Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, implemented by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, provides eligible non working mothers aged 18 to 59 years with Rs. 40,000 annual financial assistance in two instalments of Rs. 20,000 each. Interested mothers can apply through their nearest Block Development Office after fulfilling the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana (SASY) |
| Year of Notification | 2023 |
| Launched Under | Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) |
| Implementing Department | Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department |
| Target Beneficiaries | Non working, unwed, widowed, divorced and separated mothers, including eligible POCSO victims |
| Eligible Age Group | 18 to 59 years |
| Financial Assistance | Rs. 40,000 per year |
| Instalment Structure | Two instalments of Rs. 20,000 each |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Bank Transfer through State Bank of Sikkim |
| Mandatory Ration Card | Priority Household (PHH) or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) |
| Present Coverage | Around 32,000 mothers |
| Planned Coverage From 2027 | 50,000 mothers |
| Application Mode | Offline through Block Development Office (BDO) |
| Official Website | sikkim.gov.in |
Introduction of Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana: A Brief Insight
Many mothers in Sikkim dedicate their lives to raising children and managing household responsibilities, yet they often do not have an independent source of income. For widowed, divorced, separated, unwed and financially dependent mothers, even routine expenses related to children, education and daily needs can become difficult to manage. To address this challenge and strengthen the role of mothers within the family, the Government of Sikkim introduced the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana.
The scheme was notified in 2023 under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and is implemented by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim. Its objective is not only to provide financial assistance but also to empower mothers with greater financial security, confidence and decision making power within their families.
Under Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, every eligible mother receives Rs. 40,000 annually. The assistance is released in two instalments of Rs. 20,000 each and is transferred directly into the beneficiary’s account with the State Bank of Sikkim. The scheme currently benefits around 32,000 mothers across the state, and the government has announced plans to expand coverage to 50,000 mothers from 2027.
A unique feature of the scheme is that it encourages productive use of the financial assistance. Mothers who make exceptional use of the support for improving their family’s welfare, children’s future or income generating activities can receive the prestigious Pragatisheel Aama Puraskar, which carries cash awards of up to Rs. 5 lakh.
Mothers between 18 and 59 years of age can apply if they are non working, unwed, widowed, divorced or legally separated. Applicants must possess valid residence proof of Sikkim, a Voter Card and a PHH or AAY ration card. However, women from families with a regular salaried employee, government contractor or pension beneficiary are not eligible under the scheme.
The application process is completely offline and begins at the local Block Development Office. Applicants must submit the prescribed form along with supporting documents and obtain a recommendation through a Gram Sabha or Ward Sabha resolution. Mothers can seek assistance from their Block Development Office or the nearest Block Administrative Centre during the application process.
Since Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana focuses on non pension beneficiaries, widowed women requiring long term pension support can explore the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme. Unmarried women may also check the Unmarried Women Pension Scheme, while beneficiaries who attain the age of 60 years can later become eligible for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme.
Mothers looking for financial assistance, social security and family welfare support, along with readers searching for more welfare programmes launched by the Government of Sikkim, can explore all available initiatives on our List of Welfare Schemes of Sikkim Government page.
Latest Update Regarding Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana
- 3 October 2026: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) distributed benefits under Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana to around 1,000 eligible mothers in the Rhenock Assembly Constituency, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening financial support for mothers across the state.
- 17 September 2026: A large scale benefit distribution programme was conducted across all 32 Assembly constituencies of Sikkim. Nearly 1,000 mothers in each constituency received financial assistance under the scheme during the state wide drive.
- 10 August 2026: During the 2nd Aama Samman Diwas celebration at Rangpo, the Chief Minister announced that the scheme’s coverage will be expanded from the current level to 50,000 mothers from 2027. On the same occasion, the government also launched the Pragatisheel Aama Puraskar and unveiled the dedicated Aama Samman Website to improve outreach and beneficiary engagement.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana of the Sikkim Government provides direct financial support to mothers so they can take care of their children, manage household expenses and improve their family’s future. The assistance reaches the beneficiary’s own bank account, giving her greater financial independence and decision-making power.
Annual Financial Assistance
- Rs. 40,000 per year is provided to every eligible mother
- The amount is released in two instalments of Rs. 20,000 each
- Money is transferred directly through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT)
- The benefit is credited to the beneficiary’s Aama Savings Account with the State Bank of Sikkim
- The scheme initially provided Rs. 20,000 annually, which was later increased to Rs. 40,000
Support for Children and Family Needs
The financial assistance can be used for children’s education, daily household expenses, healthcare needs, nutritious food, and other essential family requirements. Mothers may also use the amount to start small income-generating activities and strengthen their household income.
Special Awards for Outstanding Beneficiaries
- Pragatisheel Aama Puraskar rewards mothers who make exceptional use of the scheme benefits
- Cash awards of Rs. 5 lakh, Rs. 3 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh are given to the first, second and third winners respectively
- The Best Aama Account Holder Award recognises mothers who maintain excellent saving habits through their Aama Savings Account
- Three mothers from each district are selected for awards of Rs. 2 lakh, Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 50,000
Large Scale Coverage Across Sikkim
- More than 32,000 mothers are currently receiving assistance under the scheme
- The scheme covers beneficiaries across all 32 Assembly constituencies of Sikkim
- From 2027, the government plans to increase coverage to 50,000 mothers
- The annual expenditure on the scheme is expected to reach nearly Rs. 200 crore after expansion
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Government of Sikkim’s Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana has been designed to support mothers who shoulder the responsibility of raising children without having a stable source of income. To ensure that assistance reaches genuinely deserving families, the Government of Sikkim has prescribed specific eligibility conditions.
- Applicant must be a mother between 18 and 59 years of age
- Must be a mother caring for her child, a single mother who is legally separated, a widowed mother with a child, or the mother of a legally adopted child
- Unemployed mothers, including unwed, widowed, divorced and separated women, as well as POCSO victims, are eligible
- Must possess a valid Sikkim Subject Certificate (SSC), Certificate of Identification (COI) or Residential Certificate
- Must hold a valid Voter ID Card issued in any Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body of Sikkim
- The family must be covered under a Priority Household (PHH) or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Ration Card
- Must not be engaged in regular employment and should not be receiving any pension from the Central Government, State Government or any other agency
Who Cannot Apply
- Mothers whose family member is employed in a regular post under the Central Government, State Government, Public Sector Undertakings, banks or similar organisations
- Mothers who, or whose spouse, are registered Government Contractors or Suppliers
- Women receiving any form of pension from the Government or any agency
- Women below 18 years or above 59 years of age
- Families that do not possess a valid PHH or AAY Ration Card
Documents Required to be Attached
Sikkim Government’s Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana requires a few important documents to confirm your identity, residence, family status and eligibility under the scheme. It is a good idea to arrange all documents in one file before visiting the Block Development Office, as missing documents may slow down the verification process.
- Attested copy of Sikkim Subject Certificate (SSC), Certificate of Identification (COI) or Residential Certificate
- Valid Voter ID Card issued in any ward of a Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body within Sikkim
- Attested copy of the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
- Priority Household (PHH) or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Ration Card
- Birth Certificate of the child
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant
- Gram Sabha or Ward Sabha Resolution recommending the applicant’s name
- First page of the bank passbook showing account details
- Three recent passport size photographs
Additional Documents, If Applicable
- Death Certificate of the husband, in case of widowed mothers
- Court order, separation deed or divorce decree, for separated or divorced mothers
- Legal adoption deed, if the child has been adopted
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Applying for Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana is an offline process handled through your local Block Development Office. If you keep your documents ready and follow each step carefully, the process becomes easy. Here is a simple guide to help you understand it.
Step 1: Visit your nearest Block Development Office (BDO) and ask for the Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana application form. The form is provided free of cost.
Step 2: Fill in all details carefully, including your name, address, age, child’s details and bank account information. If you are unsure about any field, ask the office staff for assistance.
Step 3: Get your name recommended through the Gram Sabha if you live in a village, or through the Ward Sabha if you live in an urban area. Obtain a copy of the approved resolution.
Step 4: Attach all required documents, including your residence certificate, Voter Card, PHH or AAY ration card, child’s birth certificate, Aadhaar Card, bank passbook copy and recent passport size photographs.
Step 5: Submit the completed application form at the Block Development Office. It is a good idea to keep a photocopy of the filled form and documents for future reference.
What Happens After You Submit Your Application
Step 1: The Social Welfare Inspector checks your documents and verifies whether you fulfil all the eligibility conditions.
Step 2: After verification, your application moves through different levels for approval, including the Social Welfare Officer, Block Development Officer or Municipal Commissioner, Additional District Collector (Development) and District Collector.
Step 3: The final approval is given by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim.
Step 4: Once your application is approved, the financial assistance is released to your Aama Savings Account maintained with the State Bank of Sikkim.
Step 5: The assistance is provided in two instalments of Rs. 20,000 each every year. In some areas, distribution events are also organised through Block Administrative Centres and local representatives.
How to Check if Your Name is on the List
Step 1: Visit the official beneficiary list page published by the Government of Sikkim.
Step 2: Search for your name in the constituency wise beneficiary list available on the website.
Step 3: If you are unable to find your name online, visit your nearest Block Development Office or Block Administrative Centre and ask the concerned officials for assistance.
Step 4: Keep checking the updated beneficiary lists released by the department from time to time, especially if you have recently applied.
Important: Beneficiaries are selected constituency wise and the number of available seats in each area is limited. Since the government plans to expand coverage to 50,000 mothers from 2027, eligible mothers who are not selected initially should keep their documents ready and stay in regular contact with their Block Development Office for future opportunities.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- Government of Sikkim official portal
- List of beneficiaries under Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana
- Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, NSAP Division
- Aama Samman Diwas 2026 announcement, IPR Sikkim
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Department: Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim
- Block Level: Block Development Office (BDO) of your area
- Payment Related: Nearest branch of the State Bank of Sikkim
- Cheque Distribution: Block Administrative Centre (BAC) of your area
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. Sikkim Government’s Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana is a welfare scheme of the Government of Sikkim that provides annual financial assistance to eligible mothers so they can take better care of their children, manage household expenses and become more financially independent.
Ans. The scheme is implemented by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim.
Ans. Each eligible mother receives Rs. 40,000 per year. The amount is released in two instalments of Rs. 20,000 each.
Ans. The assistance is transferred directly into the beneficiary’s Aama Savings Account maintained with the State Bank of Sikkim through Direct Bank Transfer.
Ans. Mothers between 18 and 59 years of age are eligible to apply, provided they meet all other conditions of the scheme.
Ans. Yes. The applicant’s family must possess a valid Priority Household (PHH) or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card.
Ans. Yes. Widowed, divorced, legally separated, unwed and non working mothers, along with eligible POCSO victims, are covered under the scheme.
Ans. No. Families with a member holding a regular job in the Government, PSU, bank or any other regular employment are not eligible for this benefit.
Ans. The application form can be collected free of cost from your nearest Block Development Office (BDO).
Ans. Yes. A recommendation through a Gram Sabha Resolution or Ward Sabha Resolution is a mandatory part of the application process.
Ans. At present, around 32,000 mothers are receiving assistance under the scheme across Sikkim.
Ans. Yes. The Government of Sikkim has announced that coverage will increase to 50,000 mothers from 2027, allowing more eligible women to benefit from the scheme.
Ans. It is a special award given to beneficiaries who make outstanding use of the financial assistance. Winners can receive prizes of Rs. 5 lakh, Rs. 3 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh.
Ans. Yes. Both are separate schemes. Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana provides annual financial support to eligible mothers, while Aama Sahayog Yojana offers assistance for LPG refills to rural mothers.
Ans. The benefit is discontinued from the date of permanent migration outside the state, and the beneficiary must inform the department and surrender the passbook as required.
Ans. Yes. Mothers of legally adopted children can apply, provided they submit the required adoption documents and fulfil all other eligibility conditions.
Ans. You can contact your nearest Block Development Office, Block Administrative Centre or the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department for assistance.
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.