Date:11/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/11/stories/2008071155200600.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

25 lakh more to receive pensions from Oct. 1

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: The State Government has decided to extend the social security pensions’ scheme to 25 lakh more people from October 1 this year.

The decision, taken at a review meeting convened by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, takes the total number of pensioners to 73 lakh. Dr. Reddy returned to the city on Thursday evening after a five-day visit to Maldives where he celebrated his 59th birthday with family members.

Disbursing the amount

The Chief Minister, who reviewed the implementation of the pension scheme with senior officials, wanted them to ensure the payment of pensions to eligible beneficiaries on the first of every month. District Collectors have been directed to depute government functionaries for disbursing the pensions. In case of non-availability of the beneficiaries on that date, they are supposed to give the amount on the fifth.

Physically-challenged

According to an official press release, Dr. Reddy mooted the idea of increasing the pensions to the physically-challenged based on the degree of their disability.

Accordingly, people with 40 to 60 per cent disability would be given Rs. 500, 60 to 80 per cent Rs. 600 and 80 to 100 per cent Rs. 700.