New Delhi: Delhi govt is likely to increase the monthly pension of senior citizens and differently abled people by Rs 500 a month.Sources said the social welfare department of Delhi govt has already prepared a proposal for this and forwarded it to the finance department for approval. Once approved, the proposal will be placed before the cabinet for its nod. The pension amount will be increased after the cabinet, led by chief minister Rekha Gupta, approves of it.According to officials, there are nearly 4.6 lakh senior citizens who receive a monthly govt pension. Those aged between 60 and 69 years are provided with an honorarium of Rs 2,000 a month, while the elderly aged above 70 years get Rs 2,500. After the cabinet’s approval, the amount will be increased to Rs 2,500 for those aged 60-69 years and Rs 3,000 for those above 70 years of age.About 1.35 lakh differently abled people, who currently receive Rs 2,500 a month, will be eligible for Rs 3,000 a month after the cabinet’s nod.The BJP had promised to enhance the pension in its election manifesto.To be eligible for the old age pension, a person must be above the age of 60 years and should have been living in the capital for at least five years. The family income of the beneficiary should not exceed Rs 1 lakh per annum.Those who have 40% disability and above, have been living in Delhi for at least five years, and have a family income of less than Rs 1 lakh per annum are eligible for the disability pension. There is no age limit for applicants to be eligible for a pension in this category. Sources said the govt is also contemplating increasing the pension amount for women in distress.A senior govt official, however, added that a verification of all beneficiaries in the form of a door-to-door survey will soon begin. The official said there were complaints that ineligible people were enjoying the benefits.
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