Case Study
Location: Dadholai, Landa ka Baas, Tehsil Bandikui, District Dausa, Rajasthan
Organization: Dang Vikas Sansthan (DVS)
Project: Saksham Project
As part of the Saksham Project being implemented in the Sikandara block of Dausa district, Dang Vikas Sansthan (DVS) has been working to identify and uplift vulnerable families through access to government schemes and entitlements. Among the identified beneficiaries was Mrs. Harvon Devi, a widow residing in Dadholai village.
Harvon Devi’s husband had worked for over 25 years in stone mines across Dausa, Jodhpur, and Pali. Prolonged exposure to mining dust led to him contracting silicosis, a fatal occupational disease. After a long struggle with the illness, he sadly passed away on July 4th, 2022.
Left behind with two young school-going children (aged 13 and 11) and elderly in-laws, Harvon Devi suddenly became the sole breadwinner for a family of five. To support her family, she began working as a daily wage laborer—barely able to make ends meet.
When a community mobilizer from DVS engaged with her family, they discovered that although Harvon Devi was eligible for widow pension and Palanhaar Scheme (a child welfare scheme for children of widows), she was unaware of her entitlements.
Upon learning that Harvon Devi did not have her husband’s death certificate, the mobilizer provided handholding support to obtain it, along with school certificates for both children—essential for Palanhaar benefits. Additionally, the mobilizer assisted in updating her Jan Aadhaar card, removing her late husband’s name.
With proper documentation in place, Harvon Devi was guided to apply for both schemes through the nearest e-Mitra center, with DVS providing continued follow-up and support.
As a result:
She now receives a widow pension of ₹500 per month.
Her children receive ₹2,000 per month under the Palanhaar Scheme.
The Sansthan also supported her in applying for compensation under the state’s silicosis relief policy, which is currently under process.
“I had no idea such support existed. Today, I’m able to send my children to school and manage household expenses with more dignity. I’m deeply thankful to Dang Vikas Sansthan for standing by me,” says Harvon Devi.