Introduction:
Telangana has become the first state in India to launch a pension scheme exclusively for single women. The scheme, called the "Single Women Pension Scheme," aims to provide financial support to unmarried, divorced, separated, and widowed women in the state.

Details of the Single Women Pension Scheme:
The Single Women Pension Scheme was launched in Telangana on 8th March 2019, on the occasion of International Women's Day. The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 per month to single women in the state.

Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the Single Women Pension Scheme, the applicant must fulfill the following criteria:
1. The woman must be a resident of Telangana state.
2. She must be unmarried, divorced, separated, or widowed.
3. The woman should not belong to any other pension scheme.
4. The annual income of the woman should not exceed Rs. 2 lakh.

Benefits of the Scheme:
The Single Women Pension Scheme provides several benefits to the eligible women:
1. Financial Support: The scheme offers a monthly pension of Rs. 1,000 to single women, which will help them meet their basic needs and improve their standard of living.
2. Empowerment: By providing financial assistance, the scheme aims to empower single women and give them the confidence to lead an independent life.
3. Social Security: The scheme ensures that single women have a safety net in times of financial distress and provides them with social security.
4. Recognition: The scheme recognizes the challenges faced by single women and acknowledges their contribution to society.

Implementation of the Scheme:
To implement the Single Women Pension Scheme effectively, the government has established Single Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) at the village level. These SHGs act as the focal point for the identification and enrollment of eligible women. The SHGs also facilitate the disbursement of pensions to the beneficiaries.

Conclusion:
Telangana's initiative to launch the Single Women Pension Scheme is a significant step towards empowering and supporting single women in the state. The scheme provides financial assistance to single women, recognizing their contributions and ensuring their social security. It sets an example for other states to follow, highlighting the importance of addressing the needs of single women and promoting their well-being.