Himachal Pradesh : 8.42 lakh persons receiving social security pension in state

Nearly 8.42 lakh beneficiaries — about 10 per cent of the state’s population — are currently receiving social security pension under various welfare schemes. The beneficiaries include senior citizens, widows, single women and Divyaangjans, a government spokesperson said.

Providing details, he said that 1,04,740 beneficiaries are receiving Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension, while 5,04,253 are covered under the state’s old age pension scheme. Besides, 25,414 beneficiaries receive Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension and 1,26,808 women are covered under the Widow, Destitute and Single Woman Pension scheme. Under disability-related schemes, 1,340 beneficiaries receive Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension, while 78,291 are provided Disability Relief Allowance.

The spokesperson said that during the last three years, 99,799 new pension cases have been approved, reflecting the government’s sustained efforts to expand the social security net and ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left out.

He said that from February 2024, the monthly pension for women up to the age of 69 years has been increased to Rs 1,500, strengthening their financial security and independence. The Chief Minister has also directed departments to ensure the timely release of pending payments under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, with special focus on remote and tribal areas such as Pangi, Lahaul-Spiti, Dodra Kwar and Kupvi.

Special emphasis has also been laid on the welfare of Divyaangjans through a comprehensive and inclusive support framework. The spokesperson said that disability relief allowance is provided without any income limit or conditions, while social security pensions for persons with disabilities range between Rs 1,150 and Rs 1,700 per month.

In the education sector, Divyaang students are provided monthly scholarships ranging from Rs 625 to Rs 5,000 without any income restriction. Under this initiative, 3,100 students have benefited, with an expenditure of Rs 3.77 crore.

The government also provides marriage incentive grants ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 for marriages involving Divyaang persons. So far, 212 beneficiaries have received financial assistance amounting to Rs 74.49 lakh.

The spokesperson added that the Chief Minister has stressed the adoption of modern information technology-based systems for beneficiary identification, approval and pension disbursement to improve governance and service delivery. “This digital transformation is ensuring transparency, accuracy and timely payment of benefits,” he said.

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