PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday disbursed the April pension payments to beneficiaries of the Social Welfare department with a single click. A total of Rs 111,825,200 was released to 7,566,822 pensioners under fully State-funded schemes, which include pensions for the elderly, widows, disabled individuals, farmers, abandoned women, maintenance grants, Tilu Rauteli and dwarfs.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM emphasised the government’s commitment to Antyodaya (the welfare of the poor) and stressed the importance of empowering economically and socially disadvantaged sections of society. He noted that regular camps are organised to ensure that every needy and eligible individual receives pension benefits, resulting in over 60,000 new individuals joining the Social Welfare department’s pension system each year.
He directed officials to continue organising such multi-purpose camps in the future. Additionally, he called for annual surveys of individuals turning 59 to assist in completing application formalities for the eligible beneficiaries, allowing them to receive benefits as soon as they turn 60. He also urged that annual income thresholds be maintained at reasonable levels to maximise participation in the schemes. Further, he said that information about pension schemes and other departmental initiatives be consolidated in one accessible location.
The CM also instructed officials to embrace innovation, encouraging the department to share best practices in social welfare with other departments and to establish communication channels with the elderly and pensioners through a call centre.
Social Welfare minister Khajan Das expressed that under the CM leadership, the department is committed to supporting every individual in need. He assured that complete transparency is being maintained in the pension schemes.
Principal secretary RK Sudhanshu, secretary Shailesh Bagauli and other officials were present during the occasion.
