Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 6 Apr: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today released the instalment of pension for the month of April to beneficiaries of the Social Welfare Department through a one-click transfer system. A total of 7,56,682 pensioners under fully state-funded schemes received Rs 111 crore 82 lakh 52 thousand directly into their accounts. The disbursement covers old-age, widow, disabled, farmer, destitute, maintenance grant, Teelu Rauteli, and dwarf pension categories.
Addressing a programme at the Secretariat held on this occasion, today, the CM claimed that the government is committed to Antyodaya and is focusing on the empowerment of economically and socially weaker sections. He emphasised that continuous camps are being organised to ensure every eligible person receives the benefits of social welfare pensions, resulting in more than 60,000 new beneficiaries being added each year. He directed the officials to continue holding such multi-purpose camps and to conduct surveys of individuals completing 59 years of age so that all formalities are completed in advance and benefits can be extended immediately upon turning 60. The CM also stressed on the need to make annual income criteria practical and to provide consolidated information about pension and other departmental schemes at a single point.
Dhami also instructed the officials to adopt innovations and share best practices in social welfare with other departments. He further suggested establishing communication with pensioners and senior citizens through call centres.
On the occasion, Social Welfare Minister Khajan Das said that the department, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, is ensuring care for every needy person and complete transparency in pension schemes.
Among those present on the occasion were Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari, Director of Social Welfare Dr Sandeep Tiwari, Additional Secretary Prakash Chandra and other departmental officials.
