Gujarat raises budget for widow welfare scheme to Rs 3,015 crore

The Gujarat government has increased the budget for the Ganga Swarupa Aarthik Sahay Yojana, a scheme dedicated to providing financial assistance to widowed women. For the financial year 2025-26, the allocation has been raised to Rs 3,015 crore, reflecting a rise of approximately Rs 700 crore from the previous year's budget of Rs 2,362.67 crore. This move underscores the government’s continued efforts to support widowed women and enhance their financial security. According to official release, the scheme provides a monthly financial aid of Rs 1,250 to eligible beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. As of February 2025, a total of Rs 2,164.64 crore has been disbursed, benefiting over 16.49 lakh widowed women across the state. This initiative plays a vital role in enabling beneficiaries to manage their daily expenses and lead a dignified life.
Over the years, the Gujarat government has undertaken several measures to expand the scheme's reach. One of the major policy revisions includes the elimination of the rule that discontinued assistance once a widow’s son turned 21 years old, ensuring lifelong financial support. Additionally, the income eligibility criteria have been revised to accommodate more beneficiaries, with the limit raised to Rs 1.2 lakh for rural households and Rs1.5 lakh for urban households.
The impact of these changes is evident in the steady rise in the number of beneficiaries. In 2018-19, around 1.64 lakh widowed women received assistance under the scheme, while the figure has now grown to 16.49 lakh in 2025. Budgetary allocations have also witnessed consistent growth, rising from Rs 549.74 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 1,981.76 crore in 2023-24 before reaching Rs 3,015 crore for 2025-26.
Women benefiting from the scheme have expressed their appreciation for the initiative. Devyaniben Padavi, a resident of Dang, has shared how the programme has helped her manage her household expenses since her husband's passing in 2021.Hina Patel and Nikita Prajapati from Patan also praised the scheme, stating that the financial assistance has ensured the continuation of their children's education.
Meanwhile, the government’s proactive approach has led to a nearly 500% increase in budget allocation from 2020 to 2025,according to information. This expansion aligns with the state’s broader vision of women’s empowerment and financial inclusion. The Gujarat government remains committed to strengthening welfare schemes that provide stability and security to vulnerable groups.

(State Correspondent)