5.3 Mobile banking service options may be made available to older widows who are
confined to their spaces due to age and health. However, prior to providing them
the services of mobile banking, their financial literacy should be ensured to save
them from financial frauds and theft.
5.4 The government shouldreview the amount given as monthly pensions to
abandoned/destitute widows in order to ensure that the same is sufficient to meet
their basic needs, with or without self-employment. State governments may
similarly review the pension amounts given to abandoned/destitute widows.
5.5 The widows should be made self-reliant by providing necessary socio-economic help
through financial Incentives like loans and subsidies.
6. Healthcare accessibility, affordability, and availability:
6.1 Free, regular medical health check-ups should be organized for all the residents of
all the shelter homes and Ashrams.
6.2 For destitute widows residing in shelter homes who require specialized healthcare
services, scheduled visits by medical professionals should be arranged by the home
and Ashram authorities at regular intervals.
6.3 In cases where health emergencies occur for destitute widows, it is the
responsibility of the caretakers and concerned agencies to arrange for support and
medical interventions. During such emergencies, arrangements of vehicle should be
made in Ashrams and homes.
6.4 No cost for medical check-ups should be charged and in cases wherever applicable,
support from external organizations should be sought and arranged accordingly.
6.5 It should be ensured that the benefits of Ayushmann Bharat Yojana are availed by
the widows.
7. Mental health:
7.1 For widows in need of mental health support and care, specialized care should be
arranged and recovery should be enabled. Stigmatizationand segregation related to
mental illness should be discouraged.
7.2 When any new resident is registered in an Ashram or shelter home, a counseling
session should be undertaken to assess their mental condition.
7.3 The shelter homes/Ashrams should promote activities that boost the morale, brings
about social integration and reduces the feeling of isolation among the widows.
Celebrating festivals
and cultural
activities
is essential to encourage the
participation of widows, and bring about a sense of meaning in their lives.
7.4 For widows who are diagnosed with chronic mental illnesses, dedicated and longterm provisions should be arranged and taken care of.
8. Community-based networks: