Ganga Swarupa Yojana 2026: Complete Guide to Gujarat Widow Pension Scheme

Losing a life partner is one of the most challenging phases in a woman’s life. To ensure that widowed women in Gujarat can live with dignity and financial independence, the State Government runs the Ganga Swarupa Yojana 2026 (formerly known as the Vidhwa Sahay Yojana).

If you or someone you know is looking for information on how to apply, eligibility rules, and the latest benefits for 2025, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What is the Ganga Swarupa Yojana 2026?

The Ganga Swarupa Yojana is a social security scheme launched by the Women and Child Development Department of Gujarat. It provides a monthly pension to destitute widowed women to help them manage their daily expenses.

Why the name change?

Previously called the Vidhwa Sahay Yojana, the government renamed it to Ganga Swarupa Yojana to offer greater respect and dignity to widowed women.

Key Highlights (2025 Update)

Feature	Details
Scheme Name	Ganga Swarupa Arthik Sahay Yojana
Beneficiary	Widowed Women of Gujarat
Monthly Pension	₹1,250 per month
Payment Mode	Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Post Office/Bank
Application Mode	Online (Digital Gujarat) & Offline (Mamlatdar Office)

Benefits of the Scheme

The primary benefit is financial support, but there are specific details you should know:

1. Monthly Pension: Beneficiaries receive ₹1,250 every month.

2. Direct Transfer: The amount is credited directly into the beneficiary’s post office or bank account, ensuring no middlemen are involved.

3. Lifetime Support: Unlike older rules where the pension stopped if the widow’s son turned 21, the government has removed this condition. Now, mothers can continue receiving the pension even if their son is an adult (provided they still meet income criteria).

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Ganga Swarupa Yojana in Gujarat, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Gujarat.

• Age: The applicant must be between 18 and 60 years of age. (Those above 60 are usually transferred to the Old Age Pension Scheme).

• Marital Status: Must be a widow and must not have remarried.

• Income Limit:

  • Rural Areas: Annual family income must be less than ₹120,000.

  • Urban Areas: Annual family income must be less than ₹150,000.

> Note: If a widow remarries, she is no longer eligible for this monthly pension. However, the government has a separate scheme called “Ganga Swarupa Punah Lagna Sahay” which offers lump-sum aid for remarriage.

Essential Documents Required

Before you start the application process, keep these documents ready. You will need self-attested copies of:

1. Passport-Size Photograph

2. Aadhaar Card

3. Ration Card

4. Husband’s Death Certificate

5. Income Certificate (Issued by Mamlatdar/Talati)

6. Proof of Age (School Leaving Certificate / Birth Certificate)

7. Bank or Post Office Passbook (First page with account details)

8. Self-Declaration Certificate stating you have not remarried (form available at the office).

How to Apply for Ganga Swarupa Yojana (Step-by-Step)

You can apply through two methods: offline (most common) or online.

Method 1: Offline Application (Recommended)

Since verification is required, the offline method is often smoother for rural applicants.

1. Visit the Office: Go to your nearest Mamlatdar Office, Talati Office, or Jan Seva Kendra.

2. Get the Form: Request the “Ganga Swarupa Yojana Application Form”. (It costs a nominal fee, usually around ₹20).

3. Fill Details: Fill in your personal information, husband’s details, and bank account info.

4. Attach Documents: Attach the self-attested copies of the documents mentioned above.

5. Verification: Submit the form to the officer. The Talati, or designated officer, will verify your documents and income proofs.

6. Acknowledgement: Once submitted, take the receipt/acknowledgement slip.

Method 2: Online Application (Digital Gujarat)

1. Visit the Digital Gujarat Portal.

2. Register/log in using your mobile number and email.

3. Go to “Services” and search for “Widow Pension” or “Ganga Swarupa Yojana”.

4. Fill out the online form and upload scanned copies of your documents.

5. Submit the application and save the application number for tracking.

How to Check Application Status

If you have applied online or want to check if your pension has started:

1. Visit the Digital Gujarat website or the NSAP status page.

2. Enter your application number.

3. The status will show as Pending, Approved, or Rejected.

Tip: For offline applicants, visiting the Mamlatdar’s office with your receipt is the fastest way to get an update.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply if my son is over 21 years old?

Ans: Yes! The Gujarat Government removed the rule that stopped pensions when a son turned 21. You are eligible as long as your family income is within the limit.

Q2: Is the pension amount different for rural and urban women?

Ans: No, the pension amount is the same (₹1,250) for everyone. Only the income eligibility limit differs slightly.

Q3: Where is the money credited?

Ans: It is credited via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). In Gujarat, post office accounts are highly preferred for this scheme, though nationalised bank accounts are also accepted.

Q4: What if the applicant is above 60 years old?

Ans: If the applicant is above 60, she should apply for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), which also provides monthly support.

Conclusion

The Vidhava Sahay Yojna is a lifeline for thousands of women in Gujarat. By ensuring a fixed monthly income, the government helps widowed women maintain their self-respect and meet basic needs.

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