Cabinet approves 40,000 more pension beneficiaries

With an eye on the Delhi Assembly polls later this year, the Delhi Cabinet on Monday gave its formal approval for the inclusion of another 40,000 beneficiaries under Old Age Pension Scheme.

It also recommended to the Lt. Governor to prorogue the 13th Session (Budget Session) of the Fourth Legislative Assembly of Delhi which was adjourned sine-die on 2 April.

While briefing the media after the meeting, Dikshit stated that her government has been providing monthly financial help to the aged since 1995 under its Old Age Pension Scheme. 

The scheme had started with an assistance of Rs. 50 per month in 1995 and has been enhanced over the years to Rs. 1000 per month. Further, it was increased to Rs. 1,500 per month per person to beneficiaries of 70 years and above with effect from the financial year 2012-13.

The monthly pension in respect of beneficiaries from SC/ST/Minorities also went up to Rs. 1500 in 2012-13. The monthly pension for persons between 60 to 69 years of age continues to be Rs 1,000 per month.

The pension is remitted through ECS (Electronic Clearance Service) on a quarterly basis. Diskhit stated that in order to increase the outreach as well as to make the scheme more effective, the need to include more vulnerable persons has been felt. Hence, the Cabinet has decided to formalise the provision of monthly Old Age Pension to additional 40,000 beneficiaries.

The session commenced on 13 March and had 13 sittings in all.

Dikshit added that the Cabinet observed a two minute silence in remembrance of those who were assassinated in a cowardly attack at Jagdalpur.