New beneficiaries await pensions under Aasara

About 10–15 lakh people, who have applied for pensions under Aasara scheme, have been waiting for the past two years with the hope that Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao will provide solace to them by okaying their applications and granting them pensions.

During 2018 elections, the TRS boss had promised to reduce the age limit for old age pensions from 60 years to 57 years. Following this, officers subsequently received applications from eligible beneficiaries between the age of 57 years to 60 years.

Already two years have elapsed, but there has been no indication from the state government whether or not these applications will be approved and when.

Welfare officials disclosed that they have only been awaiting orders from the state government in this regard, as they have already processed the applications of eligible beneficiaries. Officials said as there have been no orders for payment of pension to

ALREADY TWO years have elapsed, but there has been no indication from the state government whether or not these applications will be approved and when. ● WELFARE OFFICIALS disclosed that they have only been awaiting orders from the state government in this regard, as they have already processed the applications of eligible beneficiaries. Officials said as there have been no orders for payment of pension to people above 57 years, they are distributing pension of ₹ 2,016 only to each of the people exceeding 60 years of age.

people above 57 years, they are distributing pension of ₹ 2,016 only to each of the people exceeding 60 years of age.

Officers say the state government will have to bear an additional burden of around ₹ 3,600 to ₹ 4,000 crore for payment of pensions to beneficiaries between the age of 57 years to 60 years. They point out that the state government has already been spending ₹ 1,756 crore per month for payment of pensions to 39,29,753 existing beneficiaries in the state.