Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday launched a unique pension scheme for the poor called the ‘Samajwadi Pension’ that aims to cover as many as 40 lakh people not covered under the existing ‘Old Age’, ‘Widow’ or ‘Disabled’ pension schemes.
Even though there was no declared reservation, 25 per cent of the beneficiaries were picked up from among the minorities, while the remaining was equally divided from among dalits, OBCs and upper castes.
While the scheme entitles every beneficiary to a monthly pension of Rs 500, the amount would be hiked up to Rs 750 if the beneficiary fulfils certain conditions.
Yadav drew applause from thousands of beneficiaries who were specially brought to the sprawling Janeshwar Misra park in Lucknow for being handed over their pension papers.
“Eight months’ pension has already been transferred in advance to the bank accounts of these beneficiaries, while the next eight months’ instalment would be transferred in the next financial year, April 1, 2015,” said Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan.
Claiming it to be the “largest social security scheme ever undertaken in India”, the chief minister said, “This is unique because of the direct electronic transfer of money into the beneficiaries account.”
The state government has created a portal that will make available details of all social security pension schemes. As per official records, about 39.5 lakh persons are currently entitled to the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension scheme, 15.5 lakh women under the Widow/Destitute Women pension scheme and 7.5 lakh destitute under the Disabled Pension scheme. All particulars pertaining to the new Samajwadi Pension scheme have also been uploaded on this portal.
Image: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at the launch of the Samajwadi Pension scheme in Lucknow. Photograph: Sandeep Pal
