Why Rs. 2,500 for Women’s Honour Scheme but Only Rs. 1,000 Pension for Widows? Jharkhand Group Seeks Hike

A demand to increase social security pensions for widows, deserted women and other financially vulnerable women has gained attention in Jharkhand, with the Rashtriya Nari Shakti Mahila Sangathan urging the state government to raise the monthly assistance to at least ?2,500.

At a press conference on Sunday, organisation president Aarti Behera questioned the difference between the assistance provided under the Maiya Samman Yojana and the pension available to women under the social security system. She pointed out that eligible women under the Maiya Samman scheme receive ?2,500 per month, while the pension for widows and other eligible women remains at ?1,000.

The organisation argued that the gap in financial assistance needs to be addressed, particularly because many widowed and deserted women have limited or no regular source of income. It demanded that their monthly pension be brought on par with the ?2,500 assistance provided under the Maiya Samman scheme.

Behera said the death of a husband can leave women with the responsibility of running the household and supporting their children. Expenses such as food, education, electricity, rent and medical treatment can quickly exceed the amount provided through the existing pension, she said.

The organisation also called for greater parity between different social welfare schemes so that economically vulnerable women are not left with significantly lower financial support simply because they receive assistance under a different category.

Speaking at the programme, BJP MLA CP Singh said women play a central role in families and society and that it was difficult to imagine the progress of a family, society or country without their contribution.

The demand comes amid a broader discussion over the adequacy of social security support for women who are economically dependent on government assistance. An increase in the pension, if considered by the government, would provide additional financial support to thousands of vulnerable women, while also bringing the assistance closer to the level offered under other women-focused welfare programmes.

The government’s response to the demand for raising the pension from ?1,000 to ?2,500 is now awaited.