Is the UP Government Expanding Old-Age Pension Support for Seniors?
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Synopsis
The Uttar Pradesh government is significantly expanding its old-age pension scheme, targeting over 67 lakh elderly citizens for the financial year 2025-26. This ambitious initiative underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the welfare and dignity of senior citizens, ensuring their financial stability in later life.
Key Takeaways
- UP government expands old-age pension scheme
- Targeting over 67 lakh senior citizens
- Monthly pension set at Rs 1,000
- Single Nodal Account system enhances transparency
- Financial security for vulnerable elderly populations
Lucknow, Aug 12 (NationPress) The Uttar Pradesh government has announced an expansion of its old-age pension program aimed at benefitting senior citizens, with a goal of providing monthly pensions to over 67 lakh elderly individuals in the financial year 2025-26.
This commitment follows the disbursement of pensions to 61 lakh underprivileged seniors in the first quarter.
Last year, during the same period, the Yogi government successfully transferred Rs 1,000 directly into the bank accounts of 56 lakh elderly beneficiaries. This year, the Social Welfare Department raised its target to 61 lakh, which was successfully achieved. The government has now set an ambitious target to assist 67.50 lakh elderly citizens.
The Old Age Pension Scheme is a vital initiative of the Yogi Adityanath administration, designed to empower financially vulnerable seniors, enabling them to manage financial challenges in their later years.
Eligible individuals for the Old Age/Farmer Pension scheme include those aged 60 years and above, with an income of up to Rs 46,080 in rural areas and Rs 56,460 in urban regions.
Beneficiaries above 60 receive a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 disbursed quarterly.
The reach of this scheme has steadily increased since 2018-19, when 40.71 lakh beneficiaries received Rs 1,879 crore. The numbers grew to 47.99 lakh (Rs 2,698 crore) in 2019-20, 51.24 lakh (Rs 3,694 crore) in 2020-21, 51.92 lakh (Rs 4,278 crore) in 2021-22, 54.97 lakh (Rs 6,083 crore) in 2022-23, and 55.68 lakh (Rs 6,464 crore) in 2023-24.
In 2024-25, 55.99 lakh elderly beneficiaries received their pensions.
Accomplishing this year's target in the first quarter emphasizes the government's dedication to ensuring the financial security and dignity of the elderly.
This move also highlights the state government's commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.
The introduction of the Single Nodal Account (SNA) system has digitized and streamlined the pension distribution process, ensuring total transparency.
Pension amounts are now transferred directly to Aadhaar-linked accounts, removing intermediaries and guaranteeing timely and corruption-free disbursement.
The SNA system also allows for quicker payments, easier audits, and efficient tracking of funds, ensuring every rupee serves its intended purpose.
Since the scheme's inception in 2017, which initially covered 37.47 lakh beneficiaries, the reach has doubled, now aiming for 67.50 lakh individuals.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the UP government's proactive approach to enhancing the old-age pension scheme. By expanding its reach to over 67 lakh elderly citizens, the government is not only addressing financial insecurity but also affirming its commitment to the welfare of senior citizens. This initiative reflects a broader national trend towards supporting vulnerable populations, ensuring their dignity and quality of life.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new target for the old-age pension scheme?
The Uttar Pradesh government aims to provide a monthly pension to over 67 lakh elderly citizens in the financial year 2025-26.
Who is eligible for the old-age pension?
Individuals aged 60 years and above with an income up to Rs 46,080 in rural areas and Rs 56,460 in urban areas qualify for the pension scheme.
How much is the monthly pension amount?
Eligible beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of Rs 1,000, which is distributed quarterly.
What is the significance of the Single Nodal Account system?
The SNA system ensures a fully digital, transparent, and efficient pension distribution process, eliminating intermediaries and enabling timely disbursement.
How has the reach of the old-age pension scheme changed over the years?
Since its launch in 2017, the scheme has nearly doubled its reach, growing from 37.47 lakh beneficiaries to the current target of 67.50 lakh.
