In an unprecedented initiative, Jharkhand state has become the first state in the country to launch ‘Widow Remarriage Incentive Scheme’. Under this scheme, women who choose to remarry after the death of their husband will receive an incentive amount of Rs 2 lakh from the government. The scheme was launched by Chief Minister Champai Soren on 6 March 2024.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the scheme, the beneficiary must fulfill certain criteria
- The woman should be of marriageable age.
- The woman should not be a government employee, pensioner or income tax payer.
- The application for incentive should be submitted within one year from the date of remarriage.
- Death certificate of the late husband should be provided.
- Empowering women and changing social perceptions
- The scheme is seen as empowering women who find themselves alone and helpless after the death of their life partners. By providing financial assistance, the scheme aims to help women who find themselves in a vulnerable situation after losing their husbands.
- This initiative not only provides a new lease of life to these women but also challenges the social norms and notions associated with remarriage of widows. As the first of its kind in the country, the scheme sets an example for other states in their efforts to uplift and support women in need.
Application process and required documents
- To avail the benefits of the scheme, eligible widows will have to apply within one year of remarriage. They are required to submit the death certificate of their late husband along with the application. Government employees, pensioners and income tax payers are not eligible for this scheme.