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Established in 1976, Nari Niketans by the Jammu & Kashmir Social Welfare Department provide essential support and Read More... shelter to deserted, destitute, and widowed women. This is a 100% state-sponsored initiative with seven centres across the region. Read less
Details
Life can throw unexpected challenges, leaving many women vulnerable and without support. Recognizing this, the Jammu & Kashmir government introduced 'Nari Niketans' way back in 1976. These are special homes designed to offer a safe haven and assistance to women who are deserted, destitute, or widowed, and have no means to support themselves.
What Is This Scheme?
Nari Niketans are residential institutions that provide comprehensive care and rehabilitation services for vulnerable women. These centres aim to offer a secure environment, basic necessities, and a pathway towards self-reliance or dignified reintegration into society. The scheme is fully funded by the Jammu & Kashmir state government.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
The primary beneficiaries of the Nari Niketans scheme are women who are permanent residents of Jammu & Kashmir and are facing difficult circumstances. This includes those who have been deserted by their families, are living in poverty without any income, or have lost their husbands and lack financial support.
Why This Scheme Is Important
In a society, ensuring the well-being of its most vulnerable members is paramount. Nari Niketans play a crucial role by offering immediate relief, protection, and support to women in crisis. They provide not just shelter and food, but also work towards rehabilitating these women, whether through marriage, employment, or other welfare schemes, ensuring they can lead dignified lives.
Objective
Benefits
- Under the scheme, financial assistance of ₹20,000/- will be provided as one-time assistance to the eligible beneficiary.
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a citizen of India.
- You must be a domicile or permanent resident of the state of Jammu & Kashmir.
- The scheme is exclusively for females.
- You must be a deserted, destitute, or widowed woman.
- You should not have any means of earning a livelihood.
- Children accompanying mothers can be admitted, but male children aged 8 and above will be moved to Bal Ashrams.
How To Apply
- Interested individuals must approach the concerned District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO).
- Submit your application to the DSWO in the prescribed format.
- You may need to visit the District Social Welfare Office to obtain and submit the hard copy of the application form.
Official Website: https://jksocialwelfare.nic.in/
Documents Required
- 3 recent passport-sized photographs (signed across).
- Domicile Certificate or Residential Certificate of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Proof of Identity.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Death Certificate of Husband (if you are a widow).
- Bank Account Details (Name, Branch, Address, IFSC) of self or guardian.
- Birth Certificate of child (if accompanying mother).
- Any other document requested by the District Social Welfare Office.
Official Sources
FAQ’s
Who manages the Nari Niketans scheme?
This scheme is managed by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
Can women from neighbouring states apply for this scheme?
No, only individuals who are permanent residents of the state of Jammu & Kashmir are eligible to apply for this scheme.
What is the main objective of Nari Niketans?
The main objective is to provide shelter, care, and rehabilitation for deserted, destitute, and widowed women who have no means of livelihood.
How many Nari Niketan centres are there in Jammu & Kashmir?
There are a total of seven Nari Niketan centres in Jammu & Kashmir. These are located in Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, Doda, Rajouri, and two centres in Poonch.
For how long can a woman stay in a Nari Niketan?
An inmate can remain in the institution until they are successfully rehabilitated, get married, or are covered under other schemes for employment and self-employment.
What are the basic facilities provided to women in Nari Niketans?
Inmates are provided with care, protection, food, shelter, bedding, and clothing. School-going destitute girls also receive free education.
Can the children of the women also get admitted?
Yes, children accompanying their mothers are eligible for admission. However, male children will be transferred to Bal Ashrams once they reach the age of 8.
Where can I find contact information for Nari Niketan officers?
You can find district-wise contact details, including names and mobile numbers, of Nari Niketan officers at this link: https://jksocialwelfare.nic.in/welfareIns/NariNiketans.pdf
What happens if a woman has a job or her own income?
No, if you already have any means of livelihood, you are not eligible for this scheme. The primary condition is not having any source of income.
Is the scheme applicable to old-age women too?
Yes, there are no age restrictions for applicants. Old-age women who meet the other criteria can apply.
What is the total intake capacity of all Nari Niketans?
The combined total intake capacity of all seven Nari Niketans in Jammu & Kashmir is 280 inmates.
Is it necessary to self-attest the documents submitted with the application?
Yes, it is mandatory to self-attest all the documents you attach to your application form.
When were the Nari Niketan centres established?
The Nari Niketans were first established in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in the year 1976.
What is the role of the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO)?
The DSWO is the point of contact for beneficiaries. You need to approach your concerned DSWO to submit your application for the scheme.
Is there any fee to apply for this scheme?
No, there is no application fee. The entire process of applying for the scheme is free of cost.
Is a domicile certificate mandatory for applying?
Yes, a Residential Certificate or Domicile Certificate proving you are a resident of Jammu & Kashmir is a mandatory document for this scheme.
Which district has more than one Nari Niketan?
Poonch is the only district in Jammu & Kashmir that has two Nari Niketan centres.
Can I re-apply if I have already received benefits from this scheme?
No, you cannot reapply to this scheme if you have already availed of its benefits previously.
Is this scheme funded by the central government or the state government?
This is a 100% State Sponsored Scheme, meaning it is funded entirely by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
What is the full form of DSWO?
DSWO stands for District Social Welfare Officer.
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