20 lakh new beneficiaries for Aasara pensions across Telangana
Telangana | Written by : Suryaa Desk
About 20 lakh new eligible persons are expected to benefit under the Aasara pension scheme following the State government’s decision to reduce the minimum age limit from 60 years to 57 years, commencing from April next. This would be in addition to the existing 40 lakh beneficiaries. Since there is no cap on the number of beneficiaries, the number is likely to increase further based on the applications received from eligible persons.The State government will double the existing pension amount for beneficiaries in various categories.
Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Wednesday directed Chief Secretary S K Joshi and other officials concerned to make necessary arrangements for implementing the electoral promise pertaining to Aasara pensions from next fiscal. He directed the officials to commence identification of new beneficiaries under the scheme, based on the voters’ list published on November 19 this year. The upgradation of the scheme is likely to cost a whopping Rs 5,000 crore to the State government, sources said.
As per the electoral promise made to people of the State, the Chief Minister issued orders to increase Aasara pensions from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,016 per month for old-age, widow, single women and other categories. Similarly, the monthly pension for the differently-abled will be enhanced from the existing Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,016. Further, the minimum age limit for old-age pensioners has been revised from 60 years to 57 years as per the promise made during the recently concluded Assembly elections.
Joshi, who held a meeting with officials of the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development departments, issued necessary instructions to the district collectors. He will hold a video-conference with the district collectors on Thursday to explain the enhanced pension amounts, age limit relaxation and other issues for its effective implementation.
The names of eligible beneficiaries will be published on government websites after approval from the district collectors. Panchayat secretaries in villages and bill collectors in urban areas will be responsible for verification of details pertaining to the beneficiaries.