Haryana Announces Significant Hike in Old Age Pension to ₹3,000

In a move to enhance the financial security of senior citizens, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has announced a substantial increase in the monthly old age pension. The pension, which is part of the Old Age Samman Allowance Scheme, will be raised from 2,750 to 3,000.

Eligibility and Benefits

The Old Age Samman Allowance Scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to senior citizens aged 60 years or more who are unable to sustain themselves with their own resources. To be eligible, the individual must be a domicile and resident of Haryana, and their combined income from all sources, along with that of their spouse, should not exceed 3,00,000 per annum.

The scheme has undergone several revisions over the years, with the pension amount being increased periodically. Since its inception in 1964, the scheme has evolved to include more beneficiaries and provide higher financial support. The pension is automatically generated based on the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) data when an individual turns 60, eliminating the need for a separate application process.

Recent Expansions and Enhancements

In addition to the increase in the old age pension, the Haryana government has also expanded the social security net to include widowers and unmarried individuals. Widowers aged 40 or above with an annual income up to 3 lakh, and unmarried individuals between the ages of 45 and 60 with an annual family income less than 1.8 lakh, are now eligible for a monthly pension of 2,750. This scheme was implemented from July 1, 2023, and the financial assistance will continue until the beneficiary reaches the age of 60, after which it will be converted into the Old Age Samman Allowance subject to eligibility.

The pension amounts are disbursed directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), ensuring efficient and transparent transactions.

Other Initiatives

During the Jan Samvad programme, CM Khattar also addressed other significant initiatives, including the allocation of 151 crore for the removal of high-tension wires passing over houses in the state. He directed officials to ensure no construction takes place under these electricity lines in the future.

Additionally, the CM handed over assistive devices to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) sponsored by the Red Cross and inspected stalls featuring products made by womens self-help groups to promote local products.