Ahead of Delhi Polls, Arvind Kejriwal Announces Big Pension Move for Senior Citizens; Adds 80,000 to Delhi's Pension Scheme
In a major poll push ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced a huge expansion of the old-age pension scheme in the national capital. Kejriwal revealed that 80,000 more will get old-age pension, taking the total beneficiary count to 5.3 lakh. This announcement is likely to bring much-needed relief to Delhi's elderly population.
Kejriwal was addressing a press conference highlighting the commitment of his government towards social welfare. "I'm glad pension is going to resume for around 5.5 lakh elderly people of Delhi today," he said. He also targeted the previous BJP government by alleging that they had suspended the pension during his time in prison. According to Kejriwal, old-age pensioners under the BJP government received only Rs 500-Rs 1000. Pension scheme by Delhi gives Rs 2,000 for citizens between 60-69 and Rs 2,500 for above 70, claiming Delhi offers the highest pension rates in the country.
To reduce the complexities involved in pension applications, the Delhi government has recently initiated an online portal to procure applications. Over 10,000 applications have flooded in within merely 24 hours of the portal going live, Kejriwal revealed, indicating a good response from the public. The portal, he said, would facilitate easy procedures for elderly people who'll get their much-needed financial assistance quickly.
Kejriwal was flanked by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj as he announced the plans. At the presser, Bharadwaj also unveiled an extension of a Rs 5,000 monthly pension to individuals with disabilities. The move is part of the government's larger thrust into social welfare schemes that aim to reach out to vulnerable groups in society.
Expanding this pension scheme might become a decisive factor in the Delhi Assembly polls as Kejriwal projects the AAP as a social welfare champion. The elderly are undoubtedly one of the most vulnerable groups here, so Kejriwal's decision to generalize this scheme will find a welcome response among voters.
Delhi preparing for 2024 Assembly elections, this strategic move Kejriwal has done depicts the AAP's focus on public welfare and the government's interest in citizen comfort before the elections.