50,000 Senior Citizens Will Be Added To Pension Scheme: Delhi CM

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Delhi Government Expands Senior Citizen Pension Scheme, Welcomes 50,000 New Beneficiaries

In a major move to provide financial security and dignity to its elderly population, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that 50,000 more senior citizens will be added to the Delhi government’s pension scheme. The initiative was formally launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 17, a date chosen to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday.

This expansion of the pension scheme is a key part of the Delhi government‘s broader welfare initiatives. With an estimated budget of about ₹149 crore allocated for this financial year, the government is demonstrating a firm commitment to supporting its senior residents. “With 50,000 new pensions, many families will receive financial relief. This reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that senior citizens live their lives with dignity and respect,” CM Gupta stated, reassuring the public that if the number of beneficiaries increases, the government will provide additional budgetary support.

How to Apply and Eligibility

The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible. Eligible pensioners are required to submit their applications through the e-District Portal. The selection of beneficiaries will be based on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is crucial for all eligible senior citizens and their families to apply promptly.

For an applicant to be eligible, they must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 60 years of age.
  • Be a resident of Delhi for a minimum of five years before the date of application.
  • Have an annual family income of less than ₹1,00,000 from all sources.
  • Have a singly-operated bank account in any bank in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, linked to their Aadhaar number.
  • Not be receiving any other government pension or financial assistance for this purpose.

Step-by-Step Application Process on the e-District Portal

The entire process is online and can be completed through the official e-District Delhi portal. Here’s how to apply:

  1. New User Registration: If you are a new user, you must first register on the portal. Click on the “New User” link under the “Citizen Corner.” You will be required to provide your Aadhaar or Voter ID number to proceed.
  2. Fill Out the Registration Form: Complete the citizen registration form with all required details, including your present residential address. A login ID and password will be sent to your registered mobile number and/or email address.
  3. Log In and Apply: Use the received credentials to log in to the portal. On the main page, navigate to the “Apply Online” section and select the “Department of Social Welfare” from the list of departments.
  4. Select the Scheme: Choose “Old Age Assistance” from the list of schemes. An application form will appear.
  5. Fill and Upload Documents: Fill out all the required fields in the application form. You will need to scan and upload self-attested copies of the following documents:
    • Age Proof: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Birth Certificate, or School Leaving Certificate.
    • Residence Proof: Ration Card, utility bill, or bank passbook showing five years of residency in Delhi.
    • Bank Account Details: A singly-operated bank account passbook.
    • Caste Certificate: If you are an SC/ST applicant, you must submit a caste certificate.
    • Income Self-Declaration: This must be in the format provided on the portal itself.
    • Passport-Sized Photo.
  6. Final Submission: After filling out the form and uploading the documents, click “Finish.” An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number for final verification. Enter the OTP to submit your application.
  7. Acknowledgment: Upon successful submission, an acknowledgment slip with an application number will be generated. You can use this number to track the status of your application online.

The District Social Welfare Office will then scrutinize the application and may contact the applicant for a verification process. The applications are typically processed within 45 days, and pension payments will commence from the month following approval.

Increased Pension Amounts

This announcement comes on the heels of the budget speech in March, where CM Gupta had already announced a hike in the monthly pension amounts.

  • Senior citizens between 60 and 69 years of age now receive ₹2,500 per month, an increase from the previous ₹2,000.
  • Those above 70 years of age now get ₹3,000, up from ₹2,500.

This incremental increase, combined with the addition of 50,000 new beneficiaries, will bring significant financial relief to thousands of families, allowing senior citizens to live with greater independence and security. This initiative underscores the Delhi government’s ongoing effort to create a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for its most vulnerable citizens.

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