পশ্চিমবঙ্গের বিধবা মহিলাদের জন্য বড় সুখবর। The BJP government of West Bengal has doubled the widow pension, from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month, effective 1 June 2026. This was one of the BJP’s key election promises and has now been officially confirmed by the Women, Child and Social Welfare Department.
Along with old-age pension and disability pension, all three social security pensions have been doubled in one go. This article covers the complete details: who is eligible, how to apply, what documents are needed, and how to check your payment status.
Officially Confirmed — ₹2,000/Month from June 2026
Announced by Women, Child and Social Welfare Dept | Minister Agnimitra Paul | All three pensions doubled simultaneously
West Bengal Widow Pension
📋 West Bengal Pension Hike 2026 — All Three Schemes
| Scheme | Before (TMC) | After (BJP) | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widow Pension (Bidhoba Bhata) | ₹1,000/month | ₹2,000/month ✅ | June 2026 |
| Old Age Pension | ₹1,000/month | ₹2,000/month ✅ | June 2026 |
| Disability Pension | ₹1,000/month | ₹2,000/month ✅ | June 2026 |
⚠️ Important — BJP Manifesto vs Confirmed Amount
BJP’s election manifesto promised increasing widow pension to ₹3,000 per month. However the officially confirmed amount as of May 2026 is ₹2,000 per month. The government has doubled the existing amount. Whether a further increase to ₹3,000 will follow later is not yet confirmed. We will update this page when any new announcement is made. এই পেজটি আপডেট করা হবে।
What Is the West Bengal Widow Pension Scheme?
The West Bengal Widow Pension, which was commonly known as Bidhoba Bhata — বিধবা ভাতা — is a state government social security scheme that provides monthly financial assistance to widowed women from economically weaker sections. It is run under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) jointly by the central and state governments.
📋 West Bengal Widow Pension — Key Details
| Scheme Name | West Bengal Widow Pension (Bidhoba Bhata) |
| Bengali Name | বিধবা ভাতা |
| Monthly Amount (2026) | ₹2,000 per month |
| Annual Amount | ₹24,000 per year |
| Target Group | Widows from BPL families |
| Age Limit | 60 and Above |
| Payment Method | Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) |
| Effective From | June 2026 (at ₹2,000) |
| Apply At | BDO / SDO / Municipality office |
✅ Eligibility — Who Gets the Widow’s Pension?
✅ You ARE Eligible If:
- ✅ You are a widow
- ✅ Aged 60 years
- ✅ Permanent resident of West Bengal (10+ years)
- ✅ From a BPL (Below Poverty Line) family
- ✅ No other government pension received
❌ NOT Eligible If:
- ❌ Already receiving old age pension
- ❌ Already receiving disability pension
- ❌ Receiving farmer pension scheme benefits
- ❌ Not a BPL family
- ❌ Below 60 years
📑 Documents Required
📋 Documents Checklist — Widow Pension
| # | Document | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ✅ Husband’s Death Certificate | Proof of widowhood — mandatory |
| 2 | ✅ Husband’s Identity Proof | Aadhaar or Voter ID of deceased husband |
| 3 | ✅ Applicant’s Aadhaar Card | Identity + DBT account linking |
| 4 | ✅ BPL Ration Card | Proof of poverty status |
| 5 | ✅ Voter ID Card | West Bengal residence proof |
| 6 | ✅ Bank Passbook (own name, Aadhaar-linked) | DBT payment account |
| 7 | ✅ Age Proof | Confirm age 60 and above |
| 8 | ✅ Passport-size Photograph | Application photo |
| 9 | ✅ No Marriage Certificate declaration | Confirm not remarried |
💡 Pro Tip: Obtain your husband’s death certificate from your local municipality or Gram Panchayat office before visiting the BDO. Without it, your application will not be processed. স্বামীর মৃত্যু শংসাপত্র আগেই সংগ্রহ করুন — এটি সবচেয়ে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ নথি।
📝 How to Apply for West Bengal Widow Pension
Offline Application (Primary Method)
🏛️ Where to Apply
- 🏢 Block Development Office (BDO) — for rural / panchayat areas
- 🏛️ Sub-Divisional Office (SDO) — for all areas
- 🏙️ Municipality Office — for urban applicants
- 🏙️ Kolkata Municipal Corporation — for Kolkata residents
🔍 Bidhoba Bhata Status Check 2026
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the widow’s pension in West Bengal in 2026?
The widow pension has been increased to ₹2,000 per month from June 2026.
বিধবা ভাতা এখন কত টাকা?
২০২৬ সাল থেকে বিধবা ভাতার পরিমাণ মাসে ₹২,০০০ করা হয়েছে।
Do existing beneficiaries need to reapply for the increased amount?
No. Existing beneficiaries are expected to receive the revised amount automatically.
What is the age limit for widow pension in West Bengal?
Eligible widows must generally be 60 years old or above.
Was the BJP manifesto promise of ₹3,000 implemented?
No. The officially confirmed amount is ₹2,000 per month. Any future increase has not yet been announced.
Can a widow apply for the pension after her husband’s death?
Yes. Eligible widows can apply through the BDO, SDO, Panchayat, Municipality, or other designated government offices with the required documents.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The doubling of widow pension from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month is a meaningful step for lakhs of widowed women in West Bengal — বাংলার বিধবা মহিলাদের জন্য এটি একটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ পদক্ষেপ। ₹2,000 per month is equivalent to ₹24,000 per year, a significant improvement in financial security for women with no other income.
💰 ₹2,000 প্রতি মাসে — জুন ২০২৬ থেকে
If you are a widow in West Bengal aged above 60 and not yet enrolled — visit your BDO office today.
Existing beneficiaries will automatically receive the increased amount. নতুন আবেদন করতে হবে না। ✅