The widow pension—often referred to as Bidhoba Bhata—is managed by the Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare. As of 2026, it provides a monthly financial benefit of ₹1,000 directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.
Eligibility Criteria
- Marital Status: The applicant must be a widow and must not have remarried.
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal or have lived in the state for at least 10 years.
- Income: Monthly family income should not exceed ₹1,000.
- Exclusivity: The applicant should not be receiving any other government pension (Central or State), such as Old Age or Disability pensions.
- Age: Generally, the scheme is for those aged 18 years and above, although some specific state categories prioritize those over 40.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted both online and offline:
- Online: Use the Jai Bangla Portal to apply or Track Application Status.
- Offline: Obtain and submit Form P at these locations based on your area:
- Rural Areas: Office of the Block Development Officer (BDO).
- Municipal Areas: Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO).
- Duare Sarkar: Applications are widely accepted during periodic Duare Sarkar camps.
Required Documents
Ensure you have self-attested copies of:
- Death Certificate of the deceased husband.
- Aadhaar Card and Voter ID (EPIC).
- Income Certificate and Ration Card.
- Bank Passbook (with IFSC and Account Number).
- Passport-sized photograph.