Pension schemes for agricultural workers, the elderly, people with disabilities, unmarried women above 50 years of age, and widows, are the major pension schemes of the State Government. Welfare pensions have increased from Rs 600 per beneficiary in 2016 to Rs 1,600 per beneficiary in 2021. The number of social security pensioners, which was 34 lakh in 2015-16, increased to 52.38 lakh on October 2022, and is 46.77 lakh as on November 2023. There are various welfare board pensions which are not included in the above total number. From April 2015, the amount has been disbursed as Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT,) and 51.75 per cent of beneficiaries receive pensions as bank transfers. The rest receive their pensions through the Direct to Home method, successfully implemented through a large network of primary cooperative societies. The beneficiaries select the mode of transfer according to their condition and convenience. As on November 2023, of the 46.77 lakh pensioners, 29.45 lakh (63 per cent) are women. Category-wise, 56.5 per cent of beneficiaries fall under old age pension, 27.1 per cent widow category, 7.8 per cent for people with disabilities, and around 6.8 per cent for agriculture worker pension. Pension for unmarried women is given to 81,377 beneficiaries.

Fore more details (Initiatives for Social Inclusion-Social Security Measures)

Last updated on : 13-05-2024

Article No: 1398