Widow Pension: Beneficiaries in Gujarat Demand Increase from ₹1,250 to ₹4,000 Amid Rising Cost of Living

Growing concerns over the rising cost of living have intensified demands for an increase in Gujarat's widow pension, with beneficiaries urging the government to raise the monthly assistance from the current ₹1,250 to between ₹3,000 and ₹4,000.

The demand comes amid mounting inflation, which beneficiaries say has made it increasingly difficult to meet even basic household expenses. According to those seeking the increase, the financial assistance has remained unchanged for several years despite rising prices of essential goods and services.

Widows Raise Demand Before MP in Chhota Udepur

A group of widowed women from Chhota Udepur district and taluka recently gathered at the public relations office of Chhota Udepur MP Jashubhai Rathwa to submit their demand for a higher pension.

The women said that surviving on the existing monthly assistance of ₹1,250 had become impossible due to the continued rise in living costs.

According to their representation, expenses on:

• Cooking gas
• Food grains
• Groceries
• Children's education

have all increased significantly, making it difficult to manage household finances.

Demand for Pension Revision

The beneficiaries have urged the government to revise the widow pension in line with inflation.

Current monthly assistance: ₹1,250

Demanded increase: ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per month

They argued that while salaries, wages and dearness allowance for elected representatives and government officials are revised periodically, financial assistance provided to widows and elderly beneficiaries has remained unchanged for years.

MP Assures to Raise the Issue

Following the representation, MP Jashubhai Rathwa assured the women that he would take up the matter with the Central Government.

However, the beneficiaries questioned whether the issue would progress beyond the assurance given by a single Member of Parliament.

Concerns Extend Beyond Chhota Udepur

The women said the issue is not limited to Chhota Udepur and reflects the difficulties faced by widowed beneficiaries across Gujarat.

According to the representations made, the financial burden is particularly severe in urban areas, where rent and day-to-day living expenses are considerably higher than in rural regions.

Political Significance

The representations also noted that women are regarded as an important electoral constituency. The beneficiaries expressed hope that the government would respond to their concerns by announcing an increase in widow pension.

They said they are now awaiting the government's decision on whether the financial assistance will be revised in view of rising inflation.