare, provides eligible widows aged 40 to 59 years with a monthly pension of Rs. 500 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Eligible applicants can submit their applications through the concerned District Social Welfare Officer.
Manipur Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme (CMWPS) |
| Launch Date | 2 November 2021 |
| Implementing Department | Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur |
| Objective | Provide monthly financial assistance to eligible widows |
| Monthly Pension | Rs. 500 through DBT |
| Eligibility | Widows aged 40 to 59 years who are permanent residents of Manipur |
| Special Provision | Age relaxation available for HIV positive widows |
| Target Coverage | 10,000 widows across the state |
| Application Mode | Offline through District Social Welfare Officer |
| Application Period | 22 September 2026 to 31 October 2026 |
| Related Scheme | Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme |
| Official Website | socialwelfare.mn.gov.in |
Introduction of Manipur Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme: A Brief Insight
The loss of a husband often brings not only emotional hardship but also serious financial challenges. Recognising this reality, the Government of Manipur launched the Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme on 2 November 2021 to provide dedicated financial support to widows who may not be fully covered under existing national pension programmes.
The scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare of the Government of Manipur. Its primary objective is to provide regular financial assistance to eligible widows aged between 40 and 59 years, helping them meet their day-to-day needs with greater dignity and security.
Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive Rs. 500 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into their bank accounts. The initiative was introduced with a target of covering 10,000 widows across the state.
The scheme also includes special provisions for vulnerable beneficiaries. HIV-positive widows are eligible for relaxation in the prescribed age criteria, and eligible widows residing in relief camps have also been covered under the programme in the past.
Applications are accepted during the notified application period each year and must be submitted through the concerned District Social Welfare Officer. Applicants can contact their local district office for guidance and assistance regarding the application process.
Widows can also check their eligibility for the Centrally-sponsored Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme. For healthcare support, beneficiaries may also explore the Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana and the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card Scheme, which offers health coverage for senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
Widows, families, and citizens looking for more welfare initiatives can explore our dedicated Welfare Schemes of Manipur Government section, where various social security and assistance programmes offered by the Government of Manipur are regularly updated.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme of the Manipur Government provides regular financial assistance to eligible widows, helping them manage essential day to day expenses and maintain a basic level of financial security.
Monthly Pension Assistance
- Eligible widows receive Rs. 500 per month as pension assistance
- The amount is transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the beneficiary’s bank account
Large Scale Social Support
The scheme was launched with the objective of supporting 10,000 widows across Manipur, highlighting the Government’s commitment towards the welfare and financial well being of vulnerable women.
Support for Women in Difficult Circumstances
Eligible widows living in relief camps have also been covered under the scheme in previous years, ensuring that women affected by displacement or emergency situations are not left out of government support.
Note: This scheme plays an important role in supporting widows aged 40 to 59 years, a category that may not always be adequately covered under other pension programmes, thereby providing an additional layer of financial protection and social security.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Directorate of Social Welfare of the Government of Manipur has prescribed specific eligibility conditions for the Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme. These conditions focus on the applicant’s widowhood status, age, residency, and financial condition.
- Applicant must be a widow whose husband has passed away
- Age must be between 40 and 59 years, as verified through a valid age proof certificate issued by a competent authority
- Must be a permanent resident of Manipur
- Family annual income must fall within the limit prescribed by the Government, supported by an Income Certificate or NFSA Card details
An Important Relaxation for HIV Positive Widows
Widows who are HIV positive are eligible for relaxation in the prescribed age criteria. Such applicants must submit a valid medical certificate confirming their HIV status while applying for the scheme.
A Special Domicile Provision
If a widow originally belonged to another state before marriage, she may still qualify under the scheme based on her husband’s domicile status, provided her husband had been a resident of Manipur for more than 15 years.
Who Won’t Qualify
- Widows who do not fall within the prescribed age group, unless covered under the HIV positive relaxation provision
- Applicants who are not residents of Manipur
- Families whose annual income exceeds the limit fixed by the Government
Note: The Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme works alongside the Centrally Sponsored Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, helping extend financial support to eligible widows who require additional social security assistance.
Documents Required to be Attached
To apply for the Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme, you need to provide documents that verify your identity, financial status, bank account details, and the death of your husband. Keeping these documents ready in advance can help make the application process smoother.
- Aadhaar Card details of the widow applicant
- Bank account details, including account number, IFSC code, and bank branch name
- Death Certificate of the husband, issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths
- Income Certificate issued by the competent authority (SDC, SDO, or BDO), or NFSA Card details
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Age proof certificate issued by a competent authority, confirming eligibility under the prescribed age criteria
- For HIV-positive applicants, a valid medical certificate confirming their status
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of the Scheme
Applying for this scheme is a simple offline process and needs to be completed through your district’s social welfare office. Just follow each step carefully and keep all required documents ready before submitting your application.
Step 1: Obtain the prescribed application form either by downloading it from the official Social Welfare Department, Manipur website, or by collecting it directly from your District Social Welfare Office.
Step 2: Fill in Part A of the form with your late husband’s details, including his name, village, address, and age at the time of death. Make sure all information matches the records available on the death certificate.
Step 3: Fill in Part B with your own details as the widow applicant, such as your name, gender, date of birth, address, and family or member ID details, wherever applicable.
Step 4: Enter your bank account details carefully, including your account number, IFSC code, bank branch name, Aadhaar number, and mobile number. These details are important because the pension amount will be transferred directly to your bank account.
Step 5: Attach all required documents, including your Aadhaar Card, husband’s death certificate, income certificate or NFSA card details, age proof certificate, and two recent passport-size photographs.
Step 6: If you are HIV-positive, mention it in the application form and attach the required medical certificate, as this can help you avail the special relaxation available under the scheme.
Step 7: Get your application form verified and counter-signed by the designated verification officer. Ensure that the officer’s name, signature, and designation are clearly mentioned on the form.
Step 8: Submit your completed application form along with all supporting documents to the concerned District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) for further processing.
Important: Applications are accepted only during the notified application period. For the current cycle, applications can be submitted from 22 September 2026 to 31 October 2026. To avoid rejection or delays, submit your form within the prescribed timeline and make sure no document or information is missing.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme Official Website
- Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme Application Form PDF
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Implementing Department: Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur
- Local Level: Contact your District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme is a welfare initiative of the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur, providing monthly financial assistance to eligible widows to help meet their basic living expenses.
Ans. Widows aged between 40 and 59 years, who are permanent residents of Manipur and whose family income falls within the prescribed limit, can apply under this scheme.
Ans. Yes. HIV-positive widows are eligible for relaxation in the prescribed age criteria, subject to submission of a valid medical certificate.
Ans. Eligible beneficiaries receive Rs. 500 per month, which is transferred directly to their bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Ans. You need to submit the duly filled application form along with the required documents to your concerned District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) during the notified application period.
Ans. Applications are accepted only during the notified annual application window. For the current cycle, applications can be submitted from 22 September 2026 to 31 October 2026.
Ans. Applicants generally need Aadhaar Card, husband’s death certificate, income certificate or NFSA card details, age proof certificate, bank account details, and two passport-size photographs.
Ans. Yes. Eligible widows residing in relief camps have also been covered under the scheme in the past, subject to fulfilment of the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Ans. If your husband was a resident of Manipur for more than 15 years, his domicile status can be considered for determining your eligibility under the scheme.
Ans. No. Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme is a Manipur Government scheme, while the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme is centrally sponsored. Both are separate programmes with their own eligibility criteria and benefits.
Ans. You can contact your concerned District Social Welfare Officer or visit the official website of the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur for assistance and updates.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.