New Delhi: The Delhi government is likely to raise the monthly pension for senior citizens and persons with disabilities by ₹500, sources in the social welfare department revealed.
The department has already drafted a proposal outlining the hike and submitted it to the finance department for approval. Once cleared, it will be presented to the cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, for final sanction. The pension increase will take effect following the cabinet’s approval.
As per current provisions, approximately 4.6 lakh senior citizens receive government pensions. Those aged between 60 and 69 years are granted ₹2,000 per month, while individuals aged 70 and above receive ₹2,500. The proposed revision would raise these amounts to ₹2,500 and ₹3,000, respectively.
Additionally, around 1.35 lakh differently abled individuals—who currently receive ₹2,500 per month—would see their monthly pension rise to ₹3,000.
The increase aligns with a promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its election manifesto.
To qualify for the old-age pension scheme, an applicant must be over 60 years old, have resided in Delhi for at least five years, and have a family income not exceeding ₹1 lakh per annum. For the disability pension, applicants must have a disability of 40% or more, meet the same income and residency criteria, but there is no age restriction.
Government sources also indicated that discussions are underway to revise pensions for women in distress under similar welfare schemes.
However, a senior official noted that a verification drive is in the pipeline to ensure benefits reach only eligible individuals. “We have received complaints of ineligible people availing the pension. A door-to-door survey will be conducted soon to verify beneficiaries,” the official said.
