Delhi’s senior citizens and differently-abled residents will see a Rs 500 monthly pension hike starting July 2025, benefiting over 6.5 lakh people. The Delhi government’s social welfare department has proposed the increase, which awaits finance department approval. This move aims to enhance financial security for the elderly and disabled, aligning with inflation-adjusted support measures.
Delhi Government Proposes Significant Pension Increase for Seniors and Disabled
The Delhi government has announced a substantial pension hike of Rs 500 per month for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals, set to take effect from July 2025. This initiative, proposed by the social welfare department, is under review by the finance department for final approval. The increase is expected to benefit approximately 5.3 lakh senior citizens and 1.2 lakh people with disabilities across the capital.
Under the existing old-age pension scheme, seniors aged 60-69 receive Rs 2,000 monthly, while those aged 70 and above get Rs 2,500. With the proposed hike, these amounts will rise to Rs 2,500 and Rs 3,000, respectively. The move comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to provide financial stability to vulnerable groups amid rising living costs. Sources indicate that the social welfare department has already forwarded the proposal to the finance department, with expectations of swift clearance to ensure timely implementation.
To ensure eligibility, applicants must be Delhi residents for at least five years, possess an Aadhaar card with a Delhi address, and have an annual family income below Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, they must not be receiving any other pension or financial assistance from central or state governments. This stringent verification process aims to ensure that benefits reach genuine beneficiaries.
In a related development, Delhi’s Social Welfare Minister Ravindra Indraj Singh has directed the department to clear nearly 80,000 pending pension applications within 15 days. The minister has also mandated a door-to-door verification of the existing six lakh beneficiaries to eliminate ineligible recipients, ensuring the scheme’s integrity. This follows a recent exercise by the Women and Child Development Department, which removed 60,000 ineligible beneficiaries from the Women’s Pension Scheme.
The pension hike aligns with broader national efforts to enhance elderly care. An inter-ministerial panel led by NITI Aayog’s VK Paul is working on a comprehensive action plan for India’s ageing population, including enhanced pension coverage and inflation-adjusted pension amounts. While the Delhi government’s initiative is a state-specific measure, it complements these national goals, aiming to provide holistic support through nutrition programs, health insurance, and affordable assistive devices.
The announcement has been met with positive sentiment, with posts on X highlighting the Aam Aadmi Party-led government’s commitment to senior citizens. Over 10,000 applications were reportedly received within a day of opening 80,000 new registrations in November 2024, underscoring the scheme’s demand. This increase is poised to provide significant relief to Delhi’s elderly and disabled, reinforcing the government’s focus on social welfare.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from credible sources, including Times of India, The Hindu, and posts on X. Information is subject to change pending official confirmation from the Delhi government. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels.